You’re in the kitchen, recipe in hand. Do you use dried oregano or fresh oregano? Dried thyme or fresh thyme? Onion powder or fresh onions? With few exceptions, always go with fresh onions.

So whether you’re battling a seasonal cold or just want to boost your medicine cabinet with ... Add your thyme—either 1/2 cup ...

If that jar of dried thyme has been hanging out in your spice cabinet for a while, give it a sniff. If it has a strong aroma, you’re good to go. If it doesn’t smell like anything, toss it.

Roasted fingerling potatoes with dried figs and thyme [Photo/The New York Times] Adapted from Daniel Humm, Eleven Madison Park Time: 40 minutes plus at least 4 hours' soaking 1/2 pound dried black ...