ROSEMARYFor centuries, rosemary has decorated homes and Churches.  In England, garlands of rosemary were wound around Church pillars, sprigs were strewn on floors and branches were placed on altars.  Rosemary's affiliation with Christmas may have evolved from the legend of Mother Mary, who was sheltered by a rosemary bush as she rested on her escape into Egypt.  As the story goes, she threw her blue cape on the bush to dry and the white flowers turned to blue.  Forever after, the plant was called "the rose of Mary."

Greeky physicians prescribed the herb to relieve mental disorders and scholars studying for examinations braided garlands of rosemary into their hair, believing the herb would enhance their memory.  Many superstitions surround rosemary's power.  It would grow only in the gardens of the righteous.  A sprig placed under the pillow would repel evil spirits and bad dreams. Dried rosemary was laid in the bed linen to ensure faithfulness.

Throughout the centuries the attributes of rosemary have been credited with cure-alls for melancholy, epilepsy, jaundice, nervous disorders, arthritis, reduction of varicose veins and more.

During the middle ages, all elegant weddings utilized the herb rosemary, which is the symbol of remembrance and fidelity.  Sprigs were dipped in gold, tied with a ribbon and given to the wedding guests.

Rosemary has a long culinary history and its pronounced and distinctive taste is best used with reserve.  It is best known to enhance the taste of meat.

Modern day uses include cooking by simply clipping the leaves and adding fresh rosemary to your favorite sauces or soups.  It gives the home a wonderful aromatic scent, simply clip off small leaves and place in your favorite poppourri container and brew for a fresh outdoors smell or cut stems and use in your favorite foral arrangement.

POTATOES WITH ROSEMARY

PREPARATION:  5 MINUTES  COOK: 15 MINUTES  4 SERVINGS

1-1/2 lbs. russet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 2 tsp. unsalted butter; 2 Tbs. fresh rosemary, crumbled.

Cover potatoes with water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.  Lower heat.  Cover saucepan and simmer 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.  Drain water.  Add remaining ingredients and salt and pepper to taste.  Toss gently and serve.

HONEY LEMON ROSEMARY CHICKEN

PREPARATION: 5 MINUTES  COOK: 60 MINUTES   4 SERVINGS

3-1/2 Tbs. honey; 2 Tbs. plus 2 tsp. lemon juice, 1-1/4 tsp. rosemary leaves, crushed; 1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper; 4 chicken breast halves.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Combine all ingredients, except chicken, in a bowl.  Dip chicken breasts in honey mixture and arrange in a shallow baking dish.  Bake 40-50 minutes, or until chicken is just cooked throughout, brushing occasionally with remaining sauce.  Serve with rice or potatoes.

ROSEMARY PLANTS

The rosemary is, by nature, a drought tolerate plant and develops a massive root system, which grows in search of water.  The difficulty this creates is that when it stays in a pot, the soil must be kept totally moist.  It drinks easily 1 + cups daily when it reamins in the pot indoors.

If Rosemary dries out just once in the pot, re-watering will not recover the process.

Rosemary is not meant to be a permanent indoor plant but should survive a couple of months indoors for the holiday season lending fragrant aroma and tasty sprigs to any dish.  It is much like a Poinsettia.  enjoyed over the holiday and then given the owner the choice to plant or toss it.

If one finds it difficult to keep up with the daily watering requirements, one might try placing it in a bowl where it can draw on the water reserve from the bowl.  Outdoors, rosemary should be planted in well-drained soil.

Re: potting into a larger container will help and is recommended.  Planting directly into a sandy soil during moderate weather, is ideal.  Give plenty of water to start and ease off after new growth appears (1-3 months after transplanting outdoors).