Fun Methods for Preserving Herbs

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I'd be very happy if my herb garden looked like this ("secret summer herb garden", by woodleywonderworks, on Flickr), but unfortunately I've just got a few pots of basil, dill and coriander.  I always forget about them when I'm in the kitchen, and they end up wasted after a few weeks of scenting my apartment's landing. This post on www.tipnut.com details 10 Easy Ways to Preserve Herbs, including one fun method I've never thought about: freezing.  From the article:

"Freeze Herbs In Ice Cubes: Chop herbs then sprinkle them into ice cube trays (measure into each cube the most common amount you use in cooking). Cover with water and freeze (can also cover with stock or olive oil). Pop them out once they’re frozen, package in freezer bags and store in the freezer (remove as much air as possible from the bags before freezing). When needed for cooking, just take out a cube and pop it in the dish that’s cooking (thawing first is optional–remember to account for the frozen liquid in your recipe). Tip: Try mixing your favorite blends of fresh herbs before freezing."

I'll also try "Bulk Herb Pastes (Pesto)", or "Bulk Herb Butters" next time my basil starts to run away.

The article also explains Air, Oven, Microwave, Cool Air and Sugar or Salt drying techniques, as well as whole-herb freezing and a link to recipes for Herb Seasoning Salt and Bulk Herb Butters.

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