A SET OF HERBS

Here are some more illustrations from the past...a set of herbs that I eventually made into a poster. These are just a few from that collection back in 2011.

TOMATO AND BASIL

What a wonderful food pairing suggestion from my Facebook page (as well as the many others!).

Basil

Rosemary

Dill

Parsley

Oregano

I am currently working with Gourmet Garden creating herb botanical prints, so thought I'd celebrate these special plants over the next couple of weeks. Have I mentioned how much I love the herbs from Gourmet Garden?  They transformed my cooking this summer by introducing me to ginger, lemon grass and red pepper (among the many traditional herbs and spices).  Yum!

Italian Herbs

A couple of weeks ago I received a wonderful package of herbs from Gourmet Garden. I had the great opportunity to meet them at Camp Blogaway.  What makes their herbs special...is that they are available year-round, yet still maintain their freshness.  Each herb is gently tucked into a squeezable tube then stored under refrigeration.

The Gourmet Garden website also has an amazing recipe index.  I tried the couscous salad with chili pepper and ginger chicken (using their ginger and chili pepper samples) and it was superb (and extra healthy). At camp we simply added our own mix of spices to yogurt for a nice vegetable dip.

I want to thank Mary Humann and Gourmet Garden for the wonderful collection of herbs they sent including:

Basil
Chili pepper
Cilantro
Chunky Garlic
Dill
Garlic
Ginger
Italian Herbs (mix)
Lemon Grass
Oregano
Parsley

Herb Poster

March just flew by!

I've really enjoyed drawing these herbs so decided to make a poster and digital sheet with the final images. A request for the digital herb sheet actually initiated this month's theme (thanks Andy!).

You can find them both here:

Herb Poster

Digital Herb Sheet

Marjoram

Marjoram is often used in herb combinations such as Herbes de Provence. Perfect for grilled foods and stews.

It's also a word that I remember seeing on my mom's herb jars and always wondering what it was (I don't thing my mom ever used it though).

Thyme

Another perfect plant for a flower pot on your deck or window sill. A great plant to also place between stepping stones. Why not?

Bay

This is another beautiful herb. I just love the simple leaves. Perfect for cooking and crafts.

Tarragon

Tarragon is one of the four fines herbes of French cooking. Ooo-la-la.

Chervil

Here is an herb I haven't heard about much.

Has anyone used this delicate little thing?

Oregano

This is considered the "pizza herb" for obvious reasons.

I think this is one of the first herbs I learned as a kid because it topped one of my favorite foods.

Chives

A beautiful plant with a striking taste.

Basil

A beautiful way to grow an herb garden is simply in containers right on your deck.

There is something so magical about pretty flowerpots filled with beautiful green leaves.

Mint

Mint is the universal herb. It tastes great with anything...baked goods, drinks, meats or just as a simple garnish.

Did you know mints have square stems too? It's an easy way to identify them.

Lavender

Whenever lavender is mixed into a recipe I feel like I'm eating something really special.

Does anyone have a tasty dish that includes this beautiful herb?

Rosemary

Yes, I've been AWOL. I was enjoying a conference in Arizona, then just needed a break....but I did draw several more herbs to share with you over the next few days.

Today is another favorite of mine - Rosemary. Not only can you cook with this tasty herb, but it also makes a cute, little topiary.