A few years ago, I started using lemon verbena to scent preserves. It's especially wonderful with strawberries and blueberries. And when you add peaches, it's positively magical. I use this conserve stirred into yogurt, warmed and spooned over ice cream, or served with pound cake. And for a completely different twist, stir a smashed garlic clove or two, marinate chicken or pork, then barbeque. Note: I specify frais de bois or Marie de bois, but any ripe, small, farm-fresh berry will do. I like the woodland berries as they can be kept whole, making a very pretty conserve. There is not sufficient sugar to can this safely, so freeze or refrigerate for up to a month.

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