Marjoram - Don't Overlook This Sweet Herb

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Sweet marjoram is a must in your herb cupboard. It has a sweeter and milder flavor than oregano, with a slightly balsamic flavor. It is one of the essential herbs in Italian cooking, and a main ingredient in herbes de provence along with basil, tarragon, thyme, lavender and fennel. If you haven't tried this particular herb mix, it is absolutely wonderful. Marjoram also pairs well with parsley and dill.

Crush in your hand or with a mortar and pestle before using. It won't overpower most foods, but start with 1/2 teaspoon per 4 servings. To my taste, 2 teaspoons fresh marjoram leaves are about equal to 1 teaspoon dried, but use your own judgement. Fresh or dried, marjoram is excellent. Take care to not overcook; add near the end of cooking so it doesn't lose its flavor.

Marjoram's mellow taste and enticing fragrance make it compatible with a wide variety of foods. Here are some ways to easily incorporate marjoram into your everyday cooking.

Sprinkle one or two teaspoons marjoram leaves over a green salad.
Add liberally to your next omelette, scrambled eggs, or even shake on fried or boiled eggs.
Having macaroni and cheese? Add some marjoram when you mix the cheese powder, milk and butter together.
Chicken, lamb and pork especially like this mild-mannered herb. If you eat a lot of those low-cal chicken dishes, leave the basil out and add marjoram instead.
Almost any kind of sauce, gravy or milk gravy is brightened by marjoram.
For a lightning-fast side dish on a weeknight, heat up the right number of servings of frozen corn in the microwave and sprinkle on some marjoram on the way to the table.
Bean soup, lentil soup, and most any kind of bean dish is improved by a little touch of this sweet herb. Do you find that canned beans and soups lack almost every flavor but salt? Take out your herb shakers and dress them up.
Excellent with cooked apples. Sprinkle a little marjoram on your next apple pie (1/2 teaspoon dried per 9 inch pie).
Enlivens plain buttered toast.
Put a sprig in your next micro-brew or homebrewed beer for a snappy twist.

It's interesting to note that Oil of Sweet Marjoram has been used as furniture polish, and that marjoram and mint tea is a good combination.

Here's a quick and easy recipe that will have you using marjoram in no time:

Herb Marinade for Veggies

Makes 1 cup

Ingredients

3/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup white vinegar or lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Combine all ingredients and whisk well. Marinate chunks of sweet pepper, zucchini or summer squash, onion, eggplant, whole mushrooms, etc. for about 1 hour. Skewer veggies and grill like kabobs.

Would you like to find a great source for herbes de provence herb mix? Try out the Herb and Spice Adventures Clubs available at the website below. Herbes de Provence is available in the Five Star Food Adventure. Stop in for a look today, and see where your kitchen adventures lead you.