Tag Archives: Rosemary

Amazing Rosemary

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Sometimes people call me Rosemary even though that’s not my name. They call me Roxanne too, and that’s not my name, either. I guess I’m not very memorable because I’m so often referred to incorrectly and it’s actually annoying, even more because my real name is almost always misspelled.

But this is not about ME, it’s about the herb, rosemary. There’s a lot of rosemary growing in the gardens of Casa de Enchanted Seashells. It’s easy to propagate and seems to endure, if not thrive, during our many months of drought.

Here’s a couple ideas to to create a happy home with rosemary…

Rosemary flowers can be eaten, used in tea, or as a garnish. I’ve never consumed any rosemary flowers but I think they’d perk up a salad.

Rosemary Aromatherapy Recipe

  • Fill medium sized pot with fresh water.
  • Add 10-15 freshly picked rosemary sprigs.
  • Bring it to a boil for a few minutes.
  • Allow it to simmer for about ten minutes.
  • Turn off the heat and let it steep as long as you like.
    As the rosemary releases its essential oils, your home will be filled with an uplifting fragrance. Option to add add lemon slices or cinnamon sticks.

Rosemary Infused Bath
This could not be any easier. Simply pick a few sprigs of rosemary and toss into the bath as you fill the tub. Try it and enjoy! (Just make sure your rosemary is bee-free!)

All photo credit to Enchanted Seashells

How To Make Infused Vodkas

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Perfect for the Fourth of July…or any day of the week.

infusedvodka1

Our neighbors are hosting a party for the 4th (is it next week already?) and requested my famous array of infused vodkas.

The last time I made them, we all stayed up ’til way past midnight playing ping pong and darts in our garage and running back and forth between our two houses like we were back in college.

It was awesome fun!

It’s so friggin’ easy, but you need to start NOW, because the ingredients need a chance to infuse and marry and develop flavor in the vodka.

Plus, it’s impossible to NOT indulge in a little tasting every so often LOL.

Here’s all you need to be successful:

A HUGE bottle of good vodka. I got Stoli ‘cos it was on sale.
Jalapeños
Garlic
Black peppercorns
Lavender (from our garden)
Basil (bought it, our garden’s a bit late this year)
Ginger
Rosemary (from garden)
I think any herbs would be great to experiment with. All you need is more vodka!
Clean glass jars.

infused vodkaI pour a decent amount of vodka into the jars, and start adding things. My friends love Jalapeño Garlic Pepper Infused Vodka  while I LOVE spicy hot jalapeños…my Jalapeno Infused Vodka. 

On their own, the Jalapeno/Jalapeno Garlic infusions are delicious for sipping; however the addition of low-sodium tomato juice makes a PHENOMENAL Bloody Mary. Just add celery.

Our next favorite is Ginger-Basil Infusion. Mouth waveringly delish.

Lavender Infused Vodka is flowery and herby at the same time, and AMAZING with dessert.

I’ve never tried Rosemary Infused Vodka, but it can’t be bad, ya know?

Now YOU try it!

Be creative — try lemon balm or lemongrass with basil or other herbs. I’ve used fruit too; apples and peaches and cherries are awesome.

If you’re anywhere near Casa de Enchanted Seashells on the 4th, stop by for a tasting!