Give The Gift Of Herbs

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Oooh, you can make a lot of great gifts from dried herbs you grew this year. Instead of jars full of each herb, make your gift even more useful - create recipe packets for friends based on foods they love.

Measure herbs into envelopes and print a recipe on each, such as: Dill and chive dip. Basil, red pepper and parsley for spaghetti sauce. Cumin and cayenne for chili. Coriander and Thai basil for stir-fries.

Or, forget about cooking and just capture the wonderful aromas of your garden as gifts. Sew small squares or simply bundle herbs in fabric swatches. Stuff them with lavender, rosemary, rose petals, bay leaves, or what have you. Then, embellish with embroidery, a sprig of the herb, or just wrap them with ribbon.

Herb sachets keep drawers, closets, shoes and suitcases smelling sweeter; deter moths and other insects and, some, like lavender on the pillow in a bedroom, help promote relaxation and sweet dreams. That's a gift everyone can enjoy.

Reported By Phran Novelli, KYW Newsradio