Carlin Jena - Herbs for Flavor, Healing and Natural Beauty

2017 Jim Rude and Jena Carlin

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form whatsoever, whether by graphic, visual, electronic, film, microfilm, tape recording, or any other means, without prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief passages embodied in critical reviews and articles.

The opinions and views expressed herein belong solely to the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or views of Cedar Fort, Inc. Permission for the use of sources, graphics, and photos is also solely the responsibility of the authors.

ISBN 13: 978-1-4621-2744-3

Published by Hobble Creek Press, an imprint of Cedar Fort, Inc.

2373 W. 700 S., Springville, UT 84663

Distributed by Cedar Fort, Inc., www.cedarfort.com

Cover and page design by Priscilla Chaves

Cover design 2017 Cedar Fort, Inc.

Photography by Jena Carlin

Food Styling by Jim Rude

Edited by Jessica Romrell & Erica Myers

Dedicated to:

Our parents who raised and loved us, our friends and family who are always there for us, the many farmers in the world who provide for us, and our creator, who has made everything possible.

Contents

Acknowledgments

W riting about herbs was a natural choice for my first cookbook. I have very fond childhood memories of my parents growing all varieties of fresh herbs, flowers, fruits, and vegetables in our backyard garden. My mom would have me smell and taste the different herbs, patiently taking time to explain what they were. As I grew up, graduated from culinary school, and worked as a chef, those herbs became the foundation of my cooking style. Later, as my career evolved to food styling, I began growing my own herbs that ultimately would be used in photographs of food seen all over the world.

As it is almost a year to the day after my mom's passing, it is only fitting that I dedicate this book to her and our shared love for herbs. Herbs for Flavor, Health, and Natural Beauty is my loving gratitude to my mother, Phyllis, for instilling that passion in me. Id also like to thank my dad, Patrick, who showed me how to cook by taste and feel, rather than by simply following recipes.

Since food transcends from generation to generation, Id like to thank my wonderful children, Logan and Kennedy. Without you, my life would have no meaning. If I give you nothing else, I wish to hand down my love of food. It connects people like nothing else on this planet. Embrace it and always cook with love and live to cook.

Thank you to my dear Judi, whose encouraging words and support kept me going from start to finish. Id also like to thank my friends, family, and neighbors, especially my best friends Chris, Dana, and Doug and Co. for tasting and testing the many culinary concoctions Ive created and made them eat over the years.

Last, but not least, this book is not possible without my blogging partner and dear friend, Jena Carlin. Your energy, creativity, and talent amaze me every time I work with you. Working on our blog and on this book has re-energized my passion for food in ways I cant describe. Thank you.

JIM RUDE

Acknowledgments

G rowing up, I would spend hours with my mother creating all sorts of crafts: wreaths, stained glass, candle making, and scrapbooking, to name a few. I loved the smell of our sun porch where we worked. The scent of dried botanicals and hot glue filled the air. Photography was also a big hobby of ours. By the time I was fourteen, I knew I wanted to be a photographer. Spending time with my mother making anything and everything are my favorite memories with her.

That is why I would like to dedicate this book to my mother, Wanda Weiler, for spending time with me creating. I would also like to thank my father, Alan Weiler, for being an extraordinary example of work ethic, and for raising me on a farm where I grew to appreciate where my food comes from. Thank you to my husband, Brandon, and our ever-growing familywhich includes, but is not limited to, my son, Austin, and Baby Carlin #2for your support and enriching my life beyond words. Lastly, thank you to Jim Rude for saying yes to starting Little Rusted Ladle with me. I am blessed to be working with such a talented and seasoned food stylist. You make my job easier and I have enjoyed eating everything you made for this book.

JENA CARLIN

Introduction

L ess than a year ago, Jena and I were approached to write a cookbook. It would be our first one, so we werent quite sure which direction to take it. Since Little Rusted Ladle is about all things yummy, it could go just about anywherehealthy, natural, decadent, or perhaps themed by ingredients, holidays, or parties.

In the end, the option that made the most sense to us was probably the simplest: a book about herbs in all their glory. Not just about cooking with herbs, but creating with them, in and out of the kitchen. I think for both of us, herbs take us on a journey back to our childhood and the memories we shared with our moms who lovingly taught us so much about gardening, cooking, and creating beautiful things. Today, we enjoy making similar memories with our own children.

Jena and I strongly appreciate the beauty of nature. To us, the simplicity of herbs is natural perfection: The graceful elegance of a simple leaf. The way herbs appeal to every one of our senses. They are so important, though we rarely even think about them. Herbs give us nourishment, they appeal to us visually, they make us feel better, and they help us in ways we may never really understand.

Herbs also have the ability to do what other foods like fruits, vegetables, or grains lack. They keep growing, providing the same wonders over and over again. A single lemon, for example, takes months to grow, only to be picked once, its fruit enjoyed, then discarded. Lemon balm, however, grows bigger the more you harvest it, and every time you run your hands across its leaves, you are rewarded with the smell of fresh lemons.

Similarly, once you pick a green onion, its gone. You have to plant more, whereas chives keep growing even after harvesting, and they produce beautiful flowers that are edible as well. The same goes for so many other herbs. When was the last time you rubbed a piece of lettuce and it smelled like licorice, or munched on celery that actually tasted like a peppery radish? Herbs give and keep giving and encourage you to harvest them often so that they can grow in size. Its a perfect relationship. We harvest them, enjoying all they have to offer, which also encourages their growth.

The oils and healing properties of herbs are legendary. Many of the man-made pharmaceuticals, perfumes, and healthcare products we use every day wouldnt be possible without herbs. Can you turn a tomato into a wreath, a perfume, a soap, or lip balm while also enjoying its flavor in a recipe? You can with many herbs. This book is about the flavor, health, and natural beauty of herbs.