Book Review: Under the Sun Edited by Tina Sams
The First Five Years of the Essential Herbal Magazine
Jan 2, 2009
The first issue of The Essential Herbal magazine was published in January of 2002. The book, the Essential Herbal; Under the Sun is a compilation of the spring and summer issues, from the first five years, into one volume. Under the Sun includes recipes, crafts, herb lore, projects, gardening and more. The articles included in Under the Sun are divided into eight categories:
- Gardening
- In the Kitchen
- Just Weeds
- Herbal First Aid
- The Stillroom
- Traditions
- The Herbs
- Herb Business
According to The Essential Herbal website, "The Essential Herbal is an ever growing magazine dispersing herbal lore and uses as we allow businesses and hobbyists alike to shine by sharing their knowledge."
Sample Recipe from The Essential Herbal Under the Sun
Salmon Fiesta with Basil and Thyme by contributor Lynn Smythe
This recipe is a variation of a meal the author once had at an Italian restaurant. Try serving the salmon along with pasta, a salad and an aromatic loaf of garlic bread for a complete meal. This recipe makes 4 servings.
Ingredients for Salmon Fiesta with Basil and Thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup red onions - chopped
- 1 cup tomatoes - chopped
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leave (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound salmon fillets - skin removed and cut into 2 inch cubes
- 1/2 cup fresh whole basil leaves
- Fresh lemon slices to garnish
Directions for Salmon Fiesta with Basil and Thyme
- Place the oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the onions and cook for 5 minutes, or until they began to wilt.
- Add the tomatoes and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Stir in the vinegar, lemon juice, white wine, thyme and salt.
- Add the salmon to the pan and cook, while stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the basil.
- Garnish with the lemon slices, and serve immediately.
About the Editor
Herb lover Tina Sams, based in Lancaster County Pennsylvania, is the owner and editor of The Essential Herbal magazine. Sams mentions in the preface to the book; "Herbs get to you. Once you've fallen in love with them, they are forever a part of your life. That's not surprising really, considering how completely we depend on them. They have always been there waiting for us to notice."
About the Book
- Author: edited by Tina Sams
- Title: The Essential Herbal; Under the Sun the First Five Years
- Publisher: The Sibling Group
- Date Published: 2008
- ISBN: 0-9666336-3-6
Further Information
For specific recipes, which feature herbs and spices, see the article 101 Recipes from the Herb Lady. A review of the book Herbs; A Cooks Guide to Flavorful and Aromatic Ingredients, can be read in the article Culinary Herb Book Review. The article, Field Guide to Herbs & Spices by Aliza Green, is an encyclopedic resource on how to identify, select and use every seasoning at the market.
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