Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme.


Having fresh herbs is one of the nicest things to have, when you are cooking.
They are so much better than the dried, not that there is anything wrong with the dried. On my kitchen windowsill, I have this little tin container that I keep with herbs, that is really handy. I am also hoping to get some herbs, planted out in the garden, maybe this weekend if the weather permits.

Some of my favorites ways of using herbs ~

A salad with basil, ripe tomatoes, and buffalo mozzarella cheese.

Potatoes, scrub and leave the skins on and cut in cubes, spread on tray and add olive oil, garlic and rosemary.

Scrambled eggs with chives or parsley, sprinkled over.

Mint sauce with roast lamb.


Basil ~ is an annual herb, the plant will last the summer season and once it begins to get cold, will die. It grows well in pots and can be continually picked fresh.

Coriander ~ is also an annual and needs warm weather to thrive. It likes a sunny position and is also suitable for container growing.

Mint ~ is one of the easiest herbs to grow but it spreads and takes over the garden.
Mint is a perennial and that means you will have this for years. Mint likes a sunny position.

Parsley ~ can be treated as an annual but more correctly you will often get two years from your plants. It can handle sun or shade.




Diana is having a giveaway, she had designed these beautiful Christmas stamps.
You can visit on the link below, to go and see her and take a look.
dianaevans.blogspot.com

I hope that you are having a good week

Hugs
Carolyn

64 comments:

  1. Hi Carolyn,
    Love the photo of the herbs!!
    So pretty!
    Have a great day!
    Rosemary

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  2. Thank you Rosemary and I hope that you are having a good day.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  3. Hi Carolyn,

    Oh how I love fresh herbs, my favorite is Basil and we still have oodles of it growing in our garden. Too bad you don't live closer, I'd love to hand deliver some fresh basil to you!

    Love and hugs,
    karyn

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  4. What a fabulous container and lovely herbs you have growing there!! I agree, fresh is better than dried, but I don't grow anything very well, LOL

    Yummm, now you have me hungry! Your potatoes are very similar to the way I fix red potatoes :)

    Have a wonderful day!!

    Hugs,
    Marsha

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  5. Yummmmy~
    You've just made me soooo hungry...fresh herbs and eggs! My fav~
    I'll be hoping that you are working in your garden this weekend!!
    ;)
    everything vintage

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  6. I am with you, Carolyn - I so love fresh herbs. We just made some potato cheese soup with fresh dill and I so enjoy the smell of that lovely herb in the kitchen in containers. We also love making pork chops with a sprig of thyme under them and then having them alongside applesauce w/horseradish ~ delightful! Thank you for letting us know about the giveaway too. Love that herb box filled to the brim with herbs, so pretty!
    xo~Tracie

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  7. Hi Karyn,

    I love basil too and it would be neat for you to deliver some if we lived closer.
    Thank you for the kind offer and visiting.

    Hi Marsha,

    the potatoes with garlic and rosemary is delicious.

    Hi Jodie,

    Oh yes, fresh eggs are the best, still warm. When I was growing up we had about 5 hens, and that was my favourite job going to the boxes and gathering the eggs.

    thanks Tracie, you made my mouth water too with your potato soup. Thyme, dill and horseraddish give the food such a wonderful taste and flavour.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  8. Oh definitely. I love fresh herbs too. I grow quite a few out in my garden but I haven't thought to try them inside. I will have to try that.
    Debbie

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  9. I love your little window garden. Fresh herbs are such a treat. This past Summer I couldn't seem to get enough basil with fresh tomatoes. I also love dill on cucumber sandwiches.Yum!
    Hugs,
    June

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  10. Hi Debbie,

    They probably do better out in the garden, but look and smell quite nice in the kitchen.

    thanks June and lovely of you to visit me.
    I love the combination of basil and tomatoes too.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  11. Carolyn your herb planter is adorable! I absolutley love planting and having fresh herbs in the garden. They make lovely little bouquets and are just as fragrant as most flowers too :)

    I do hope you are feeling and doing better...I have been thinking about you...

    :) T

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  12. Carolyn dear,

    This reminds me of how my mama used to keep a variety of fresh herbs in pots, seated in our windows, and so when the wind would blow through the windows, the house would smell like all those herbs! :)

    I also think that there's just something really homey about having herbs planted around the house, like that. :)

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  13. Hi: I love the photo of the herbs! I am remember that beautiful song. Blessings to you my friend, Martha

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  14. Lovely the look of those fresh herbs! I think I need to get myself a little herb garden going - I am enjoying the lovely scent of basil at the moment as I have some in the kitchen, it is so fresh smelling and reminds me of summer days. Love Brushetta with Basil and toms.
    mmm.
    Have a lovely week.
    x Suzi

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  15. Thank you very much dear Tracey, for your kind friendship.
    I am feeling much better, thanks.
    I Love taking little bouquets of herbs when I go and visit friends, especially with some lavender too.

    Thanks Charity, lovely to have your visit. Herbs do give a wonderful fragrance through the house.

    Hi Martha,

    It is a beautiful song. My husband said .... but that was parsley, chives and basil and I said yes, I know!

    Hi Suzi,

    It is that time that will be good to plant some herbs in the garden.
    Ohhh! summer days! still pretty cool over here and I hope that you have it warmer there.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  16. Carolyn,
    This is a great post!
    Herbs are wonderful,
    d

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  17. Dear friend, I use to love that song.

    xoxoxo

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  18. Nothing beats fresh herbs, especially rosemary and dill.
    Great pic!
    Anne

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  19. I use fresh cilantro a lot in my recipes. We also have mint on the balcony now that does quite well. Too hot during the summer and it dries up, but come a more temperate climate, and it does well. My younger son and husband like to pluck it in the evenings for their tea. Last winter I had tomatoes that grew like crazy. Right now I am trying green peppers but so far, I'm not sure they are doing very well. I love the wonderful pot of herbs on your windowsill. :) Have a great day! Tammy

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  20. I've always thought it would be neat to be able to cook fresh like this. I think I'm just to lazy and sunshine and warmth is sorely lacking most of the year here. It sounds yummy though! I hope you are feeling much better!

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  21. I so agree with you Carolyn! Ours are all going well & MOTH has just planted this Summer's basil crop. I'm not sure what he's been feeding our Dill with, but the current crop is incredible. Although the recipes are somewhat limited, tonight I'm doing Atlantic Salmon & Prawns in a Creamy Dill Sauce tossed into bowl of fettucine. And after that I'll be scratching my head as to how to use the rest up! Any suggestions gratefuly received.
    Millie ^_^
    P.S. So glad you are feeling much brighter my dear.

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  22. Love your herbs and tips on using them. I would love to grow herbs in our new garden. The do taste just wonderful.
    xxx

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  23. Love herbs and love all you share
    Love Jeanne

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  24. My garden may not be much, but I get some satisfaction from being able to whip out for some fresh herbs. I love the fragrance. Hope your week is going well!

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  25. I agree...love herbs!!!...and they are so beautiful in pots...just look at your picture...

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  26. Hello Carolyn, thank you for visiting my blog!
    Your blog is very beautiful and interesting! I love you bears:)))
    Have a nice day
    Fleurette

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  27. Love herbs in a kitchen! Missed you and so good to be back~

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  28. We love fresh herbs and are always finding new ways to use them. Last night we had tomato and basil soup. Wonderful post! I love the link to Diana's blog! Thanks!

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  29. Thanks for sharing your herb tips. Blessings! Gwen
    p.s. I am having a small give away.. come by and check it out:)

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  30. what a great post, darling! and that photo... those herbs look so fresh and yummy :))
    xoxo

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  31. you are so right. nothing beats fresh herbs! your recipe ideas made me hungry...wonder what's in the cabinets?

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  32. I love fresh herbs! We have an herb garden outside of our kitchen and I enjoy picking fresh herbs for cooking-there's nothing like it! I would like to grow mint but hubby won't allow it for the same reason that you stated-it tends to take over a garden:).

    Blessings,

    Kim

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  33. The great thing about herbs is they add such a lovely touch to a kitchen when you put them near the window. I agree, there's nothing better than fresh herbs and it's probably one of the few plants you can grow without needing a garden. I don't think there's a single dish I cook that doesn't involve one of them...

    Hope you're having a lovely week so far!

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  34. Beautiful herb box, love the smell of fresh herbs. Hugs, Catherine x

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  35. Hi Deanna,

    Many thanks for visiting me.

    Have been thinking so much, dear Renee of your family. Sending hugs.

    thanks Anne, lovely to have a visit from you.

    Hi Tammy,

    You sound like you have a real green thumb and it is great to be able to pick vegetables to eat.

    Thank you Sares, for visiting.

    Many thanks Millie. You will have to get Moth to give us the secret with why his herbs are doing so well. Your dinner sounds delicious.
    I will think about dill recipes.

    Hi Dustjacket,

    A new garden, what fun! Good luck and you will enjoy growing your own plants. I enjoy going to the garden center in the weekend to have a look around.

    Many thanks Jeanne and I enjoy coming to visit your blog too.

    Thank you Amanda and I hope that you are having a great week too.
    Over Summer it is really hard to keep plants alive, here with the lack of water.

    Thank you Gypsy Purple and lovely to have you visit my blog.

    Hi Fleurette,

    Many thanks for visiting me, always great to find a new blog and I enjoyed finding yours.

    Hi Susie,

    Have missed you too and glad that you have your computer up and running again.

    Hi Diane,

    Tomato and basil soup is one of my favourites and I often make it.
    Glad that you visited Diana, she does some wonderful artwork.

    Hi Gwendolyn,

    Many thanks for your visit and for the invite to come and see your blog.
    I look forward to coming over.

    Thank you for visiting dear Susan, always lovely to have you come by.

    Hi Janean,

    Many thanks for visiting.
    Do you mean the cabinets, where the basket of lemons are? I have bowls, platters and casserole dishes, in there.

    Hi Kim,

    I agree, you can't beat the flavour of fresh herbs. You can grow mint in a big pot though and it seems to do ok.

    Thank you Haute Shopper, for your visit. I hope that you are having a lovely week too.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  36. thanks for visiting Catherine and you can't beat the lovely fragrance of herbs.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  37. Hi! your blog is lovely! couldn't help to notice a photo on lisbon on your previous post!
    Take care,
    Rosa (portugal)

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  38. Great post Carolyn! And nice photograph too.

    Fresh herbs makes food taste fresh!
    We even grow basil inside in the winter.
    Love most herbs and spices.

    Have a great and delicious evening!

    xox
    Constance

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  39. Hi, thanks for the comment, sorry for the late response, hope you're doing great, and your post just woke me up.. Lol
    Check out my blog, I may take you to the next Paris Fashion Week ;)

    @ MaisonChaplin.blogspot.com

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  40. I really need to get off my bum and grow some herbs! They smell soooo good!!
    Hugs, Lisa

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  41. Oh, I just love that planter filled with such a great harvest of herbs. It looks as pretty as it is handy.

    Karen

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  42. Hi Rosa,

    Many thanks for visiting me and I look forward to coming to see your blog.
    Yes, it is a photo of Lisbon.

    Hi Constance,

    I love all herbs and spices too.
    You are lucky to grow basil all year round. Hope that you are having a great day too.

    Hi Maison Chaplin,

    I would love to come and look at Paris Fashion week, thank you for visiting me.

    Hi Lisa,

    You will enjoy growing your own herbs, even if it is in a pot. Give it a try, you will like them.

    thanks Karen, it is very handy having right there on the windowsill and to always remember to keep it watered.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  43. Hi Carolyn, Oh I just love your post on herbs and ways to use them in different dishes. I love them all and the scent of basil always makes me think of my grandma kitchen and her cooking. She grew basil and used it in all her Italian dishes. To this day, I love that scent. I still have some growing in a pot in my garden. When it gets too cold, it will be done, like you said.
    Your pics are great.

    How are you feeling? Hope good. Been thinking of you.
    Thanks for stopping by. Sorry to be so slow in getting back to visit. I am so swamped in the studio. In fact, it is 9:30 in the evening and I am just now getting done.
    See you again soon.
    Hugs, Celestina Marie

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  44. I love herbs...especially fresh ones. Your herb box is amazing...so yummy and good for you.

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  45. Hi Celestina Marie,

    I am impressed with you posting so much on your blog, it is great.
    Takes quite a lot of time though doesn't it.
    I loved hearing about your Grandma cooking all the Italian dishes and using lots of basil,( what a lovely thought.)
    thanks for visiting me today and I am feeling much better now, thanks.

    Thanks very much Koralee, for visiting ~ yes, herbs are good for you.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  46. Hello sweet Carolyn,
    Love this post of herbs.I love basil the most I think.I've never grown it,but I think I will try.I do have several different mint,and I also have a very bog rosemary bush.That started as a Christmas gift and turn in to a wopper.You can just brush againt it and you smell devine.
    Thank you hon for stopping by.I so enjoy your visits.
    Today is Thursday and the top of my legs still hurt from dancing.And I have to go bowl later on.OH ME!!! LOL...XXOO Marie Antionette

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  47. I alo love to cook with fresh herbs, dear Carolyn! (And I got a little bit hungry while reading your post ;-))!
    Hugs traude

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  48. Hi Carolyn, I hope you enjoy cooking with your herbs... your recepies look very easy to cook for someone like me that runs away from cooking!!
    Love the container!!
    Cariños
    María Cecilia

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  49. Thank you Carolyn,
    for your kind comment about my mom. She is truly a remarkable and special person. I can't wait for her to read your comment.

    xox
    Constance

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  50. Thank you for visiting Slices of Beauty.

    Hi Marie Antoinette,

    I think basil is my favourite too.
    Rosemary is wonderful herb and grows into a large bush. I love going out in the evening and taking in the wonderful smells of herbs, especially when you crush them between your fingers.
    Do take it easy with your bowling.


    Hi Traude,

    ...and I am sure you are a wonderful cook. We have a friend from Austria and she was a great cook.
    Thanks for visiting.

    Many thanks Maria Cecilia, for visiting, always lovely to hear from you.

    Hi Constance,

    Many thanks for visiting.
    Virtue and happiness are Mother & Daughter ~ Benjamin Franklin.
    Like Mother....like daughter ~ you are both so beautiful.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  51. Dear friend,
    I was scared when I read that you were so sick! I really hope that everything will be ok!!!!! God bless you!

    Now your new post; I got soooo hungry, when I read your text, really!;)

    Beautiful pictures as allways you have!!:)

    Take care, my friend there far away!!!!

    Big hugs to you,
    Marge

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  52. Exceptional as always are person of a lot of style!
    Rosarita

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  53. Dear Marge,

    Many thanks for your visit and your kind words, always so great to hear from you.
    I am hoping that everything will be fine.

    Lovely to have you drop by my blog Rosarita, you are so kind, thank you.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  54. What a lovely herb container! It has to be an antique! I love it.

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  55. Hello there Carolyn;

    I always "heave a contented sigh of delight" when I visit your adorable, informative, and oh so lovely blog!.., Thanks so much for leaving that wonderful comment on my, The French Dressing Room blog; glad you liked it!..,

    You are most welcome to join me, and some other dear fellow blogging friends, for next Tuesday's; Tuesday Tea For Two blogging tea party!..,

    For details, please feel most welcome to pop on by to my, The Plumed Pen blog and scroll down a wee bit to last Tuesday's post for the outline suggestions for participation.., I would love to have you join us!

    Cheers~ Wanda-Lee

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  56. Hi Barbara,

    Many thanks for visiting me.
    It is not actually an antique, just a reproduction, probably of an old one, but I do love it because it looks so old and rusty.

    Hi Wanda-Lee,

    Many thanks for your invite to Tuesdays Tea, I would like that and will look at the details in the weekend.
    Thank you for your kind words.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  57. Love your little herb garden. Also the tips for using them. Hope you enjoy a wonderful weekend.

    ~Jermaine~

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  58. Thank you very much Jermaine, I hope that you have a great weekend too.
    Many thanks for visiting my blog.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  59. I love herbs but in the height of the madness around here I don't often have time to cook let alone use herbs but later in the season I use them all the time. I have a huge romemary plant in our garden~ 6 ft tall which I was going to let go after the season but it looks so good I'm going to dig it up....which reminds me I need to do that right NOW!!!
    Congrats on the award too.....you deserve it.
    xxx.....C

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  60. Thank you for visiting Carole.
    Now that is one tall Rosemary and they do tend to get woody and too big after a while.
    I had to do that with my lavender hedge, had gone all woody and replaced it with some new plants.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  61. Your herbs look so healthy! And that's a wonderful tin they are living in. I can't wait to have a little kitchen herb garden soon. My favorite is thyme. I love to run my fingers through those soft little leaves and smell that delicious aroma rising. Aaah

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  62. Hi Bella,

    Oh yes, thyme is great too ~ love the little pinky flowers when it goes to seed.
    Yes, the aroma is wonderful.
    I hope that you get your kitchen herb garden soon.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  63. Many thanks for visiting today and I wished that I could read Japanese.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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Thank you so much for visiting Draffin Bears.
It always makes me happy to read your comments
and I look forward to visiting you.


Carolyn xx