Time for Thyme

I was cooking dinner the other night and I needed some thyme. So I went into my refrigerator, and there it was: stems and stems of fresh thyme, just waiting to be used. Ninety-nine percent of the time I use fresh herbs and spices when I cook. (I like the fresh flavors.) But when it comes to thyme, I usually end up reaching for a jar. I’ve tried all kinds of gadgets and whatnot to make it easier/convenient…whatever. None of them seem to work. I end up with some strange back and neck pain, from being in an uncomfortable position for too long.

So I had this conversation in my head that went like this: 

"This is silly. It makes no sense to stand here messing around with these little stems and little leaves when a jar of thyme leaves will do the job. Why do I keep doing this to myself. My back is going to be killing me. There’s really not that much difference in the taste….they’ve done a lot to ensure that herbs in jars are fresh. Yes! That’s it! I’ll stop right now and get the jar out of the pantry. Well….I’m almost done now, and it will taste so good with fresh thyme…” 

You get the picture. By the time I finished this song and dance routine in my head, I had removed the leaves from the stems and was one my way cooking….sore back and all. But you know what, it was so worth it!

Happy Cooking,
CL