Licorice Verbena

[Pete]

We have a licorice verbena plant in our garden that is growing like mad and would love some ideas of how to best use it. Google has been of little help.

[KMango]

We have a licorice verbena plant in our garden that is growing like mad and would love some ideas of how to best use it. Google has been of little help.

Once I've verified edibility (toxicity is such a downer), here's a couple of ideas for how I use less common herbs:

*Add to your loose leaf tea for an anise-flavored brew. Especially refreshing iced.

*Poach fruit, adding it to the poaching liquid. Don't forget cinnamon, nutmeg, other "warming" spices.

*Create a simple syrup, infusing it with the leaves. Strain well, and use that in your cocktails all summer.

*Stuff a date with mascarpone you have blended with the minced herb.

[monavano]

I'm thinking the anise and lemon flavors would work nicely with fish and shellfish dishes, in the same way fennel does.

[zoramargolis]

I love a touch of anise flavor with figs, fresh or dried.