Using my herbs

Lots of rain showers and storms these days.  Everything is staying wet but growing so well.
I have finished moving my plants around.  The rain helps them to not be in so much shock.
I moved all the herbs to the new raised beds in the back and will keep the front bed for perennial flowers that provide so much enjoyment for birds, bees and me.

It is important to have your herbs close by so that we actually use them.  When in the middle of a recipe or preparing a meal it is easy to run out and snip a bunch of this or that when they are close by.
It becomes a habit and makes it a normal occurrence to add them to most dishes.
Having a variety of herbs in your diet each day is a boost to our good health.  Although their is information available that tells us proper dosages etc. , using lots of herbs on a daily basis helps us to maintain  a good level of well being.

When winter comes along I am glad that I have cut and dried a lot of the harvest.
After drying your herbs you can make any herb blend that appeals to you.
Some favorite blends to get you started:

After your herbs are thoroughly dry you need to decide what texture you want your blends to be.
Most herbs can be crushed a bit with your fingers and stored loosely packed until you go to use them then you can grind them as much as you want for your recipes.

When you are starting and tend to use an existing recipe don't be discouraged if you
find you are lacking one of the ingredients in the list.  Just leave it out. Change it the next time.  If you know of a good substitute, use that.
You may find that the blend you end up with is one that you really like and want to make again. 
So here we go:

I used to make this one and sell it in my shop.  It's pretty good on everything.

3 tbsp dried basil
2 tbsp dried savory
2 tbsp celery seed
11/2 tbsp dried sage
1 tbsp dried thyme
1 tsp powdered kelp
1 tbsp dried marjoram
Grind small in a grinder and put in a shaker bottle and keep on the table.

Salt free:

6 tbsp dried parsley
4 tbsp dried oregano
4 tbsp onion powder
2 tbsp dried basil
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried sage
1/2 tsp cayenne powder

Poultry Seasoning:

2 cups dried parsley
1 cup dried sage
1/2 cup dried summer savory
1/2 cup dried rosemary
1/4 cup dried lovage
1/4 cup dried marjoram
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp dried onion powder

Combine and store in an airtight container in dark place away from heat.


Taco Seasoning Mix  makes about 2/3 cup

1/4 cup dried onion flakes
4 tsp cornstarch
4 tbsp chili powder
3 tsp ground cumin
3 tsp dried garlic flakes
2 tsp dried hot pepper flakes
2 tsp beef bouillon powder
11/2 tsp dried oregano
2 tbsp salt (optional)

Combine and grind fine in blender if desired.


MIld Curry Powder

6 tbsp dried coriander
11/2 tbsp ground turmeric
11/2 tbsp ground cumin
11/2 tbsp ground fennugreek
11/2 tsp ground cloves
11/2 tsp ground cardamom
1/8 tsp cayenne powder
Blend and store away from heat and light.

Note:  I used to make this.  It is worth the effort.

Italian Seasoning

basil, parsley, oregano, minced dried onion, thyme, minced garlic, black pepper, dried sage. 
Make up your own amounts of dried herbs.  Store in airtight container away from heat and light.


Next:  Combos for vinegars.
Yes, I know I'm not going in order.