I have a dilemma; only a few friends are interested in taking some fresh herbs when they come by for a visit. One said, “I would be glad to take some, but I don’t know how to cook with them! Could you put some easy guidelines and recipes on your blog about cooking with fresh herbs?”
Therefore, today, I will start with Home-made Ranch Dressing, because I was craving a chef salad with Ranch and needed to make some! I walked out my back door to my “kitchen herb garden” and picked dill, oregano, chives, basil, and parsley. How much you ask? A handful of each works well for one batch of dressing. I know, I know…I’m not much for measuring!
In a food processor or blender, put washed leaves of fresh herbs, garlic, salt, pepper, buttermilk, and mayonnaise. Include the smaller stems of the dill and parsley because they are tender and pack a powerful flavor punch! If you do not have buttermilk on hand, make your own! Let sit one teaspoon of any vinegar or lemon juice in one cup of regular milk and voila! You just made your own buttermilk!
Pulse ingredients till very finely chopped. Store in a jar with a secure lid for later shaking. You will never go back to store-bought Ranch Dressing after you make your own!
What’s stopping you from making your own Ranch Dressing?
About 1/4 cup each of fresh basil, chives, dill, oregano, and parsley
2 cloves garlic or two teaspoons jarred granulated garlic
1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, fresh ground if possible
1 cup real mayonnaise, not low fat
1 cup buttermilk
Growing and cooking with herbs is my happy place. Herbs make mundane dishes taste divine. I like to also infuse them in water to drink during the day and have been experimenting with different combinations – such as tarragon and thyme and orange slices. Delish and refreshing. Thank you for herb recipe postings – they will always be welcomed and used.
Thanks for the great ideas! I’ve always used mint and lemon water, but I’ll have to try thyme and orange. I cut my parsley back today since it had gone to flower and already dropped its seeds.I did the same with my dill because it was taller than me and falling over!Time for warm weather herbs to continue doing their thing!