Olive Oil Herb Blends for Bread

Listen! the wind is rising,and the air is wild with leaves. We have had our summer evenings, now for October eves!"- Humbert Wolfe





Today I have another reader's question:


I have been looking for recipes for spice blends to use with olive oil. What I would like to do for gifts this year for Christmas is to paint bottles for olive oil and then include some spice blends for dipping. ~Helen


I found two blends you could use. The only thing I thought of is they would probably be better if the person you gave it to used fresh garlic instead of the powder or granules-- you could give them instructions to use 1 tsp. of fresh, minced garlic along with the oil and the blend if you wish.

Bread Dipping Herb Blend

1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. garlic powder or granules
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

To prepare- mix With:
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
1/8 teaspoon lemon juice

Combine all ingredients, except oil and lemon juice, in a small food processor or grinder. Process and store in a covered container. To serve, combine 1 1/2 tsp. blend to 3 Tbsp. olive oil in a small dish or plate. Dip crusty bread in the oil mixture.

Another bread dipping blend:
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon garlic powder or granules
6 Tablespoons grated Parmesan or Romano Cheese

This is one serving. Mix the ingredients with a small amount of olive oil and a tiny bit of Balsamic vinegar for dipping.

Another idea for homemade herb gifts are herb jellies. We have a how-to article on OFL here: http://oldfashionedliving.com/teajelly.html