Simply lay several basil leaves on top of one another, and then roll them like a cigar. Starting at the tip of your herbal cigar, chop the roll into several small sections. The thickness of the roll makes chopping easy, and with a few knife strokes you can have all your basil chopped in no time. Basil makes a popular plant for herbal gardens and sunny windowsills. To keep the leaves sprouting, and to prevent the plant from going to seed early, pinch off the flower stems the minute they appear.
Rosemary sprigs are quite aromatic and used for flavoring lamb and pork, sausages and pates.
Whole sprigs of rosemary are frequently tucked under the skin of game birds before roasting, or set in the oven to add flavor to baking bread. Rosemary sprigs can also be sprinkled over open coals before grilling so the meat will absorb the roasted herb flavor. Like basil, this herb is a mainstay in Italian cooking, but also popular in oil infusions with vinegar or wine. Rosemary works well in both its fresh and dried states. The plant prefers warm climates and well-drained soil.