Vanilla Sugar & Extract
Both can be used to enhance the flavor of baked goods, beverages, ice cream, and more. A bottle of vanilla extract or a jar of vanilla sugar would make a lovely gift, as well.
Recipes
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Elderberry Barbecue Sauce
This herbal barbecue sauce is tangy and not overly sweet. It adds great flavor to a variety of dishes, including chicken, pork or beef ribs, meatballs, pizza, salad dressings, and more
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Lemon Balm Jello
This herbal jello makes a great treat for kids. Because it is protein rich and naturally calming it can be a great bedtime snack to promote relaxation and satiate growing little ones, helping them sleep more soundly.
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Roasted Roots: An Herbal Coffee Tradition
Herbal coffee is a tradition that can be found, with a little digging, in many family histories. It was once common practice to replace or mix ground coffee with the roasted roots of plants like dandelion, chicory, and burdock. Not only did these easily-foraged plants make coffee go further, but they also cut some of the bitterness in the flavor. These roots also provided a nutritious and grounding alternative ingredient…
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Beef Liver Paté
Our whole family enjoys this beef liver paté served with homemade crackers. I recommend my Lavender & Peppercorn or Turmeric Sourdough crackers. Even my 4 year old, who has recently decided there’s a huge number of foods she no longer eats, likes it!
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Nettle Gomasio
Gomasio is a Japanese condiment traditionally made with unhulled sesame seeds (goma) and salt (shio). My rendition of this tasty topping includes nettle and hemp seeds too. Sprinkling a bit of this gomasio over a snack or meal adds flavor and makes it even more nourishing (assuming you’re eating whole foods). Sesame seeds are packed with antioxidants and nutrients, including vitamin B1, B3, B6 & E, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc,…
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Spicy Dandelion Root & Reishi Hot Cocoa
Spicy Dandelion Root & Reishi Hot Cocoa is my favorite spin on a classic cold-weather beverage. While this recipe is definitely more involved than stirring a packet of Swiss Miss into hot water, it only takes about 10 minutes to whip up and is well worth the extra bit of effort. Unlike pre-packaged hot chocolate mixes, this healing beverage is made with herbs & whole food ingredients. Which means that…
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Strawberry Lavender Julep
This pretty cocktail was inspired by beautiful Michigan strawberries and some gorgeous lavender that is currently blooming in my mom’s garden and is a tasty twist on the popular mint julep. The fruity, floral flavor makes it the perfect drink for enjoying with friends on a summer evening. It is also a lovely way to preserve fresh strawberries while they are in season. If you like, you can make a…