Random Tip: Freshen the room with citrus

This is a nice way of freshening up the kitchen naturally with the sweet scents of fragrance and spice.

1. Fill a small pot 1/4 to 1/2 full with water. Set to simmer on low.

2. Take a medium to large orange (do not peel), and simply cut into several round slices.

3. Add the orange slices to the simmering water, add a couple of cinnamon sticks, and sprinkle in some cloves until you reach the desired level of fragrance. This will permeate the room as long as there is water simmering in the pan. Refresh with water as needed.

Add other ingredients if you wish, such as freshly sliced lemons, limes, or their juice, or add dried lavender or chamomile. Ground cinnamon could be used in place of sticks.

Random Tip: How to dry herbs quickly

No time to hang dry your herbs? You can dry your herbs in just a few hours in the oven.

 

1.      Pre-heat the oven to between 135 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure the herbs dry slowly and do not scorch.

2.      Lay the herbs flat on a piece of aluminum foil, cookie sheet, or casserole pan.

3.      Bake for 2-4 hours depending on the number of herbs being dried. While baking, leave the oven door slightly ajar in order for moisture to escape the oven. Some leafy herbs such as basil may take longer than others to dry. Keep a close eye on the herbs as they bake, and turn them as needed.

 

Note: Please be careful of children near the open oven.

 

That’s it! Your herbs are now ready to be ground for seasoning, roasted with meat to give added flavor, or bottled with olive oil—See our craft here!