CUMBERLAND HERB ASSOCIATION • June/July 2015 Newsletter

Please submit news/info by the 1st week of the month to Jessica Bach: jessica_mayo@bellsouth.net or 615-891-8735. 1CHA

Making the world a little greener

The Sage Pagewith our spare thyme!

Happy 4th of July!

We’ll be making bitters which are basically tinctures that can be used in cocktails or otherdrinks, in cooking or as digestive aids. We’ll supply the basic ingredients. Please bring a

couple of mason jars/similar containers & any dried herbs or spices you might like to use.And as always, bring a dish for a casual potluck dinner.

Mark your calendars for thesefun upcoming summer events:

Outing to Richard’s Family Farm1507 Fairview Blvd. (Hwy 100), Fairview, TN 37062

Richard has generously invited us to pick veggies & blackberries again this year.Come out & see what he, Michelle & their families have growing on their beautiful farm.

If you’re an early riser, feel free to arrive before 9am to beat the heat. Dress for heat,mud, blackberry briars, etc. Bring a dish for a picnic lunch, a chair, a hat, sunscreen,

bugspray, lots of water and some bags or baskets to carry your produce.It’s always a great outing - hope to see you all there!

September MeetingWe’re making Draped Concrete Planters and Hypertufas at Jean’s House.

Date & time will be announced when finalized. Look for more details soon.

Saturday, July 25th @ 9am

Wednesday, August 26th @ 7pmat The Miniature Cottage, 410 E. Iris in Berry Hill (near 100 Oaks in Nashville)

Sparkler photo • freeimages.com • Image ID: 1088990

Making the world a little greener

The Sage Pagewith our spare thyme!

C U M B E R L A N D H E R B A S S O C I AT I O N • N A S H V I L L E , T N • J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 5 N E W S L E T T E R 2

Backyard makeover...From asphalt to garden spot

Work in progress -tearing up the old asphalt.

This spring my husband & I tackled our biggest DIY project yet! We expanded our backyard by removing an unwanted paved parking area & we added a fence with expert help from my parents. What was a worn out, pot-hole filled mess is now part of a lawn & garden that we’re really proud to show off!

Making the world a little greener

The Sage Pagewith our spare thyme!

C U M B E R L A N D H E R B A S S O C I AT I O N • N A S H V I L L E , T N • J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 5 N E W S L E T T E R 3

Two to Try...

Strawberry Salsa

Slice Melons Like a ProThis month I’m sharing an easy tip and a great recipe for summer fruit.

I made this for our June meeting & it was a hit! This is a greatway to use strawberries with a savory twist. And it’s so pretty!

Thanks to Lauren B. for sharing this recipe!

Watermelon is one of my favorite snacks but prepping it can be time-consuming and messy. I recently found a great tip online for making this job fast & easy without the mess. This is supposedly the method used by caterers and professional chefs. It also works on cantaloupe and other melons.

Directions:Prep Time: 10 minutes, Makes 2 cups (4 1/2 cup servings)Mix all ingredients together and chill for at least an hour. It’s besteaten the same day as the berries become too soft if left overnight.

Ingredients2 cups diced strawberries (about a pound)1/4 cup red or green onion, finely diced or sliced1 jalapeno, finely diced1 lime, juice and zest2 tablespoons cilantro, choppedsalt to tasteOptional - add a squeeze of honey or diced avocado

You’ll need:1 seedless watermelon (or other melon)1 large kitchen knife1 clean dish towel1 large rectangular plastic storage container

Directions:• Rinse the melon under running water, dry it with the dish towel, then spread the towel out on your counter & place the melon on top.• Use the knife to slice off one end of the melon rind to create a stable, flat surface. Turn the flat side down & slice off the remaining rind.• When all rind is removed, place the melon into the rectangular storage container & slice it into smaller pieces, removing any seeds or bad spots as you go.

This method keeps the juices in your containerinstead of running all over your counter!