for the entire month of November!

We love this small family owned company from Oregon - they grow many of the herbs they use right on their own organic farm, and craft all their lotions and creams in small batches for maximum freshness and efficacy.  Thanks Wild Carrot!   

Arts Alive!, Saturday November 5th
          

Join us from 6 to 9 tonight for our November Arts Alive Party!  We're hosting the renowned local art team of Bob & Donna Sellers, with live music from the incredibly talented Belles of the Levee, playing soulful Depression-era jazz and blues.  We'll be serving spiced mulled wine, herbal tea, organic apples, triple ginger thin cookies, and a cream cheese schmear made with our delicious organic Berebere spice blend .

Have a Happy Day of Giving Thanks!

Thanksgiving Trivia:  After the first Thanksgiving in 1621, the observance was sporadic and almost forgotten until the early 1800's. It was usually celebrated in late September or October. In 1941, Congress made it a national holiday and set the date as the fourth Thursday in November.

 

Today's the day when the country comes together to celebrate the Shop Small movement and support small local businesses, like us!  To express our gratitude for your support on  Small Business Saturday,

save 20% on any item of your choice in the shop!

 

 

 

Infused Culinary Salts, Vinegars, Oils & Honey

Easy to make, these culinary combinations are wonderful to keep on hand for flavorful dressings, marinades, rubs, beverages, vinaigrettes, sauces, and anything else you're inspired to create.  You can make a lovely gift basket, and include some of your favorite recipes that incorporate your delicious homemade culinary delights.

Almost any aromatic or flavorful organic herb can be used when making infusions. Popular choices are:

Allspice, Anise, Basil, Caraway seeds, Cardamom, Cayenne, Celery seeds, Chili Peppers, Chives, Chive blossoms, Cilantro, Cinnamon, Cloves, Coriander, Cumin, Dill, Fennel seeds, Garlic, Ginger root, Lavender flowers, Lemon Balm, Lemon peel , Lemon Verbena, Marjoram, Mustard seeds, Nasturtiums, Onion, Orange peel, Oregano, Parsley, Peppercorns, Peppermint, Rose petals, Rosemary, Summer or Winter Savory, Tarragon, or Thyme

Infused Salt

Herbal infused salts are a fun way to turn ordinary ingredients into something special! This versatile ingredient is delicious in soups, sauces, stews, roasted vegetables or meats, and as a finishing touch to any dish.  Sprinkle savory Rosemary salt over homemade bread, Thyme salt on a bowl of steaming homemade stew, Sage infused salt on roasted root vegetables, or enjoy a margarita dressed up with a Chili Pepper salt rim. Yum!

Use 1 part herb or spice to 4 parts salt. Crush the herbs in a mortar and pestle or whirl in a food processor or coffee grinder. Mix the herbs with salt. When using hard herbs and spices like Cinnamon sticks, Cardamom pods, or Star Anise, simply place into salt and allow to infuse for 2-4 weeks, then remove the herbs and spices. The salt will be infused with the delectable flavor and aroma of the herb. Package in pretty, airtight glass bottles, jars, or tins. Add labels and a bit of decorative ribbon or twine if desired. For a creative presentation, you can layer each herb separately into the jar, with instructions to mix the herbs together before using. To easily transform these into a memorable gift package, create a set of flavored salts and include recipe ideas, or pair the salts with jars of whole pink, green, white, smoked, or rainbow peppercorns.

When vinegar is infused with herbs, it adds a special twist to salad dressings, marinades, dipping sauces, vinaigrettes, and any other recipe utilizing vinegar.

Wash fresh herbs and pat dry (omit this step if using dried herbs). Place the herbs or spices into a sterilized glass container and fill with vinegar of your choice.  3 TBSP dried herbs/spices or 3-4 sprigs of fresh herbs per pint of vinegar is usually a good amount.  However, this depends upon the strength of the herb, spice, and vinegar used, so experiment with more or less.  Cover the container tightly with a non-corrodible, nonmetallic lid, and place in a dark, cool place to steep (we add a layer of wax paper on top of our mason jars before screwing down the lid to keep the metal separated from the vinegar).  After the first 3-4 days of infusing check the jar to see if you need to top it off with more vinegar. Allow the vinegar to infuse for 2-4 weeks, or until the desired flavor has developed.  Once finished, strain the herbs out, and pour the infused vinegar into sterilized bottles or jars.  Fresh sprigs of herbs, dried herbs, whole chili peppers, peppercorns, and berries can be added before sealing to make the bottle more attractive and to further enhance the flavor.  Label with the ingredients and date, and you're finished!  It's best to keep vinegars stored in a cool, dark place and use within 4-6 months or keep the vinegar refrigerated to retain the flavors longer.  If you notice mold, cloudiness, signs of fermentation, or anything else that looks unusual, discard immediately.

Follow the above instructions for making infused vinegar. Pick a decorative bottle and add a crafty gift tag with ingredients and

ideas for use.  

 

• 1 quart apple cider vinegar
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 head of garlic, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup grated fresh horseradish
• 2 tablespoons powdered turmeric
• cayenne powder
• 1 cup unprocessed honey (more or less to taste)

Infused Herbal Culinary Oils

Herbal infused oils are so versatile!  They are perfect for stir-fries, sautés, pasta dishes, salad dressings, marinades, roasted vegetables, dipping, and so much more.

Start by sanitizing a glass bottle or jar and allow to air-dry completely. Just one drop of water can cause your oil to go rancid quickly. Fill sterilized bottles ¼ of the way with dried organic herbs or spices and then top with oil.  Allow the oil to infuse for 2-4 weeks, or until the desired flavor has developed.  Dried herbs and spices can be added before sealing to make the bottle more attractive and to further enhance the flavor.  Label with the ingredients and date. Store infused oils in the refrigerator once ready and be sure to use within 1-3 months.

Long Life Culinary Oil  (from Kami McBride)

This blend is full of antioxidants and is delicious! This culinary oil adds a note of full-bodied flavor when drizzled on steamed veggies, stir-fries, fish, poultry etc.

Put the above spice blend into a pint mason jar, then cover with the olive oil to fill the jar.  Seal it with a lid and keep in a cool dark place to infuse for 2-4 weeks.  Since the spices are dry you can either leave them in the oil or if you prefer you can strain them off, then rebottle with a crafty gift tag and label.

This medicinal oil is simple to prepare and has so many uses. The gentle, soothing, and healing oil is perfect for cradle cap, diaper rash, chapped or chafed skin, bruises, and sore or inflamed muscles. The oil can be used alone, or incorporated into salves, massage oils, lip balms, ointments, creams, and lotions.

1. Place Calendula flowers in a clean, dry glass jar. Pour olive oil into the jar, making sure to cover the flowers by at least 1" of oil so they will have space to expand. Stir well and cap the jar tightly.

2. Place the jar in a warm, sunny windowsill and shake once or more per day.

3. After 4-6 weeks, strain the herbs out using cheesecloth. Pour the infused oil into glass bottles and store in a cool dark place.

 

Calendula Salve

A soothing and healing salve. Rub into sore or inflamed muscles, apply to minor cuts, scrapes, insect bites, rashes, diaper rashes, stretch marks, chapped lips, chafed skin, bruises, and other skin irritations.

Coarsely chop the beeswax. Melt beeswax and Calendula oil over a double boiler.  Once melted, remove from burner and stir in the Lavender essential oil. Pour into tins or glass jars. Allow to cool thoroughly before using or placing caps on the jars.

Calendula & Shea Butter Lip Balm

This nourishing lip balm is made from healing ingredients which soothe dry and chapped lips.

Coarsely chop the beeswax. Place beeswax, butter, and oil in a small pot or glass Pyrex measuring cup and gently heat in the top of a double boiler until the beeswax and butters have melted. Once melted, remove from the stovetop and stir in the essential oil and Vitamin E Oil. Immediately pour the mixture into lip balm tubes or small containers. This recipe will make approximately 1.5 oz of lip balm, enough to fill 10 lip balm tubes, 6 of your 1/4 oz plastic jars, or 3 1/2 oz tins or plastic jars.

Ruby Red Oil

Want a ruby red tinted lip balm?  Use Alkanet root for its beautiful, naturally red color it will lend to your lip balm creations! The rose doesn't lend a color but its smells lovely and is great for nourishing and toning the skin.

Put the alkanet root in a glass jar and cover with almond oil, seal with a lid, label and date.  Let it infuse for 2-3 weeks, strain the oil through cheesecloth and rebottle.

*Recipe makes approximately 25 small lip balm tubes (.15 oz size) or 15 x ¼ ounce containers

• 4 ounces vodka
• 2 bay leaves*, lightly crushed
• 2 tablespoons Jamaican rum
• 1 cinnamon stick, whole
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice, whole
• zest from 1 orange
• 10 drops clove bud essential oil
• 50 drops bay laurel essential oil

• 6 parts lemon balm
• 4 parts chamomile
• 4 parts roses
• 3 parts calendula
• 1 part lemon peel
• 1 part rosemary
• 1 part sage
• apple cider or white wine vinegar to cover
• Rose hydrosol
• Lavender hydrosol

The Forests Whisper Potpourri

Put the dried lavender flowers and cedar leaf tips, and rosemary in a large bowl and set aside. In a mortar and pestle, or electric grinder, gently grind the spices and orange peel just enough to break them up a little bit to release their scent, then add that to the bowl of herbs.  Next, add the essential oil, drop by drop, stirring the mixture as you do so.  Scoop the potpourri into a paper bag, turn over the top of the bag, and leave in a cool dark place to cure for about 4 weeks.  You can also store the potpourri mix in a large glass jar with a tight fitting lid to cure. 

Gift this in a tiny glass jar or tin container with lid--add a crafty gift tag and its ready to go!

Put flowers, rosebuds, and herbs in a bowl, then add the orris root powder in and mix everything together very well.  Next add the essential oils to it, drop by drop, stirring the mixture as you do so.  Scoop the blend into paper bags and fold over the tops of the bag.  Leave the bags in a cool, dark place for at least 4 weeks to cure.  You can also store the potpourri mix in a large glass jar with tight fitting lid to cure.

Orange Spice Cologne

A warming, spicy, and exotic blend that will lift spirits, invigorate senses, alleviate stress, mental fatigue, and tension. Keep a small bottle in your purse or backpack to refresh the scent and its properties throughout the day.

Crush spices in a mortar and pestle. Combine with Vanilla Bean pieces, Orange peel zest, and vodka in a glass mason jar. Cap tightly and shake once or more per day. After 2-6 weeks, strain the spices and pour the infused liquid into a glass bottle with a mister top. Simply add more spices if you desire a stronger cologne.

Floral Spice Perfume (adapted from Mindy Green)

Put the essential oils in a one ounce boston round amber glass bottle, then add the vodka to fill the bottle, seal with lid, label and date.  

Shake the blend well and store in a cool dark place for 3 weeks to cure. Shake again before you rebottle the blend into tiny perfume vials or a decorative bottle with atomizer.

Spiced Fir After Shave

Supplies Needed:

Mason jar

Natural unbleached parchment paper

Measuring cups/spoons

Cheese cloth, muslin cloth/bag or a stainless steel fine mesh strainer

Large measuring glass or mason jar for straining

Small funnel for pouring into bottles

Cobalt or amber glass bottles with caps (1, 2 or 4 ounce)

Labels

Raffia or ribbon to decorate (optional)

 

Ingredients:

6 ounces Witch Hazel Extract

2 ounces Vodka

2 ounces Jamaican Rum or Spiced Rum

2 ounces Aloe Vera Juice/Gel

2 ounces Hydrosol (Fir, Cedar, Lavender, Rosemary, Peppermint, Sandalwood, Chamomile, Lemon grass are options men tend to like)

¼ cup calendula flowers, firmly packed

1 tbsp fresh orange peel zest (or dried orange peel but fresh has a stronger scent)

1-2 cinnamon sticks (or use 2 tbsp cinnamon c/s)

1 tbsp all spice

½ tsp of cloves

 

Directions:

Add all herbs into a pint size mason jar. Pour in the witch hazel extract, vodka and rum. Stir well. Take a piece of parchment paper and place it over the top of the jar, add lid and screw on tight. The parchment paper protects the infusion and prevents the alcohol from extracting harmful chemicals which may line the mason jar lids. Store in a cool, dry and dark place for 2 weeks shaking daily. I usually put mine in a cupboard or on the counter with a towel over it.

When ready strain the liquid through cheese cloth, muslin or a strainer into a large glass measuring bowl or another mason jar squeezing as much liquid out as you can. Compost or discard herbs. Add the aloe vera and hydrosol to the liquid and mix well. Using a funnel, slowly pour the mixture into your glass bottles. Cap, label and decorate for gifts if desired.

*Recipe makes approximately 12 ounces (3 x 4 ounce bottles; 6 x 2 ounce bottles)

 

Herbal Bath Salt Blend

Supplies Needed:

Mason jars or other decorative jars

Mixing bowl

Spoon or stir stick

Measuring cup or scoop

Labels

Raffia or ribbon to decorate (optional)

 

Ingredients:

Salt Blend

You can use any cosmetic salts of choice but we will be using the following recipe:

.75 cup or 8 ounces Sea Salt (Fine)

1 cup or 9-10 ounces Epsom Salt

½ cup or 4 ounces Dead Sea Salt (Fine or Medium Coarse)

¼ cup or 1.25 ounces Himalayan Pink Salt (Fine)

 

*If you are not adding herbs to the bath salt blend and only using essential oils then this recipe makes 2.5 cups which can make 5 x 4 ounce jars for gifts. Adjusts recipe if needed.

 

Herbal Blend

You can use any herbs of choice which are safe for cosmetic use depending on what your desired effect is (i.e. relaxing, invigorating, nourishing and healing, detoxing, heart centering, etc.)

I personally like to use equal parts Roses, Lavender, Chamomile and Calendula and sometimes include a ½ part of either peppermint or spearmint.

 

Essential Oils

You can use any organic or biodynamic essential oil safe for topical use. Please research the uses and safety concerns of essential oils before using! I generally like to keep it simple and use lavender for relaxing benefits but peppermint or rosemary can be used for sore muscles and stimulation, a rose or jasmine blend for a sensual scent or a citrus for uplifting effects.

 

Directions:

Using a large mixing bowl stir together salts until well blended. Add an equal amount of loose herbs to the salt. If using salt recipe above which yields 2.5 cups, add 2.5 cups of herbs as well. Stir using a spoon until mixed well; however, the salt blend will naturally settle to the bottom leaving the herbs on top but mix as well as you can. Add anywhere between 20-30 drops of Lavender essential oil depending on how strong you want the scent. You can also use another safe essential oil or blend of your choice. Stir well until the essential oil has dispersed throughout the salt and herbs. Scoop into your jars. Label and decorate if desired for gifts. You can also include a small muslin bag along with the gift if the person does not have a strainer to catch the herbs to prevent them from going down the drain.

   

*This recipe makes 5 x 8 ounce jars or 10 x 4 ounce jars.

 

Angelica Root Wine

Angelica root was used in liqueurs in the 18th century to help women "warm up."  This "herb of the angels" has a fresh, peppery, woody, herbaceous flavor that makes an excellent digestive tonic, helps your liver, breaks up congestion and helps fortify the body against colds and flu.

Steep dried angelica root and honey in wine for 2 weeks, shaking daily, then strain and sip from small glasses or add to hot water as an instant tea.   

  

10 Treasures Vitality Tonic

A deeply tonifying and tasty formula to increase strength and vitality, build the blood, and enhance the immune system.

Place herbs in a wide mouth mason jar and cover with three times as much brandy.  Store at room temperature away from direct light and heat and shake daily for 2 weeks.  After two weeks, blend the herbs and brandy in a blender until smooth to help the brandy extract even more medicinal properties.  Return the blend to the jar, cover, and shake daily for 4 more weeks.  Strain through muslin or cheesecloth, squeezing as much liquid as possible out of the herbs.  Rebottle the tonic.  When stored in a cool, dark place, it will last indefinitely.  To use:  take 1 to 2 teaspoons per day, a few days a week, during the winter season.

 

This is a delicious, tried and true elixir to be used whenever lots of people are getting sick around you, or at the first onset of a cold or flu, during the acute phase, and on through the tail of the illness.  For a preventative, take one teaspoon per day a few days each week.

Place fruit and herbs in a wide mouth jar and cover with three times as much brandy and glycerine, using ½ brandy and ½ glycerine.  Store at room temperature away from direct light and heat and shake daily for 4 weeks.  Strain and rebottle.  To use:  take one teaspoon 1 - 5 times per day, as needed.

Sweet Dreams Elixir

Who doesn't appreciate support for deep rest!  You can of course adjust the recipe and add your own favorite sleeping herbs to this blend as well!

Fill a clean glass jar with dried herbs leaving 2 inches of space in the jar, then cover with vodka or brandy.  Put a lid on the jar, label and date, and let the ingredients infuse for one month.  After the ingredients have infused, strain off herbs through cheesecloth or muslin, into a clean glass jar.  Once strained add one half part sweetener--for example, if you end up with 12 ounces of tincture then add to that approx. 6 ounces of your choice of sweetener. Taste and add more sweetener if desired. Label with a crafty gift tag and instructions for use--sip on a tablespoon before bed.

 

Holiday Crimson Cordial

Delicious vitamin-C rich cordial makes a thoughtful holiday gift that helps strengthen immunity and fight off winter ailments.  It's great to start a batch in November and let is steep until just before Christmas.

Place all ingredients in a wide mouth glass jar and cover with 3 times as much brandy.  Cap the jar, store at room temperature away from direct light and heat and shake daily. After 4 to 8 weeks, strain well, squeezing as much liquid as possible out of the steeped herbs.  Rebottle and sweeten lightly with ¼ to ½ cup honey per quart of cordial.  To use, take a teaspoon to a tablespoon daily, several days a week.

• 500 ml. dark rum
• 12 cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 c. fresh elderberries or 1/2 c. dried elderberries.
• 1/4 c. organic sugar

•  4 astragalus roots
• 1 medium-sized ginseng root
• 1 ounce ashwagandha root
• 1 ounce damiana leaf
• 1 ounce fo-ti
• 2 tablespoons crushed cardamom
• 2 tablespoons star anise
• A couple of cloves (for flavor)
• A pinch of ginger (for flavor)
• 1 quart good quality wine (save the corks!)

Infused Herbal Massage Oils

Easier that you'd think!  These make great gifts on their own, or you can use them as a base for salves, lip balms and lotions.  We like olive oil for salves, and lighter oils like sweet almond for lip balms and lotions.  Here are some favorite combinations to try:

 

* Lemongrass and Rosemary:  stimulating and pain-relieving

* Lavender and Vanilla: comforting and calming

* Orange and Chamomile: uplifting and stress relieving

* Patchouli and Ginger:  grounding and warming

* 4 Flower Body Oil:  Chamomile, Calendula, Lavender & Roses in equal parts ~ this is wonderful as a base for salves, creams, lotions and lip balms

* First Aid Oil:  equal parts Comfrey root, Plantain, Calendula, St. John's Wort

*Skin Loving Oil: Calendula, Gotu Kola, and Rose--soothes and repairs

To make an infused herbal oil : fill a mason jar 1/2 full with dried herbs, then slowly pour oil over the herbs to fill the jar.  Put in a cool dark place and shake daily for 3-6 weeks--the longer it infuses, the more potent your oil will be.

Strain through cheesecloth or muslin, rebottle and label.

 

Vanilla Chai Kiss Infused Body Oil

This infused oil is a luscious gift simply on its own, or try using it in your lotion, cream, and lip balm recipes! It is incredible when applied after a shower and you can also add a few tablespoons to a bath for a euphoric experience!

Take the spices and grind slightly with a mortar and pestle or electric grinder. Add the spices and Vanilla bean to a pint mason jar then pour in the Jojoba and Almond oil to fill the mason jar.  Seal with the lid, label and date.  Put in a cool dark place and shake daily for 4 weeks.  Strain through cheesecloth or muslin, rebottle and give it a crafty gift  label.

 

Muscle Relaxing Body Oil

Mix the herb blend together--I like to crush up the juniper berries lightly. Place the herb blend in a glass jar so it is about 2/3 full of the herb blend.  Then pour the almond oil over  the  herbs filling the jar all the way.  Put  the  lid on and shake well,  store the infusing oil in a cool dark place for 3-4 weeks.  Strain the herbal oil through cheesecloth or muslin, and rebottle with a crafty gift tag.

Sweet, Sweet Vanilla Bean

Last but not least, you just can't go wrong with this classic extract--for use in perfumes to cordials and of course baking, plus it's an excellent natural first aid remedy for burns--this is a versatile gift!