Savouring Summer this Season

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Fresh herbs are the true gem of summer recipes and part of what makes the season such a prize winner. Now that winter is on our heels it's time to shutdown those fading green gardens, and winterize up our homes. I fully admit that i shed a few tears whenever i have to see my edible garden come to an end, but many of the plants have already withered away, but the herb plants are still holding on by the skin of their leaves. So grab up those herbs and save them using any of these four suggestions to relish that sweet summer glory all winter long. 

 

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1. Smaller pots inside - window sills are your best friends during the winter. Herbs love to grow on the sills or in areas of the home with lots of light. if you still have large herb plants still in your garden, divide and repot into small containers that can easily can be brought indoors. This will help sustain their growing cycle and in most cases you can even replanted them into the garden in the spring. say hello to new fresh indoor herb gardens with this one my friends.

2. Sweet sachets - nothing is better than the smell of fresh herbs like basil, rosemary. i find that they can be quite uplifting at the end of a long day actually. So why not harvest those end of season outdoor herbs, dry it in either a brown paper bag or by hanging, then crush up gently and place combinations into small sachets that can he placed around the home or in drawers. Combinations like rosemary and lavender are really good.

3. Herbed ice cubes - This is a culinary dream team is especially great for those busy nights when you wanna make that 5 star meal, but have like 1 start energy. Harvest the those last herbs, chop up and place them into ice cube trays. Then top with water or oil and freeze until needed. Add them as a quick boost to stir-frys, soups or dips. Try different herb mixes as well like basil with chopped garlic, or thyme and parsley with red pepper flakes.  

4. Scented fireside sticks - We are in the season of firing up the fireplaces. This year try take some of your harvested herbs and wrap into bunches with rope. On your next fireside movie night throw a one or two bunches on the roaring flames for a nice sweet smelling aroma. For this mix, try sage, rosemary and thyme!