Stop Wasting Herbs! These 10 Recipes Save the Day

person pulling a mint leaf off of asprig of mind with a pile of mild sprigs on a wooden cutting board

Are your kitchen herbs wilting away, unused, and forgotten? It's time to rescue those flavor-packed treasures and transform them into delicious eats! Check out these ten recipes to ensure your fresh herbs never go to waste again.

Don't let your herbs languish any longer - let's dive into these recipes and save the day with flavors that will leave you begging for seconds. From fragrant basil to aromatic rosemary, get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey as we guide you through these sensational dishes, each designed to showcase the full potential of your herb garden.

Chives

Chives are an onion-like herb that brings a mild and delightful flavor to your summer dishes. From the refreshing spring breeze to the vibrant colors of autumn, chives thrive throughout the seasons. Store chives wrapped in a damp paper towel in the fridge to keep them fresh.

One fantastic way to savor their essence is by creating a delectable Herb Butter with Chives. This butter, infused with the subtle onion flavor of chives, adds a delightful twist to various dishes. Elevate your culinary creations with the essence of chives this summer.

Basil

Basil is a sweet and aromatic herb that thrives during the summer season. To keep basil fresh, place it in a glass with water, cover it with a plastic bag, and refrigerate.

One delightful way to savor basil's essence is by making Pesto with Basil. This vibrant and flavorful sauce captures the fresh and aromatic notes of basil, making it the perfect companion for pasta dishes and spreads.

Thyme

Thyme is a sweet and herbaceous herb that can be enjoyed all year round. Infuse thyme into honey in a sealed jar at room temperature.

This Infused Honey with Thyme adds a delightful herbaceous flavor to teas, desserts, and glazes, enhancing their taste with sweetness.

Parsley

Parsley is a fresh herbaceous herb that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Dry parsley and other herbs, then store them in an airtight

container. Incorporate parsley into Italian Seasoning with Parsley, adding a fresh and herbaceous note to your culinary creations.

Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm has a citrusy and minty flavor, perfect for summer. Keep lemon balm fresh in a resealable bag with a damp paper towel in the fridge.

Enhance the refreshing taste of a Limoncello Spritz with Lemon Balm, allowing lemon balm's citrusy and minty flavors to complement the drink.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a savory and aromatic herb that can be enjoyed all year round. Mix dried rosemary with coarse salt and store it in a sealed container.

Try creating Herb Salt with Rosemary, infusing your dishes with a savory and aromatic element.

Mint

person holding a sprig of mind with a pile of mild sprigs on a wooden cutting board — image credit: stephanie gravalese // slow living kitchen

Mint offers a refreshing and minty flavor that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Dry mint leaves completely, then store them in airtight containers away from light and moisture.

Create a soothing Dried Mint Tea by steeping the leaves, relishing the refreshing and minty taste.

Lavender

Lavender has a floral and subtly sweet flavor, perfect for summer. Store lavender-infused simple syrup in a sealed jar in the fridge.

Add a floral to your cocktails and desserts with Simple Syrup with Lavender, allowing the delicate floral flavor of lavender to shine.

Oregano

Oregano has an earthy and robust taste that can be enjoyed all year round. Dry oregano leaves and store them in airtight containers away from light and moisture.

Add a flavorful twist to your tomato sauce with Sugo di Pomodoro with Oregano, as oregano's earthy and robust notes enhance its taste.

Cooking with Herbs is Easy!

glass jar with green pasta pesto sauce on a white marble background — image credit: Stephanie Gravalese | slow living kitchen

These garden herbs offer diverse flavors, elevating your culinary creations with unique profiles. Whether making pesto, infusing vinegar, or adding an aromatic touch to your dishes, cooking with herbs will surely enhance your summertime eats.

Unleash the Power of Herbs That Will Rock Your Summer

A closeup of a marjoram green plant — a closeup of a marjoram green plant

If you want to grow and use herbs from the store or your kitchen garden, prepare to embark on a journey of growing herbs for flavor, fragrances, and endless possibilities.

Jam vs. Jelly and Other Fruit Preserves

plate of sliced strawberries with smaller place of peaches and bowl of mulberries in background — image credit: stephanie gravalese // slow living kitchen

Fruit spreads are a great way to add flavor and texture to your favorite dishes. These preserves can be used in sweet and savory recipes, so don't consider them dessert toppings. Here we'll look at different types of fruit preserves, where they come from, and how they're made.

Learn More: Jelly vs. Jam and Other Types of Fruit Preserves