Friday, August 30, 2013

HERBS: A PLACE TO BEGIN - Stone Cottage Adventures

It is so much fun to be a monthly contributor for Inspiration Café!  Another month has flown past me!  Where did August go?  Quick introduction!  My name is Marci and I blog at Stone Cottage Adventures. 

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I'd like to tell you about a little series of posts I've been writing!

Being part of our county's Master Gardener Speakers Guild is a lot of fun. My program is titled "Herbs: A Place to Begin". It is for anyone who might be curious about growing herbs or is just beginning to use them. I give simple advice for ways to incorporate tasty herbs into your every day life. After such a sweet reception to my presentation, I will be adding regular posts about herbs.

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Watch for the ones titled "A Place to Begin".
Herbs are amazing in so many different ways.  You can just snip and enjoy them!  Do you know they are delicious in salads?  Think about the herbs you add to recipes that are cooked.  Those same flavor profiles are delicious raw in a salad.  Just snip and enjoy!  I hear this question all the time:  What herbs taste nice with what ingredients?

Keep in mind that some herbs have a mild flavor, while others pack a punch!  The milder ones can be added as whole leaves.  The power hitters may need to be finely chopped and just sprinkled here and there.

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This simple winter salad has a little dill in it.  I used regular ol' Ranch dressing on top.

If you attempt The Mother of All Summer Salads (It's really very easy!) you might consider adding something citrus-y like marjoram or lemon balm.  Would you prefer a savory herb?  Basil is amazing with berries.  Do you know that rosemary is yummy with oranges?  There is another option for this amazing salad from Danni at Silo Hill Farm!



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 Do you like taco salad?  Cilantro could be added.  Cilantro has a bold flavor.  Depending on your palate, it might need to be finely chopped.

Let me say it again.  Think about the herbs you add to recipes that are cooked.  Those same flavor profiles are scrumptious raw in a salad!  Just snip and enjoy!

Are you curious about other simple recipes using herbs?  Take a peek at my Recipes Page!  If you are interested in growing herbs, there are quite a few tips on my Gardening Page!  I'd love for you to visit my Stone Cottage each week as my little series continues.  If you are new to herbs,  I can give a place to begin!

;-)  -Marci

19 comments:

  1. Looks delish Marci - and your herb filled planters look gorgeous!
    Have a great long weekend!
    Hugs,
    Suzan

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    1. Thank you, Suzan! Can you believe it is Labor Day already? How does it happen so quickly?! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

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  2. I love adding herbs to salads. Adds a little extra zing not to mention the health benefits!

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    1. Hello, Talya! I'm glad you used the word 'zing'! That's a great way to say it! What are your favorites in salad? -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

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  3. I love herbs - my all time fav is Basil! I'm going to try my hand at a few other herbs this Summer. Planting time is nearly on us - yay. Loving your herb posts Marci xxx

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    1. Hey, Natalie! I so love planting time! This year I added marjoram and lemon grass to my little herb collection! Make sure you let us know what you try! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

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  4. Aw, thanks for sharing my salad here! I'm putting herbs in it the next time I make it! Never thought about....thanks for the inspiration!

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    1. That salad is already awesome, but herbs give it "zing"! (See me using Talya's word?) -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

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  5. They both look like great posts! I really wish I had a green thumb and could grow some herbs at home, will have to try again soon.

    Raj
    Pink Chai Style

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    1. Hello, Raj! There are quite a few herb growing tips on my "GARDENING" page. Maybe they will help get you started. -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

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  6. The coconut dressing on the Mother of All Salads looks delicious! Thanks for the tip about adding herbs to salad. I'll keep that in mind. I'm visiting from the Our Sunday Best link party.

    Christy @ Creating a Beautiful Life

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    1. Hi, Christy! Thanks for stopping by! Danni's dress is delicious! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

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  7. Yes, I like taco salad! I could go for one right now. :)

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  8. I love herbs - next year I plan on planting them in containers! Your herbs are beautiful! Before I plant my herbs next spring, I'll be stopping by your Gardening tip page! Thanks for the great share! Oh, and I love Danni's Salad and her great tip!

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  9. Your herb garden is just wonderful! This year I planted my own and used containers which was so much smarter than planting in the ground. And your right, you just step outside and snip!

    Thanks for sharing this link at the BeBetsy Brag About It party. http://bebetsy.com We hope to see you again next week!

    Sharon and Denise ♥

    Follow us:
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  10. Yummy post! Thanks for sharing on The Creative Home & Garden!

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  11. Well, I've never thought to put fresh herbs in a salad, but what a brilliant idea! I am so glad that you shared this at the Pinworthy Project Party at Planned in Pencil!

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  12. Okay, now I am hungry! LOL Thanks for sharing at Tuesdays with a Twist. Looking forward to seeing what you share this week."

    Co-host
    Mindie ~ http://bornagainfarmgirl.blogspot.com/

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  13. I need to try fresh herbs on my salad one of these times - such a a great idea! Thanks for linking up to All My Bloggy Friends :)

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