I’ve planted some spring herbs in pots on our deck this week, and I’m already enjoying using them.  I planted spearmint and rosemary in their own pots since they spread and grow rapidly.    I planted a large pot with basil, tarragon, sage, and dill.  I’ve used the basil in the Basil Strawberry Iced Tea recipe from Martha Stewart that Kimberly gave me, and in spaghetti sauce.  I’m using the mint today in fruit salad and the rosemary in roasted potatoes.  I absolutely love having fresh herbs ready to add to any dish or meal.  Hello spring!

I haven’t planted any herbs yet this season, but I am looking forward to having fresh herbs right in my backyard again this year.  I have been making lots of fresh salsa, without the chile, so cilantro has been essential.  I am also using a lot of thyme in dishes, like with chicken, spinach, and potato hash, or in marinades for chicken or pork that have Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and garlic.  The other herb I am using more of right now is dill.  Someone served me a salad with dill in it, and it was a surprisingly good addition that I never thought to use.  So, in addition to serving dill with smoked salmon, I am now using it in salads.