Williams-Sonoma

Does it take you forever to zest a lemon? Do you end up with whole cilantro leaves in your homemade salsa? If you're plagued with problems slicing and dicing, you probably don't have a Microplane grater or any of their handy cutting tools. Lucky for one KitchenDaily reader, we're giving some away!

Up for grabs in this ultimate gift set of Microplane's fantastic tools are a Fresh Herb Mill, Ultimate Citrus Tool, Artisan-Series 4-Piece Grater Set, Easy Prep Straight Peeler and Easy Prep Pizza Cutter.

We're particularly intrigued by the Fresh Herb Mill, which finely chops fresh herbs without bruising them -- not to mention, it keeps you from having to battle the herbs with a knife. Summer's the perfect time to take advantage of the flavor of fresh herbs, whether you grow them in a garden or buy them at the store or farmers' market. To get a better understanding of how herbs taste and function with food, check out our guide below.

ENTER CONTEST HERE >>

This giveaway is open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. Entries must be received before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on June 22, 2011. You may enter only once and one (1) winner will be selected at random to receive a Microplane Herb Mill ($19.95), Microplane Ultimate Citrus Tool ($12.95), Microplane Artisan Set with fine, coarse, ribbon and extra coarse graters ($9.95 each), Microplane Peeler ($9.95) and a Microplane Pizza Cutter ($12.95). Click here for complete Official Rules.

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Ideas for Using Herbs

Basil

Popular in pesto and caprese salads, stacked with mozzarella, tomato & olive oil, basil is a warming aromatic herb belonging to the mint family. It has a strong flavor often used in Italian cooking. Basil punches up the flavors of foods like cucumbers, mackerel, salmon and eggplant. It's also very popular in pastas, omelets and cheese spreads.

Browse all basil recipes.

Ideas for Using Herbs

Chervil

Chervil is an herb that comes from the parsley family. The fresh fern-like leaves can be used liberally as a garnish with chicken, veal, omelets, green salads, and spinach and in soups enriched with cream. Chervil should be used fresh rather than dried.

Browse all chervil recipes.

Ideas for Using Herbs

Cilantro

The dried seeds of cilantro are called coriander, but Americans call the leaves cilantro. Cilantro's strongly-scented leaves, with their pungent flavor, are often used to garnish salads and highly spiced foods.

Browse all cilantro recipes.

Ideas for Using Herbs

Chives

The chive is the smallest member of the onion family and is closely related to garlic, leeks and shallots. Chives and their edible flowers are a tasty and colorful addition to salads. They work well in many cooked dishes but should be added toward the end of the cook time to retain flavor.

Browse all chive recipes.

Ideas for Using Herbs

Dill

With a threadlike foliage and distinctive, powerful flavor, dill adds zest to salads, vegetables, meats and sauces. Fresh dill should be added toward the ending of cooking time because it quickly loses its fragrance. On the flip side, heat brings out the flavor of dill seed, the dried fruit of the herb. Try dill with foods like cabbage, mushrooms, cream cheese, avocado and seafood.

Browse all dill recipes.

Ideas for Using Herbs

Epazote

Epazote has a distinctive flavor -- and anti-flatulent properties -- which make it one of the essential ingredients in traditional black beans. It is also known as Mexican tea.

Browse all epazote recipes.

Ideas for Using Herbs

Fennel

Add a lick of licorice flavor to dishes with this fancy, feathery herb. With a sweet odor and taste that is often confused with anise, the aromatic bulbous stem base can be eaten cooked or raw in salads.

The greenery is often used as a garnish or as a last-minute flavor enhancer. The seeds work well in both sweet and savory dishes, and make an excellent breakfast tea.

Browse all fennel recipes.

Ideas for Using Herbs

Lemon Balm

Known as the "healing herb," lemon balm is a citrusy, fresh scented herb. Its delicate lemon flavor adds zest to both sweet and tangy dishes. Fresh and dried leaves can be used.

Browse all lemon balm recipes.

Ideas for Using Herbs

Lemongrass

The citral oil in lemongrass (also found in lemon rind) is what gives the herb it's distinctive flavor and is a key in Vietnamese, Thai and Malaysian cooking. It has long, thin grayish leaves and a base similar to a scallion.

Browse all lemongrass recipes.

Ideas for Using Herbs

Lovage

This old English cottage herb has long been used medicinally as well as culinarily. Like the taste of celery? You'll love lovage!

Browse all lovage recipes.

Ideas for Using Herbs