EatingWell Wednesday - Tomato & Provolone Sandwich

Continuing on my EatingWell recipe tomato obsession, I decided to the try the Tomato & Provolone Sandwich . My daughter is crazy for tomatoes and found shopping for this recipe particularly fun as we were looking to buy Heirloom aka 'Ugly' Tomatoes. This is a great sandwich for a refreshing kick on a summer afternoon.



What are your favorite types of Tomatoes?

By the way, when you pick up the August edition of EatingWell, flip to the Editor's Letter and see who has a cameo :)

Tastiest Blog Nominee 2010 - Social Luxe

Hello Everyone! I am so excited to tell you that I am a 2010 BlogLuxe Award Nominee for Tastiest Blog. I appreciate all of your support everyday, truly enjoy sharing and communicating with everyone and am honored to have been nominated.

So, if you feel I am deserving of this award (two winners for each category will be announced at Blogher in August), you can vote once per day through July 12th. Thank You!



Be sure to look for your favorite blogs in each Category as well.

A Journal for Daddy

My husband had to go away on business for week and we wanted to show him what we did while he was gone so we decided to make a picture journal.

We started by gathering supplies: Construction paper, our craft projects, a hole puncher, yarn, glue stick, scissors and markers. We then printed some image/photos on 3-hole paper (we had bought it by mistake) although you can print on plain 85. x 11 and use a hole puncher. We then placed the papers in chronological order and flipped them over.

We then cut three pieces of yarn, approximately 8 inches long. One by one, we looped them through each hole and tied them into a little bow. Dad was touched by our little story book.

Do you remember making books like these when you were little?

More photos are shown here the Whrrl Story 'A Welcome Home Book'

Rhoost Edge Review & Giveaway

Recently I received a 4-pack of the Edge OM from Rhoost and MomSelect to review. Rhoost is a company with a line of stylish baby-proofing products. This product was of interest to me because I have not had any luck with any of the corner protectors on the craft table in our playroom.



You wouldn't think that I need them with a 4 and 6 year old but you would be wrong. Watch the video for my reasons and thoughts on the product.



Guess what?! Rhoost is giving away a 4 pack of the Sling Hub to one lucky reader:
To enter, become a Facebook Fan and leave a comment on the fan page telling me about your biggest child proofing challenge.

Get 5 Extra entries (Did you enter above? You must do that first then leave a comment for each entry to count (yes, five times) AND be sure I have a way to contact you)

*Subscribe Via Email to Savor the Thyme (The sign-up is in the right hand column and you must activate your email subscription)

*Follow Savor the Thyme and Rhoosting on Twitter

*Tweet about this giveaway (you can do this daily but be sure to leave the tweet link url in one of the comments): 'Giveaway - Child Safety Sling cabinet lock from @Rhoosting & @savorthethyme http://alturl.com/xest"

*Post about this giveaway on your Facebook wall. Leave the url of the wall post in your first of five comments.

The giveaway is for U.S. residents only and is open until midnight, Friday July 9th. The winner will be chosen using Random.org.

By the way, you can vote for this blog for the Tastiest Blog everyday until July 12th-Thank You!

Power Packed Foods - Strawberries

There are certain superfoods that you know are very good for you but you (or the children) just do not enjoy in their natural form. Take strawberries for example, my daughter loves to eat them directly off the ground but my son will not however, he does like them. How do I know? He loves Strawberry yogurt.

Other ways to enjoy them:

*Muffins: One of our favorite snacks around here are my Strawberry Muffins. In addition, I have incorporated other fruits such as Kiwi.

*Pancakes: How about serving up a batch of Oatmeal Pancakes with some fresh Strawberry puree on top or even mixing puree into the batter to make pink pancakes?

* Make some strawberry popsicles or even real ice cream.

* How about making some healthy smoothies or shakes?

*And for a real treat, how about strawberries dipped into real chocolate or caramel ? I have never heard of anyone complain about eating strawberries then!

What others ways would you incorporate Strawberries?

EatingWell Wednesday - Tomato & Corn Pie

This weeks' EatingWell Wednesday will be different because I am starting off with some big news: Savor the Thyme is featured in the August issue of EatingWell! Right there in the middle of the Editor's Letter. I am greatly appreciative of the mention and an honored to be in this magazine.

When the issue arrived, I flipped right to the Editors page (page 8) and after reading the article, knew right away that the next recipe I would be trying out was the Tomato-Corn Pie. I just finished making it for dinner tonight and must say that this pie is fantastic. However, next time I make it, I will double the recipe so that the pie is thicker as it was only about a 1/2 inch thick.



The only thing I did differently in this attempt was to mix the sharp cheddar with some reduced fat cheddar. Oh, and if you do not enjoy thyme, try basil. I bet it would be awesome.

Since my mom was here and she loved making pie crusts, she took that part on but if you prefer to skip that step, find a quality pie crust at the grocery store.

Mr. & Mrs. Food Face

Aren't these fantasic? I have to get Mr. & Ms. Food Face into my OpenSky Shop!

Summer Picnic Salad

Tonight we will attend the annual 'Summer Pops in the Park' and I wanted to bring a light salad to nibble.

What other vegetables or herbs from the farmer's market or your garden would you include?



1/2 pound, farfalle pasta, bioled, drianed and cooled
2 vine variety tomaotes, chopped
1 yelloow zucchini, diced
1 scallion, chopped
1 handful fresh parsley, chopped or torn
1 handful fresh basil, chopped or torn
4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil

Combine all ingredients, toss with vinegar and oil. Season with salt & pepper to taste

Basil Vinaigrette

You may recall the basil pesto that I made recently but I had not shared with you what else I did with that pesto. Yes, you can freeze some and use some as a spread but you can also use it in a vinaigrette.

I grabbed a few teaspoons, placed then into a mini-processor, added a few tablespoons of red wine vinegar and pulsed it until it was well emulsified. Smart eh? You can then add more vinegar, oil and mustard until it is the consistency and flavor you desire.

What else could you use pesto to make?

A Year to Savor the Thyme Tip #19 : Eating Flowers

We had just been talking about edible flowers (not that I am in the habit of eating them) and we found a salad mix with flowers at a Farmer's Market. My daughter wanted to try it and she went for it. Keep an open mind and introduce kids (and yourself) to new food experiences.

By the way, I called it 'Marigold' in the video but it was actually 'Nasturium' that she ate.

Basil & Almond Pesto

Naturally, my Basil fest could only go so far without a pesto so here is my version of a classic.

1-2 handfuls of fresh basil leaves

1/3 cup raw almond slices

1/4 asiago cheese, grated

1 clove of garlic

1/3 cup olive oil

coarse salt and ground pepper

Place basil leaves, almonds, cheese and garlic in a mini-processor (or full sized) and pulse until finely chopped. Then pour a little olive oil at a time into the top of the mini-processor and pulse as it streams in until the mixture is emulsified.

I love to use pesto as a spread on sandwiches or on pasta. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week OR freeze in ice cube trays and then place into a freezer bag.

Asparagus & Edamame Saute'

The kids and I and picked up some fresh asparagus but wanted to try a new flavor profile so I decided to toss in some thawed edamame. Knowing that my son often favors vegetables in their raw state, I did not think he would go for this the way he did.

This recipe was a hit for all four of us.



2 teaspoons butter, unsalted
1/2 bunch thin asparagus, ends trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup frozen edamame, thawed
1/2 teaspoon fresh dill or 1/4 teaspoon dried
Kosher salt and ground pepper

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add asparagus and edamame and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Sex & The City 2 Soundtrack - Win a Call from Sarah Jessica Parker!

When you think of or hear of Sex and the City, you think of great friends, fun and laughs right? Well, I do and have been looking forward to the movie (released May 27th) for two years so when I was offered a copy* of the Sex and the City 2: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (released May 25th) to review, I said 'yes.



Songs:
1. I expected that the new soundtrack would start off with a fun and upbeat dance tune and I was not disappointed. The remake of Blondie’s ‘Rapture’ by Alicia Keys makes me smile, dance and feel full of energy. I have played this song numerous times a day and it is now a part of the positive energy in my house and the kids love joining in the fun. In fact, I have so much fun with this song that I feel the need to have a night out with the ladies at a dance club. Listen for the reference to ‘Big.

2. The next song is ‘Everything to Lose’ by Dido. This song starts off with Dido’s ethereal sounding voice followed by an upbeat tempo that becomes faster. One thing I appreciate about Dido’s voice is that you can understand each word she sings. I envision this song being remixed into a club mix.

3. Cee-Lo sings ‘Language of Love’ starts off with a ethnic sounding chant. It is not as upbeat as the first two but makes me feel happy.

4. ‘Window Seat’ by Erykah Badu slows things down a bit with this sexy and soulful song. I can picture a nice dance with my husband after a great dinner. This woman’s voice is so smooth.

5. Kidda was already a song that I loved from a club CD I listen too, so finding this song on the CD was a great surprise. Because I had seen the ads for the movie, I knew they spend some time in the desert so I started envisioning the ladies and all of the adventures they would have. This I another song that motivates me and is a bit sexy. I love it.



6. Continuing on the Arabian theme, comes ‘Euphrates Dream’ by Michael McGregor. Another fun and thumping song. I love hearing music from other countries as it is refreshing to be exposed to other culture's music in such a mainstream way.

7. Now, is when the album begins to take a turn for me. My first reaction was ‘What?!’. Yes, a remake of Singles Ladies by Liza Minnelli. Now, I have honestly never really listened to much of her music and this reinforces why. Next…

8.We go back to a fun song titled ‘Can’t Touch It’ by Ricki-Lee. The song makes you want to put on some stilettos OR gives you the energy to mop. I say go with the stilettos.

9. The next track is ‘Empire State of Mind’ by Alicia Keys, which is a very popular song but is not one of my favorites. However, it does seem fitting for this movie though.

10. The album then gives you it’s first taste of more a romantic and slow tempo'd direction with ‘Love is your color’ by Jennifer Hudson and Liona Lewis. A lovely ballad with two lovely voices.

11. Before sticking to its’ slower direction, a rendition of ‘I am woman’ sneaks in and is sung by the four stars of the movie, SJP, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon. I can only imagine this scene in the movie. It is quite alright.



12. There are then three song, all remakes, sung by the ‘Sex and the City men’s Choir'. I had no idea this group existed and assume it was assembled for the movie. All three songs signal a throw back to the 40’s and 50’s. The songs are very smooth and romantic but I am growing tired of remakes on the album.

13. Continuing along the 40’s genre and remakes is ‘Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered’ which is fine and sung well but I am tired of the remakes.

14. A ballad with Ms. Minnelli and Billy Stritch which is fine but not my cup of tea as they say.

15. The final song is ‘Divas and Dunes’ which is gentle and short but seems unnecessary. Overall, this album is one that I am glad to own however, I think I will only be playing the first half but, maybe I will appreciate the rest if the soundtrack more once I see the movie.

If you want to grab yourself a copy, head over to Amazon.com. You can also 'Like' the Facebook Fan Page.

p.s. You can win a call from Sarah Jessica Parker!

*CD provided by One2One Network.

Lisa Leonard Designs are ‘Bliss’ & Giveaway

Back in February, I attended the Blissdom Conference as part of the Tastemaker Challenge. Upon check-in, we received a gift bag and in that bag was a gorgeous and sweet necklace from Lisa Leonard Designs . The necklace had the word “bliss’ stamped into it along side a fresh water pearl that hung on a silver ball chain. As soon as I saw this chain, I pictured my children and husband and how fortunate I am.

I also envisioned how excited my daughter would be when she saw this necklace, and somehow I knew we would be sharing it. I was also happy to receive this necklace because I was aware of Lisa Leonard Designs but I had never seen any pieces in person. I am now a true fan!

And guess what? A few days ago, I was tweeting about my love of the necklace and she offered this amazing gift to my readers: Tweet the message below and you are entered to win!

'Win $75 towards custom jewelry with @lisaleonard by retweeting this message and following her on Twitter http://alturl.com/wshu '

By the way, you can order some great items for Father's Day! Giveaway ends Tuesday, June 8th at midnight EST.

EatingWell Wednesday - Cream Cheese & Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts

I found some organic (Nature's Promise) chicken breasts and as you all know, I have plenty of Basil so what to do? I typed in basil and chicken breasts at EatingWell.com and decided to go with Cream Cheese & Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts.

To be honest, I was not sure how much it appealed to me but knowing we enjoy each ingredient on it's own made me think this would be good. Boy, I was wrong as it was not good, it was great!

Have you ever stuffed chicken breasts?

Making Strawberry Muffins with A Potato Masher - No Joke

My kids ask me to make Strawberry Muffins constantly so I am always using my potato masher to make the muffins, as well as for mashed potatoes. You can order one from my OpenSky shop.

What else would you use the masher for?