Good Herb(s)

The Topic: Tasting tasty tastiness with VN Managing Editor Elizabeth Castoria

The Dish: So you know how you can pretty much eat miso every night for dinner without fail because it's there and it's cheap, and it makes you feel good? I'm not here to criticize miso, or any other less-than-exhilarating diet mainstay, because they are staples for a darn fine reason. But I tell you what: even the brokest-as-a-joke-est among us craves the thrill of flavor. Sometimes, a simple soup, even one as tried-and-true as miso just isn't going to cut it. That, friends, is where things get herby.


Herbs are basically little flavor packets just waiting to get tossed into your boring dinner. And then guess what? Your dinner is no longer boring! It's definitely magic. Herbs will run you about $5 for a huge bunch at the farmers' market, and they make just about everything you can imagine taste terrific. Abby's Biscuits are stellar on their own, but with a little boost from fresh herbs, they're even better. So simple, and yet so freaking delicious. Tossing together a quick, weeknight salad? Great idea! Chiffonade some basil and you've turned your salad into something a gourmet would serve. (Not only for the basil, of course, you get extra points for "chiffonade.") 

Want to shop closer to home? Skip the farmers' market and head straight for Trader Joe's, which sells a potted herb garden that can last you through many weeks of mighty fine meals. Or, try out a gardening class at your local Armstrong Garden Center. Not only are the classes free, but you're usually invited to take home the herb of your choice after learning how to not kill your plants immediately.


If, for some unfathomable reason, you aren't able to use all the herbs from your bounty, you should ask yourself two questions:

1. Really? Because once you get a taste of easy, dreamy Tempeh Sandwiches with fresh thyme, Foccacia Pizza with any herb that tickles your fancy, or even just a quick bruschetta of tomatoes, fresh basil, chopped garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper, it seems likely that your stash will quickly disappear.
2. If, somehow, you've eaten every delicious thing under the sun and still find yourself rolling in rosemary, take heart. Abby's mom just so happens to have a perfectly wonderful Lavender-Rosemary Scrub waiting to make good use of your leftover herbs—especially if they happen to be rosemary and lavender.

The Final Word: Get ye some herbs. They're abundant this time of year, and there's just no good reason to suffer through a beige, bland dinner. Perk up your most hardscrabble meal with a fresh pop of herbs, and never resign yourself to tired standbys again. Tastiness achieved.

Lavender-Rosemary Scrub

The Topic: DIY Body Scrub-a-dub-dub

The Dish: Um, how is it June already? Seriously. While I don't have the answer to how almost half the year is gone, I do know one thing: My skin is not exactly ready to make its summertime debut. Back home, I'd always know that warm weather had arrived when Mom would show up with a freshly made jar of fragrant body scrub, complete with homegrown herbs and this look on her face that said, "Honey, it's cute that you think you're ready to wear shorts but you need this."

Now that she's a few thousand miles away, it's time to do the grown-up thing and make my own. Guess what? You can too! It's easy, cheaper than buying those insane $45 magical scrubs, and, of course, totally customizable. (While this recipe calls for a nice rosemary-lavender-lemon combo, follow your nose with any herbs and essential oils you prefer.)

This basic body scrub will do wonders for dry, dull, depressed skin. If you're already on the bandwagon of growing your own herbs at home (or on a fire escape—check out our upcoming anniversary issue for more details, hint hint), then it'll save you even more money. If not, don't fret: This recipe yields about 3 cups of scrub, and it lasts—a little goes a long way. In fact, you could probably share some of your bounty and earn points with friends and family, too.

Mom's Ultimate Lavender-Rosemary Scrub

Makes 3 cups

What You Need:

1 cup sea salt

1 cup raw sugar

1/3 cup fresh lavender, washed and destemmed

1/3 cup fresh rosemary, washed and destemmed

20 drops lavender essential oil

10 drops rosemary essential oil

5 drops lemon essential oil

Grapeseed oil (see instructions)

4 airtight glass jars

What You Do:

1. In a food processor, place salt and sugar, and process until well-blended, about 15 seconds. Add lavender and rosemary and process again until well-blended. Add lavender, rosemary, and lemon essential oils and process.
2. In an airtight jar, place mixture and allow to set in a dark place for 2 to 3 days to allow the herbs and essential oils to integrate with the scrub.
3. In a separate airtight jar, place 1 cup of mixture and slowly pour in grapeseed oil until just covered. Stir thoroughly, adding more oil if necessary to reach a thick, pourable consistency, with no oil sitting on top. Repeat with 2 remaining jars.

The Final Word: For best results, use on dry (or slightly damp, if you have very sensitive skin) skin before showering, rinse with warm water, and pat dry. Summertime skin success!