Sunday, July 17, 2011

Roasted Potatoes

Copyright 2011 Christine's Pantry. All rights reserved.


Thyme, an herb humans have been using for thousands of years.

Thyme is an herb whose story weaves throughout human history. Historians believe that the ancient Sumerians were the first to cultivate thyme, possibly as early as 5,000 years ago. The Sumerians were the first to discover thyme’s antiseptic properties and used it as an anti fungal and a disinfectant.

Thyme was as popular in ancient Greece as it is today. Many say the modern genus name, Thymus, comes from the Greek thymos(also spelled thumos), which embodies the Greek concept of “spiritedness,” indicating courage. Others say Thymus comes from the Greek word meaning “to fumigate.” The ancient Greeks would compliment someone by saying that they smelled of thyme. They burned thyme incense in their temples, used sprigs of thyme to preserve wine and fruit, drank thyme tea to prevent nightmares, and grew thyme to nourish their beehives and provide them with a well-known scented honey that is still made on Mount Hymettus today as it was thousands of years ago.

The ancient Romans gave thyme to people who seemed melancholic or shy in the belief that thyme’s cheery scent could cure them. Pliny the Elder, who took some thyme plants with him when he moved away from Rome, recommended burning thyme as it “puts to flight all venomous creatures,” and the belief that thyme smoke repelled scorpions was especially widespread. The Romans adopted the Greeks’ symbolism of thyme, with warriors adding thyme to their baths before battles to give themselves a boost of bravery. They used thyme to flavor cheeses and liquors. They also introduced thyme to the British Isles, where it escaped cultivation to become a common sight on slopes and cliffs, where it still grows today.
By http://www.suite101.com/content/a-brief-history-of-thyme-a69675

Roasted Potatoes
Copyright 2011 Christine's Pantry. All rights reserved.

Ingredients:
2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon thyme, or to taste

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a large mixing bowl add potatoes, olive oil, thyme, salt and pepper. Toss well. Line a sheet pan with foil and spray with a nonstick cooking spray.  Pour potatoes onto pan and spread out so potatoes are in a single layer. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes or until fork tender. Turning once. Serve warm. Enjoy!


38 comments:

  1. I also love thyme and I use it on everything... poultry, veggies, bread :) The potatoes sound delicious!

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  2. I love Thyme too - have it in the garden and try to use it as often as possible - I even put it in our salad! Your picture is making me hungry.

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  3. I love roasted potatoes. We always use whatever herbs we have on hand but thyme is one of my favorites. I also love the combo of rosemary with sweet potatoes!

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  4. Hi Cassie, rosemary and potatoes go well together... yummy!

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  5. I love thyme with potatoes...such a delicious combination!

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  6. Thyme is my all time favorite herb. Gotta dig these potatoes :)

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  7. Hi Stacy, I would love to have a garden.

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  8. Delicious - I love Thyme....especially with potatoes! As usual, a great history on your subject!

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  9. I agree with thyme on potatoes, too. My husband's family taught me to use thyme on a baked chicken. So amazingly good.

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  10. These potatoes sound delish and I'm so happy to have found your fabulous blog:) Looking forward to you next delicious post!

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  11. Great recipe Christine! I have fresh Thyme in my garden and I always looking for new ways to use it.

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  12. I used to avoid thyme and now I love it. It also lasts quite a while, which is important to me as I am usually only cooking for myself and don't use much at a time! I think I will buy a thyme plant soon, but as much as I can cook, I sure can't get a plant to survive!

    If I was making these potatoes, it would say serve with LOTS AND LOTS of ketchup :) I love this type of potato (and we are potato experts in Idaho, didn't you know?? haha) but sometimes I think I eat it solely as a means to eat more ketchup,

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  13. These look delicious. I adore potatoes. You did a great job with these. Kim

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  14. I have masses of thyme in the garden and love it mixed into food. This sounds good with potatoes. Diane

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  15. Roasted potatoes are my favorite side dish for grilled meat, but I've never used thyme. Looks great!

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  16. I like baked potatoes and ur potatoes looks beautifully done:)>

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  17. I love thyme on anything, especially potatoes. I completely forgot how well they go together!

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  18. nothing better than the simplicity of herb roasted potatoes

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  19. I love using thyme with roasting potatoes - add a little lemon juice and I'm as happy as a clam!

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  20. Lovely to hear the background by going back in thyme. Sorry, couldn't resist. Isn't it funny they used it to inject some bravery? Love the look of the potatoes - so tasty. I've got 3 different thyme plants and love excuses to put thyme in so many dishes. Never thought of the bath, too!

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  21. Hi Glamorous Gourmet, we are happy to have you here. :-)

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  22. Hi Jill, food history is so interesting. :-)

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  23. Roasted potatoes are one of my favorite things! Well roasted veggies in general really...

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  24. Hi Beth, love thyme, but a little bit goes a long ways.

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  25. Thyme and potato perfect culinary match. This is a side with endless kitchen applications.

    Well done.

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  26. I love thyme and use it all the time.
    it's close to midnight and seeing your delicious potatoes is not a good thing. I sure want some right now!!!

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  27. this is so good to goes with any roast meat..

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  28. I love roasted potatoes, and never thought of putting thyme to add more flavor. Thanks for the recipe! =]

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  29. Wow, this looks so interesting! A baked potato dish like this is surely a winner. Christine, you rock!

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  30. We tend to forget sometimes how great the simple foods are. Thanks for the reminder.

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  31. I adore simple roasted potatoes. We have them at least a couple times a week. I am really enjoying your blog today. I like all of the food history! I'm a very happy follower of yours now. Thanks!

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  32. I like all kinds of potato recipe, especially this roasted potato but I didn't try using thyme aha

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  33. Hi Joe, next time you make roasted potatoes, try my recipe, I think you will like it. Thyme and potatoes are a perfect match.

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