Gardening is a great thing to do for yourself, your family and everyone’s health. But what happens during the cold winter months? A lot of vegetation does not last throughout the frigid months and you have to wait until warmer weather to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Ever consider gardening from your windowsill? Herbs not only add interesting taste to your HealthMaster recipes, they also may be extremely beneficial to master your health.

Many of our HealthMaster recipes include healthy herbs to add extra flavor. Herbs such as garlic, ginger, thyme and basil (just to name a few) have been found to possibly prevent certain diseases and boost your immune system. Researchers are constantly experimenting with herbs in correlation to heart disease, cancer and arthritis among other conditions. Growing reports are showing herbs may play a [strong] role in helping to prevent many of these illnesses.

Now you can grow your own herbs straight from your windowsill all year long. It’s not difficult and takes up minimal time. All you need are the herb plants or seeds, pots/containers, soilless potting mix, and fertilizer labeled for use on edibles. Here’s how you do it:

• Choose a sunny windowsill. The area must get at least 5 hours of sun every day. If you can’t find an area with that much sun then you can hang a fluorescent bulb above the herbs. If you choose the fluorescent light it must be kept on for at least 10 hours a days and it must be close to the pot or container you choose.
• Go to a local nursery and buy small herb plants. It can be any you like. Multiple different types of herbs can be planted together. Just be sure to use a pot that is at least 6” deep.
• Layer the soilless potting mix 2-3” deep in the bottom of the pot. Position your herbs in the pot.
• Fill in the pot with the rest of the mix gently around the plants. Make sure there is still 1” free at the top for watering.
• Once a month fertilize the herbs. Once you start to see new growth you can start to trim and use your herbs.

Voila! Now you have your very own herb garden right on your windowsill. Be sure to incorporate whatever your grow into our appetizing HealthMaster recipes for the best flavor. Here are some of our favorite herb HealthMaster dishes:

Garlic Herb Dip

Per Serving: 53 calories; 1 gram protein; 1 gram carbohydrate; 5 grams fat; 0 gram fiber; 8 servings

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. cream cheese

substitute (made from soy)

• 2 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 sprig fresh tarragon, stem removed

• 1 sprig thyme, stem removed

• 3 large basil leaves
• pinch of freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Attach HealthMaster™ Pitcher to Base and rotate clockwise to lock in place.

2. Add all ingredients into the HealthMaster. Secure the Lid and Cap in place.

3. Press ON button. Press RUN button. Increase the speed to 4. PULSE.

4. Serve with fresh raw vegetables, crackers, pita triangles, or baguette slices.

Note: Use the tamper as needed to assist in the blending process.

Herb Vinaigrette

Per 2 tbsp. Serving: 153 calories; 0.1 gram protein; 0.5 gram carbohydrate; 17 grams fat; 0 gram fiber

Ingredients:

• 1/4 bunch chives
• 1/4 bunch basil, stem removed

• 1/4 bunch cilantro, stem removed

• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 shallot, peeled
• 2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 cup red wine vinegar
• 3 cups olive oil
• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Attach HealthMaster™ Pitcher to Base and rotate clockwise to lock in place.

2. Add all the ingredients into the HealthMaster except oil. Secure the Lid and Cap in place.

3. Press ON button. Press RUN button. Increase the speed to 3.

4. Remove the Cap and pour olive oil in a steady slow stream.

5. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Note: Use the tamper as needed to assist in the blending process.

Herb Salt Rub

Per 1 tbsp. Serving: 3 calories; 0 gram protein; 0.5 gram carbohydrate; 0.01 gram fat; 0.2 gram fiber

Ingredients:

• 10 sage leaves
• 6 sprigs thyme, stems removed

• 2 sprigs rosemary, stems removed

• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/4 cup peppercorns
• 1 cup coarse sea salt

Directions:

1. Attach HealthMaster™ Pitcher to Base and rotate clockwise to lock in place.

2. Add all the ingredients into the HealthMaster. Secure the Lid and Cap in place.

3. Press ON button. Press RUN button. Increase the speed to 5 until blended.

Note: Use the tamper as needed to assist in the blending process.