GOODNESS
Parsley: This refreshing herb is good for your breath and is apparently refreshing to the rest of your body. Like all green herbs, it is loaded with chlorophyll, which is just good for people. It helps you build tissue and fight inflammation. It has even been shown to help manage blood sugars and helps to keep your weight in check. More studies are needed, but it may even help to fight cancer. All that, and a breath freshener too? Who could ask for more?

Rosemary: This piney herb adds great flavor to many meats, but the surprise is how good it is for you. It has anti-inflammatory chemicals, making it useful in the treatment of liver and heart disease as well as asthma. It seems to have some potent anti-tumor properties and has been researched for its use against breast, colon and skin cancer. Although still being researched, it may be a useful tonic for the brain and has been used since ancient times as a memory enhancer. Although it is just fine in foods, you should avoid strong tinctures of rosemary if you are pregnant.

Thyme: This aromatic herb has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties and contains thymol, a well-known antiseptic (you might be gargling with it). It's good for the digestion and is supposed to have some aphrodisiac qualities, although that just may be be due to the well-known connection between love and good food.
ADVERTISEMENT
Recipe

Herbed Goat-Cheese Toasts

serves
prep time: 10
cook time: 10

ingredients

  • 40 (0.25 inch-thick) slices from 1 baguette
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3/4 cup mild soft goat cheese at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup chopped mixed tender fresh herbs such as basil, chives, chervil, dill, parsley, and tarragon, or 1 tablespoon chopped mixed strong fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme
  • 4 1/2 teaspoons minced shallot
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 1/3 cup well-chilled heavy cream

directions

Put oven racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Divide baguette slices between 2 shallow baking pans. Lightly brush tops of slices with oil, then lightly season with salt and pepper. Bake, switching position of pans halfway through baking, until toasts are crisp but not hard, about 10 minutes.

Stir together goat cheese, herbs, shallot, and pepper. Season with salt.

Beat cream with a whisk until it just holds soft peaks, then fold into cheese mixture. Serve with toasts.

Cooks' Notes:

Toasts can be baked 1 day ahead and cooled completely, uncovered, then kept in an airtight container at room temperature.

Cheese mixture can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Bring to room temperature before serving.