Growing kitchen herbs in containers is a convenient and rewarding way to have a fresh supply of aromatic flavors right in your kitchen, backyard, or deck. Whether you have limited outdoor space or simply want easy access to your favorite herbs, container gardening offers a practical solution. Many herbs and starts are available at the...Read More

To learn how to use and combine the flavors of herbs, you must become familiar with them. And the best way to do this? Use your nose. Smell them individually and in combination. Take a pinch of one and smell it. Then add a pinch of another and smell it. Add something else and smell...Read More

Here’s a zingy topping for grilled fish or chicken, or pan-seared scallops. Or, toss with boiled shrimp. This relish also adds a bright note to broccoli and pasta. You will need a very sharp knife for this recipe! INGREDIENTS: 1 large shallot, finely diced 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lemon juice 1 pinch of salt,...Read More

It’s not too late to get in the last of your canning and pickling. Dill is still available at the markets. Here are some interesting facts about dill: Dill grows about 3 feet tall and grows just about anywhere, as long as there is sunlight. A member of the parsley family, it’s often mistaken for...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1/4 cup pure honey 
 2 tablespoon red or white wine vinegar 
 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 
 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste 
 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
 1/4 cup fresh herbs, chopped (such as basil, parsley, cilantro, dill, mint, or chives)
 Pepper, to taste METHOD: In a jar with a ...Read More

These delicate shimmering jellies are delicious condiments. Their sweet and savory flavors really sing of summer with jewel-toned colors that are appetizing and beautiful. Herb jellies are wonderful with cream cheese and crackers or bagels. Use the lighter flavors to glaze pies, tarts, and cookies. For main dishes, melt them in a sauce pan and...Read More

Before “Ranch” dressing, there was Green Goddess dressing, served originally at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco in the 1920s. This herbal vintage dressing has made a modern comeback on menus in finer restaurants. Some newer versions use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream — feel free to experiment. But, don’t leave out the...Read More

Unripe, green tomatoes are very abundant in the spring as farmers and gardeners thin out their tomato plants. The unripe cherry tomatoes get pickled and the full-size tomatoes get fried. Serve with the tasty herb mayonnaise (recipe below). INGREDIENTS: For the mayonnaise: 1 egg yolk Juice of 1 lemon A small clove of garlic pounded...Read More

In addition to being a flavorful dipping sauce for warm focaccia or francese, it’s equally delicious drizzled over bruschetta. INGREDIENTS: 1 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 clove garlic, pressed 1 small shallot, finely chopped 2 small chilies, jalapeño or Serrano, peeled, seeded and finely chopped 2 teaspoons finely chopped, dry-packed, sun-dried tomatoes 2 to...Read More