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Fresh from the Garden: Herbal Holiday Delights from Cole Gardens

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As the holiday season twinkles in, it’s the perfect time to blend the lush flavors of your garden or indoor kitchen garden with traditional holiday fare. At Cole Gardens, we’re passionate about the transformative power of home-grown herbs in elevating classic holiday recipes into something truly special. Here are four delightful recipes featuring garden-fresh herbs:

1. Rosemary and Thyme Roasted Turkey

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole turkey
  • Fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven.
  2. Generously rub the turkey with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Place rosemary and thyme sprigs inside the turkey.
  4. Roast as per turkey size, basting occasionally for juicy, herb-infused flavor.

2. Lavender and Lemon Balm Tea

Ingredients:

  • Fresh lavender buds
  • Lemon balm leaves
  • Honey or sugar (optional)
  • Boiling water

Instructions:

  1. Combine lavender and lemon balm in a teapot.
  2. Pour over boiling water.
  3. Steep for 5 minutes.
  4. Strain and optionally sweeten with honey or sugar.

3. Sage and Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

  • Potatoes
  • Fresh sage leaves
  • Garlic cloves
  • Butter and cream

Instructions:

  1. Cook potatoes until tender.
  2. Mash with minced garlic, butter, cream, and finely chopped sage.
  3. Season to your liking.

4. Basil and Berry Christmas Trifle

Ingredients:

  • Sponge cake or ladyfingers
  • Mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries)
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Whipped cream
  • Custard

Instructions:

  1. Begin with a layer of sponge cake or ladyfingers in a trifle dish.
  2. Add a layer of berries and finely chopped basil.
  3. Follow with whipped cream and custard.
  4. Repeat layers, finishing with a basil garnish.

5. Minty Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

  • Milk
  • Cocoa powder
  • Sugar
  • Fresh mint leaves

Instructions:

  1. Heat milk in a saucepan.
  2. Stir in cocoa powder and sugar.
  3. Add mint leaves and simmer briefly.
  4. Strain and serve hot.

These recipes from Cole Gardens bring the essence of your garden to your holiday celebrations. Savor the freshness and joy of cooking with garden-inspired ingredients! 🌿🎄