Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Herbs, Glorious Herbs

Last summer when I grew some basil on my back porch, it astounded me. I loved being able to head out my back door and pick some fresh leaves whenever a recipe called for them. We made some killer pesto, a few memorable pasta dishes, and saved some cashola. One can buy herbs in the grocery store for around $2 to $4 for a bunch, or the same amount of hard earned dough can be spent on an entire plant. Not a tough call.

As Spring has finally graced us with its presence, I've opted to go beyond my love of basil and adopt some more herbs. My new babies include thyme, mint, chives, rosemary, parsley, cilantro, and basil.

Keep growing strong, my dears. I'm looking forward to a carefree summer of snatching you up whenever I wish. If anyone has some to-die-for summer recipes involving those mentioned above, I'm all ears, so speak up! I just want to cook, sew, and enjoy my deck all summer. Why oh why do I have a desk job?
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19 comments:

  1. MartaMay 27, 2009 at 10:23 AM

    you're inspiring me to grow some herbs of my own--your pots look great, Sarah!

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  2. SlackMay 27, 2009 at 10:25 AM

    I make a lemon thyme vinaigrette for grilled chicken and shrimp. Put a little on the meats and save the rest to pour over when done. Super good and fresh.

    I do lots of pesto with my basil too. I've started putting it in ice cube trays, freezing it, then using a cube or two (or 4 or 5) whenever I need them. It thaws quickly.

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  3. AnonymousMay 27, 2009 at 11:58 AM

    Oh man, those pictures are making me HUNGRY!

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  4. SaraMay 27, 2009 at 3:11 PM

    Those herbs look great and I agree, I would rather have the plant right out my back door!

    I'm not a cook so I don't have any recipes for you! Sorry!

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  5. CarolynMay 27, 2009 at 3:23 PM

    Your herbs look so great and healthy! I've recently grown basil too and am amazed at how easy it grows. Why is it so expensive then?

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  6. MalissaMay 27, 2009 at 3:48 PM

    Holy gorgeousness.

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  7. Colleen MacDonaldMay 27, 2009 at 5:20 PM

    Oh the deliciousness! I love to whip up a yummy crust free quiche using fresh picked thyme and marjarom from my yard. I'll see if I can dig up a recipe if you need it!

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  8. ChrisMay 27, 2009 at 7:22 PM

    Your herbs look great! I don't really cook much, but lemon drop martini's with fresh lemons and mint are awesome!

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  9. AngieMay 27, 2009 at 8:11 PM

    Oh, I love fresh basil too! I hope to plant my herb garden this weekend :-)

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  10. amylouwhosewsMay 27, 2009 at 10:47 PM

    yes you are a girl after my own heart! Basil is the main reason I even garden! I also love fresh tarragon - AMAZING! I have a great recipe for Pasta Caprese that uses lemons and fresh basil and fresh mozzarella. DELISH! Remind me and I'll email it to you!

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  11. VeggieAmandaMay 28, 2009 at 8:16 AM

    Your herbs look beautiful! Once we get settled into the new house, we are going to plant an herb garden. I might need tips from you!

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  12. AnonymousMay 28, 2009 at 5:21 PM

    I think it's time for me to grow some herbs. Did you start these from seeds or did you buy plants? Thanks for sharing...Kathy

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  13. SarahMay 29, 2009 at 11:34 AM

    I bought them as plants, but they've grown like crazy. I got them from Home Depot and from a grocery store, usually around $3...totally worth it!

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  14. AlliMay 29, 2009 at 7:15 PM

    I need to take basil-growing lessons from you...you should see my awful plant...

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  15. Ann-MarieMay 30, 2009 at 8:05 AM

    Oh, how I wish I had a good spot for herbs, especially in individual pots. Some day. Enjoy having them at your disposal!

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  16. JessicaMay 31, 2009 at 10:09 AM

    I planted lettuce, tomatoes and strawberries, but I haven't gotten my herbs in yet. Last year my basil went crazy...it was perfect to have it at arms reach!

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  17. JenaJune 1, 2009 at 2:40 AM

    I wish you lots of luck! My potted herbs didn't do very well last year, and I kept killing my basil. All three times. :(

    Yours already looks better than mine ever did.

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  18. KellyJune 2, 2009 at 2:38 PM

    They look so lovely! :) My herb pots are finally starting to grow this year, too and I totally hear you about the desk job. I don't even have a window to stare out of longingly. Sigh.

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  19. a.o.July 24, 2009 at 9:33 AM

    Fresh herbs: nothing better!

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