All About Herbs: Herbs for gifts?
All About Herbs: Herbs for gifts?
By: by Edna McCallion, Tehchapi News Columnist
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Posted by editor Mon Oct 22, 2007 12:16:59 PDT
Viewed 302 times
0 responses 0 comments Herb delectables from the kitchen are a unique way to share non-traditional taste treats with those on your gift list. Butter and its substitutes can be blended with fresh herbs and will make the plainest breads, rolls, potatoes, noodles and vegetables “stand up to be counted ”. Cream cheese can be prepared the same way with small crocks or jars the perfect containers for these dreamy delights. Decorate the container with a bow, tag and a few sprigs of the herbs being used.
Herb vinegars in attractive and interesting bottles are always a welcome gift! They can be made in unused bottles or recycled ones that have new corks and are washed and sterilized. You may use any vinegar you like but the white, rice and white wine versions will allow the color and flavor of the herbs to shine through. Bring one quart of the vinegar and about four ounces of the herb to a boil and simmer for twenty minutes. Allow to cool and strain into prepared bottles. When cooled add a fresh herb sprig to the bottle and keep it refrigerated. A decorative label may be added, and wine bags are the perfect wrapping.
Design a fresh herb bouquet for a specific use and tie it with a lovely ribbon or holiday ornament. I use edible herbs that dry well such as sage, rosemary, thyme, savory and tarragon. The recipient of this gift can use the herbs in cooking or enjoy them for their scent. They will be tasty and attractive for months!
Only your imagination, and the materials available limit herb decorations for the home. Deliver your holiday cookies or breads in a basket adorned with fresh herbs. Make “tussie mussie” gift trim bouquets to embellish packages by wiring small bundles of herbs together at the base. Ribbon or yarn can be used to tie them onto packages or to hang them on the tree. I include rosemary, the herb of remembrance and sage, the herb of esteem when I wish to extend these holiday sentiments.
Potpourri is a popular, versatile and expensive holiday item when purchased. Making your own means you can personalize fragrances and save money at the same time. Included is my favorite recipe, but the variation possibilities are endless. You can present it in a lovely bowl or in fabric bags. The bags can be used as room, car, shoe or drawer deodorizers.
Herb wreaths of all sizes can be gifted to friends and family. I have used grapevine, foam and wire wreath shapes with great success. Large ones are beautiful on the walls and doors while smaller ones can be used as Christmas tree hangings and package ornaments. The herbs are attached to the wreath with thin green florist wire.
Many herbs are used in the cosmetic industry. An“herb bath scrubber” can be soothing or stimulating depending on the herbs blended. This aromatic gift will refresh spirits, cleanse the body and fill the bathroom with a lovely, lingering scent. The color of the washcloth should compliment the occasion, decor or color preference of the recipient.
Giving gifts from the herb garden is a heartfelt way to add the charm of antiquity to the holidays or any special occasion during the year. Those who receive them will appreciate your thoughtful and distinctive gifts.
Contact me at www.herbbasket.net with your herbal gift ideas and questions. Enjoy an herbalicious month!
Herb gift ideas
Potpourri
Two cups of dried rose petals
One cup each of dried lavender and rosemary
Six crushed bay leaves
Two teaspoons each of grated nutmeg and ground cinnamon
Two tablespoons of orris root powder
Three drops of oil of roses, lavender or rosemary (your choice)
Mix all the ingredients. Put in attractive gift containers. The fragrance intensifies with time.
Bath Scrubber
Three ounces of unscented soap
Twelve ounces of old fashioned oatmeal
Six ounces of herbal mix (below)
Washcloths
Grate soap into a large bowl. Add oatmeal and the herbal mix. Put about four tablespoons of the mix in the center of the washcloths. Gather and tie with a decorative cord. The number of cloths will depend on how big they are.
Herbal mix (for bath scrubber)
Mix three ounces each of crushed rose petals, lavender, cinnamon stick and lemon verbena. This will make twelve ounces.
Herb vinegar blends
Tarragon and thyme in cider, distilled, red wine and white wine vinegars.
Basil in wine vinegars.
Mint in cider and distilled vinegars.
Rosemary in distilled and white wine vinegars.
Herb butter blends (per half cup)
Blend one tablespoon of fresh minced chives with one tablespoon of one of these: thyme, basil, tarragon, marjoram, parsley, or oregano. One teaspoon of dried herbs may be substituted for each but the texture and flavor will not be the same.
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