5 Ways To Use Fresh Herbs

I love and enjoy the process of planting from seed to full grown flower or harvest. Bringing my presence into this process is beautiful because it connects me to the natural world in such a special way. Reaping the benefits of what we plant is like an added gift. Life and gardening is quite similar. We plant seeds. Water & nurture. Love & give patience. Let go. And then, suddenly, we get to harvest the fruits of our labor of love. But, we need to give our attention and presence to each step along the way. And accept and love it just as it is. The fruits are equal to short moments of pleasure, that eventually will be gone (eaten) Then, the cycle starts over again.

Fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, sage, oregano and thyme have been abundant lately and I am integrating them into different recipes. We have planted our herbs in alignment with permaculture principles in zone 1 so they are easy to access. I love to snip off the herbs straight from the raised garden bed and mix and match into my meals. Below are some ideas for ways I like to integrate the herbs. I am not a vegan. Nor am I a carnivore. I actually work to not label myself as anything that my ego easily can take and turn into separation from others. I like to eat plant based and avocado is often present in my choice of plant fat. Coconut tortillas (found these on amazon) are so yummy and I use these to substitute for bread. When my body is asking for more carbs, I source for sourdough bread (the real kind http://www.pragerbrothers.com

Brussel Sprouts and farm potatoes with fresh rosemary & cold pressed extra virgin olive oil

Okra Bowl with sauerkraut, avocado, sweet potato and farmers market lettuce topped with garden herbs

Farm Egg and avocado sourdough toast with garden herbs

Heirloom tomato and avocado sourdough toast with garden basil, thyme and oregano, garden chili, roasted garlic and drizzled with olive oil

Farm Egg on coconut tortilla, radish and fresh oregano and thyme (my friend has chickens and quail and these are amazing. So different than the store)

BREAKFAST BOWL WITH POACHED EGG

As I work out 6 times a week it is important to fuel up with good, nutrient dense food. Since I eat mostly a plant based diet and do not eat many grains (I have almost cut out all bread of my diet, but I eat real sourdough when available) I challenge myself to be creative with my meals. My favorite healthy, yummy breakfast bowl (that actually fills me up after a big run) is a yummy, healthy breakfast bowl, filled to the brim with good quality ingredients. You can add anything to this really, but check out the list below for what I love to add into my bowl. I eat eggs (happy chicken) so that adds a lot of value for me to this bowl, but if you are fully vegan, jackfruit,  is a great addition.

INGREDIENTS

(Organic, well sourced and local when possible)

Fermented Sauer Kraut, Red and Yellow Cherry Tomatoes, Mixed Greens, Cucumber, Lemon, Chick Pees, Spicy Avocado Salsa, Carrots, Macadamia Nuts & Blueberries

Drizzle over cold pressed olive oil, chia seeds and add the poached egg

I also like to add avocado and coconut yogurt, especially if I dont have the egg :)