d'Litar Cafe

What is the difference between an herb and a spice?

Basil is actually part of the mint family with twelve varieties used in cooking. It works great in pesto, tomato sauces and soups. Sweet basil is the best known and has a distinct fragrance. It has a sweet and slight licorice taste which makes it great for pesto. I grow an abundant amount of this basil in the summer, along with the Genovese variety. It has a bigger, darker leave and a strong flavor without the licorice. Basil is the main ingredient in traditional pesto.
Marjoram is also in the mint family and is very similar to oregano. I often prefer my freshly grown marjoram to oregano because it is much more fragrant and sweeter. You can use it in any recipe that calls for oregano if you like. Very common herb for meats and sauces.

Mint - Everyone is familiar with mint in drinks and desserts, but did you know it can add a great flavor to pasta sauces as well as fish, lamb and soups? Experiment with the many varieties and try a mint pesto.
Oregano also known as wild marjoram, is used widely in Italian cooking. Oregano offers a complementary flavor to basil, and is widely used in tomato-based dishes, with meat or fish, and in salads. It also tastes wonderful with beans or eggplant, and in risotto.

Parsley - Flat-leaf Italian parsley is much more flavorful than the curly variety used for garnishes. Italian parsley is used in soup stock and with vegetable dishes. It can also be added to marinades for grilled meat or fish.

Rosemary resembles a little evergreen tree and is extremely fragrant. A little goes a long way as it can easily overpower your food. This herb makes a wonderful addition to roasted meats and vegetables, and is extremely tasty with roasted potatoes or added to focaccia.

Sage is another very fragrant herb that is delicious with meat dishes. Sage is the star herb in Italian Saltimbocca, and can also be added to salads and dressings. It makes a perfect addition to stuffing for poultry, pork, veal, and lamb.

Thyme is also a member of the mint family and has a pleasant mild flavor that goes well with just about everything. It is also very easy to grow and I enjoy my fresh thyme all summer long.