Almost Back on Track

I am happy to report that both my husband and I are recovering from our bout of COVID, and although still getting a little tired in the evenings, we are managing to gradually go back to our regular activities.  I still have a mild respiratory track congestion; I read that deep-breath exercises, steam therapy (such as a hot shower, or inhaling over a cup of hot water), and herbal infusions with honey and lemon, help shortening recovery times.  One herb that is systematically recommended for respiratory health is thyme (Thymus sp.).  I went to the backyard, and was able to uncover my thyme plants from under the weeds, as seen in the picture above.  I soaked a few washed sprigs in a cup with freshly boiled water (photo below, left) and took a few deep breaths over the cup, while letting it steep for five minutes. Then, I removed the thyme, and added lime juice and a spoonful of honey (photo below, right): 

I took a few sips while still hot, and it was very comforting. 

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While cleaning the thyme plants outside, I noticed that some of my other herbs are still alive, and actually thriving.  The large marjoram plant could now be classified as a bush, all overgrown, and it is still blooming: 

This year I got a new potted rosemary.  It is doing well, and I should be able to keep it alive and bring it indoors when the weather turns cold:

This year I also bought a few seedlings of Thai basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora).  I have to hurry and harvest as many leaves as I can, since the plants have not only bolted some spikey sprigs (photo below, left), but are showing some late-summer clumps already (photo below, right):

I will let them go to seed, and hopefully will have some sprouts next spring.

The French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) was completely surrounded by grass, but fortunately did not get choked:

And last, but not least, my chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) seeded itself a couple of months ago, and a few new seedlings are now growing:

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Thyme (tomillo) and marjoram (mejorana) are essential in the Mexican kitchen, forming part of the basic “handful of aromatic herbs” (manojo de hierbas de olor) along with other herbs such as bay leaf (laurel) or oregano (orégano). Rosemary (romero) has been incorporated in numerous recipes for roasts, soups and seafood dishes in Mexico, as well as in aromatherapy and cosmetic industries; Mexico produces rosemary mainly in the states of Baja California and Estado de México.  The other herbs in this post, Thai basil (Albahaca tailandesa), French tarragon (estragón) and chervil (perifollo) did not find many applications in traditional Mexican recipes, but are nevertheless used nowadays in fusion or Mediterranean-inspired dishes, because of their delicate flavour, with some hints of liquorice/anise.  Some additions of one or more of these herbs to traditional Mexican dishes could include soups, such as cream of corn, as well as chicken or meat casseroles, and to stir the conversation, I could even see their sweet and anise/liquorice touches complementing a platter of mole poblano.

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During my recent trip to Sweden, I had a chance to try the traditional Swedish meatballs, in a brown creamy gravy, with mashed potatoes, pickles and lingonberry sauce. I was very pleasantly surprised to see, instead of the more commonly used parsley, a generous garnish of chervil:

I ordered this plate at “Slingerbulten”, a small pub specializing in Scandinavian food, in Old Town (Gamla Stan, Stora Nygatan 24, 111 27, Stockholm).  Since it is built on fourteen islands, Stockholm is a very interesting city to explore on a boat, but going on foot is the best way to discover historic buildings and quaint nooks and cul-de sacs at every turn:

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I am joining Cee’s Flower of the Day (FOTD) Challenge for August 17-18, 2024.

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I am also joining Six on Saturday for August 17, 2024, hosted by Jim Stephens @ Garden Ruminations.

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I am sharing my post at Thursday Favourite Things #675 with Bev @ Eclectic Red Barn, Pam @ An Artful Mom, Katherine @ Katherine’s Corner, Amber @ Follow the Yellow Brick Home, and Linda @ Crafts a la Mode.

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I am joining  Full Plate Thursday #709 with Miz Helen @ Miz Helen’s Country Cottage.