Herbs
enhance the foods we eat, capturing the lure of uplifting fragrances
and the hint of romance. They give us an appreciation of subtle foliage,
flowers, and flavors. Although the vitamins and minerals herbs provide
may be minute in quantity, it is the taste, mood-enhancement and health
benefits they give foods that make them so valuable.
Basil Cheese Snax
Basil leaves were once given as a token of love. Thomas Tusser, 1573, promoted this practice, claiming tat basil "... receives fresh life from being touched by a fair lady." Italian girls wore basil in their hair to signal when they were ready to be kissed.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 pound sharp cheddar cheese, grated
2 sprigs of fresh basil
2-1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 cups toasted pecans, finely chopped
Preheat oven to 375 F. Lightly grease a baking sheet. In a large bowl, cream softened butter and grated cheese together until smooth. In a mini-food processor, mince basil with 1/2 cup flour. Blend basil-flour and remaining flour, salt, and pepper with cheese mixture. Add pecans and incorporate thoroughly. Dig in with hands to make a smooth ball. Divide dough into 12 to 24 pieces, depending on size of Snax desired. Roll each piece into a ball. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet and flatten. Bake until Snax are puffy and slightly firm. 15 to 11 minutes.
Basil Blush Sweet Fruit Vinaigrette
1/3 cup Basil blush Herb Vinegar
3/4 cup sugar
1-1/2 tablespoons Fleurs de Provence Seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried mustard
1 green onion
1 cup canola oil
Combine vinegar, sugar, seasoning, salt mustard, and green onion in food processor or blender container. Process until well mixed. Add oil gradually, mixing well. Bottle and store in refrigerator.
Our
concern for health is inseparable from our pursuit of beauty.
What is it that makes us want to squeeze or slather or pat
on our outsides the things that cause us to feel good on our
insides? This impulse isn't all that illogical. The oldest
cosmetic formulas offer advice on the virtues of fruits, vegetables
and herbs in enhancing and preserving our appearance.
"You
may consider yourself happy whsen that which is your food
is also your medicine," wrote Thoreau.
Along
the Garden Path
He
was far from being the first to claim health from the
garden. For thousands of years, physicians of the body
and spirit--today's doctors and priests--were gardeners
and botanists first, healers of aches and pains second.
