5 Ways To Use Fresh Herbs To Improve Your Cooking
By: Amy Jeanroy
Published: June 30, 2011

Do you grow herbs and then never seem to use them for anything? I was the same way for years. I would hear of a great recipe that used fresh herbs and never make the connection from my herb garden to my dinner. 
Finally, I started growing herbs on the countertop, within reach of the actual stove. Finally - no excuse. Now, it is second nature to trim my indoor herb garden, use what I need and dry the rest for winter. Herbs have completely taken over my cooking, and I often plan a meal around the excess basil I have growing. It is a good problem to have, actually. 
Here are 5 ways to use fresh herbs in the kitchen: 
Fresh herb marinades
	Using marinades has become second nature for many cook. It is the perfect answer to tough cuts of meat, and infuses interesting flavors into sweet and savory foods. 
Make skewers
	Strip rosemary and thyme leaves from their woody stems. Use the stems as skewers for fruits and vegetable kebobs. 
Throw them in the coals
	Probably one of the most satisfying ways to use herbs, is by throwing them onto the coals in your grill. I have also had good luck simply placing them on the opposite side as the food and letting them smolder. The scented smoke adds a nice facet to the final flavor. 
Make a rub
	Use you dried herbs to make a simple rub for foods. Create your own signature blend, or use one of our recipes.
Finishing Touch
	Never underestimate the addition of fresh herbs to bring your recipe to new heights. If using fresh herbs, add at the last 15 minutes of cooking time to keep the fresh flavor intact. Keep a sprig aside to garnish your dish as well. Perfect.