The “thyme” has arrived to share one of the most incredibly delicious recipes I have ever tasted!

Cider-Braised Chicken, Sprouts and Apples
Serves 6

Ingredients:
5 slices of bacon, chopped
4 bone-in, skin-on on thighs
4 bone-in, skin-on split chicken breasts
2 red apples, cut into wedges
1 12-ounce bottle of hard cider
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, stripped from the stem
2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
1 teaspoon kosher salt
3 cups trimmed and halved brussel sprouts

Directions:

Strip 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme from the stem and set aside.

In a small bowl, mix together the whole grain mustard, kosher salt and hard cider and set aside.

In a very large skillet, cook 5 chopped slices of bacon over medium heat until crisp; remove bacon, reserving drippings in pan. Add the thighs and chicken breasts, skin side down, and cook 8 minutes on each side or until browned; remove from pan. Add the apple wedges and cook for 2 minutes on each side or until browned on both sides and remove from pan. Discard the drippings. Add the mustard, salt, and cider mixture to the pan, scraping up the brown bits. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Add the halved brussel sprouts and cook covered for an additional 10 minutes. Add the apple wedges and cook uncovered for 5 minutes or more or until the chicken is done and tender. Sprinkle with bacon bits and serve.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Several herb guides suggest thyme has an earthiness that pairs well with pork, lamb, or chicken. This “earthy” description reminds me of a similar description for another kind of “time” … a lifetime. “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust (earth) you are and to dust (earth) you will return.” (Genesis 3:19)

How long do we have before such a thing will happen? “You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” (James 4:14)

I saw a Facebook meme yesterday, written by Samuel Decker Thompson, that said “We are all just a car crash, a diagnosis, an unexpected phone call, a newfound love, or a broken heart away from becoming a completely different person. How beautifully fragile are we that so many things can take but a moment to alter who we are forever” … even ending this life as we know it, obliterating it in an instant as our spirit man enters into eternity. Life is fragile, time is short, and eternity is forever. We need to be ready for this eventuality because no one will escape it.

“For God so greatly loves and dearly prizes you, that He gave His One and only begotten Son, that if you would just believe and trust in Him as your Savior, you will not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) “And there is salvation in no one else (but Jesus Christ); for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved [for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation].” (Acts 4:12 Amp)

If you haven’t yet bowed your knee to the One who died on your behalf so you could spend eternity in heaven with Him, you need to … and soon! “Behold, now is the favorable Time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)

And if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the time in which the Son of Man is coming.” (Matthew 25:13) “Therefore see that you walk carefully [living life with honor, purpose, and courage; shunning those who tolerate and enable evil], not as the unwise, but as wise [sensible, intelligent, discerning people], making the very most of your time [on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence], because the days are [filled with] evil. Therefore do not be foolish and thoughtless, but understand and firmly grasp what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17)

Time. It’s short. Use it wisely.

–Cheri Henderson