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Thyme For A Change & Strawberry Madeleines

Apr 5, 2020 ·

strawberry madeleines

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There is a language, little known,
Lovers claim it as their own.
Its symbols smile upon the land,
Wrought by nature’s wondrous hand;
And in their silent beauty speak,
Of life and joy, to those who seek
For Love Divine and sunny hours
In the language of the flowers.

–The Language of Flowers, London, 1875

Made popular in Victorian times many flowers have been given meaning and often used to send unspoken messages. For instance, and the obvious, red roses symbolizing love and Forget-me-nots, well, don’t forget me. Did you know Kate Middleton carried sweet William in her bridal bouquet as a symbol of gallantry along with myrtle (love in marriage), lily-of-the-valley (trustworthiness, purity) and ivy (continuity)? It was a meaningful bouquet filled with hopes of a long and happy marriage with her Prince. So far so good there.

my son playing lacrosse

As we head into April and my bittersweet (truth and honesty) gardening season I’d like to focus on all the goodness of William’s birthday (April 22) rather than the day (April 16) the Navy Chaplain knocked on the door delivering tragic news. It’s a much needed change. The garden, specifically getting my hands into the dirt, has been a great source of strength, joy and now fun with my grandchildren. Garden therapy is a thing. Plant some seeds.

garden thyme
Thyme is easy to grow and hearty through the winter

If there ever is a plant that reminds me of William it is thyme. Thyme is the symbol of courage and strength. I saw William at his strongest following a season-ending knee injury his senior year in high school. Lacrosse was his thing. Team co-captain with his best friend, Whit, running the game made him feel successful. Imagine the devastating loss, in the first game of the season, when an opposing player clipped him from behind blowing out his knee. In the blink of an eye, it was all over. Not only that, the surgical repair and 9 months of rehab that followed could effectively dismiss him from the Navy. While others would have crumbled, his hard-work at physical therapy and his ability to lead his team while on crutches was nothing more than courageous and inspiring. I know because so many of his teammates told me.

my son post knee injury on lacrosse filed shaking hands with opposing team

Next week I will share why he is like dill and nasturtiums. I know he’d be so mad if he knew I was comparing him to flowers, but trying to have a good laugh here rather than a good cry. Let’s get to this recipe before I change my mind…

plated strawberry madeleines

Grow herbs! Herbs are an essential part of the landscape both outside and inside the kitchen. Cost effective, easy to care for, beautiful and delicious if you are not growing herbs I can’t tell you enough how much I want you to. And if you have yet to pair herbs like thyme or basil with strawberries then you are in for a real treat with this recipe.

madeleines on cooling rack

Madeleines are like little bite-size pound cakes. I just love them with a cup of tea for a mid-afternoon snack. Super easy to make these fresh strawberry infused lovelies also call for freeze-dried strawberries as they punch up the strawberry flavor and color. Crushing freeze-dried fruit into any recipe eliminates the need for artificial colors and flavors. You can find it at Trader Joe’s or near the fresh produce section of your grocery store.

just baked madeleines on cooling rack

fresh strawberries and thyme

brunch, cake, cookies & bars, dessert, fruit, gardening, Grief Lessons freeze-dried, herbs, madeleines, snack, strawberry, thyme, Trader Joe's

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Louis Matino says

    April 5, 2020 at 8:12 am

    We ordered seeds for the garden yesterday. No eggplant this year as we couldn’t find them. Trouble with basil as well. All good for lettuce, tomatoes, hot peppers, and cucumbers.

    • Lisa says

      April 5, 2020 at 8:20 am

      I will mail you some basil seeds. Where do you order from?

      • Louis Matino says

        April 5, 2020 at 9:52 am

        We ordered plants from Grow Joy and seeds from Gurneys. That’s very nice of you to send the basil seats. Thank you.

  2. Lisa says

    April 5, 2020 at 10:05 am

    i will mail tomorrow

  3. Tracy Matino says

    April 5, 2020 at 11:04 am

    Can these posts get any more beautiful? I love the herb/flower comparison-yes he would’ve given you a hard time for sure!!

    • Lisa says

      April 5, 2020 at 11:09 am

      You totally get him! Thank you for being here. <3

  4. Angela@eatlivehappy says

    April 5, 2020 at 11:28 pm

    Beautiful Madeleines! I agree with you on the herb garden. It is essential! Just got mine going again. So far I have Basil, Rosemary, Lemon Thyme and Italian Parsley.

    • Lisa says

      April 6, 2020 at 6:00 am

      What a lovely and fragrant herb garden you are growing. I look forward to seeing what you cook up on eat live happy. There is something rejuvenating about taking what you grow into the kitchen and then sharing it with those you love most

  5. Victoria says

    April 6, 2020 at 2:01 pm

    Interesting, creative, beautiful madeleines! They sound and look divine!

    • Lisa says

      April 6, 2020 at 4:51 pm

      Thank you for your lovely comments. I really do appreciate it.

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