I value rosemary for its hardy nature. Most winters it’s the only thing in my backyard that makes it through the season not only intact but thriving, though even my sage, mint and oregano limped along through the (not so) cold months this year. Rosemary is generous in how much it grows — I swear it comes back as soon as you snip it — and the flavor and aroma it imparts to your food. It’s fresh and bright, and the lemony, piney, vaguely minty essence works well whether you are going savory or sweet. Just use it judiciously. You can love the flavor of rosemary and still have it overwhelm whatever you’ve made. We’re talking amounts typically on the magnitude of teaspoons or, on more rare occasions, a tablespoon or two.
Here are a variety of ideas from our archives for dinners, drinks, desserts and more that make the most of this potent herb.
Burnt Orange Tonic With Rosemary
Pictured above. This zero-proof drink features rosemary two ways — infusing the broiled orange slices and garnishing the glass for added aroma. Get the recipe.
Pasta With Gorgonzola, Walnuts, Rosemary and Chocolate
This pasta is full of bold flavors, combining rosemary with garlic, lemon and Gorgonzola and parmesan cheeses. The secret ingredient: Unsweetened chocolate grated over the finished dish. Get the recipe.
White Chocolate, Rosemary and Almond Biscotti
While rosemary can stand up to darker chocolate, it also makes an ideal foil for creamy, sweet white chocolate in these biscotti. Candied orange peel adds complementary brightness with just a touch of bitterness from the pith. Get the recipe.
Cheesy Lemon-Rosemary Artichoke Dip
This dip from Antoni Porowski of “Queer Eye” fame is another example of how well rosemary works with rich, creamy flavors, in this case a decadent blend of cream cheese, Gruyere, cheddar and sour cream. Get the recipe.
One-Pan Steak Tips With Rosemary-Pepper Sauce
You can use fresh or dried rosemary in this weeknight-friendly dinner with a sauce that also features shallot, butter, beef broth and red wine. Get the recipe.
Mixed Bean and Greens Soup With Ham and Rosemary Breadcrumbs
The rosemary breadcrumbs alone are worth the price of admission for this hearty soup that takes well to adaptations. Get the recipe.
White Bean Stew With Garlic and Rosemary and Radicchio-Apple Salad
White beans and garlic are a lovely pairing, as this healthy 30-minute meal proves. Get the recipe.
Rosemary Lemonade
Rosemary adds even more thirst-quenching satisfaction to this lemonade that you’ll want to have on repeat this summer. Get the recipe.
Fast Focaccia
To let rosemary shine in simple glory, shower it on top of this reader-favorite, beginner-friendly, no-knead bread. Get the recipe.
Pecan-Rosemary Butter
A food processor puts homemade nut butter within reach. Rosemary and optional maple syrup enliven this spread with toasted pecans and cashews. Get the recipe.
