Martha Stewart: How to store herbs is a very dry subject

Dear Martha: How can I preserve the herbs from my garden when summer ends?

A: The simplest way to save leftover herbs is to dry them. Spread the sprigs on a dish towel, and leave them out of direct sunlight for two to four days. Use them on their own, or mix the herbs, finely chopped, with an equal amount of coarse salt. Add the blend to dishes as you cook or at the table - try marjoram with vegetables, and tarragon with fish and poultry. Fragrant herbs such as lavender can scent sugar: Place a few dried flowers in a jar of sugar for one week, shaking it occasionally. Then sift out the blooms. Sprinkle the sugar onto baked goods, or make hot chocolate with it. Keep savory and sweet seasonings in airtight containers in a cool, dark spot. They will last until spring.

You can also incorporate fresh herbs into condiments and sauces. To make herb butter, combine four parts butter with one part chopped herbs. Shape the mixture into a log on parchment, and store it in a resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate the butter for one week, or freeze it for up to two months (thaw it in the refrigerator before using). Serve the butter on steak, fish or vegetables, or with bread. Pesto is another popular option. Any leafy herb will work: basil, of course, but also parsley or cilantro. Freeze the sauce in ice-cube trays, and then store the cubes in a resealable plastic bag for up to six months. Defrost them at room temperature or in the microwave.

For refreshing cocktails and homemade sodas, infuse simple syrup with a favorite herb. Boil equal parts sugar and water over medium-high heat. Once the sugar dissolves, remove the syrup from the heat and add herbs. Steep for 30 minutes, and strain through a fine sieve, discarding the solids. Let the syrup cool before mixing it into drinks, or refrigerate it for up to two months. Or freeze the syrup in ice-cube trays for flavorful drinks all winter; defrost them at room temperature before using. For recipes, go to http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/herbal-beverages-and-cocktails.

Dear Martha: I bought a credenza that smells of stale tobacco. Is there any way to get rid of the scent?