Whether you're a veteran cook or totally new to the kitchen, you are already aware that there are several herbs and seasonings that you should just keep on hand as a matter of course, and thyme is one of them! Thyme, in any of its forms, adds an earthy, tangy taste to your cooking and if you've cooked with and without it, you already know the difference it can make. A few specific facts about this essential herb can help you decide when to incorporate it into your cooking and how it really helps.
While some people simply buy thyme dried from the store, you can also purchase and grow it fresh. Remember that when cooking with fresh thyme, that on fresh sprig is about equal in potency to one-half a teaspoon of dried thyme. If you add dried thyme to your food, remember to crush the leaves thoroughly before adding it into the mix, to make sure that the flavor will distribute evenly. To preserve the taste of your dried thyme, remember to store it in a cool dark place in an air-tight container. Even with good storage, it will only last for about 6 months, so check it for mustiness before you use it.
Growing your own thyme is very simple and can easily be done in a window box. When you want to dry it, hang it upside down for a few days and check to see how crispy the leaves are becoming. If you decide to use it fresh, use just the leaves, as the stems will tend to be woody. You can drag the plants through the tines of a fork to pull the leaves off, or you can simply pinch them off.
There are many different ways that you can integrate the special taste of thyme into your cooking. Thyme goes especially well with the earthy flavor of mushrooms, and a good mushroom stroganoff can be made absolutely spectacular with the addition of some well-placed thyme. You'll also find out that thyme goes well with any dish that calls for mustard. Honey mustard chicken is a dish that can be almost childishly sweet until you add some thyme to help it grow up a little.
If you make your salad dressings, particularly if you enjoy vinaigrettes of any flavor, thyme can be used to add some spice and texture to it. If you are planning a light lunch or appetizers, consider the fact that thyme goes quite well with a variety of soft, pale cheeses. The sweetness of the cheese will really bring out the sharp taste of the thyme, and you can combine them to taste.
As you can see, there's practically no limit to the ways that you can use thyme in your cooking. Spend some time with this essential herb and soon you'll never know how you did without it!
While some people simply buy thyme dried from the store, you can also purchase and grow it fresh. Remember that when cooking with fresh thyme, that on fresh sprig is about equal in potency to one-half a teaspoon of dried thyme. If you add dried thyme to your food, remember to crush the leaves thoroughly before adding it into the mix, to make sure that the flavor will distribute evenly. To preserve the taste of your dried thyme, remember to store it in a cool dark place in an air-tight container. Even with good storage, it will only last for about 6 months, so check it for mustiness before you use it.
Growing your own thyme is very simple and can easily be done in a window box. When you want to dry it, hang it upside down for a few days and check to see how crispy the leaves are becoming. If you decide to use it fresh, use just the leaves, as the stems will tend to be woody. You can drag the plants through the tines of a fork to pull the leaves off, or you can simply pinch them off.
There are many different ways that you can integrate the special taste of thyme into your cooking. Thyme goes especially well with the earthy flavor of mushrooms, and a good mushroom stroganoff can be made absolutely spectacular with the addition of some well-placed thyme. You'll also find out that thyme goes well with any dish that calls for mustard. Honey mustard chicken is a dish that can be almost childishly sweet until you add some thyme to help it grow up a little.
If you make your salad dressings, particularly if you enjoy vinaigrettes of any flavor, thyme can be used to add some spice and texture to it. If you are planning a light lunch or appetizers, consider the fact that thyme goes quite well with a variety of soft, pale cheeses. The sweetness of the cheese will really bring out the sharp taste of the thyme, and you can combine them to taste.
As you can see, there's practically no limit to the ways that you can use thyme in your cooking. Spend some time with this essential herb and soon you'll never know how you did without it!
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