Cooking with Fresh Herbs, Rosemary.
This is my second post is the series about cooking with fresh herbs. This week I’m featuring Rosemary.
I do a lot of my cooking with fresh herbs. I find that they impart a flavor that dried herbs just can’t give. I have rosemary growing all over my garden. Since Southern California is so similar to the Mediterranean, it grows so well in our warm, arid climate. It tolerates heat and virtually indestructible. I have two varieties growing in the yard, prostrate is low-growing, so it’s excellent for covering a large area that doesn’t need much water. The second is a taller variety that has long stems perfect for picking. You can read more about rosemary in this Sunset article. You’ll find rosemary it in many Mediterranean dishes, since that where it naturally grows. It really isn’t used in Asian or Indian cuisine.
So here’s my post on Cooking with Fresh Herbs featuring Rosemary. This post is literally “soup to nuts”!
For appetizers, start with these simple Marinated Mushrooms. While it might be easier to buy store-bought in bulk, I find that many have sugar. Why? It’s just not necessary. Bring all the ingredients to a boil and then pour into jars. They take about 15 minutes to make. If your family loves mushrooms, double the recipe, because they’ll be gone in a flash!
How to make a Bouquet Garni
Because rosemary is such a strong herb, a little goes a long way, like in this Herbed Goat Cheese Dip. Just a 1/2 teaspoon is all that’s needed for a nice flavor!
This creamy dip is the perfect accompaniment to veggies or crackers.
Savory Rosemary Cheddar Shortbread is a cross between a soft cracker and a biscuit. They are melt-in-your mouth delicious!
A cheesy, crumbly biscuit. These savory cheddar and rosemary shortbread make a nice addition to a cocktail party.
Serve them as part of an appetizer spread along with Rosemary Almonds.
Keep these easy Rosemary Almonds on hand for a quick addition to a tapas platter.
Follow up cocktails with Tuscan White Bean Soup with Fresh Rosemary.
Tuscan White Bean Soup with Rosemary and Bacon
Grilled Rosemary Shrimp is one of the easiest entrees ever. Lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and rosemary are whisked together for a quick marinade for shrimp or chicken.
Rosemary shrimp with rice pilaf.
French Roasted Chicken is my go-to dinner party recipe. This classic French recipe is rubbed with Herbes de Provence, of which, rosemary is a key-component.
Leftover chicken? Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad is a great sandwich filler or delicious on a bed of lettuce.
Chicken salad with cranberries, walnuts, tart apples and rosemary.
Christina says
I really need to use rosemary more! I usually only go out to pick a sprig when I make roast chicken and potatoes! This is a great post showing how many ways it can be used!
Agness of Run Agness Run says
I love using herbs when cooking. This is an appetizing lunch recipe!
zouhair fiorino najjar says
Hi..I highly impressed by your research about cooking with fresh herbs…i saved all your article about rosemary and posted it to all my social media accounts…we at home use rosemary almost daily especially in winter where we boil it with Green tea …In my Garden at home i have many Rosemary plants since 20 years..i will try to send you photos on your Facebook page..many thanks to you for this great scientific and elegant research ..Zouhair fiorino najjar
Cynthia says
Thank you Zouhair! yes, share some photos on my Facebook page!
Ree says
Hi!
I was browsing your blog today. I’m extremely interested in gardening, herbs and cooking, I am an independent distributor of Young Living Essential Oils as well, and I’d like to write something useful and helpful to your audience. What do you think?
If that’s cool with you, I can send you a couple of blog post ideas and you can choose which one you’d like to publish on your blog. Perhaps you would also be interested in being featured as a guest-blogger on my own blog?
You can have a look at my blog here: theoilyrose.com
Have a look and see if it’s something you would be interested in 🙂
Have a nice day!
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Ree Enlow
Cynthia says
Hi Renee, I have heard a lot of nice things about Young Living as I have a friend who is a distributor.
zouhair fiorino najjar says
Hi.. awesome recipe..very useful.. i posted it on my social media accounts namely : facebook..twitter..tumblr..yummly and google+..wish you very happy and sweet Sunday..will keep in touch on Facebook..Fiorino Zouhair
Cynthia says
Thank you zouhair I appreciate it!