Happy December! An exciting time of year, a time to curl up in front of a roaring fire with loved ones. A time when your garden goes to sleep. But this doesn’t mean your use of fresh herbs has to stop! There are lots of evergreen herbs that will thrive through the winter if protected from frost; Sage, Rosemary, Thyme and Lavender. Otherwise many will still flourish in a pot on a warm windowsill including oregano, chives, mint and parsley.
Try adding a sprig of rosemary to your winter mulled wine, with a stick of cinnamon in each glass too, this will add an aromatic taste of winter to the best of Christmas drinks.
Try this delicious recipe for a truly gourmet snack, great to pass round to your Christmas visitors with warm glasses of Mulled wine
Toasted Walnuts:
- 2 tbs Fresh Rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tbs Sage, finely chopped
- 1 tbs Extra Vigin Olive Oil
- 1 tbs Butter (we use goats butter to give an added nutty flavour)
- 1 tsp Chilli flakes
- 1 tsp paprika
- ¾ tsp Sea Salt
- Pepper
- 245g Walnut halves (could replace these with almonds if you prefer).
Preheat oven to 160 oC.(325 oF / gas mark 3).
Heat oil and butter in a pan. Stir in the herbs, spices and salt. Add the walnuts and toss until coated in the mixture.
Toast on a foil lined baking tray for 20-30 ins.
Leave to cool and serve or store in a sterilized air tight jar.
WINTER TIPS FOR USING ROSEMARY
Throw a few woodier sprigs of rosemary onto your log fire to bring a wonderful winter pine aroma to your room.
If you don’t have a garden and don’t fancy trying some indoor herb growing then pick up a fresh bunch of Rosemary at your local green grocers and preserve the small green springs in some water in icecube trays. Once they’re frozen, place the rosemary cubes in a plastic bag and remove them as needed. This is a great way to get fresh herbs into your sauces and stews throughout the winter.
Rosemary supposedly deters small pests like mice. Try tucking small sprigs of dried Rosemary into the backs of cabinets to ward off mice and rats during the winter.
The winter can unfortunately bring with it a big dose of colds or flu. Try adding some fresh Rosemary leaves to boiling water, leave to infuse for a few minutes then add to your bath water, as a great and soothing way to bring down a fever. Also great to promote healthy skin.
FAVOURITE ROSEMARY RECIPES
- Lamb Tagine with Figs and Rosemary
- Lemon and Rosemary Olive Oil Shortbread
- Cauilflower Cake with Rosemary
- Farinata with Rosemary and Olive Oil
- Classic Focaccia
- Rosemary and Roasted Garlic Bread
- Butterbean and Rosemary Soup
- Rosemary Gimlet Cocktail
- Rosemary and Citrus Turkey
- Rosemary and Chocolate Brownie
