Infused Herbal Oil

Many recipes call for infused oil. Its also wonderful to use as salad dressing or massage oil. You can infuse any type of oil. Just be sure to use either fully dried or well-wilted herbs.  Remember, oil and water don't mix.  Fresh herbs have too high a water content if you use them, you are likely to get mold.

There are many different ways to infuse an oil. You'll find three different methods below. The first takes the longest, and is also the easiest. The second two are great when you need to infuse an oil more quickly.

Choice #1: Start with a clean, dry jar. Fill a glass jar halfway with dried herbs. Add olive oil, filling to the rim. Stir out the air bubbles with a chop-stick. Put on the lid. Place the jar in a sunny window for 3-10 days (the longer the stronger!). Strain herbs from oil using a strainer or cheese-cloth. Discard herbs.

Choice #2: Place dried 1 1/4 c dried herbs into a pot. Pour 2 c. oil over them. Gently heat on low setting for three -four hours (you never want the herbs and oil to boil.  Boiled oil will often go rancid). Strain infused oil. Discard herbs.

Choice #3: Place dried 1 1/4 c dried herbs into a crock pot. Pour 2 c. oil over them. Turn crock pot on low and let set for four to six hours. Strain infused oil. Discard herbs.