Fresh Herbs

[birder53]

We're growing lemon balm this year, just because the deer and rabbits haven't taken a liking to it. Any ideas on how to use it?

[tommy]

I grow both Greek and Italian oregano in my garden, they were sold as seperate plants and they look a little (not much) different and there is a slight taste difference. The Greek is "stronger" but not overwhelming so.

i find greek oregano a bit spicy. am i alone on this one? it does't add spice to dishes that i can notice, but i feel a bit of heat on the tongue from a fresh leaf.

[fifi]

Lemon balm makes a wonderful tea. It is also great with fish and chicken. One time my sister had a bunch growing and her son had caught a big red snapper. She stuffed the inside of the snapper with bunches of it and baked it. WONDERFUL!

[memesuze]

Having the same problem with handfuls of basil, I recently made basil-infused olive oil for drizzling on fish, fresh-from-the farm tomatoes, or salad caprese and adding to salad dressings. It might be good also on a feta omelette. It keeps in the fridge for two weeks according to Jerry Traunfeld, whose HerbFarm Cookbook recipe I used. I gave some as little gifts recently when I couldn't use up my supply quickly enough.

I took about three cups of basil, blanched it for 15 seconds, plunged into ice water, squeezed relatively dry, and threw in a blender with about 1.5 c olive oil. Whizzed it together for a couple of minutes and then drained without disturbing [so that it would stay clear] for an hour or so in my yogurt cheese cone.

Edited July 21, 2003 by memesuze (log)

[DRColby]

I have a loveage plant in the backyard and have found it is an easy way to add a celery taste to things like pesto for fish stews. Doesn't take much, though, as it is very strong. The portions I use compared to the size of the plant is in infinitesimal. Anyone have another good uses for loveage?

dave