Fresh herbs and your kitchen

Ever since we've moved to a new place last year, I've been needing some air in the house!  It's a great location and condo to live in, but in Utah the winter keeps people indoors for a LONG time.  I wanted something to do.  I needed some sun!!! I needed some fresh oxygen!!  Then, of course in my head, I thought of plants.  What a better way to bring life to this new place?  I can also teach my son about growth and mother nature besides reading books to him all the time.  So, as I shopped for some necessities one day, I quickly took a look at the clearance isle at one of our local general stores.  I saw that there were herb plants for only $1.50!!! Including a small planter with cute letters.  I had to get it!!!

So, here it is.  My son(19 months then) and I planted these and finally saw our parsley spring out lively and fresh!  I love cooking and having this a way better option than the dried version I usually buy.  Now, the only reason I buy dried herbs for cooking is because when I buy the fresh herbs, they go real bad or dry up.  I'm no specialist to keeping herbs potent nor do I know how to make sure it's still safe to eat.  So I buy the cheaper, dry herbs to add to my dishes when I'm cooking.  Recently, I bought a mint plant as well and boy is that smell strong!  I use mint for teas and I love it!!!  Tea can be therapeutic, medicinal, and healing.  Here's a quick recipe for making proper tea.  This is a general rule for most teas so they can be actually still potent and make an effect.

YOU WILL NEED

Water for boiling

Pot

Herb

Honey for sweetening because it's healthier and medicinal (sugar[even Splenda] defeats the purpose of taking in such rich nutrients and actually ferments in your stomach)

MAKE IT

1.  If this is just for you, then boil a little more than 2 cups of water and follow this general rule for more people.  This should boil for about 10 minutes on medium heat.

2.  After you see bubbling water, lower it to simmering heat and add the herbs.  Let this simmer and boil for about 10 more minutes.  This allows the herbs to soften and let out it's flavors and nutrients.

3.  Now, remove it from heat and let it stand until it's safe enough to consume.  After you pour the tea into your cup, quickly add some honey.  Natural honey the best, from bees.  It enhances the flavors and the aroma is incomparable!!

BEWARE:  Tea should not be left standing for more than 7-12 hours, depending on the herbs being used.  Please, be aware that I do not cosume black tea, nor weight-loss gimmick teas.  My advice is for general consumption of Chamomille(manzanilla), Mint, and other common household herbs.  If you would like a tea for a specific issue or want to know more about herbal uses visit:

Home Remedies and Natural Cures for Common Illnesses

Home Remedies and Natural Cures

Herb Natural Remedies

Now enjoy! Buen provecho!