Herbs 101 part 2

Getting started is always the hardest part. Once you're into a project like growing herbs, I think it's rewarding and fulfilling - even if the only thing you do is look at and smell them.
Decide on where you want to plant your herbs. Go to a local nursery and look at what is available. Many times, good nurseries will only have plants that will actually grow in your climate. Imagine that. I know, weird.
Start with some basics like Oregano, Lavender, Chives, Parsley, Sage, Basil, Thyme, Mint, Garlic. Think about what you'll actually use in cooking. Don't do more than 2 annual and 4 perennial to start with. Once you've decided on what to plant, look at how tall it will be and organize your space accordingly. You'll want the taller plants at the back so they don't shade other smaller herbs.
One warning - beware of anything in the mint family (catnip included) - it will SPREAD and takeover. The easiest thing to do with these is to keep them in a pot - even if that pot sits in the middle of your herb garden outside (mine does). This will keep those roots from going crazy on you.
Okay - you've chosen your spot, your plants and your line-up. Now, you'll want to be sure the soil is ready for your seeds or plants. See the next section (part 3) for basic growing requirements.

Herb Websites I Like

Two great websites I've found on herbs are:
www.culinaryherbguide.com and www.ann-mccormick.com/
The first gives you great descriptions of herbs and basic info on how to use them. The second is the home page for a lady in Texas who loves herbs and calls herself "the Herb 'n Cowgirl" - quite clever, I think. She's got books out, does a monthly e-mail newsletter (to which I subscribe), and is quite active in radio spots and newspaper columns, etc. I love her personality and no-nonsense attitude. Enjoy checking these out!

Herbs 101 part 1

I've been asked to teach an herb class this weekend and so you have the benefit of getting all of the information right here too.
First of all, herbs fit right into the frugal friend category since adding herbs from your own garden is much more economical than going to the store and buying them. There are a handful of herbs that are used in many dishes we make.
Some of the herbs are annual (they last for the season and then don't come back) and others are perennial (keep coming back over and over). There are even a few that are biannual (last two years) - like parsley.
Even the annual herbs can be quite affordable, however. All you need to do is learn how to let the plant "go to seed" at the end of its life and then collect and preserve the seeds to be planted again in the spring.
The beauty of herbs is that you can have an herb garden practically anywhere that gets at least a little sun. if you don't have room in a garden, you can put them in pots and keep them on a balcony, porch, or inside.
Have I convinced you yet to get herbbie?

Taxes

Apparently there are new restrictions for those of us who itemize deductions. We can't file until after February 14th. See www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/taxes/2011-01-20-irs-tax-filing-delay_N.htm for more details. So much for rewarding those paying most of the government's bills. It'll be nice if they change that. I like the money back as soon as possible - January is always nice. I bet a lot of frugal people will be changing their with holdings this next year.

Back to Basics

I found a good overall article for those just looking into what to do. Many of us have our own preferences as to what we should be tightening and relaxing financially. We've read a lot and many people have come to ask what is most important. Besides the wise counsel I'm sure you'll give, consider having them look at this article. It's a good basic "I can start from here" description for those who want to tighten up financially. Go to www.beprepared.com/article.asp?ai=42&sid=LDSLA&bhcd2=1295559277
It is from Emergency Essentials, but you don't have to buy any products to enjoy their articles!

Great Hummus - Christmas Gift

Idea from a friend:

I thought I'd give a healthier option to neighbors and friends this Christmas for our "treat" AND use up some food storage too.
I made hummus from scratch - using a bunch of cans of garbanzo beans I had in my storage.
Recipe:
1 can (15-16 oz) garbanzo beans (rinsed drained)
2 T lemon juice
2 T tahini paste (or creamy peanut butter)
2 tsp olive oil (or veg. oil)
1 clove garlic
1/2 tsp salt
Mix all ingredients in a small food processor.

I put quart sized ziplocks full of red green tortilla chips with a small disposable tupperware container in red cellophane and it makes a really cute gift.

This is good hummus! - WM

Oats class

Check out Patty's Pantry for some good information on Oats. There's handouts and recipes too. See www.pattysfoodpantry.blogspot.com for the 9-11-10 comment.

One thing I do to help everyone enjoy oatmeal is to mix one packet of the processed, already flavored packets in with two servings of rolled oats. Cook on 5 power (50%) for 6 min in the microwave and you've got 3 servings. That way, it's tasty and good for you. I find the instant oatmeal more processed (like quick oatmeal) and prefer the whole grain texture of the rolled oats- better fiber and better for you.

Another way to enjoy your oatmeal more is to have a few mix-ins (either in a bunch of small ziplocks or tupperware for easy access). These may be brown sugar, cinnamon & sugar, coconut, chopped nuts, raisins, dried fruit, etc. Make a batch of oatmeal that is plain and have your family add what they want.