Herb Butter

1 stick unsalted butter at
room temperature
1 Tablespoon flat leaf parsley
finely chopped
1 Tablespoon fresh dill or tarragon finely chopped

Mix herbs and butter until well blended. This may be done by hand or in a food processor. Cover and refrigerate until using.

Herb butter can be used on warm bread, fish, or vegetables.

Italian Herb Bread

Contributed by Pam Edwards

2 (.25 ounce) packages active
dry yeast
2 cups warm water
2 Tbsps. white sugar
1/4 cup olive oil
1 Tbsp. salt
1 Tbsp. dried basil
1 Tbsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 cup grated
Romano cheese
6 cups bread flour
Mix yeast, warm water, and white sugar together in a large bowl. Set aside for five minutes or until mixture becomes foamy.

Stir olive oil, salt, herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, cheese, and 3 cups flour into the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in the next three cups of flour. Dough will be stiff.

Knead dough for 5 to 10 minutes or until it is smooth and rubbery. Place in an oiled bowl and turn to cover the surface of the dough with oil. Cover with a damp linen dishtowel. Allow to rise for one hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.

Punch dough down to release all the air. Shape into two loaves. Place loaves on a greased cookie sheet or into two greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pans. Allow to rise until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Remove loaves from pan(s) and let cool on wire racks for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Roasted New Potatoes with Fresh Herbs

Contributed by Pam Clark

4 new potatoes per person,
cleaned, with the skin
intact, and cut in half
1 bunch fresh parsley or a
sprig of fresh rosemary
2 to 3 pats real butter or
3 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh ground sea salt and
fresh ground pepper to
taste

Put potatoes in oven safe dish, if using parsley, chop fine and stir into potatoes, Place pats of butter on top and sprinkle with sea salt and pepper. Cover and bake in microwave for about 10 minutes. Stir and bake for a few more minutes until potatoes are soft.

May bake in pre–heated conventional oven at 350° for thirty minutes covered. Take cover off, stir potatoes and put back in the oven until desired tenderness.

For potatoes with rosemary, take the sprig of rosemary and run it through your fingers until the little leaves fall off the woodsy stem. Stir the tiny leaves in with the olive oil and the fresh ground sea salt and pepper.

Experiment with other vegetables and your choice of herbs. Delicious, healthy, and easy side dish.

Curry Dip

1–16 oz. container sour
cream or plain yogurt
1 teaspoon curry powder
Dash of salt
Stir well and let sit a half hour in refrigerator to develop the flavors. Great with celery, pretzels, or chips.

According to recent health news, the turmeric in curry is being tested to help fight against Alzheimers.