Very helpful tips on keeping fresh herbs. We grow them in the summer, but I have yet to dry them or overwinter them (although my parsley did survive the mild winter without any help from me!). I have also tossed a bunch of cilantro in the freezer. It's best to use it in cooked food, not as a garnish, but the flavor is still there.

Looks good! I make a mean Hot-and-Sour Soup at home from a recipe I got from a library Chinese cookbook. We like it much better than the restaurant versions we've had. It's not hard, either, although I'm willing to keep tofu, dried mushrooms, and sherry on hand for it.

oh yes, this is our favorite too! I made it into a recipe on my blog - I call it winter cabbage salad. My kids both love it too!