Best Time of Year

This is the best time of the year.  Fall is in the air, the garden is changing colors, and your kitchen is reaping the bounty of the harvest. Corn in the freezer, grated zucchini and huckleberries fill the empty crevices. The pantry is stocked with canned pears, jams, and pickles. Basil is dried on the stems and put into containers on the spice shelf. Mint is dried the same way and labeled on the jar for winter tea time or for zest in meat dishes.   

Basil:  Sweet warm flavor with an aromatic scent. Use whole or ground. Good with lamb, fish, roasts, stews, vegetables, dressings, and omelets.