Adding Fresh Herbs to Ice Cream is a Savory, Healthy Flavoring

The weather is heating up here in Portland. We've had a few days of cooler weather and rain, but we're expected to reach 85 degrees for the next few days! That means, cool and refreshing treats are in order. We happily came across the article "Fresh herbs make sweet and sophisticated ice cream" in the Oregonian a few days ago, which includes some great recipes from the garden. Fresh mint ice cream anyone?

Here are some herbal pairings suggested in the article that sound especially refreshing:

• Chocolate and thyme
• Rhubarb and rose geranium
• Honey and lavender
• Orange and rosemary
• Rhubarb and mint
• Pear or apple with rosemary
• Blueberry, strawberry or peach with basil
• Cinnamon and basil
• Fig and rosemary
• Cherries and sage
• Stone fruit (peaches, nectarines, plums) and anise hyssop

ACHS Facebook fans have also posted their pairing suggestions to our page. Check them out here and post your own suggestions: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Portland-OR/American-College-of-Healthcare-Sciences/99091122240

To read the full-length Oregonian article, and to download herbal ice cream recipes, go to: http://www.oregonlive.com/foodday/index.ssf/2010/08/leafy_and_luscious.html

Herbal Memorial Gardens Are A Great Way To Honor Memorial Day

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is observed the last Monday of May and serves as a day of remembrance for loved ones. There are many stories about the origins of the day, though it is commonly agreed that General John Logan officially proclaimed Memorial Day on May 5, 1868 and the first observance was May 30; flowers were placed on the graves of fallen soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

Today, people still visit the resting places of loved ones in honor of their service. Whether you choose to observe quietly, start your summer travels, or enjoy an outdoor gathering, Memorial Day provides is an opportunity to spend time with friends and family.

Perhaps you can recruit some volunteers to help you plant an herbal memorial garden? Memorial gardens (or memory gardens) can help you feel closer to loved ones, are a fun group activity, and also can provide fresh, nutritious herbs for use in everyday meals. We recommend planting organic! Rosemary, for example, has traditionally been used as a symbol for remembrance. Additional herbs you may consider planting for beauty, fragrance, culinary uses, and health properties include: calendula, lemon balm, mint, and sage.