Medieval women scented bath water with it to allure men. Perfumeries have incorporated its captivating scent into many a perfume formula. Apparently, it plays on humans’ keen “scent memory” – our strongest tie to most emotional experiences, according to Cynthia Watson in Love Potions.
Greek physicians prescribed the herb to relieve mental disorders, and scholars brought garlands of rosemary into the examinations, believing the herb would enhance their memory. Throughout the centuries the attributes of rosemary have been credited with cure-alls for melancholy, epilepsy, jaundice, nervous disorders, arthritis and more.
During the Middle Ages, all elegant weddings used the herb rosemary, the symbol of remembrance and fidelity. Sprigs were dipped in gold, tied with a ribbon and presented to wedding guests
According to Josephine Addison’s book on love potions, rosemary holds the key to a young girl’s dreams of her husband-to-be. On St. Agnes Eve- January 21st – she should sleep with rosemary beneath her pillow to see who he will be. So make your wish, dream your dream and then use your enchanted sprig of rosemary to prepare these simple and delectable dishes.
Pasta with Rosemary Cream Sauce
8 oz penne pasta
4 tablespoon finely chopped rosemary
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 oz pureed tomatoes
2 oz heavy cream
2 oz grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Cook the penne in boiling water till al dente. In the meantime, sauté the rosemary in the olive oil in a sauce pan over low heat for 3 minutes. Add the pureed tomatoes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes. Pour in the cream and parmesan, stirring till heated through. Drain the pasta and toss with the cream sauce.
Rosemary Scented Lamb over Pasta
2 cloves garlic, chopped
6 oz lamb, cut into thin strips
½ red pepper cut into strips
2 oz dry white wine or chicken stock
1 lb crushed tomatoes
1 sprig of rosemary
2 tablespoons heavy cream
8 oz rigatoni – cooked
2 oz grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
1 tablespoon chopped sage
1 tablespoon chopped oregano
Sauté the garlic, lamb and pepper until the lamb is tender. Over high heat, deglaze the pan with the wine, cooking until the liquid is almost evaporated. Add the tomatoes and sprig of rosemary. Simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in the cream; salt and pepper to taste. Cook until heated through. Toss with warm rigatoni. Garnish with the cheese, rosemary, sage and oregano. Serve immediately.
We are located in Fort Lauderdale on the SW corner of Federal Highway and Oakland Park Blvd. (diagonal from Target) L'Hermitage Catering & Gourmet Emporium 3045 North Federal Highway Ft. Lauderdale, Fl 33306 (954) 568-2383
