Rather than purchasing prepared flavored olive oil from the supermarket or high-end retailer, create the fragrant oil at home using just a few things that you may have on hand.  Thyme-infused olive oil can be created in just a few minutes, but does require about a week's time to complete.  Creating the oil at home allows for the amount and types of seasonings to be personalized for various tastes.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUwuM0Iz3Po 

The completed thyme-infused olive oil can be used for cooking, and works well in Italian dishes or those containing eggs, tomatoes and lamb.  The flavored oil can also be given as a gift to a foodie if desired.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUwuM0Iz3Po 

• Fresh thyme sprigs
  
• Olive oil, warm but not hothttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUwuM0Iz3Po 

• Work surface
  
• Bottle or jar
• Funnel
• Stopper or lid
• Strainerhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUwuM0Iz3Po 

1. Wash and dry the thyme sprigs.  Place them on the work surface.
   
2. Use your fingers to roughen up the thyme sprigs.  Press down on the thyme to allow it to break apart slightly.
3. Place the thyme sprigs in the bottle.  Insert the funnel into the bottle.
4. Pour the warm olive oil into the bottle over the thyme sprigs.  Insert the topper or lid.
5. Allow the thyme-infused olive oil to sit in a cool, dark place for about a week.  This allows time for the olive oil to absorb the thyme flavoring.
6. Strain the mixture of olive oil and thyme to remove the thyme sprigs and any particles.  Return the olive oil to the bottle.  Replace the cap.  Discard the thyme sprigs.  Store until ready to use.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUwuM0Iz3Po