Thyme and I are becoming good friends. This is an herb that works really well with pork, beef and vegetables. Thyme is part of the mint family. In the Middle Ages, the herb was placed beneath pillows to aid sleep and ward off nightmares. Women would also often give it to knights and warriors and the belief was it brought courage to the bearer.

This is a simple recipe using yams which yields wonderful results with very little effort. The sad part is it does have to cook in the oven and during summer that is considered a sin. Be sure to place the yam slices on parchment paper to prevent sticking and burning. I turn them half way through the cooking process and they have a nice golden color particularly around the edges.

The dressing should be made in a blender. I always make the full recipe of olive oil and garlic because if you try a smaller quantity, it will not blend very well. If you have less than the full quantity of yams, toss the potatoes with the thyme and oil and use it sparingly. You do not want the potatoes overly soaked with oil since that will just increase the cooking time.

So with thyme, you will have courage and you will need just a little time to make this!

Garlic Thyme Yam Rounds

5 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced in half

1/3 cup olive oil

2 Tbsp fresh Thyme, chopped

4 pounds Yams, peeled and cut into a little less than ½ inch rounds

Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 425. Place parchment paper on cookie sheet. Use a blender and mix the oil with the garlic and a little salt until well blended. Put the sliced yams in a plastic bag and toss with the oil mixture, adding the thyme and pepper. Spread yams into a single layer and bake about 40 minutes until tender, turning them half way through.

Makes plenty.

Susan Lang makes greeting cards which are for sale at Stephen's Hair & Boutique located at 312 W. Mesquite Blvd. #12 in the Bull Dog Shopping Center. Each card is different and has a message sure to make you laugh and some also come with recipe cards. While you are there, grab a new outfit for dinner!