Did you plant fresh herbs in your garden this year? I did. I love using them when I cook. You can keep enjoying your herbs in the winter if you take the time to dry them and store them. Here's how to do it.
First of all, different herbs require different drying methods. This is due to the varying moisture levels in the leaves. Sage, thyme, savory, dill, bay leaves, oregano, rosemary, and marjoram require air-drying. Basil, tarragon, lemon balm, and mints require an oven or dehydrator. Chives work best frozen. Whatever you do, don't use a microwave. The results just aren't good.
To air dry, follow these steps:
1. Cut your herbs when they are dry. Shake to remove insects, and remove damaged leaves.
2. Rinse the herbs with cold water and dry with a paper towel (or regular towel).
3. Remove the lower leaves from the stems.
4. Tie 5 or 6 stems together in a small bunch.
5. Put branches upside down in a paper bag and gather the bag around the stems. Poke some holes in the bag for ventilation.
6. Write the name of the herb and the date you started drying on the bag.
7. In about 2 - 3 weeks, your herbs will be dry.
8. Separate the leaves from the stem and store them in a glass or plastic container (make sure you mark what it is on the container). Ziploc bags can also work for storage.
To oven dry:
1. Follow the first three steps from the air drying directions.
2. Turn your oven to "warm" (140-200 F) for 20 minutes.
3. Turn oven off and pop in the herbs.
4. Leave undisturbed overnight.
5. You may need to repeat the process one more time.
6. Follow step 8 from the air drying directions.
Enjoy!
And now an announcement:
Today is the big day! The release of my new book, Bubba and Squirt's Big Dig to China! It has taken ten long years to finally see it in print. To celebrate this momentous occasion, we're having a party. A Where in the World Blog Fest.
Participants will answer the following question: If you could go through the Earth and end up in another country, where would you go?
I would go to New Zealand. I've heard it's amazingly beautiful. Since I enjoy hiking and nature, I'm sure I would have a great time there. If I could, I'd get on a boat and take a little side trip to Australia. I would like to see a concert at the Sydney Opera House, dive the Great Barrier Reef, and hold a koala bear. All those things are on my bucket list. My plan is to visit both of those places for my fiftieth birthday. What about you? Where would you like to go?
Page Count: 93
Digital Price: 3.99
Print Price: 7.95
BUY LINKS:
BLURB: Squirt doesn’t believe Bubba can dig a hole to China. But when the hole swallows them, the kids find themselves in Xi’an, China, surrounded by Terracotta Warriors.
It gets worse when the ghost of the first emperor of China appears. He tells them they can’t go home until they find his missing pi. The kids don’t know where to begin until they meet a girl and her grandmother who promise to help find the pendant.
Soon they realize they are being followed. And they are no closer to finding the missing pi. Will Bubba and Squirt ever make it back home?
About the Author: Sherry Ellis is an award-winning author and professional musician who plays and teaches the violin, viola, and piano. When she is not writing or engaged in musical activities, she can be found doing household chores, hiking, or exploring the world. Ellis, her husband, and their two children live in Atlanta, Georgia.
Author Links:
I would like to take a moment to thank everyone for all of their support through the years. All of the wonderful comments, all the visits to other blogs where I've been a guest, and sharing news about my book releases on social media. You are all amazing! I feel so fortunate to be part of such a caring and supportive community!
