Beauty Within
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There are many simply and delightful ways to add herbs to your life.  Many herbs are edible and just as many can provide a delightfully scented experience to your world.  Below are some of my favorite simple recipes.  Just this weekend I'm putting up a few quarts of herbal vinegar.  My favorite vinegars to use are unpasteurized apple cider vinegar and champagne vinegar.  As is typical, lots of recipes are available but I really like to use the simpler's method.  I start with clean quart jars, add about 1 - 2 cups of dried or fresh herbs and cover completely with vinegar.  I place the quart jar in my kitchen window and let it sit for about 4 weeks.  Make sure not to use a metal lid as vinegar and metal aren't friends.  I also ask Mother Earth to bless the blends.  After 4 weeks, strain and re-bottle.  This makes a lovely gift.  On the sill now are lavender and rose in champagne vinegar - separately and a 4 Thieves blend that includes thyme, rosemary, cloves, garlic and sage in apple cider vinegar.  These blends not only are an excellent culinary addition they can often be used as fantastic skin treatments as well. I also pickled garlic this weekend too.  I purchased the most beautiful garlic at a local arts and crafts fair but got a little too excited - I bought way too much.  Remove garlic skins and place cloves in quart jar then cover with apple cider vinegar or tamari.  Place in window sill and use the process above.  When ready strain and enjoy.  Yummmm. Please send me an email if you have questions at [email protected]!

Ok, these recipes aren't so secret but they are simple.  In the wise woman tradition, using herbs with the "simpler's" method can be very healing, rejuvenating and just plain yummy.  Simply, try one herb at a time to see how many ways it can delight your senses.  Knowing 50 ways to use one herb instead of knowing a little about 50 herbs can be a very powerful thing indeed.

Lavender Lemonade

Yumm!  You can use whatever form of lemonade you prefer - concentrate or fresh squeezed... For every quart of lemonade, add one cup of lavender tea.  Lavender tea?  Super easy.  Simply brew lavender buds in hot water for 5 - 10 minutes - experiment with amount to make your tummy happy.

Herbal Season Salt

Again, super simple.  Use your favorite brand of sea salt and flavor with delectable dried herbs such as oregano, basil, and rosemary.  You can always get a little exciting and add fennel, marjoram and/ or tarragon.  Lavender, of course,is a great addition too.  Experiment with rubs for meat and popcorn seasoning.  Another yum. Of course, you can do the same with pepper!

Herbal Sugar

Do you like to bake for the holidays?  Try this simple herbal recipe to add a wonderful layer of flavor.  For every one cup of organic sugar add 1/8 - 1/4 cup of ground herbs such as rose, lavender, spearmint or lemon peel.  Replace plain sugar with these herbal delights in your baked goods; lavender shortbread is divine and in your herbal teas and cocktails.

Herb Tea

Herb teas are as varied as the petals on your favorite sunflower.  Experiment with safe herbs like peppermint, chamomile, hibiscus and oatstraw for amazing and healthy blends.  Herb teas can be enjoyed hot with agave syrup or honey and they are a fantastic way to cool down in hot weather.  One of my favorites is Moroccan Mint wih a little jasmine sweetened with local honey - hmmmm!