The robust, perennial, woody-stemmed herbs are what I use most during fall and winter. They lend themselves to the seasonal foods. Read below which herbs will complement our Thanksgiving feast; we always receive lots of compliments for these traditional family favorites.

I suppose I could give you a hint and hum the tune to “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme” here, which are some of my most used cold-weather herbs. All of them are perennials except for parsley, which is a biennial that I grow like an annual. Right now, even though we have had freezing temps, it is still bright green under the floating row cover and hopefully will last through the holidays.

My sage and thyme have been harvested and dried, however I left some still standing, which I will harvest fresh for Thanksgiving. The rosemary plants in pots have been moved into the greenhouse because these tender perennials do not survive the winters in my zone 7 garden. Likewise, my three bay trees are in pots in the greenhouse.

Winter savory is a favorite herb of mine, so I cut it back and have dried all that I could harvest; I hit this plant hard, keeping it cut back throughout the season since it is my favorite herb with beans and I eat beans at least three or four times a week. It has also been made into vinegar, along with tarragon and anise hyssop–they are my three favorite vinegar infusions with perennial herbs.

The essence of annuals like basil, cilantro, dill and nasturtiums, and perennials such as mint, lemon balm and lemon verbena have been captured in aromatic herbal pastes and butters which will add brightness to the winter kitchen. The savory annuals will be added to soups, stews, sauces, pasta and grain dishes and casseroles. The fragrant mint and lemon herb butters and pastes will flavor many baked goods from cookies, cakes and crumbles to muffins, scones and bread.

For our Thanksgiving celebration, those favored, full-flavored herbs will be featured. And my family participates in the preparation and brings some potluck dishes.

Of course, fresh sage will be used in the dressing (a side dish baked in the oven) or stuffing (if it’s baked in the bird). We are vegetarians so our stuffing is made from sage-baked cornbread combined with celery, onions, garlic, mushrooms, pecans and dried cherries with sage leaves, with veggie stock, a splash of Port or Marsala and a bit of cream.

I also make a nut and lentil loaf seasoned with savory, fresh parsley, garlic and just a bit of thyme and chile peppers. And a wicked good mushroom gravy with garlic and thyme. The gravy is used on cousin Sharsie’s garlic mashed potatoes (and even preferred by the turkey eaters than the turkey gravy). Mom and my sister Donny will bake the turkey, make the gravy and the traditional stuffing with a homemade, dried, poultry/stuffing blend of herbs.

I love sauerkraut with this meal–it is a tradtional part of Thanksgiving for me. If I am using cooked kraut, I season it with with sauteed onions in butter and then add white wine, juniper berries and caraway seed. Since I have been fermenting my own sauerkraut for some time now–we usually have two kinds; the fermented kraut is served cool room temperature since I do not want to heat it and kill the probiotics. My preferred recipe combines half cabbage with half shredded kale, leeks, with some caraway, smoked paprika, applewood-smoked seaweed, chile pepper and garlic.

I have not yet decided on the green veggie this year, though it will be probably be seasonal Brussels sprouts, broccoli or kale, steamed or oven-roasted. The table would not be complete without some tart and sweet fresh cranberry relish. My mother-in-law, Marguerite Sargent, used to grind her cranberries and whole naval oranges through a meat grinder and added sugar. I’ve taken on the tradition, however I pulse mine in the food processor and use pure maple syrup instead of sugar and toss in a handful of fresh or dried orange mint.

Aunt Janet usually brings dessert–the traditional pumpkin and pecan pies–which I like to adorn with my fresh whipped cream that is lightly sweetened with maple syrup and vanilla bean paste.

If it sounds like a feast–well it is! I am thankful and count my blessings for family and friends, and a garden to harvest good food and herbs from. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Burpee Organic Coconut Coir Concentrated Seed Starting Mix, 16 Quart

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

ORGANIC COCONUT COIR: Made from recycled coconut husks, coir is a light, sustainable growing medium that holds the perfect amount of moisture for starting seeds. 100% biodegradable soil alternative. Environmentally friendly and a renewable alternative to peat moss. OMRI listed and certified organic. IDEAL GROWING MIX: Improve seed germination and root growth with this premium coconut fiber mix, which improves nutrients absorption! Great for flower, vegetable, herb, and more plant types. OMRI listed. Naturally disease and pathogen resistant, it will help you grow healthy live plants. EASY TO STORE & EXPAND: Each compact coconut coir brick expands into 8 quarts of seed starting mix, providing 16 quarts total. Just add water to expand! Dehydrated bricks save space until planting. Once expanded, coconut coir provides a quality growing medium for all types of plants—indoor plants, house plants, outdoor plants, and more! NATURALLY CONSERVES WATER: Renewable coco coir has excellent moisture retention and better air circulation than peat. This eco-friendly, premium seeds starting mix combines well with other potting soil and compost for container plants & raised beds. 100% GUARANTEED: Burpee is committed to the success of all gardeners. We treat each order with care to ensure healthy seeds, plants, soil mixes, and gardening supplies are sent in excellent condition. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, we aim to make it right!

Buy at Amazon

A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY.

Buy at Amazon

Flat Soaker Hose 75 150 FT for Garden Beds

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Consistent & Even Watering Drip Irrigation Hose: Makes use of a clog-resistant fabric cover recycled vinyl for consistent slow soaking seep throughout its entire length. Deliver water to the entire area that it covers. Only certain areas of your garden bed getting watered. For waste-free watering in garden beds and other tight spaces. Waters the base of the plants so less water-related leaf damage. Linkable Garden Soaker Hose For DIY Irrigation System: End to end connectable drip water hose, flexible versatile Above-ground or bury it below a up to 3-inch layer of mulch or soil; this fit with garden hose threads and come with rust resistant end caps that make it possible to connect multiple hoses and works well with timers. Maneuverability And 100% Environmentally Friendly Drip Hose: Double layer design PVC Covered With Extra-Strength Fabric material protect from sun damage than rubber weeping hose; ensure the longevity of the soaker hose, which is ideal for you using it regularly through all seasons in your garden. Made of 100% environmentally friendly recycled vinyl, pass CA65 test, water is safe for ground which makes it perfect for use with vegetables, herbs, and other edible plants. Easy To Store Flat Soaker Hose: This irrigation drip hose flat design is kink-resistant, lies flat makes it a breeze to roll up and store for next season.The flat shape also makes it simple to snake under existing plant growth. One-Year Warranty on Flat Soaker Hoses: Ensure a water pressure of 40-90 psi for best results—hot water is not suitable.

Buy at Amazon