Four Ways to Cook with Seasonal Herbs this Fall

From feel-good foods to exquisite holiday dishes, fall seems to be when everyone’s kitchen is working in overdrive. No matter what you’re making, seasonal herbs will spice up your favorite foods and take you from a smoldering summer into the cool, hearty fall season. From meats, drinks and dessert, here are a few ways to cook with seasonal herbs to spice up your season:

Rosemary:

Rosemary is perfect for soups, stews and sauces. Pretty much anything that requires a long cooking time needs the help of this woody herb. It’s also the perfect addition to chicken, fish and beef marinades or pan sauces. Try using rosemary, salt and pepper to season a lamb for a dinner party or add it as a seasoning on fresh fish after a day on the boat.

Thyme:

Thyme is another great seasonal herb to use this fall. Although it pairs great with meats and fish, thyme also makes a spectacular addition to traditional cocktails. Add a little twist to a classic bourbon by making a thyme-infused simple syrup. With equal parts honey and water, and a few sprigs of thyme and simmer until combined. After it has cooled, combine 4 teaspoons of the simple syrup, a few dashes of bitters, your favorite bourbon, ice and a lemon peel. A few sips of this and you’ll be feeling warm (no matter what the temperature is outside!)

Sage:

Sage is generally used once a year for Thanksgiving stuffing and then pushed to the back of the pantry, but we think this distinct herb should be used all season long! No matter what you put it in, start small and then add as needed so as not to overwhelm your food with this strong herb. Spice up Grandma’s sugar cookies this fall by adding half a cup of sweetened dried cranberries and a tablespoon of chopped fresh sage into your regular sugar cookie recipe. This is perfect to bring to a holiday party or cookie exchange and adds a simple kick that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the cranberries.

Ginger:

Finally, ginger is a perfect addition to any fall dish. Whether you’re looking for sweet or spicy, a kick or comfort, ginger is your go to. You can add it to hot chocolate, ice cream or frosting if your sweet tooth is looking for something new. You can also use it as a glaze on salmon, in a salad or even in pumpkin soup. No matter how you use it, ginger adds a bit of freshness to every dish.

Next time you’re at Marker 32 we suggest trying the Crispy Calamari, with a Vietnamese ginger cilantro dressing, mint and roasted peanuts.

No matter what you’re doing this fall, have fun in the kitchen by spicing things up. Try these four seasonal herbs on your meats, desserts and even in your drinks to add a little twist to your usual comforts.