8/24/11

Savor The Flavor of Fresh-Grown Herbs



I first began growing my own herbs in 2009. Being a lover of and daily consumer of fresh green salads, it had been my longed-for desire to have fresh herbs to compliment them.  The Supermarket cost of 1 package of fresh herbs cost about the same or more than a new plant.






My wish came true:  it was in Idaho where I finally had my own  home so my husband and I designed and built a small raised garden in our backyard.




Besides planting veggies and  herbs in the garden directly, I also placed them in pots and crates on our patio pad.
   

I really enjoy the flavor of a variety of herbs but I think my most-favored one is BASIL!
I've grown Sweet Basil, Thai Basil, Boxwood Basil, Cinnamon Basil, Lemon Basil and Chocolate Basil and YES - they truly do taste just like those flavors.





My list of reasons why I love living in Florida seems to grow each day and one of them certainly is the fact that I can grow herbs outdoors most of the year (haven't tried it in Dec/Jan yet).
















Today I was craving the taste of my lovely Basil so I picked Sweet Basil, Cinnamon Basil and Boxwood Basil  









I mixed them all together and added them to my salad 


Salad Ingredients:

  • Spinach
  • Green Peppers
  • Carrots
  • Cucumber
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Cabbage
  • Portabello Mushroom
  • Frozen Blueberries
  • Frozen Raspberries
  • Frozen Blackberries
I topped it off with my Hazelnut Vinagrette:
  • Hazelnut Oil
  • Olive Oil
  • Minced Garlic
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Braggs Liquid Aminos
  • Red Wine
  • Maple Syrup
  • Minced Onion

Product Recommendations For Lovers of Herbs

Aerogarden 6 Pod Elite with Gourmet Seed Kit
  Aerogarden 6 Pod Elite with Gourmet Seed Kit


Grow delicious, healthy herbs and vegetables, right in your kitchen! AeroGarden's NASA-tested aeroponic technology grows plants in water, nutrients and air. It works so simply that anyone can succesfully grow. The AeroGarden Elite 6 uses a new more powerful Advanced Growing System to achieve 30% better growth than the already productive Aerogarden Classic. Comes with everything that you need to begin growing right away. Includes the gourmet herb kit with Genovese Basil, Chives, Thyme, Mint, Oregano, and Dill.




Aerogarden 6 Pod Pesto Basil Seed Kit

Aerogarden 6 Pod Pesto Basil Seed Kit
This all Genovese basil seed kit is perfect for making pesto. Specially designed for the Aerogarden 6 pod systems. Kit includes 6 Genovese basil pods and plant nutrients for a full season worth of basil.






The perfect companion to the abundant fresh herb harvests from your AeroGarden. Just add oil and vinegar to premeasured markings on carafe and a handful of freshly harvested AeroGarden herbs for garden-fresh vinaigrettes and marinades. Serve them tableside in the detachable carafe. Includes 20 recipes from around the world. Stainless steel blade, use-anywhere convenience (batteries included).




8/19/11

Local Lakeland Outdoor Group Invites Others To Join


Heartland Christian Outdoor Enthusiasts is a local Outdoor Group in the Winter Haven/Lakeland, FL area and they enjoy having others join them on their events. 


This weekend they have a Beginner Bike Ride at Lake Parker Park, Saturday August 20 @9:00 am. Click link for details.


Monday August 22nd they have an 18.5 mile Intermediate Bike Ride on a segment of the Van Fleet State Trail. Click link for details. 


Find out more about the group:


'LIKE' their Facebook Page
Follow on Twitter
Read the Blog
Join the Group and view events


Email: info.HCOE@gmail.com
Phone (863) 268-4404, Bob or Lori