Frugal Cooking with Herbs
by Cyndi Roberts
Herbs are fun to grow and easy to use. Herbs can be a frugal
cook's best friend because they can enhance even the simplest fare making it
seem grand! Herbs are easy to grow--you can even grow them on your kitchen
windowsill.
The addition of herbs can change completely the flavor of
foods-from homemade breads to soups, stews and vegetables. And they can add
variety and excitement to your diet.
A beginner should use herbs with care, adding a little at a time
and adjusting to your own taste. Each herb has its own individual flavor and
certain herbs also have well-known associations with particular foods. Basil is
often paired with tomatoes, rosemary with lamb, chives with cream cheese and
cottage cheese.
Fresh herbs are wonderful as garnishes. Herb vinegars can be
used in salad dressings, soups and marinades. You can also add fresh herbs to
mayonnaise or butter for a different flavor.
Fresh herbs will keep in the refrigerator for several days. A
good way to freeze herbs such as basil, oregano, and dill is to chop, place in
ice cube trays, cover with water and freeze. Then just add to stews and sauces
when needed.
Some easy herbs to grow are lemon balm, rosemary, oregano, dill,
basil, parsley, peppermint, lavender, sage. Of course, you can buy herbs to cook
with at the supermarket, also.
Here are some simple recipes to get you started using herbs in
your cooking.
Lemon Chive Dressing