November 2015 herb newsletter

Page 1

Making the world a little greener

The Sage Page with our spare thyme!

Save the date - it’s time for our annual CHA

Holiday Party! Please join us on Wednesday December 16th @ 6:30pm at Jean’s house - 3600 Franklin Pk. Nashville, TN 37204

Directions: From Franklin Rd., turn into the entrance for Woodmont Hills Family of God Church. Take an immediate left onto Franklin Pk. Turn right into the second driveway & follow it to the top of the hill past the large white house.

Please bring a dish to share & a gift if you want to participate in the gift swap. Suggested gift limit is $15-20. Anything handmade or herb inspired is perfect...food, beverages, crafts, books, etc. We’ll draw numbers & choose gifts at random, so there’s no need to add a name tag.

Don’t miss the fun! CHA

CUMBERLAND HERB ASSOCIATION • Nov/Dec 2015 Newsletter

Please submit news/info by the 1st week of the month to Jessica Bach: jessica_mayo@bellsouth.net or 615-891-8735.

1


Making the world a little greener

Herbal remedies for

The Sage Page with our spare thyme!

HOLIDAY STRESS

Be as jolly as Ol’ St. Nick this year with these herbal stress relievers. Holidays can be stressful, but there are many natural ways to combat stress, anxiety or even sadness that may occur this time of year. Some herbs can have a positive effect on energy levels and emotions. You can use fresh or dried herbs for teas or essential oils for aromatherapy. Please use caution with essential oils. Don’t apply them directly to your skin as they could cause irritation.

Lemon, Rosemary & Vanilla Simmering Potpourri This simmering potpourri is an all natural way to boost your mood. Combine 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary, 2 lemons & 1 tsp vanilla extract with 2 cups water in a pot (this mix can also be warmed in a slow cooker or wax warmer). Simmer on low heat, adding water as needed. The mixture can be reused up to two days. This makes a cute hostess gift, too. Just combine the ingredients in a pint mason jar & add a ribbon & tag with instructions. From http://www.theyummylife.com/Natural_Room_Scents

More Aromatherapy Scent Combinations: Calming Chamomile (Roman), Lavendar, Mandarin, Sandalwood

Fatigue Basil, Bergamot, Clary Sage, Ginger, Frankincense, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lemon, Patchouli, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sandalwood

Calming Lemon Balm Tea

2 tbsp dried lemon balm (calms nerves & lifts mood) 1 tbsp dried oatstraw (eases anxiety)

1/2 tsp dried lavender (calms restlessness)

Stress Relieving Bergamot, Chamomile, Lemon, Lavender, Orange, Patchouli, Vanilla, Ylang Ylang

1 1/2 tsp dried orange peel 2 tsp dried, seedless rosehips

Combine all dry ingredients & store in an airtight container. Makes 1/4 cup tea blend, (enough for 4 cups of tea). To make tea: pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 rounded tbsp of tea blend. Cover & steep up to 20 minutes. Strain & sweeten with honey if desired. Can also be served cold. From http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-lemon-balm-tea-recipes-from-the-kitchn-200595

Quick but thoughtful gifts using herbs 1

Easy Heat Pack

Materials: 1 Sock (with soft, microwavable fabric) 8 drops of essential oil 2-3 cups rice Needle & thread/sewing machine Directions: fill sock with rice (leave room to sew the end closed), add your choice of essential oils (8 drops each) & sew the end closed by hand or machine. Or tie it closed with ribbon/string - even easier! From happyhourprojects.com

2

DIY Mint Extract

Materials: Pint size mason jar with lid 1 cup dried mint leaves Vodka Directions: Place mint into the mason jar, add vodka (cover leaves completely), put the lid on & shake the mixture gently. Let it sit in a cool, dark spot for 5-6 weeks, shaking it every few days. Finally, strain the liquid into a glass bottle for storage or gifting. From www.justputzing.com

3

Herb-Infused Honey

Materials: 1-2 tablespoons dried herbs 1 cup (8 ounces) honey Glass jar with lid Directions: Place dried herbs in the jar, cover with honey & secure the lid tightly. Let the mix infuse at least 5 days & strain the honey into a clean glass jar. Try your favorite herb or a combination of herbs and spices. Avoid fresh herbs or spices due to possible bacterial growth. From www.thekitchn.com

C U M B E R L A N D H E R B A S S O C I AT I O N • N A S H V I L L E , T N • N O V / D E C 2 0 15 N E W S L E T T E R

2


Thyme to entertain...

Making the world a little greener

The Sage Page with our spare thyme!

Try Try these these herb-inspired herb-inspired & & have have aa wonderful wonderful holiday! holiday!

Summer Herb Party Mix

Ingredients 6 cups cereal (Corn/Rice/Wheat Chex™) 2 cups mini pretzels/pretzel sticks 1 cup mixed nuts 4 tbsp unsalted butter 1/4 cup olive oil 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp Italian seasoning 1/2 tsp paprika 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp onion powder 2-3 tbsp dried basil

1/2 tbsp dried thyme 1/2 tbsp dried tarragon 1 pinch dried rosemary 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

Directions: Preheat oven to 250°F. Combine cereal, pretzels & nuts in a large bowl. Set aside. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in oil, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder & onion powder. Remove from heat, pour over mix & toss to combine. Pour mixture onto a rimmed baking sheet. Bake 1hr to 1hr & 15 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, until toasted. Remove mixture from oven & let cool 5 minutes. Top with basil, thyme, tarragon, rosemary and Parmesan cheese. Toss to combine & serve. Recipe: http://www.tablespoon.com/recipes/summer-herb-chex-mix/f5c54d3d-bec3-4cef-81c9-d64c47b34b41

Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta & Walnuts Ingredients 1 large sweet potato (24 round ¼-inch slices) Grapeseed or olive oil Ground cinnamon

1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese 1-½ tsp Italian seasoning 1 tbsp + 1 tsp honey ¼ tsp sea salt (more/less to taste)

Garnish: 1 cup walnuts (roasted & chopped) ¾ cup dried cranberries honey

Directions: Combine ricotta, Italian seasoning, honey & sea salt. Refrigerate until ready to use. Add potatoes, oil salt & cinnamon to a bowl & coat slices evenly. Bake in a single layer on a shallow pan for 20 minutes at 400 deg, flip them over & bake 17-20 minutes more or until cooked through & crispy on the edges. Roast walnuts at 400 (up to 10 minutes). Let potatoes & walnuts cool. Add a dollop of herbed ricotta to each round, broil on high for 2 minutes to warm/melt ricotta. Garnish with chopped walnuts, dried cranberries & a drizzle of honey before serving. http://www.theroastedroot.net/sweet-potato-rounds-with-herbed-ricotta-and-walnuts/

Rosemary, Citrus & Cranberry Cocktail You could make this one with or without the vodka to suit your guests.

Ingredients 2 parts vodka 1-2 parts rosemary simple syrup (see recipe) 1 parts fresh tangerine or orange juice 3 parts cranberry juice (100% juice) Club soda (optional)

Rosemary Simple Syrup (makes 1 cup) 1 cup water 1 cup granulated sugar 2-3 large sprigs of fresh rosemary

Directions For Rosemary Simple Syrup: Heat water & sugar in a medium pan on medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil, remove from the heat & add rosemary sprigs. Steep for up to an hour. Remove rosemary before serving. Can be made in advance, and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For cocktails: In a pitcher, combine vodka, rosemary simple syrup (to taste) and fruit juices. Stir to combine. Serve over ice in highball glasses. Top with club soda (optional). Garnish with sugared cranberries, an orange slice or a sprig of rosemary. Recipe: http://www.forkknifeswoon.com/food-drink/2014/12/rosemary-infused-citrus-and-cranberry-holiday-pop-cocktail/ C U M B E R L A N D H E R B A S S O C I AT I O N • N A S H V I L L E , T N • N O V / D E C 2 0 15 N E W S L E T T E R

3


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.