What are your must-have tools in the kitchen? Bakers report measuring scoops, silicone sheets and fancy stand mixers are indispensable assets to the process while carnivorous cooks lean toward high-end knife collections and grilling accessories. If you think about it, kitchen “tools” can be consumable too! Case in point, foodies obsessed with flavors and the latest-greatest trends may say that exotic ingredients are the most crucial implements in creating a memorable meal. As a busy mother and health-oriented home chef who loves a variety of global cuisines, the most prized possession in my kitchen can be found right on the pantry shelf – in my dozen or so bottles of  Litehouse Food’s Instantly Fresh Herbs.

These freeze-dried herbs are the next best thing to straight-out-of-the-garden fresh. One of my epicurean ambitions is to actually have my own garden brimming with a kaleidoscope of herbs and plethora of pretty produce. But, until I get my kids through college, pay off the mortgage and retire, it is only a delicious dream. In the meantime, I’m in love with the convenience and fresh taste of Instantly Fresh Herbs. The 15 herbs in this diverse product line, ranging from Basil and Parsley to Ginger and Red Onion, are harvested at the height of flavor and immediately freeze-dried to capture the moment. When tossed into a recipe, the herbs mix with the moisture found in other ingredients and rehydrate right away! So, when I’m cooking on the fly (which is almost always), I don’t have to just wish I had cilantro or lemon grass on hand, I make it a reality by heading straight into my pantry! No shopping, no snipping, no substituting; I have everything right there on the shelf to get my gourmet inspirations in high gear.

There are so many recipes that can be made with Instantly Fresh Herbs, toss them in soups and sauces or sprinkle on pasta, pizza or a piece of fish! There options are only limited to your imagination – so get creative! Today, I’ve whipped up a delicious bread dish to share with you, Herb Parmesan Monkey Bread.  Everyone, young and old alike, will be drooling, pounding their fists on the table and chanting “herbs, herbs, herbs”! It’s a good thing it only takes a bit over 30 minutes to make, start to finish!

This Herb Parmesan Monkey Bread makes a crazy-night dinner seem extra special and homemade. Not only does this company-worthy bread rely on the convenience of Instantly Fresh Italian Herb Blend, Instantly Fresh Garlic and Instantly Fresh Red Onion, it also uses canned biscuit dough. Don’t worry; I’m keeping all of these shortcuts our little secret. With the weather cooling off, this pull-apart bread would pair perfectly with another unique herb recipe from Litehouse Foods, Butternut Squash Ginger Soup. Enjoy!