Further updates on the horehound

So, I got to test it on myself, too, a little while ago. My daughter and co-worker both gave it positive reviews, and so do I. It definitely does help a bit. I wouldn't recommend it for something serious like bronchitis or pneumonia, but for the regular, run-of-the-mill cold with chest congestion... Yes. Horehound is effective.

NB: This is a very small trial of only three people. Don't get mad at me if you try it and it doesn't do all that you were expecting :) Everyone is different and has different immune systems.

Cauliflower with cheese and bacon

Cauliflower with Cheese with Bacon

• 1 fresh cauliflower
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch or tapioca starch
• 1.5 cups milk
• 1 onion or leek
• 2-4 oz of bacon (approx. 4-6 strips)
• 2 oz cheese (a good way to approximate is look at your index and middle fingers together- that's about the right size)
• salt and pepper
• horseradish or mustard
• blob of butter

Local food- What is it and why should we care?

What is local food? 
In very simple terms, it's food grown and produced (and processed) in an area near you. That can be defined narrowly, such as what is within your municipality, or more broadly, such as within a few hundred kilometers of your house.

What are some reasons for preferring local food?

• Depending on local food security laws can help avoid the incredible problems which have come out of places like China, for instance, or the more recent Listeriosis contaminated salads from the U.S.
• Keeping money in your local economy is good for everyone.
• Buying food from closer to home reduces your 'carbon footprint'. By burning less gas to get your food you put less CO2 into the atmosphere. Carbon footprint calculator

Cheese and potato dumplings

Cheese and Potato Dumplings

• 2 lbs of potatoes peeled (set aside the peel to bake in the oven for another delicious snack)
• 2 eggs
• 3 to 4 oz strong grated cheese
• salt and pepper
• dried herbs to taste 

Herbal cold and flu syrup

I'm a big fan of The Nerdy Farm Wife, and this recipe sounded like something good to pass along as everyone seems to be sick right now-

Ginger and lemon balm cold and flu syrup

I won't say 'enjoy', because if you're using it you're not feeling very well...

Use it in good health, perhaps?

Herbs for a kitchen garden (common and not)

Until I get my own 'forever garden' I'm not going to bother with too many perennials this year unless I get them dirt-cheap from somewhere) but it's nice to think about it and dream. Just for a reference, my area is a 5b on the plant hardiness zones map.
Ontario and Quebec plant hardiness zones


Perennials

Bay- this evergreen tree *may* survive outside under the right conditions, but it does quite well in a big pot which you can over-winter in a sunny, south-facing window or a nice, protected greenhouse or garage. Although, if we keep getting warm winters it shouldn't be a problem. Not that this is necessarily a good thing. It needs full sunshine and a good watering once it dries down. These leaves are the traditional garlands used to award the victors of athletic competitions in Greece.

Chives- this is probably the easiest plant to grow on the planet. The leaves and flowers are edible, and every once in a while it's a good idea to split it to give the roots room to grow. It will grow in part shade but prefers full sun, and they like dry feet so just throw a bit of water at them every once in a while.

Lavender- there are two varieties commonly grown in gardens, English and French. The English variety is smaller and has smaller flowers, but it's hardy to zone 5. Keep in a sheltered area with good sun for the best chance of it surviving the winter. It's not a typical 'culinary' herb, but it's lovely, smells great, and is easy to grow. So, why not?

Update on the horehound

So, I've had a chance to use human guinea pigs due to the tenacious cough that's going around this month. My daughter says that putting a sprig of horehound into her favourite herbal tea (with lots of honey to help with the 'funny' taste) did help her a bit with her cough. I have a couple co-workers who have had a cough for about a month now, so I'm giving them some snippings from my plant to try. I've asked them to give me feedback on whether they think it helped or not.

Since horehound has been recommended for the same thing for about 2,000 years now I suspected it was probably useful at least a little bit for coughs and chest congestion. My daughter says yes, and we'll have two other opinions soon. It's cheaper than cough drops to keep a pot of this plant on your windowsill...