Time to Freeze the Herbs!

Alas, it's oh so sad to see the summer end...but so it is.  It's time to harvest the rest of the herbs and freeze them for winter soups.  It's easy enough to do - the hardest part may be finding an ice tray.  Muffin tins will work in a pinch!  Just harvest your basil, oregano, thyme and such separately, chop and spoon a tablespoon or so into ice trays with a bit of water.  Store in plastic bags once frozen (and label as it's easy enough to forget what's what).  Then when it's soup making time, just pop a cube in.  You can also make pesto and freeze it or you can dry them. You'll be able to enjoy a bit of summer all year!  Enjoy!

Christmas in August...or at least prepping for it

Penzey's is probably trembling!

My herb garden has been a huge success this year, and even I can't consume all those wonderful leaves...not even all the basil.  I know the bleak winter months are just around the corner...and I know how expensive herbs are when you buy them at the store...so I'm thinking..how hard can it be to dry my own?  Turns out, it's really very easy.  All you need is string, herbs, a dry spot, and time..and you're set.  I've got basil, oregano, rosemary and thyme drying in my laundry closet (it's dry there and the herbs won't absorb kitchen/cooking odors as they dry....and my laundry might absorb some of those great smells). It will take the leaves of each about 4 weeks to dry thoroughly..and then they'll be ready to be stored in jars.  I've been asking folks for baby food jars at work..and they're a great size for such things.  I know these herbs are organic...and I think they'll make great gifts.