What do I make with herbs?

It seems that with every post about herbs that I write, I get comments and emails asking what in the world we make with (insert herb here).

So, I thought I'd put together a post with recipes using fresh herbs. And, I hope you'll share your recipes using fresh herbs. *Edited to add: I've updated this post with new recipes and ideas from commenters. Thanks for all the great ideas.

In all honesty, I had never used fresh herbs before we planted our garden. I hope to show that using fresh herbs doesn't have to be difficult. Actually, I find cooking with fresh herbs to be simpler. I'm no fancy cook and we don't make very difficult recipes.

These are the herbs we use, in the order of popularity.

Cilantro
"What do you DO with all that cilantro?" This is, by far, what I hear the most from you. We use more cilantro than we can grow (honestly). Ryan and I love cilantro and are thinking of naming our future firstborn Cilantro as a tribute to this well-loved herb. (Our mothers are having heart attacks right at this very moment.)

Here are a few things we have made with cilantro (links to recipes):

Cilantro-lime steak

Mexican lasagna
Cilantro-lime chicken
Fresh guacamole
Chicken tortilla soup
Mexican lasagna *also a great way to use up zucchini
Pico de Gallo via Cooks

Black Beans and Rice via VAHM *Ryan and I like this recipe so much, we sometimes make it twice a week.

*Comment addition: PW's cilantro-lime rice is recommended by Jordan
*Comment addition: Jen recommends a peruvian cilantro ensalada - marinate onions and cilantro (10+ minutes) in lime juice - for a great twist on coleslaw.

Basil
Here's the thing: If nothing else, you can always throw basil on a homemade (or even frozen) pizza. You can also put basil on just about any pasta dish.

Here are some other things we have made with basil (links to recipes):

Freezer manicotti
Grilled chicken bruschetta
Capellini Caprese *I even made this with dried herbs the first time.... fresh is better.
Grilled steak with roasted garlic and herbs
Grilled chicken penne al fresco
Pizza on the grill via Imperfect

And, here are a few basil recipes my to-make list:
Pesto via Popcorn Ideas *I've never made pesto before... this is on my list for the summer.
Meatball Sandwich via Allison and Jared  *My mouth is watering just looking at this recipe.

*Comment addition: For a simple appetizer or snack, Jordan recommends slicing up tomatoes and adding a slice of fresh mozzarella and basil leaf.

Dill

I adore dill. Every time I go out the garden, I pick some off just to smell it. I'm obsessed with it. Obviously, you can make dill pickles with dill (which I hope to try this year). It's also great on fish, especially salmon. Here are a few other ideas:

Cucumber-dill sandwiches via Fly Through my Window

Sweet and sour cucumbers via epicurious

Mint (all varieties)

I'll be the first to admit, I pretty much only use mint for only mojitos.

But, I'm planning to take the tips of Thy Hand Hath Provided and try new things with mint, including:

• Mint tea
• Mint jelly

These are a few other herbs we have in the garden. I firmly believe that I can sprinkle parsley, rosemary and chives on anything I want. I often grab some and throw it on the grill with steak, chicken or potatoes.

*Comment addition: Michael recommends using mint leaves as a garnish for yogurt, fruit parfait or smoothie.
*Comment addition: Katie also recommends a ratio of 3:1 (strawberry:mint) for jam. Just mix before canning.

Parsley
If nothing else, just pluck some parsley for your plate. Everyone will think you're fancy. (I may or may not be speaking from experience.)

If you wanna try a recipe, here are a few options:
Three-bean salad
Lemon Chicken via My Two Red Shoes
Grilled chicken pasta in a tomato cream sauce via Kevin and Amanda

Rosemary
Rosemary is great on potatoes - I've made them grilled, baked or mashed.

*Comment addition: Leigh also recommends rosemary on chicken and steamed clams.
*Comment addition: Jen recommends rosemary on homemade foccacia bread.
*Comment addition: Claire recommends herb butter with rosemary for grilled corn on the cob.
*Comment addition: Cara also recommends rosemary with alfredo chicken pizza.
*Comment addition: Katie recommends rosemary with pork - pan sear pork chops and then bake in a mixture of breadcrumbs and finely chopped rosemary.

Chives
Chicken Bundles via Shannanigans
Chives are also great on potatoes.

*Comment addition: Michael recommends adding chives to goat cheese omelets.
*Commend addition: Michael also recommends chives and parsley in homefries.

And, this leads to my final point. Even if you don't use tons of the herbs you plant, they smell lovely and look great. You can consider planting them as decorative plants. Just remember to snip them regularly if you aren't using them enough. You don't want them to go to seed. I give you permission to compost any clippings, no guilt.

Is this helpful? What do you make with fresh herbs?

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First-try sangria and taco bake (freezer)

If you are tired of my recipe posts, I'm sorry. This is pretty much the only thing I have to blog about right now. Between class, work and gardening, life is a little stretched. 

Anyhoo...I whipped up the Touch Down Taco Dip and the Pioneer Woman's Sangria for a little party I hosted last week. 

The Taco Dip is so delicious, and makes a load! This is also a freezer meal, so you can even make it ahead of time.

Serve it with chips. You won't regret it. 

Touch Down Taco Dip (Freezer Meal)

from A Bear in the Kitchen

1 - 16 oz can refried beans

1-8 oz pkg cream cheese, softened

1 packet taco seasoning

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup sliced green onions

2 roma tomatoes, diced

1/4 cup sliced olives

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped fine (I put a lot more than 2 tablespoons)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For the day of:

Tortilla chips

Guacamole (optional)

Sour cream (optional)

Salsa (optional)

Assembly:

Spread refried beans in the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Combine cream cheese, taco seasoning and minced garlic. Spread cream cheese mixture over beans. Add tomatoes, cilantro, olives over the cream cheese. Top with cheddar cheese. (To eat right away, bake at 25 minutes at 350 degrees.) Cover with plastic wrap and foil and freeze.

Cooking Instructions:

Thaw for a day in fridge. Remove plastic wrap and foil and bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes. Serve over tortilla chips with guacamole, sour cream and salsa.

And, onto the sangria...Yummy! This was my first time making sangria and I went with the recipe from  The Pioneer Woman Cooks. (Check out the book for the recipe.)

I found out that it makes WAY too much for a small get-together... I ended up with loads of leftover sangria. (There were 6 of these glass bottles.) Next time, I would cut the recipe in half. And, if I would have read the recipe closer before, I should have figured that out.

I consider this a Pioneer Woman success. 

Have you tried the PW Sangria?

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Freezable Buttermilk Pancakes

Did you know you can freeze pancakes?

Well, you can.

And, on my freeze-a-palooza, I tried it. It's quite handy. Especially when there's only 2 of us. Because we don't need 12 pancakes. (We may want them, but we don't need them.)

I just put the pancakes on freezer paper and then wrap one serving (2 or so) into a freezer bag.

And, here's the recipe I used for pancakes. I'd never made pancakes before that weren't from a box. So, this was new for me. But, they were yummy, simple and I'm also glad that they were whole-wheat.

Favorite Whole-Wheat Buttermilk Pancakes
Makes 12 pancakes
Adapted from Cooking Light, March 2010

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup whole-wheat flour
3 tbsp. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups low-fat buttermilk
1 tbsp. canola oil
1 large egg
1 large egg white
Cooking spray
Maple syrup
Butter

1. Lightly spoon flours into measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flours, sugar and the next 3 ingredients (through salt) in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Combine buttermilk, oil, egg and egg white. Stir with a whisk. Add buttermilk mixture to flour mixture, stirring just until moist.
2. Heat a nonstick griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Spoon about 1/4 cup batter per pancake onto griddle. Turn pancakes over when tops are covered with bubbles and edges look cooked. Serve with butter and syrup.

Do you make homemade pancakes?

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Garden growth

What I love about gardens - you can see change everyday. What other hobby has such significant change on a daily basis? I swear, every time Ryan and I walk outside, we see something new. A new blossom, more leaves, flowers... it's just really rewarding.

So, I thought I'd share a few select garden progressions, more for my sake than yours.

These were the potatoes, onions and corn in early May.

In late May.

And, in June (taken from the opposite direction).

There was nothing in the corner of this May photo.

And, now this area is boasting a variety of squash - summer, winter and zucchini.

And, then in non-edible gardening news... there's the rain garden.

In May 2009

July 2009

And, June 2010

(And you can ignore the yellow football, the messy mulch and the dog bowl... just pretend they aren't there. We do.)

How is your garden growing?

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What to do with junk

Speaking of junk...

Ryan and I took a little excursion last Saturday (in pursuit of a Craigslist find... although that didn't work out). On our way home, we stopped by Barnyard Antiques (first mentioned here).

Good gracious. Lots of junk.

While we didn't bring anything home with us this time, I did take a few photos to share what I would do with this "junk." Please play along and share any links or things you would do with the junk below.

Chairs.

Unfortunately, these chairs were stacked in the barn and hard to even get to. However, I can see some of these pretties painted up like my office chair. Cheap chairs... just the ticket.

Sleds

I believe that every household needs a sled. Not just for sledding, but also for fun holiday decor. I know what you are thinking, "Kim.... it's June. I'm not thinking about Christmas." And, to that I say... Look at my sled decor last Christmas. You need one. (And at least 12 trees while you're at it.)

Jugs

I know you can get super creative with these. I painted one and put it outside. It'd also make a good umbrella holder for an entry.

Wash basins.

This is totally on my "to-buy" list. I'd love to have some of these around the garden as pots, like Robin's. (I just love Robin's gardening skills, period. Check it out.) And, I love how Jen kept the tub on the original stand. Great for height in the garden. And, she painted it. I love me some fresh paint.

Ladders.

We actually have an old wooden ladder in the garage. I've forced Ryan to keep it for when I use it. 3 years after buying the house, it's still there. I'd love to use it in the bathroom for towels, or to hang blankets and quilts. Or as a great potholder in a farmhouse kitchen. Katie made a great plant stand out of her ladder.

And friends.... these are just a few things that caught my eye. There was lots, lots more. (Do you spot the vintage yard chairs like ours?)

And, as a finale - I'm really hoping my hubby can make me something like this for the garden.

I think climbing flowers up the window would be adorable, and add some much-needed height. (And, it looks like the base was an old sewing machine table, doesn't it?)

What would you do with this "junk?" 


Comment or share a link of junk inspiration below. (Please link to a specific post or page.)

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Tinker toys

My husband likes to tinker with junk stuff... and he's good at it. Somehow, he knows how to fix it up to make it into usable junk stuff. You know those people that can fix anything? My husband is that guy.

Whoever said boys like their toys must have met Mr. Woodward. He's not really much for new things... but he loves old things. You can see his death-trap-of-a-Harley-with-a-go-kart-engine, if you are interested. He bought an old Ford truck to haul around his wife's furniture, landscaping elements and other miscellaneous finds. He also has (stored at his parents') a buggy with an engine. I'll have to post about that someday.

But, I don't know that he's ever been so happy as when he came home with this.

A 1966 Cub Cadet tractor.

"They just don't make them like they used to," my 27-year-old husband said.

"This thing is a tank," he assured me, as he explained its made of cast iron. (Who doesn't need a tank?)

"This could dig a whole to China," my father-in-law explained. That sold me. I've always wanted to go to China.

It didn't run when he brought it home. Within 24 hours, it did.  Just took a little of this...

and our new family member was ready to roll.

And, you best believe my husband has been riding around on this since it was running. Now, Ryan's on the hunt for a mower deck, snow plow and tiller.

I know he's just dreaming of a little land and a little farm for the Cub Cadet.

(And, because I know you are wondering the same thing as I was... hubby says we CAN paint the Cadet, but it must remain yellow and white. No other colors in its future.)

Anyone else love old junk stuff?

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To the "herbs"

I've been getting all these emails asking about the status of my herbs.

Okay. I haven't gotten any emails. But, I know you are curious. Deep down. Really deep down?

The herbs are loving this summer - tons of rain and enough sun. We have picked so much cilantro and basil, I'm certain we could eat our weight in the two herbs. We've made salsa, guacamole and bean dip with the cilantro. The basil was yummy on homemade pizza.

I highly recommend putting herbs on your deck. It's so handy to run out and snip some off for dinner.

I don't know what happened to the mustard leaves. Clearly, they were supposed to be picked a while ago. But, we didn't pick it and now it's flowering. They never seemed to be big enough.... oh well. We can still eat the lettuce and chives.

And, this is what I like to call my box of mint. Not really... but it is a flower box full of varieties of mint. For mojitos... or just your general enjoyment. This pineapple mint intrigued me. It smells really great. And, I think a pineapple mint mojito sounds delightful. I'll let you know when I try it.

And, here's the lettuce. Which is so yummy. I think I planted it too closely, but it's still doing well and tastes great. You can see where I snipped some.

And, here are the little garden tags I made for the window boxes. I bought a cheap metal stamping kit at Menards and stamped on these copper tags. My friend, Jen, gave me the tip to always stamp on concrete. This is the biggest trick. Otherwise, it's pretty simple.

All is well on the herb front. 

Is your mouth watering for a mojito?

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Freezer manicotti

This recipe is yummy, makes a ton, and is actually simpler than I expected. It also freezes really well. If you are only cooking for 2 (or even 3), consider splitting this into three 9-by-3-inch loaf pans. REPEAT: This recipe can easily make three meals.

Bake Manicotti
Serves 6 to 8
Adapted from "The Best Make-Ahead Recipe"

2 (28-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 medium garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
Ground black pepper
24 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese (about 3 cups)
4 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (about 3 cups)
10 ounces whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 2 1/2 cups)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
16 no-boil flat lasagna noodles, preferably Barilla

1. Pulse tomatoes with their juices, one can at a time, in a food processor (I used my Magic Bullet) until coarsely chopped with pieces measuring about 1/4 inch, about 3 pulses. Set aside.
2. Heat the oil, garlic and pepper flakes in a large saucepan over medium heat until fragrant but not brown, about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and 1/2 teaspoon salt, and simmer until slightly thickened, about 15 minutes. Off the heat, stir in basil and season to taste with salt and pepper, set aside.
3. Stir the ricotta, 1 cup of Parmesan, 2 cups of mozzarella, eggs, parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 pepper together, set aside.
4. Pour 1 inch boiling water into a 13-by-9-inch baking dish and slip the noodles into the water, 1 at a time. let the noodles soak until pliable, about 5 minutes, separating the noodles with the tip of a knife to prevent sticking. Remove the noodles from the water and place in a single layer of clean kitchen towels. Discard water in the baking dish and pat dry
5. Spread 1 1/2 cups of the sauce over the bottom 3/4 of each noodle. Roll the noodles up around the filling and lay, seam-side down, in the baking dish. Spoon the remaining sauce evenly over the rolled noodles, covering the pasta completely. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella.
6. TO STORE: Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month. (If frozen, the casserole must be thawed completely in the refrigerator about 24 hours.)
7. TO SERVE: Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 400 degrees. Unwrap the dish and cover tightly with aluminum foil that has been sprayed with vegetable oil spray (or use nonstick foil). Bake until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake until the cheese is browned ins pots, 25 to 30 minutes longer.

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Cool breeze - my view on yard sales

I have not typically been a huge yard sale-r. It takes a few things that I don't have - the desire to get up early, directional skills and the time to spend going to garage sales. However, I may have changed my tune.

The last two Saturdays, I got up and went to yard sales on Saturday morning. One weekend, I went with friends. Another weekend, I went solo.

And, while I certainly didn't find tons of things, I did find a few gems.

I think some of you may be jealous of my favorite find.

It's a fun, aqua, vintage fan. For $2. It was my first find of the day last Saturday.

It's perfect in the kitchen, which tends to be the hottest room in the house. It works like a dream, and really goes with the new wall color and the table runner. It has a few spots on the base, but otherwise looks like new. I adore it.

I've also picked up:

• an IKEA Lack Shelf (which matches the two I already have in the office) for $2.
• a pair of brand new black sling-backs in my size for $3. (This was just crazy-perfect because they were literally the EXACT pair of shoes I already had and loved, but mine had a busted heel. And, they were discontinued so I couldn't order another pair. What are the odds?)
• Several cases of nearly-new, quart canning jars (for my canning adventures) for $6.
• A fully-decorated 36-inch Christmas wreath for $7.

So, I feel like I've done pretty well, and haven't brought anything home that I can't use. But, that's also 2 full mornings that were spent searching (in the rain). And, I've been disappointed that a lot of the larger pieces and furniture are usually gone on Friday (most yard sales around here start on Friday). For those of us who work, yard sale-ing on Friday is not an option.

However, if I had children, I think I could make out like a bandit from yard sales. The kids' stuff I've seen is amazing.

So, I'm feeling good about my finds, but torn on yard sales.

How do you feel about yard sale-ing?

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I spy with my little eye...

You may not recognize the scarlet beauty. Perhaps this will refresh your memory.

I know some of you will be mad at me for painting that fun, chippy little scale. But, I think that crisp, fire engine red was just what she needed.

And, now she just loves her new home amongst the Fiestaware. Who wouldn't?

The most shocking part to me was how well the actual face of the scale cleaned up. My BFF Magic Eraser just cut the years of yuck off the front, and it's good as new. 

After scrubbing her and taping off the face, I sprayed her with my favorite brand of Rustoleum paint, Painter's Touch Ultra Cover 2x. It was on sale at Menards for $1.98/can. And, Ryan wasn't the least bit surprised when I came home with 12 cans. Can you blame me?

It was a little difficult to get a perfect paint job without painting the face, but I decided to embrace the imperfection. It's old and it's beautiful. Someday, we'll all be the same way. ;)

What do you think?

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On Big Lots

I've always thought garden stools were cute, but can I be frank? Who has the money to spend on these things?

I'm looking at you:

• Pottery Barn. ($159)
• Overstock. ($123.99)
• Target. ($169.49 ON SALE?)

And, although cute, I wondered if they were a bit trendy for my taste. You see, I usually don't buy things until they have been out of style for at least six years. (Although, maybe garden stools have been around that long... I don't know.)

Anyhow - imagine my surprise and delight when I saw ceramic stools, almost identical to the Target version, for $20!!! (That's right, folks. Three exclamation points.)

At Big Lots. Don't knock it, friends. Big Lots is crazy. Crazy good. But only sometimes. You have to be patient. For those times that you walk in the doors and see 4 different colors of garden stools for $20 each.

And, I won't judge you if you put 2 of every color in your cart while you decide. (That's what I did.)

I ended up with only one red and one white. The white one is actually outside in the garden (novel idea).

 The red one is perfect in the living room.

And, while at Big Lots, I also picked up some great lights. The round bulbs are for deck lighting (someday) and the vine balls will be pretty on the burlap Christmas tree (although I still need to find an actual TREE since Franco destroyed the last one).

So...
What do you think of garden stools? And Big Lots? And exclamation points?

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Greek Grilled Chicken & Proper Asparagus

Hello, friends. I'm back with another freezer meal. Although it also makes a pretty darn good non-freezer meal, too.

But, first, the background:
When Ryan travels, I eat out a lot. I just get bored and wanna get out of the house. I mean, who's there to listen to me talk? ;)

But, on Saturday night, I was just craving grilled chicken and fresh asparagus. And pajamas. So, this was the perfect meal. And, I ate out on the deck with a glass of wine and a magazine. Totally dreamy, right? Although, it still would have been better with a husband to talk to, of course.

An asparagus aside:
We've been eating asparagus about 3 times a week for the past few weeks. We've been getting it from our CSA farmer. But, this is the last week for asparagus, so I also think I should share how we prepare it so it's flavorful and crunchy. It's so simple, but I fear that many people overcook asparagus. And, when asparagus is buttery and crunchy, it's the best ever. I could seriously eat it every night.

I use my favorite grilling tool - aluminum foil. I just add a few pads of butter and Jane's Krazy Salt (which I was introduced to by Darby - best ever). I use that salt on ev-ry-thing. Seriously. So good. Don't be skimpy on the Krazy Salt. The butter helps it stay moist.

Then, just wrap it up like a burrito and throw it on the grill. It takes no more than 10 minutes. You can grab a piece and chomp it to make sure it's done.

The best part, no clean up. WOO HOO!

A lettuce aside:
And, don't even get me STARTED on the lettuce salad. I love just grabbing lettuce from our window boxes on the deck, quickly rinsing them and chowing down. I firmly believe that everyone should plant leaf lettuce. It is oh-so-satisfying. If I ever run for President (highly likely), this will be my platform.

But, while all of this is important, it's time for the Grilled Chicken recipe. It was really yummy, and the marinade made the chicken really moist. And, anytime a recipe has feta, I'm a fan.

The real deal: Grilled chicken with Greek flavors
Makes 4 servings (I cut the recipe in half for 2)
Adapted from Country Living, June 2009

Marinate 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts in a mixture of 1 cup red wine vinaigrette, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano and 1/2 teaspoon salt for one hour. (Or, just put this into a freezer bag and freeze until ready to grill.)

Remove chicken from marinade and cook on grill over medium-high heat, turning once, until nearly done (8 minutes or so). Meanwhile, halve 1 pound cherry or small mixed heirloom tomatoes. Toss tomatoes, 2 tablespoons red wine vinaigrette and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Lower grill temperature to medium. Put mixture on aluminum foil on the grill until softened. Add chicken to mixture and cook until chicken is done. Crumble and sprinkle 1 1/2 ounces feta cheese plus additional fresh oregano over chicken and tomato mixture.

Peace, love and asparagus, people.

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You-musts

You must:

• check out these awesome, DIY and recycled garden markers at Notes from the Heartland.

• make a monogrammed beach towel like Pink and Polka Dots.

• create this awesome, transportable height chart a'la Cottage and Vine. (I'm seriously considering making ones for Ryan and I. Is that strange?)

• drool over these awesome and unique lamps at The Polished Pebble.

• get ready to can at Thy Hand Hath Provided.
• recreate a fun peg rack out of a cabinet door like Poppies at Play.

• learn to yard sale the right way at The Nesting Place (great tips).

That is all. ;)

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