When the pots on my patio are flourishing, I use basil (sweet and thai), thyme, rosemary, parsley, sage, lemon balm, and tarragon regularly. In the winter when I'm forced to purchase "fresh" herbs in the grocery store, I use them far less because the quality just isn't what I get from my home grown herbs. Dried herbs are a reasonable substitute in the winter, and my favorite is a blend: herbes de provence.