Herbs I’m Loving This Summer (And the Simple Ways I Use Them)

Herbs have been an unexpected favorite of mine this summer. I planted an herb garden last year and did not keep up with it, so it didn't do very well. But this year, I have been pretty good about harvesting and using what I planted. 

It started as a nibble here or there. I would pinch off a piece of parsley or cilantro as I passed by the garden. Then it crept into the kitchen. Right before I dumped dried thyme into a dish, I would think "why not grab some from the garden?" And the final stage was when I began researching recipes specifically so I could use the fresh herbs. 

I have to admit that I only started an herb garden because I romanticized the idea of growing fresh herbs. Not because I actually used them. But there is something so lovely about these aromatic plants that made me realize how wonderful they are to use in the kitchen and around the home. 

Here's my current favorite and super simple ways to incorporate my harvest into my diet and lifestyle. 

Stone Fruit Salad with Thyme

Summer is stone fruit season and there is nothing like adding perfectly ripe peaches, plums, nectarines, and cherries to everything. My favorite salad right now is a twist on a recipe I found on Pinterest. The original recipe was for a grilled nectarine salad. Though I did not grill the nectarines and swapped regular mozzarella for burrata, I stayed true to the rest of the ingredients: cherry tomatoes, cherries, prosciutto, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. 

The original recipe also called for basil. I over harvested my plant, so I barely had anything for the salad. I decided to use fresh thyme instead. And wow! That was the moment I fell in love with thyme. I have this salad probably 2-3 nights a week lately, and I can't see myself getting tired of it. 

Here is the original recipe that inspired me if you want to try it for yourself.

Steak with Garlic and Rosemary

Okay vegans and vegetarians, time to skip to the next section. I have to admit that I really enjoy a nice medium rare steak every now and then. I've been practicing my skills with making great steak in a skillet and I really don't think it gets better than adding butter, garlic, and rosemary to the pan for that incredible flavor.

I have rosemary in my herb garden, but I put a pot of it right outside my front door to make harvesting quick and convenient. I learned that herbs grow full and bushy when they are harvested often, so I've been good about keeping my plants trimmed. Seeing a fresh bundle in the fridge is my sign that it's time for another steak. I know there are a million ways to use rosemary, but I'll have mine on a ribeye, please. 



Sage Tea

I'm typically a basic mint tea girlie, but I researched that sage makes an amazing tea with lots of benefits, and I was intrigued. I have to say that a few leaves steeped in hot water with a touch of honey has been such a treat to wind down with before bedtime. 

Sage has always been very "Thanksgiving coded" to me. I used to never think about it until the holidays, but growing in my garden forced me outside that limited thinking. And thank goodness. I love tea, but sometimes I get bored with my usual mint or lemon ginger. Sage has been a great switch up, and I feel extra satisfaction knowing it came straight from my garden. 



Lavender Around the Home

I've been obsessed with lavender for a few years now. I have almost a dozen plants in various areas of my yard. I love the way it looks, smells, and the practical applications for it. 

Of course I dry bundles and throw them in vases around my home, but an unexpected use has been in my chicken coop. Lavender helps repel pests and has benefits for my hens, so I mix it in with their bedding. I love that my coop smells like lavender for obvious reasons, but it feels good knowing it serves a greater purpose. 

The most recent way I have used lavender is in my refrigerator. Yes, I have been influenced by the organized refrigerator aesthetic! I don't regret it, either. Every time I open my fridge, it feels like peeking into a fancy market cooler. It's just a small way to make my life feel a bit romanticized and special. 



Herbal Inspiration

I am a new gardener and definitely don't have everything figured out, so if I can find ways to enjoy my little harvests, so can you! Leafy herbs like parsley and cilantro are great to add to salads for extra nutrition and lots of flavor. Herbal tea options are endless with both fresh and dried leaves. And lastly, herbs make beautiful plants to enjoy during the growing season. I can linger in my herb garden just appreciating the feathery dill, and textured mint. Not to mention the wonderful fragrance. 

What are you doing with herbs this season? I'd love to know! Leave a comment below and share your favorite herbal uses. 

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Talk to you next week,
Brooklyn