Fresh herbs and spices add so much flavor to recipes. Today I wanted to share some of my favorites!
One of my simple pleasures during the summer is going out on the deck and cutting some fresh herbs for our meals. For the last several years we have brought the herbs inside to keep adding that fresh flavor to our meals.
I use a great variety of spices and herbs in my cooking and baking, but, of course, some have emerged over the years as favorites.
My favorite Fresh Herbs
Basil
I love the flavor and aroma of fresh basil. It is perfect with pasta such as bolognese sauce and a finishing touch on pizza. Cheese, tomatoes, and fresh basil are perfect together.
Unfortunately, I have found fresh basil season tends to be fleeting. We haven’t had good luck bringing it inside during the winter. Although I do use dried basil during the winter, it is a shadow of its flavorful, aromatic summer self.
A recent new favorite is Thai basil. We bought some a few years ago, and I have been searching it out ever since. I love it with stir-fry recipes like cashew chicken.
Rosemary
Whether with poultry, veggies, or pasta, rosemary is so versatile. Rosemary is often paired with thyme, another favorite of mine, like in these wonderful skillet baby potatoes. Unlike basil, we have great luck bringing in both thyme and rosemary to use during the winter months. Dried rosemary and thyme are also good substitutes if fresh isn’t available.
Cilantro
Some people love cilantro and some people think it tastes like soap. Fortunately, I don’t have the cilantro-adverse gene because this herb adds great flavor to my Mexican and Tex-Mex meals.
I need to make this creamy cilantro lime chicken dinner again. Yum!
We buy cilantro year-round. It is very inexpensive and lasts pretty well in a herb saver in the refrigerator.
Spices
Chili Powder
Chili powder, along with cumin, is the essential spice for Mexican-inspired dishes. I tend to go a little heavier on the chili powder, but both add delicious flavor. We love it with everything from chili to this wonderful fish recipe.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is one of my all-time favorite flavors and scents. We use it every single day. I like a sprinkle in my coffee and Hubby adds it to his oatmeal. It’s great in pies, muffins, donuts, and even a cozy cocktail.
Fresh herbs and spices add so much to recipes. They really are a perfect finishing touch.