Kitchen gardens are common in Italy, where people prefer fresh herbs for cooking. If you have your own garden, you can make this blend from fresh herbs, add olive oil, and freeze the mix.

Mix all spices together in a blender or food processor. Store in an airtight container.

• MAKES 1 CUP

• INGREDIENTS

• 1/3 cup dried crushed oregano

• 1/3 cup dried basil

• 2 tablespoons rosemary

• 1/4 cup thyme

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1/4 dried onion flakes

Basil Basil was a very important herb in the ancient world. The Greeks in particular felt that only a ruler using a golden sickle should harvest it. In Romania, if a girl accepts basil from a young man, she’s accepted his proposal. In India, Hindus are buried with a basil leaf, which grants entry into Paradise.