Free Herb Primer? It’s About Thyme!

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

Customers have for years begged One Block West chef/founder Ed Matthews to lay bare his culinary secrets.

Looks like the seasonally attuned toque has finally acquiesced, giving up (some) of the garden-inspired goods in his free e-book, “Cooking with Fresh Herbs“:

(Image: One Block West)

The quick read provides Matthews’ take on nearly a dozen common herbs–”We have 20-25 herbs growing out in front of the restaurant, and we use them religiously,” Matthews said of his penchant for just-plucked seasonings–as well as complementary recipes devised to highlight the strengths/versatility/personality of each horticultural gem.

Matthews sings the praises of everything from thyme (“my all time favorite herb,” he readily admits) to Thai basil, providing invaluable how-to tips on growing, using and preserving assorted herbs.

The e-book has been so well-received (the herb tome has been downloaded over 10,000 times to date), Matthews is already kicking around a follow-up tome on the pleasures of wild mushrooms (expect homages to lobster mushrooms, chanterelles, porcinis and more) to be released this winter.

Those that require more hands-on instruction can get up-close-and-personal with local herbs this Sunday during Matthews’ Arbor Fest cooking demo.

–Warren

Tags: Arbor Fest, cooking, Ed Matthews, Gut Check, herbs, Northern Virginia Magazine, One Block West, Warren Rojas