Herb Gardens

Herbs are plants lacking a permanent woody stem that are used for cooking, and, or for medicine. An herb is a plant used in cooking for its leaves and stems.

According to Wikipedia:
"Culinary herbs
Culinary use of the term "herb" typically distinguishes between herbs, from the leafy green parts of a plant, and spices, from other parts of the plant, including seeds, berries, bark, root, fruit, and even occasionally dried leaves or roots. Culinary herbs are distinguished from vegetables in that, like spices, they are used in small amounts and provide flavor rather than substance to food.

Some culinary herbs are shrubs (such as rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis), or trees (such as bay laurel, Laurus nobilis) - this contrasts with botanical herbs, which by definition cannot be woody plants. Some plants are used as both a spice and an herb, such as dill seed and dill weed or coriander seeds and coriander leaves.

Medicinal herbs
Plants contain phytochemicals that have effects on the body. There may be some effects even when consumed in the small levels that typify culinary "spicing", and some herbs are toxic in larger quantities. For instance, some types of herbal extract, such as the extract of St. John's-wort (Hypericum perforatum) or of kava (Piper methysticum) can be used for medical purposes to relieve depression and stress. However, large amounts of these herbs may lead to poisoning, and should be used with caution. One herb-like substance, called Shilajit, may actually help lower blood glucose levels which is especially important for those suffering from diabetes. Herbs have long been used as the basis of traditional Chinese herbal medicine, with usage dating as far back as the first century .

Some herbs are used not only for culinary and medicinal purposes, but also for recreational purposes; one such herb is cannabis.

Religious herbs
Herbs are used in many religions - such as in Christianity (myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), ague root (Aletris farinosa) and frankincense (Boswellia spp)) and in the partially Christianized Anglo-Saxon pagan Nine Herbs Charm. In Hinduism a form of Basil called Tulsi is worshipped as a goddess for its medicinal value since the Vedic times. Many Hindus have a Tulsi plant in front of their houses."

There are several different kinds of self-contained growing systems available to make growing herbs easier for you. The Earth Box shown here is one of them that is available to me locally. If you are looking for a smaller self-contained system to use inside your home, try the AeroGrow which is located below at eBay.

The Earth Box is a patented design for planting herbs, vegetables, or flowers. You just fill the box with soil, fertilize only once and add water as needed. There is no weeding required. The earth box can be purchased already planted, like the one I photographed here at Earth Box, or you can put the components together yourself.

To contact Earth Box, email: earthboxresearch@aol.com , phone 1-800-821-8838 or visit in person at 1023 Ellenton-Gillette Road, Ellenton, Florida.

"This is a wonderful recipe for bread machines. This bread is crusty on the outside and so soft on the inside it's incredible!

Rosemary French Bread

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)
* 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
* 2 cups bread flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon white sugar
* 1 teaspoon butter, softened
* 17 tablespoons warm water
* 1 tablespoon dried rosemary, crushed
* 2 teaspoons minced garlic

DIRECTIONS

1. Place ingredients in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select cycle; press Start."

Thanks to All Recipes.com
submitted by: Heather, photo by: grannyloohoo

This recipe will teach you how to make Homemade Pizza. It is a quick and easy recipe to make. Homemade Pizza is a wonderful tasty pizza recipe. The flavour of beef, cheese, herbs and onion makes this pizza a taste sensation. Everyone really enjoys a Homemade Pizza better than one bought from the shop and they always taste better than a frozen pizza.

Homemade Pizza Ingredients
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 lb ground beef
1 Tbs dried oregano
15 oz tomato sauce
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 1/4 cup warm water
1 small onion chopped
3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/4 oz active baker's yeast
1 medium green pepper diced
2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded

Homemade Pizza Method

In a large bowl dissolve yeast and sugar in water and let stand for 5 minutes then add oil and salt. Stir in flour cup at a time to form soft dough. Turn onto floured board and knead until smooth and elastic about 2 to 3 minutes. Place in greased bowl turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled about 45 minutes. Meanwhile brown beef and onion then drain. Punch dough down and divide in half. Press each into a greased 12 inch pizza pan. Combine the tomato sauce, oregano and basil and spread over each crust. Top with beef mixture, green pepper and cheese. Bake the Homemade Pizza at 400 degrees for 25 minutes or until crust is lightly browned.

Enjoy your freshly made Homemade Pizza!

Thanks to Sunshine Recipes

Basil Vinegar
Never made an herb vinegar? It's easy! Our Test Kitchen came up with a super simple recipe with just three ingredients. If your family prefers tarragon instead of basil, just substitute it in the same amount called for in the recipe.
SERVINGS: 32
METHOD:
TIME: Prep: 10 min. + standing
Ingredients:

* 1 cup fresh basil leaves, crushed
* 2 cups white wine vinegar
* Basil sprigs, optional

Directions:
Place crushed basil leaves in a sterilized pint jar. Heat vinegar just until simmering; pour over basil. Cool to room temperature. Cover and let stand in a cool dark place for 24 hours; strain and discard basil. Pour into a sterilized jar or decorative bottle. Add a basil sprig if desired. Store in a cool dark place. Yield: 2 cups.

Thanks for this recipe: Taste of Home