​Sassafras variifolium
Sassafras

Gender: Masculine
Element: Fire
Planet: Jupiter

Taraxacum officiale

Gender:  Masculine
Planet:  Jupiter
Element:  Air
​

At one time, basil represented hate, but later it was thought to represent love. 
During the Victorian era, it represented good wishes. 

Ocimum basilicum

Gender:  Masculine
Planet:  Mars
Element:  Fire
​

Basil is one of my most cherished herbs, and every year, it is prominent in my garden. But this year, since I was in the middle of moving out of state, I didn’t have a garden. Both of my daughters knew I’d miss my favorite plants, so they both started growing basil, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, flowers and herbs for a cabin garden. Today was the first day I had enough basil to harvest and make pesto!

Pesto, from the Italian word pester, means to crush or pound. You could use a mortar and pestle, but a food processor will make your job much easier!

Prepare your favorite pasta - angel hair, linguini, etc. - and have it ready so you can put the sauce on top and eat it immediately!

Pesto will turn a dark green when exposed to the air, so if you have extra, top it with a spoonful of olive oil spread over the top and cover with plastic wrap, pressing down to keep any air from reaching the pesto.

Pesto 

4 - 5 peeled garlic cloves
1/4 cup pine nuts
2 cups fresh, tender basil leaves
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
I/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
salt
​

Drop the garlic cloves and pine nuts into a food processor and process until finely chopped.
Add the fresh basil and cheese and continue to blend until pulverized. 
Scrape down the sides to be certain everything is blended. 
In a steady stream, slowly pour the olive oil into the food processor tube. 
Add salt to taste - you won’t need much because of the parmesan cheese. 

Pour on prepared pasta and serve immediately. 

The Calendula symbolizes joy and protection. Wishing you both! 

Calendula officinalis

Gender: Masculine
Element: Fire
Planet: ​Sun

In January, my intention was to post an herbal collage every week, but my life changed dramatically and “life got in  the  way”, as the  saying goes. 
Zippy, my  precious 17 year old puggle, passed over the rainbow bridge in mid April. Loving  and  supporting  him through  the transition was difficult. His no  longer being by my side was  even more difficult. Many of you sent me warm condolences and they were greatly appreciated.
Preparing to sell the house in Maryland, a greatly  needed escape with a dear friend to Cape Cod, and finding, purchasing and setting up  a home, limited my time in the garden, art room and on line. 
Several things played  into my deciding to sell my house and move back  to central  PA - most of all my two lovely daughters and my  new son (in-law)! Moving closer to them has brought me  great joy.!  
Since the calendula represents joy, it seems a perfect segue back to my  illustrations, collages, gardening  and herbal experience and research!  It also symbolizes protection. I wish each  of you good health and a feeling of safety and calm in these challenging times!

Calendula blossoms gathered and prepared to dry. 

Red and Golden Beets and Mangos in  Honey, sprinkled with Calendula
​

2 medium red beets, peeled and diced
2 medium golden beets, peeled and diced
Cover beets with water, bring to a boil, and simmer until tender. Drain. 
​
Add
2 Tablespoons honey
​1 mango, peeled and diced
Heat until all  ingredients are warm.
Sprinkle with calendula and serve. 
​

My new cabinet from Carlisle Antique Mall has added much needed storage and counter space to the kitchen  in my new home. This morning  I made a peach pie for our family brunch.  Over the past few  months, cooking has literally  been put on the back  burner, with my attention focused on staging and selling my home in Baltimore, finding and buying my home  in central PA, and moving and settlements. Antiquing with family to find the perfect pieces for the log cabin has been  delightful! The antique stores near by are over flowing with reasonably  priced treasures! 
Over the last two weeks I’ve finished unpacking, found  the perfect furniture to fine tune  and arrange  each room, scheduled professionals for upkeep, and I’m ready to get  back to creative projects, including cooking, sewing, art work, and entertaining!