Harvesting the rosemary

It's been decided that the strip of garden along the back of the house is getting paved in. Not much grows there because it's in rain shadow and facing the hot north all day. The only plant that thrived there was the rosemary, but it has to go.

Before it's really 'gone', though, I have taken a whole lot of cuttings, neighbours have received bundles to use as they wish, and large amount was washed and frozen.

This afternoon I pottered around in the kitchen and tried a recipe for Rosemary Jelly as per my neighbour's recommendation.

It was very easy, and after an hour I've already got a few jars to use as gifts and for a lovely lamb roast.

I'd like to try a few more ideas. One book on my shelf that is full of lovely recipes and herbal craft is Jane Newdick's Book of Herbs. Besides another lovely recipe for herb jelly, Jane has ideas for a foot creme and hair rinse (recommended for brunettes).

Now I have dinner on, using a few saved fresh pieces of rosemary in a lamb casserole that's being slow cooked. Onions, garlic, celery, carrots, lamb chops, a tin of tomatoes, bay leaves and rosemary are already in the pot. Once finished, the meat will be pulled off the bones and I'll add in some black olives, then serve over pasta with some parmesan cheese.  Mmmmm ~ the kitchen is smelling so good!!!!