I had some seed of lime basil and cinnamon basil (that i planted and ended up throwing most away cause i had too much and no one wanted) and someone gave me a small plant of chocolate and lime mint. What do you use these for?
Also, I finally got my rosemary to germinate well. How long does it take for it to grow from seed? (to a nice size plant)
This message was edited Apr 28, 2010 6:43 AM
how to use the following . . .
Rosemary can be a fairly quick grower, but it really depends on your conditions. They like it really hot and sunny, pretty dry - classic Mediterranean plant.
Chocolate mint is my favorite for hot tea.
Makes a nice garnish in regular tea or lemonade.
Thanks both of you. anyone else use these herbs?
I use mint to make mint chocolate chip ice cream. Lemon balm, too.
I never thought of that, thank you!
Celene, are you just adding that to vanilla ice cream, kind of as a dressing?
Nope. I infuse the cream with mint leaves, and add a little mint essential oil while it's churning. I don't personally like a chiffonade of leaves in the ice cream, but everyone else does. I just use a peeler and shave chocolate into the recipe as it's finishing.
The lime basil sounds yummy for salsas or guacamole or pesto? I also like to add my flavored mint and basil leaves to salads with some nuts and chopped fruit and a little feta.
I like the idea of infusing mint leaves
I am going to try that next time I make hot cocoa.
I am not in love with the taste of heated mint leaves, so I just shove some mint leaves in a canning jar, then pour the cream or milk (or whatever) over it, and leave it sit overnight before using.
I've made flavored sugar with mint, lemon balm, and geranium leaves, too
What kind of geranium?
Rose, lemon, apple, nutmeg, etc.
Gotcha, thanks!
Mmm - nutmeg.... don't think I've run across one of those, yet.
Mine is too small for cuttings, but let me know if you want me to pick you up one.
Oh, thank you! - that's okay. I'm up to my ears in construction right now and any plant could easily be sacrificed to either the backhoe-god or the angel-of-neglect, lol....
i'd try making them into vinegars, which you can then cook with or use for salads etc. infused oils, same thing - great for dipping bread like you get at the fancy italian and greek restaurants, or salads and cooking. teas of course. they are also medicinal if you're interested in that. all those things are really easy to make. you just have to try them and see what you like.