motd Sunday March 11, 2012 - Herbs

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THE SECRET

GARDEN

Sunday, 11 March 2012

Have you ever had a really wonderful dish at

someone's house or at some fancy restaurant and the

flavor was so delightful, it made your taste buds

sing? In fact, that dish was so good, you just had to

ask the host...What's your secret?

Herbs have played an

important part in our lives for thousands of years.

Well, chances are, your host or the chef at the

restaurant where you dined added fresh

herbs to

give that dish its enticing flavor. And do you know

what the best part is? That flavor, adding so much

taste and character to the dish, did it without adding any calories! Oh,

such a good deal, right?

Herbs have played an important part in our lives for

thousands of years. Various herbs played a role in

everything from politics, romance, love and even

religion. (Remember? The Three Wise Men brought frankincense and myrrh for

the Baby Jesus. Those two items were both herbs.)

But of course, the herbs we're talking about today are

all about enhancing the flavor of the foods we eat.

So, have you broken the boring salt and pepper

seasoning routine so many Americans are hooked on?

How much do you experiment with fresh herbs in your

kitchen? Do you have one of those adorable spinning

racks on your kitchen counter filled with herbs like

basil, oregano, rosemary and thyme?

The world's greatest chefs already know that the most

fantastic dishes can be enhanced with the addition of

fresh herbs. I'm telling you, adding the right ones

can turn that ordinary pot of soup, roasted chicken or

baked fish into a culinary masterpiece.

I keep fresh herbs in my

own kitchen.

I keep fresh herbs in my own kitchen. I love roasted

chicken seasoned with rosemary. My stuffing, flavored

with sage is outta this world. And have you ever

tried salmon topped with fresh dill before cooking?

Oh, so

good!

Your supermarket's seasonings aisle is filled with

various herbs to try. But here's a trend I like.

These days, even at stores like Walmart, you can buy

your herbs fresh. You'll find them in the produce

section in these convenient and cute little plastic

containers. I love buying my herbs that way

but here's a better idea I use at home.

How's about creating a fresh herb garden of your own?

You can plant your herbs outside in little pots on

your patio, back porch or even grow them in a kitchen

window where they get plenty of sunlight.

Some of the more popular

herbs include parsley, sage, mint, basil and, one of

my favorites, chives.

Herbs have a wide range of uses. And, thanks to their

potent flavors, you don't have to use too much of them

because using only a little goes a long way in kicking

up the flavor of a dish you're preparing. Some of the

more popular herbs include parsley, sage, mint, basil

and, one of my favorites, chives.

Hey, spring is upon us, the perfect time to start your

own little herb garden. So, I say put those adorable

green thumbs of yours to work. Start your own herb

garden and get ready for your guests to ask, about

that oh-so-tasty dish you've just served...What's

your secret?

Love,