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May 03.2026
2 Minutes Read

Discover the Power of Fresh Herbs: Your Ultimate Guide

Assorted seed packets for fresh herbs guide on a white surface.

Unlock the World of Fresh Herbs: A Flavorful Adventure

Herbs have an incredible ability to transform simple dishes into culinary masterpieces, bringing brightness and depth to your meals. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a curious home cook, understanding how to buy, store, grow, and use fresh herbs can elevate your cooking and enhance everyday flavors.

Types of Herbs: Know Your Greens

Fresh herbs can primarily be divided into two categories: tender and woody. Tender herbs like basil, cilantro, and parsley have delicate leaves and are perfect for adding freshness to your dishes. On the other hand, woody herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage have sturdier stems and can withstand longer cooking times. Familiarizing yourself with the characteristics of these herbs can help you make smarter choices in the kitchen.

Growing Herbs: A Green Thumb Isn’t Required!

Ever thought about growing your own herbs? It’s easier than you might think! Start by selecting a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Many herbs, such as basil and oregano, are resilient and thrive even in small garden beds or pots. Not only does growing your own herbs provide a fresh supply, but it also adds beauty to your space and a sense of satisfaction.

Essential Tools for Herb Enthusiasts

Having the right tools is crucial to nurturing your herbs effectively. Here are some must-haves for your gardening toolkit:

  • Pruning Snips: Ideal for snipping herbs with precision without causing damage.

  • Hand Pruner: Useful for cutting back woody stems, ensuring longevity of your plants.

  • Garden Knife: Perfect for digging up and dividing herbs when it’s time to propagate.

  • Herb Drying Rack: A great investment for preserving excess harvests for off-season flavor.

Tips for Shopping and Storing Herbs

When shopping for fresh herbs, opt for vibrant, crisp greens that have a fragrant aroma. Avoid wilted or dried-out bunches as they won't provide the flavor you want. To maximize freshness at home, store herbs appropriately: delicate herbs can be kept in a glass of water, covered loosely with a plastic bag, while woody varieties fare well wrapped in a slightly damp towel.

Cooking with Herbs: Enhance Every Dish

Knowing how to use herbs can transform everyday dishes into something special. Try experimenting with different flavor pairings. For example, basil pairs beautifully with tomatoes, while rosemary complements roasted meats wonderfully. By understanding these relationships, you can unlock new tastes and improve your culinary creations.

Fresh herbs can inspire creativity in your cooking. Whether you’re mixing them into salads, sauces, or main dishes, their versatility allows for endless possibilities. Not only do they enhance flavors, but they also add nutritional benefits to meals!

End Your Cooking Journey with Fresh Flavor

Mastering the fundamentals of fresh herbs can profoundly enhance your cooking experiences. So, why not give it a try? Discover the joy of snipping fresh basil from your window-sill garden or tasting rosemary in your roasted veggies. A world of flavor awaits, and your culinary canvas is ready for color.

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06.17.2026

The Truth about BBQ Sauce

Barbecue sauces have a uniquely Southern and Western U.S. history.  Most experts agree that the practice of adding sauce and spices to meat and fish began early in our history, with Native Americans teaching the art to early European settlers.  The natives probably developed the process as part of an attempt to keep meats and fish from spoiling quickly.  Salt played a major role in those early barbecue sauces, and salt is a well-known preservative in the meat curing process.Because the nation's first European arrivals lived on the East Coast of America, that part of the country is credited with spawning the original barbecue sauce styles.  First and foremost, there are the various Carolina barbecue sauces.  The most widely known are East Carolina, Piedmont, and South Carolina varieties.  East Carolina barbecue sauce consists of vinegar, salt, black pepper, and crushed or ground cayenne peppers.  It's a very simple sauce that penetrates the meat nicely for a deep flavor.  Piedmont barbecue sauce only varies from East Carolina in that it often includes molasses or Worcestershire sauce both of which cling to the meat more.  South Carolina sauce is entirely different, using a mustard base instead, producing a much tangier and sharper flavor.Then there is Memphis or Southern style barbecue sauce.  This popular variety is typically more complicated (flavor-wise) and is built around mustard, tomato, and vinegar.  Fans often point to the boldness of these flavor combinations as the hallmark of Memphis barbecue sauce.  A saying often heard among hungry connoisseurs is no two bites alike.Continuing our trek westward, we come to the acknowledged center of the barbecue universe: Kansas City!  Kansas City barbecue sauce is distinguished by its noticeably thicker consistency and emphasis on sweetness.  That's because this style of sauce is built upon thick tomato sauce, chunks of vegetables, and lots of sugar.  Many popular commercial brands are based on this Kansas City recipe.  It's most popular among amateur backyard grillers because of the availability in grocery stores (Kraft, Heinz, K.C.'s Masterpiece, etc.).  And also because the thick sauce can be applied only once, and enough will remain in place to please the happy recipients of the grilled meat.Finally, there are the Texas barbecue sauce styles.  Now, Texas is one big state, and there are several regional varieties within it.  The most common include thick and spicy sauces that are essentially spicier variations on the Kansas City sauces.  These are found mostly in the north and east sections of the state (Dallas).  In western Texas, thinner sauces that feature hot peppers can be found.  These sauces are often added only at the very end of the barbecuing or grilling process.  And then, in southern Texas, the barbecue sauce of choice features an emphasis on Mexican spices and, of course, jalapeno peppers!  Make sure to have a cold beverage handy to put out the fire!For a large selection of barbecue sauces, I find Harmons has a huge selection (see the photo below. There are more on the shelves above and below). They even have two Utah BBQ sauces. Enjoy your barbecue! Next come spices!

06.05.2026

Taking Dinner Outdoors? Americans Get Their Grills On - Our first recipe

While nearly everyone in America grills, not everyone is comfortable barbecuing more than the basics. Here's an approach to grilling you can "steak" your reputation on: Neighborhood grocery stores can help make the outdoor cooking experience easier by providing everything a griller needs under one roof. The Great Grilling program at Safeway features recipes, tools and high-quality ingredients for families that want to create delicious meals on the grill, and their Rancher's Reserve beef is guaranteed tender. The recipes were developed in the test kitchens of Sunset magazine to make it easier for shoppers to grill up a meal on the spur of the moment. Whether using a charcoal or gas grill, having the right accessories on hand makes for easy and safe grilling-and even easier cleanup. A wide spatula, extra-long tongs, a long-handled brush and a spray bottle with water are the foundation for a great griller's tool kit. Direct-heat grilling is best for thin cuts of meat that cook quickly. It gets them nicely browned on the outside in the short time they take to get done in the middle. Here's a surefire recipe using direct-heat grilling: Flank Steak with Green Olive-Jalape o Tapenade A Mediterranean-inspired tapenade is a flavorful addition to this tender flank steak. Prep time: About 20 minutes Grill time: 13 to 17 minutes, plus 5 minutes to rest off the grill Makes: 4 servings 1 jar (4.5 oz.) Safeway Select Stuffed Jalape o Olives, drained 2 garlic cloves, peeled 1 cup coarsely chopped Italian parsley 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel 1/4 cup Safeway Select Verdi Olive Oil 1 Rancher's Reserve Flank Steak (about 11/2 lb.) Prepare barbecue grill and preheat for direct-heat cooking. For charcoal grill, before you put the grill over the hot coals, brush it with a medium coat of oil; for gas grill, when hot, brush grill with a medium coat of oil.Rinse olives and drain well. Combine olives, garlic, parsley, rosemary, lemon peel and oil in a food processor and pulse until mixture forms a fine paste. Set aside 1/2 cup of the tapenade mixture for seasoning meat; reserve remainder for serving or another use.Rinse flank steak and pat dry. With the tip of a sharp knife, make shallow diagonal cuts about 1 inch apart over one side of steak, then make cuts perpendicular to the first to create a diamond pattern. Repeat on other side of steak.Spread 1/2 cup of the olive mixture on both sides of steak to coat evenly.Lay steak on oiled grill over a solid bed of hot coals or high heat on a gas grill. Keep charcoal grill uncovered; close lid on gas grill. Cook steak until browned on the bottom (lift edge with tongs to check), 8 to 10 minutes. With tongs or a wide spatula, turn steak and continue to cook until done as desired, about 2 minutes longer for rare (red in center; cut to test) or 4 minutes longer for medium-rare (pink in center).Transfer steak to a clean platter or rimmed carving board and let rest about 5 minutes, then cut in thin, slanting slices across the grain to serve. Offer remaining tapenade to add to the meat to taste. Beverage suggestions: A spicy, plummy zinfandel; a hoppy, English-style pale ale; or peppermint iced tea. Tools: Grater (for peel), strainer or colander, measuring cups and spoons, food processor, paper towels, sharp knife, spatula for spreading, heatproof brush for oiling grill, tongs or wide spatula, platter or rimmed carving board. Beverage suggestions: A spicy, plummy zinfandel; a hoppy, English-style pale ale; or peppermint iced tea. Tools: Grater (for peel), strainer or colander, measuring cups and spoons, food processor, paper towels, sharp knife, spatula for spreading, heatproof brush for oiling grill, tongs or wide spatula, platter or rimmed carving board. nearly eWhile nearly everyone in America grills, not everyone is comfortable barbecuing more than the basics. Here's an approach to grilling you can "steak" your reputation on: Neighborhood grocery stores can help make the outdoor cooking experience easier by providing everything a griller needs under one roof. The Great Grilling program at Safeway features recipes, tools and high-quality ingredients for families that want to create delicious meals on the grill, and their Rancher's Reserve beef is guaranteed tender. The recipes were developed in the test kitchens of Sunset magazine to make it easier for shoppers to grill up a meal on the spur of the moment. Whether using a charcoal or gas grill, having the right accessories on hand makes for easy and safe grilling-and even easier cleanup. A wide spatula, extra-long tongs, a long-handled brush and a spray bottle with water are the foundation for a great griller's tool kit. Direct-heat grilling is best for thin cuts of meat that cook quickly. It gets them nicely browned on the outside in the short time they take to get done in the middle. Here's a surefire recipe using direct-heat grilling: veryone in America grills, not everyone is comfortable barbecuing more than the basics. Here's an approach to grilling you can "steak" your reputation on: Neighborhood grocery stores can help make the outdoor cooking experience easier by providing everything a griller needs under one roof. The Great Grilling program at Safeway features recipes, tools and high-quality ingredients for families that want to create delicious meals on the grill, and their Rancher's Reserve beef is guaranteed tender. The recipes were developed in the test kitchens of Sunset magazine to make it easier for shoppers to grill up a meal on the spur of the moment. Whether using a charcoal or gas grill, having the right accessories on hand makes for easy and safe grilling-and even easier cleanup. A wide spatula, extra-long tongs, a long-handled brush and a spray bottle with water are the foundation for a great griller's tool kit. Direct-heat grilling is best for thin cuts of meat that cook quickly. It gets them nicely browned on the outside in the short time they take to get done in the middle. Here's a surefire recipe using direct-heat grilling:

06.02.2026

Grilling Hamburgers and Sittin' on an Old Ice Cream Freezer

Grilling hamburgers is one of my earliest backyard grilling memories. Our Family would get together, usually on the weekends, and have a hamburger and ice cream supper, as we say here in Utah. I can fondly remember sitting on top of the old ice cream freezer while my Dad and Grandpa took turns at spinning the old hand crank attached to the water-soaked wooden ice bucket. It was years before we got a motorized freezer, but you couldn’t sit on that.My dad was one of the first to buy a covered grill that used charcoal bricks. We cooked hamburgers and hot dogs most weekends on the patio. It was some delicious eating. The ice cream would be flavored most of the time with a can of crushed peaches or strawberries. Or, just maybe, someone would have given us some fresh ripe peaches to mash and toss into the vanilla ice cream mixture.Cooking out then was a real big treat for the entire family, always with a lot of laughter, running, and playing.Grilling the hamburgers soon became my responsibility, even though I was only about 14 years old at the time. Carefully building the charcoal fire in that old grill we had was a test of my better Boy Scout skills. Once the charcoal was covered in a fine white ash, the grilling could begin. It sometimes took hours because of the wind.The ice cream was being packed in more ice mixed with a generous amount of rock salt mixture to be allowed to season, while we all ate our terrific-tasting hamburgers always topped with lettuce, red ripe tomatoes, and onions. The catsup bottle would be passed around as everyone would take their turn, shaking or popping the bottom of the bottle to get the thick tomato sauce from the jar. Mustard was always there as well.I remember when Dad got the first gas grill. We were up and grilling in about 5 minutes.My grandpa sometimes would come make ribs, good tender slabs of ribs with the meat falling off the bone, slathered with a generous portion of smoky barbecue sauce. They are quite delicious, giving a nice smoky flavor to your food. And it was finger-lickin’ good!Today we use many things to garnish a hamburger - Guacamole is also a favorite topping with just about any grilled meat, especially beef, pork, or chicken. Creaming those fresh ripe avocados together with diced garden ripe tomatoes, and chopped green onions. Season your delicious concoction with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, toss in some cilantro, salt, and pepper, and call it a meal by itself.Thick juicy T-Bone steaks are a great treat as well as chicken fajitas. Fun to do because everyone gets to pile their own into a large flour tortilla made just to suit them.Yes grilling today is just as much fun today as it was when I was growing up. The old three legged grill has long since been tossed onto the trash heap. Replaced with a big cast iron wood smoker and grill, sure I have a handy gas grill for almost daily use but nothing is better than firing up the old trusty smoker.My great nieces and nephews are now the ones running and playing. They are always beaming with delight as the scoops of homemade fresh peach ice cream is served up with one of "Nana's" homemade cookies.Someday though I think I will pull out the old hand cranked ice cream freezer. After all, they are missing one of the best parts of the family cookout. Sitting on the old freezer, holding it down while their Dad, Uncle and Granddad take turns cranking the old beast.I wonder if they would sit still that long?

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