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April Gardening Tips
The temperatures are rising, the birds are singing and the sun is shining- Spring is here! The weather, rather than the calendar, dictate when to start working in your garden.
April 1, 2024
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St. Patrick’s Day Herb Dishes
Why are so many leprechauns gardeners?
Because they have green thumbs!
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with dishes that incorporate fresh herbs from your windowsill garden. We’ve curated a few of our favorite dishes to try:
Corned Beef and Cabbage
Courtesy of The Food Network.
Ingredients for the Brine:
- 1 Cup Salt
- 1 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1 ½ Tablespoons Whole Coriander
- 1 ½ Tablespoons Whole Mustard Seeds
- 1 ½ Tablespoons Whole Black Peppercorns
- 1 ½ Tablespoons Whole Allspice
- 4 Sprigs Fresh Marjoram
- 4 Sprigs Fresh Thyme
- 2 Bay Leaves
Remaining Ingredients:
- 1- 2 ½ to 3 Pound Brisket
- 3 Tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Onion, Halved
- 6 Carrots, Chopped
- 1 Head Celery, Chopped
- 1 Head Garlic, Halved
- 3 Sprigs Fresh Marjoram
- 1 Small Cabbage, Cut Into 6 to 8 Wedges
- Herbed Root Vegetables and Herb Butter, Recipe Found Below
Combine all of the brine ingredients, except the brisket, in a large bowl. Add the brisket and rub the spice mix over the meat. Pour cold water over the meat until it is covered. Weigh the brisket down with a small plate so it is completely submerged. Cover and refrigerate. Brine overnight.
Heat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat a large pot on the stovetop to medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, marjoram and bay leaves. Cook until soft, about 10 minutes. Remove the meat from the brine and rinse well. Set the meat on top of the vegetables and add water to just cover the meat. Bring to a boil and skim any foam that surfaces. Reduce the heat to a simmer, place the lid on the pot and cook for 15 minutes. Add the cabbage pieces, cover and put in the oven. Cook for 3 hours.
Remove the meat, cover with foil and let rest for 20 minutes. Cut the fat off the corned beef, slice against the grain and serve with the cabbage wedges and Herbed Root Vegetables, found below.
Herbed Root Vegetables and Herb Butter
Ingredients for Herbed Root Vegetables:
- 2 Tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1 Pound Potatoes, Scrubbed
- 1 Pound Baby Carrots, Trimmed
- 1 Pound Baby Turnips, Trimmed
- 1 Pound Baby Parsnips
- Salt and Pepper
Ingredients for Herb Butter:
- ½ Pound Unsalted Butter, Softened
- ½ Cup Mixed Fresh Herbs (Thyme, Mint, Chives, Parsley)
- Salt and Pepper
Place olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the vegetables and toss. Season with salt and pepper. Add one cup water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot and cook for 20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
Make the herb butter by combining the butter and herbs together. Season with salt and pepper.
To serve, spread herb butter along the bottom of a serving dish. Add the hot vegetables and dot with more herb butter.
Irish Potato Cakes
Courtesy of The Food Network.
Ingredients:
- 2 Cups Mashed Potatoes
- 1/3 Cup Flour
- 2 Tablespoons Milk
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Mixed Herbs, Chopped (Thyme, Chives, Parsley)
- Salt and Pepper
- 1 ½ Tablespoons Butter
Combine the mashed potatoes, four, milk and mixed herbs in a bowl. Knead until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Dived into four balls on a floured surface and flatten into a patty. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for four minutes, or until golden brown. Season with salt.
Mint Shamrock Shake
Courtesy of An Edible Mosaic.
Ingredients:
- ¼ Cup Plain, Unsweetened Almond Milk
- ¼ Cup Canned Light Coconut Milk
- ¼ Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/8 Teaspoon Mint Extract
- 1 Packet Stevia
- 1 Cup Baby Spinach
- ¼ Cup Fresh Mint Leaves
- 1 Large Ripe Banana, Cut Into 6 Pieces and Frozen
Add all ingredients to a blender in the order listed and process until smooth. Serve immediately with a mint garnish.
English Gardens Herb Selection
“Most of our herb plants during the winter are purchased for windowsill gardens,” says Meg Gallagher, English Gardens Herb Buyer. “We strive to provide a selection of organic options to offer our customers the healthiest herbs for cooking and eating. Plus, we carry a variety of pottery, containers and soil that are perfect for creating an indoor garden.”
Our selection of organic herbs includes:
- Basil
- Chives
- Dill
- Oregano
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Parsley
- Sage
Product selection may vary by store.
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