I was flipping through this month's Real Simple mag and they had the cutest ideas for herbs. It just so happens I recently expanded my garden with my mother-in-law over the weekend, now complete with rosemary, sage, and basil.
The idea was to put herbs and oil in an ice cube tray
then freezing it for easy pods to throw into soups or tossing in a pan with some chicken or fish.
Brilliant!
Ever since we ordered that ice cube machine (which is all the rage when guests come over) our ice cube trays have been in the basement. I hung onto them in case I wanted to make some recipes that required cubes but as I went to get them, the basement door was covered in REALLY freaking creepy spiders, my nemesis. So I went with Plan B. Just know that ice cube trays work too.
I found this mini muffin silicone tray that was even better cause you can push them out easily. I already had some rosemary in a bunch in the window that my MIL snagged off a big rosemary bush while on one of our walks. Mine aren't mature enough to start plucking away from just yet and my neighbors' plant is practically spilling out into the sidewalks so we figured they wouldn't miss a sprig.
I started off taking the rosemary off the stem and really piled it into the cups. I wanted a very fragrant cube. I also tossed sage into a couple of them to mix it up. Then I poured some olive oil into it. This started to make the wheels turn in my head as I thought of other variations you can do with different oils.
For example:
Sesame oil and sesame seeds
Truffle oil mixed w/ a neutral oil and basil
Coconut oil and citrus zest
Veggie oil and bay leaves
Butter (melted) and sea salt flakes
The options really are endless! I really like that this also portions out the servings so I don't overdo it.
Put them in a freezer bag and they can last up to 6 months. It's great for herbs you want to preserve.
I can't wait to make some spaghetti or even a grilled cheese with this! The oil should be nicely infused with the flavor of the herb so I look forward to trying it out. They melt VERY quickly so I suggest getting them into a freezer bag as soon as possible. That way they don't lose their shape or stick together.
Hope you enjoy this fun and quick cooking tip and let me know what variations you come up with!
X's & O's
Seanna
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