Extend the flavor of your fresh herbs by making herb oil, butters, syrups and more.
Flavored butters: Chop up herbs like ( chives, parsley, basil, and thyme.) Add salt and pepper into a stick of soften unsalted butter. Add which herb you like to the butter, Wrap the butter well in plastic and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Simple syrup: Bring 1 cup water, 1 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup packed herbs to a rolling boil in a small saucepan. Remove from the heat, let cool completely, strain, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Use syrup to flavor ice tea, sorbet, and cocktails. Mint is especially versatile, but rosemary and lavender can be more fun to play with.

Herb oil: In a blender, puree 3/4 cup tender herb leaves and stems with olive oil, 2 small cloves garlic, and 1 1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice. Brush on bruschetta, drizzle over grilled fish, or add to vinaigrette. The oil will keep, covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days. I really must say it taste good!

Herb stock: In a medium saucepan, sauté 1 chopped celery stalk, 1 chopped carrot, 1 chopped onion, and 2 cloves chopped garlic in about 2 tsp. olive oil until tender. Add 2 cups of herb stem and leaves and 1 quart water. Simmer for 15 minutes, then strain. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Use to make risotto, to cook grains for grain salads, or in your favorite vegetable soup.

Dry your Fresh Herbs: Wash herbs carefully with a fine sprayer of water and wipe to remove dirt. Pat dry with paper towel. Tie herbs into small bundles with kitchen string. I would say about 5 to 10 stems is a good anount. Hang bunches in a dry, dark and warm place with good ventilation. I used a paper bag, hang the string from holes I put in the bag inside and left it in the laundry room for 1 to 3 weeks. After that they became easily to crush and I place them in small herbs jars and label them. They will last up to 1 year in your pantry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can purchase this at Walmart. This will get you started when you are ready to dry your herbs. It has 4 jars with shaker caps and labels.