EatingWell Wednesday - Basking in Basil

Each year when we starting getting basil (and cilantro but that is another post) we end up with so much that we start wondering what to do with all of it. So, I went on a hunt for some great ideas from Eating Well Magazine in addition to some ideas of my own.

*Pesto - Think outside the box with my Roasted Yellow Tomato Pesto



*PBT (Portobello, Basil & Tomato Sandwich)

*Marinara Sauce and you can freeze them in small and large batches. The handiest tool to use when making an amesome marinara is a hand-held blender. You can then control the texture of the sauce and do not need to transfer to a blender.

*Roasted Corn with Basil-Shallot Vinaigrette

*A Caprese Salad



*Basil-Cinnamon Peaches

Wordless Wednesday - Making Sandwiches with Melissa & Doug

Okay, a few words. We bought this two years ago and still play with it. The kids learn about food, being creative and love watching us 'eat' the sandwiches. That is why I am proud to carry it in my OpenSky Shop.

Cleaning your Produce and Saving Money with the Oxo Salad Spinner & Giveaway

When you come home from the super market, do you place all of your lettuce, fruits, vegetables and herbs right in the refrigerator? You can greatly lengthen the time the items are fresh and in turn, save yourself money by cleaning them first. I do this for many of the items using a Salad Spinner.

Let me start off by telling you that not only do I show you how to use the salad spinner in the video below but I also want to tell you why I have this items in my OpenSky Shop: because it is a great value. This is a product that I have used for 10 years and it has proven itself invaluable. See how.

Not only do I want to save you money on produce, but I also want to save you $27 by giving one Salad Spinner away! That's right, simply click here to be entered to win! When you do so, you will also receive a 10% off coupon as well!

In case you are wondering why I opened a shop with Opensky, it's because it is my Shop. They asked me to choose items that I am passionate about and told me how they are a passionate company: passionate about their shop keepers, product quality and customer service.

I also wonder what else you would use the salad spinner for?

Whole Wheat Panko Breaded Tilapia with Vegetable Relish

Sometimes, you want to make a meal look a bit fancier, when the truth is that you are really using up some vegetables and running low on time. This recipe may seem like it takes lots of effort, but I swear, after a bit of assembly line prep, it is rather quick but looks time-consuming.

Savory tips:
a. Make the relish while the fish is in the oven.
b. Use white panko crumbs if that is all you have
c. Whisk together your own o.o. & vinegar if you do not have an appropriate dressing



Ingredients (4 servings):
¾ cups whole wheat Panko bread crumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¼ c grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup lemon juice
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
Olive oil cooking spray
¼ cup frozen corn, thawed
½ red pepper, minced
½ green pepper, minced
1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
1/3 cup Newman's Own Olive Oil & Vinegar Dressing (or make your own o.o. & vinegar)

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

2. Prepare breading by combining bread crumbs, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.

3. Place lemon juice in a bowl and a cooling rack in a baking pan.

4. Create the following ‘assembly line’: lemon juice, breading, cooling rack. Spray the cooling rack with cooking spray.

5. Dip the fish into the lemon juice, and then coat both sides with the breading and place onto the rack. Repeat until all 4 pieces are done.

6. Bake for 18 -20 minutes depending on the thickness of the fish.

7. While the fish is baking, prepare the relish by combining the corn, peppers, parsley and dressing in a bowl and mix well.

8. Place relish over fish when serving.

My favorite prep bowls are the break and chip-resistant ones that I offer in my OpenSky shop. They are also microwave safe, 'nest' together for neat, easy storage and are Dishwasher & freezer safe. Brilliant!

Balsamic Chicken Kabobs

One reader recently asked via Twitter, 'How can I make chicken more interesting for a picky family?' Well, in my opinion, one way is to change up the presentation and make it more fun. Even in the dead of winter, I will make a more 'summer-like' meals and presentation using an indoor grill.

Oh, and forget to vote for your favorite foodie (hint) for the Hot Bloggers Calendar.

Ingredients:
6 wooden skewers
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into chunks
1 red pepper, chopped into large pieces
1 20oz. can of Pineapples slices, drained and cut into large chunks
¼ & ¼ cup Newman’s Own Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped

Yields: 6 servings (1 kabob per person)



Instructions:
1. Immerse skewers into water and set aside for 30 minutes. Chop the chicken breasts into large chunks and marinate in the first ¼ cup of dressing for 30 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, chop the peppers and pineapple.

3. Heat the outdoor or indoor grill to medium.

4. Alternate placing the chicken, peppers and pineapple on the skewers.

4. Pour the remaining ¼ cup dressing onto the skewers and place them on the grill for approximately 3 minutes, flip and cook another 3 minutes. You may need to cook them longer, depending on the size of the chicken pieces.

5. Place the skewers on a bed of rice or couscous and garnish with the parsley.

Here is a fantastic indoor grill that you would find useful year round.

Bison 'Chop Suey' or 'American Goulash' : An updated 70's Classic

Ground Bison, Whole Grain Pasta & Sauce = simple, quick, affordable and nutritious!



If you are wondering what the thing on the pan is, it is a splatter screen. I love my splatter screen. I use it when I saute, brown etc. and really love it when I am warming or making marinara sauce. You ever turn up the heat and walkaway to find that suace is all over the stovetop and wall? You can find it in my Shop.

Also, the 15% off for the Curious Chef measure and prep gift set expires tomorrow -> take advantage of this offer using code CURIOUS15.

Oh the recipe is simple: While the pasta is boiling, simply brown the meat and then add in some marinara sauce, toss the pasta in after draining and mix well.

Announcing the 'Savor the Thyme Shop' at OpenSky

As a mom, I need products that make life easier and more efficient. This leads to more opportunities to enjoy the time I have with my children, husband, friends and even offers me a few more minutes of ‘Me’ time. I am often asked about some of my favorite items to use in the kitchen, foods we eat, toys, home and lifestyle products. Well, I am thrilled to announce that I will be able to share some of the items with you via OpenSky.

Yes, this is the ‘Announcement’ that I have been sending out tweets and Fan Page teasers about: I am the shopkeeper of the Savor the Thyme Shop and welcome you to a Sneak Peek at it. A Sneak Peek as there are only 3 items at this time but more will be available later this week.

Why did I choose to partner with this company? Here is why:

"OpenSky is where passion, relationships and commerce meet. We believe that online shopping doesn't have to be a detached, isolating experience. We believe that it can be about connection. It can thrilling, fulfilling, inspiring.” Even fun. It can be OpenSky.” Sounds like blogging and social media eh?

“Shopping at OpenSky isn’t about transactions; it’s about interactions. Together, OpenSky Shopkeepers, Suppliers and Shoppers form a community that is changing the way the world shops.”

“Everyone deserves to live their passion. Everyone deserves honest advice and personal attention. Whatever your age, your hobbies, your aspirations, you deserve to shop OpenSky, and we welcome you.”

In addition, you can return any product within 365 days of receipt for a full refund.

I am honored to be able to share some of my life with you via this shop and appreciate the trust you have if/when you choose to bring a product into your home. I am thrilled to share the three products that are currently available in my shop right now: The Oxo Splatter screen, Cuisinart Hand blender and Oxo Peeler.

I use my splatter screen all the time! The purpose of it is to keep your stove and countertops clean and it does that and more. Plus, when I am using oil, I do not want it spitting up, possible burning me or the little ones walking by. In addition, it is made to fit various sizes of pan securely, which again, aids in keeping the counters and me clean. I love anything that helps me from having to scrub a smooth top stove.

Also, feel free to leave comments here or on the Facebook Fan Page, tweet me @savorthethyme or contact me at savorthethyme@cox.net with any suggestions on products you would enjoy seeing in the shop. If I agree they are a good fit, I will work with OpenSky to obtain them.

Thank you for your support, Jennifer