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Since I have been cooking with more whole foods. I needed to learn more about using herbs and spices. I am trying to eliminate as much sodium as I can  so using herbs makes sense. It is a healthier way to flavor our food.

I grow some of my favorite herbs in the summer and dry them to use in the winter. You can grow some herbs like basil in a pot in a sunny window all year long.

Using fresh herbs is the best. They cost more so growing them in the summer or in pots in the winter makes sense. I always have dried herbs on hand. You need to adjust the amount you use when using fresh vs dry herbs.

I like to experiment when I cook. Sometimes I’ll put this herb or spice in my recipe and the next time I won’t. Depends on my mood that day. It’s fun to experiment with the different flavors. I am also horrible about measuring. I am working on being more exact so I can write down my recipes to share. Someone will ask me how to make something and I can’t remember what I put in it or how much.

I found this information that I think is a good place to start learning about several different basic herbs. It lists many fresh herbs and spices and their uses. Herbs and Spices.

My favorite herb to grow is basil. It’s one I use all the time. Do you have a favorite herb or spice that you use most often?

Here is a Quick Pasta Dish with Fresh Basil

2 cloves garlic

diced onion (optional)

extra virgin olive oil

2 cups diced fresh tomatoes or 1 can of diced tomatoes

salt and pepper

pasta

saute garlic and onion in olive oil

add tomatoes

cook pasta according to the package

drain

add cooked pasta to  the tomatoes

add fresh basil

top with fresh mozzarella or Parmesan

It only takes a few minutes to prepare and it’s so good! 🙂