Herbs 'n Spices: Herb Recipes

Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face. ~Victor Hugo

Today I'm sharing herb recipes, starting with a question and answer from a reader. If you don't grow herbs, or it's winter for you too and you want a taste of fresh herbs, check your grocery store produce section. More stores our offering herbs year round now.

Do you have a recipe for a Creamy Oregano Dressing in your archives? ~Ginny

Creamy Oregano Dressing

Ingredients:
3/4 cup light or regular mayonnaise
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon granulated sugar or sweetener
1 clove garlic, minced

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar,lemon juice, oil, water, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, sugar and garlic. Chill before serving.

Creamy Oregano Dressing

Ingredients:
1/4 cup wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. fresh oregano or 1 tsp. dried oregano
1 clove garlic, minced
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
2 tsp. sugar or sweetener
1/2 cup olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Pour the vinegar into a microwave safe measuring cup and add the oregano and garlic. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, or until warm. Stir and allow to cool to room temperature. In a small bowl whisk together the mustard,sugar, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Add in the oregano, garlic, and vinegar combination, then whisk in the oil,whisking constantly. Add salt and pepper to taste.

I also wanted to share these herb recipes that are lower in fat today:

Lowfat Cheese Dip

ingredients:
1 cup lowfat cottage cheese, creamed
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons lowfat milk
2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
1/4 cup parsley, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 tsp. garlic granules or powder
1/8 tsp. pepper
Salt to taste

Mix ingredients in a blender, scraping sides as needed. Process until the dip is smooth and creamy. Makes 1 1/3 cups

Blue Cheese Spread

Ingredients:
8 ounces lowfat cream cheese, softened
2 ounces Bleu cheese, crumbled
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
salt to taste

Mix ingredients together and chill. Spread on bread sliced thin, or crackers.

On OFL we have recipes and tips for using herbs in soups:
http://www.oldfashionedliving.com/herbs8.html