Window Sill Herb Garden
Part of the Guide to Edible Plants
by Daniel Brouse

Holiday Recipes and Preparing a Turkey

When it comes to Thanksgiving and Christmas, you can increase the health benefits of your food by adding herbs to just about everything you serve. Why not give the gift of knowledge and health?

Rosemary, thyme and sage make an excellent combination when preparing your turkey. Finely dice the herbs for inclusion in the stuffing mix. Then, create a rub by adding some minced garlic greens with the other herbs. Apply the rub prior to cooking by rubbing it under the skin and onto the meat. Throughout the cooking process, sprinkle herbs over the top and onto the skin. By adding rosemary and thyme periodically, a wider variety of health benefits will be released. (Methyl and other volatile elements change state due to temperature and moisture changes.)

You can also add fresh herbs to your other dishes. Add some parsley to mashed potatoes. Add some basil to your vegetable dishes. Add mint to ice cubes to be used in drinks. Keep some aloe on-hand in case of kitchen burns and as a hand sanitizer. (Moosh up some aloe with rosemary and thyme to create a hand sanitizion lotion and moisturizer.)

It is a good idea to practice experimenting with different types of recipes prior to the day of the feast. Length of cooking time, temperature and method (boiling, steaming, microwaving, baking, frying, grilling, etc.) all can drastically alter the texture, flavor and health benefits of herbs. Some herbs, like parsley tops, usually taste better when added near the end of cooking and on the plate as a garnish. However, parsley stems can be diced and used like celery anytime during the preparation. In general, you can't go wrong by adding herbs during each stage of the preparation. It is more a matter of taste.

VIDEO: Turkey Seasoning Healthy Herbs -- Rosemary, Thyme, Sage.mp4

Herbs for Turkey Seasoning -- Rosemary, Thyme, Sage
Herbs for Turkey Seasoning -- Rosemary, Thyme, Sage

Window Sill Herb Garden

Growing some herbs on a window sill is a good way to keep eating healthy all year round. Garlic greens, chives, basil, aloe, parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme all grow well near a window with southern exposure. All of these herbs have great health benefits, too. Placing them on a window sill over a kitchen sink has several advantages, including ease of watering and convenience of cooking. Touching the plants has antibacterial qualities and helps prevent the spread of germs. Touching and harvesting the plants also helps release the scent aiding in aromatherapy. Putting herbs on your bedroom's window sill will help purify and fortify the air, as well as, add humidity. (Keeping your mucous membranes moist is most important during the cold and flu season. Dusting the plants with your hands then misting the leaves with water help increase the health benefits.)

VIDEO: Window Sill Herb Gardening Video

Window Sill Herb Garden
Window Sill Herb Garden -- Parsley, Garlic, Thyme, Basil, Aloe, Rosemary

More on Foraging for Food in the Winter



How to Grow Healthy Food & Drink Good Water

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