Words + Images

Well, just the other day, Steve snatched a large white serving bowl from my hands.  As he clutched it tight, he said, “I best put this back on top of the cabinet else you’ll plant herbs in it.”  He’s probably right.  It’s just been one of those springs.  Indoor gardening has consumed me a bit.  During the long winter, I collected a lot of seeds.  And so now, in pots and cups and old vases, on two floors of the house I live in, are growing:  basil, dill, lemon thyme, marjoram, and two types of sage.

Later today, as a reward for completing a few writing projects, I’m hoping to run by the local flower shop for some mint plants.  Mint used to grow wildly across my yard growing up in Virginia.  My mom showed me how to make mint tea with it.  Fun, but not really a palette pleaser.  Then I learned that there are MANY varieties of mint.  Today I intend to pick up chocolate mint, orange mint and pineapple mint plants. The boon for me is twofold in planting all this greenery.  One, of course, they make great photographic subjects.  And, two, Steve loves to cook for family and friends.

Lemon thyme plus olive oil, two egg yolks, a hot pepper, and a little mustard were transformed into this delicious lemon thyme aioli.  Nasturtium blossoms and leaves are tossed on top of green salads.  Fresh basil is layered between mozzarella and fresh tomatoes and then drizzled with olive oil.  Toasted bread is rubbed with garlic before being piled high with chopped tomatoes, sage and marjoram.  And then … I think you get the idea! 😉

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