Herbal Infusion

When you steep herbs in hot water they release their alluring flavors, this is the technique used in making tea. When you infuse rosemary, sage or thyme into olive oil, you make a fragrant condiment to drizzle on pizzas, pastas or breads.

To infuse herbs, heat the oil and let simmer. Add whole spices, sprigs or leaves. Cover, remove from heat to steep for thirty minutes, then strain. Pour the oil in decorative bottles when it gets cold. This make wonderful gift ideas to friends and relatives during Christmas. For a dramatic effect, you can insert the sprig or the leaf in the bottle.