It’s that time of year again. Delicious smells are filling the kitchen, people are gathering around your table, and everyone is ready to chow down on some holiday meals together. The same old holiday dishes can get a little bland, unless of course, you add some fresh herbs from your Gardenuity garden to the equation.
What is thyme? Thyme is an herb that is used to season all kinds of recipes, both savory and sweet including meats, soups, and stews. It’s also a favorite fresh herb for mixologists around the world. The origins of thyme can be traced back to the Mediterranean region and Romans considered thyme a symbol of bravery and strength. It brings floral notes together with citrus. This popular and easy to grow herb can be added whole or chopped at any stage of cooking. It’s also good to note Thyme is a member of the mint family and has small, delicate leaves and has a number of health benefits as well. It is a natural antiseptic and can be used to treat respiratory problems, such as coughs and colds. It is believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce the risk of some diseases.
In honor of the most wonderful THYME of the year, we are highlighting some of our favorite recipes that bring thyme front and center to your holiday table. There is nothing like a pinch of freshly grown goodies to take a dish from not to hot!
Here are our favorite thyme recipes…
Lemon Thyme Roast Chicken
A classic simple dish like the roast chicken is given a spruce up by adding fresh thyme and lemon. The roast chicken is a crowd-pleaser and a neutral base to create something new and exciting. Make this dish your own by adding elements of herbs and citrus. This dish is special as the lemon thyme is infused into the chicken while it roasts, while a sprinkle of parsley at the end helps round out the dish’s flavor and freshness.
Beet, Thyme, and Apple Salad
At this point, the beet is a superfood that almost everyone is familiar with. The beet is a creamy, vibrant deep purple root vegetable that has become a winter staple in salads, turned into juice, and can even be made into hummus. But, have you ever added a little bit of thyme into the mixture? This is a delicious crisp salad that will add a pop to any table.
Vanilla, Pepper, and Thyme Martini
Dirty Martini, step out of the way. There is a new drink in town. Give a festive flare to any occasion with this Vanilla, Pepper, and Thyme Martini. The marriage of all of these flavors add a great umami of sweetness, spice, and aroma to a classic.
For more recipes including thyme and other herbs, check out our blog The Sage.
Eat, drink, and be merry this holiday season.
And have the thyme of your life…