tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264270622517030422011-12-02T22:53:10.496-05:00"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.comBlogger1101100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-35815095088202353322011-10-06T23:03:00.001-04:002011-10-07T00:13:27.440-04:00

The autumn season is my favorite time of year, hands down. It's not too hot, not too cold, there aren't as many bugs (I HATE mosquitoes!), and the nights just seem cozier. I believe life gives us changing seasons to force ourselves to slow down, take a breather, and just relax a bit. So, for breakfast tomorrow, let's do just that. Grab a big mug of steaming coffee, and help yourself to a

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-86296581883454771242011-10-02T22:20:00.000-04:002011-10-02T22:20:17.275-04:00

Usually this time of year brings cozy Saturdays in my kitchen experimenting with wonderful fall ingredients like apples, pumpkins and butternut squash...but there's a little addition to our household that is requiring a lot of my time, which I don't mind at all!So please bear with me for a few months while we all get through potty training, teething, and a few sleepless nights!  :)

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-17286415410401290982011-08-19T22:25:00.000-04:002011-08-19T22:25:20.476-04:00

Back in the day, when our nightly outings would last till 4am, we would all trek down to this little cafe in the heart of Syracuse and order up mammoth frittatas to share. These delicious platters really hit the spot, especially after a long night of disco dancing (What?! Did I say "disco?") I love making a few batches of these for brunch, but they're also a quick fix for an evening dinner. The

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-41119140372421987842011-08-09T23:19:00.004-04:002011-10-07T00:15:16.366-04:00

At the beginning of each summer, I like to prepare three large containers for my deck. One has fresh basil, another has "super fragrant" mint, and last is a hearty, cherry tomato plant. These three ingredients will flavor your salads, marinades or pasta, all season long. I tasted this potato salad a few years back for the first time at my sister-in-law's, and fell head over heels in love. She 

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-46103218351493129952011-07-31T01:23:00.006-04:002011-07-31T01:45:55.939-04:00

Have you ever become so bored with the same old meal plans that you actually lose your appetite? I know the feeling when nothing seems appealing, and unfortunately those are the times we either order out, or go off track in our quest for healthy eating. I'm trying to get into the habit of having ingredients in the fridge that can be combined with any type of meat or veggie. One of the staples I

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-28741484988898298102011-07-28T20:44:00.003-04:002011-07-31T01:46:19.809-04:00

"...Well I dig you Georgia peaches,                 makes me feel right at home.."                                                                       ~Call Me The Breeze, Lynyrd Skynyrd I hope everyone is having a great summer ~ the weather has been awesome, and as an Upstate New Yorker, I'm outside enjoying it as much as possible before the cold "you know what" starts flying once again. I

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-42149481961606161152011-06-28T20:51:00.000-04:002011-06-28T20:51:02.409-04:00

Tonight was one of those nights when I opened the fridge, cupboards and pantry, and quietly declared "pizza night."  This would otherwise be wonderful, except for the fact that I'm trying to avoid "trigger" foods for now, and gooey pizza really gets me going. I know I've posted "throw it all together" ideas before, but this one really came out delicious. Last night, we had grilled

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-33136007514669806502011-06-28T17:16:00.003-04:002011-06-28T20:59:16.974-04:00

Received a thank-you gift from two wonderful friends last week....I wonder what it could be. Here's a clue...hmmmm, a little pineapple. A pineapple you say?...that could only mean one thing...Awww, you shouldn't have! (But I'm really glad you did!) Now to browse the website, and make a wish list! Thank you again my friends, so very much~

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-37770711980322175722011-06-23T21:27:00.000-04:002011-06-23T21:27:06.661-04:00

With all of the beautiful cherries I'm finding at the market this week, I just had to repost one of my favorite recipes~ Cherry Pocket Pies (from Williams-Sonoma) (makes 6-8 pocket pies, or one 8-inch cherry pie) Piecrust (you can purchase a premade crust if desired): 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 2 sticks of cold, unsalted butter, cut into 1/2

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-9087464404124309892011-06-02T19:53:00.000-04:002011-06-02T19:53:08.082-04:00

I'm happy to be posting organic products and foods I've tried and love. Click on the "Best Organic" link at the top to find out more, and share your own ideas with me!

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-53672009039703401982011-05-03T00:10:00.004-04:002011-05-15T16:49:44.645-04:00

This recipe, a combination of many I've researched over the Internet, is a great alternative to the traditional baked pasta version. It is spicy, cheesy, and loaded with protein. I only used 3 tortillas for this dish, but you can use more, cutting them in half to fit inside whatever baking dish you use. My only suggestion would be to make a small casserole for dinner, as the tortillas tend to get

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-43437827940425493882011-04-11T20:28:00.002-04:002011-05-15T16:51:15.831-04:00

This recipe couldn't be any easier. Tonight I tried an all-natural product through a company called Wildtree, and absolutely loved it! I would have preferred to grill the chicken outdoors since it was in the high 70's today (woo-hoo!), but our grill is still packed away in the garage. The grill pan sufficed, but try grilling this outdoors if you can. Honey Mustard Chicken serves 4-6 1 jar

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-40220869151232949342011-04-10T16:44:00.003-04:002011-05-15T16:52:23.050-04:00

Spring is finally here, and with that breath of fresh air come holidays of renewal and celebration. If you're looking for an easy dessert to serve at home or transport to family get togethers, this is the perfect one. You can top these with just about anything, including assorted jams such as apricot or blackberry. I've also made the crust with crushed shortbread cookies instead of graham

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-26492440521345392122011-04-07T22:16:00.004-04:002011-05-15T16:53:51.222-04:00

I'm not sure if anyone was able to tune in to watch the evening news tonight, but there was a very interesting report about the relationship between strawberry consumption and certain types of cancer. Recent scientific studies have shown that these little berries can actually inhibit the growth of precancerous lesions, specifically those located in the esophagus and throat. Besides being low in

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-82187626638542655272011-04-01T00:10:00.003-04:002011-04-01T00:41:02.393-04:00

What can I say? I'm speechless, I really am. Thank you Michelle, at Ispirato Design for awarding "Stylish Blogger" to my little food blog!  (To quote those crazy guys from Wayne's World ..."not worthy!")  It's a good feeling to know that fellow bloggers enjoy reading my ramblings, and I'm overjoyed when someone not only makes, but loves, a posted recipe. So, thank you again IspiratoDesign -

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-80639797385705877692011-03-31T23:59:00.000-04:002011-03-31T23:59:08.066-04:00

"What I say is that, if a fellow really likes potatoes, he must be a pretty decent sort of fellow." ~A. A. Milne If you're like me, you're probably not only tired of winter and all its glory, but getting bored as to what to make for dinner every night. With the spring season on its way, many of us are getting motivated to begin house projects, landscaping and deck staining. It's my goal this

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-55726126283454192862011-03-30T22:57:00.002-04:002011-04-01T00:23:14.159-04:00

I know, once in awhile, you just have to cut loose...saw this recipe from Kraft in a magazine while waiting in the grocery line, and just couldn't resist it.  I had one little sliver...okay, maybe two. But I tried to make it as healthy as it could possibly be. Does organic milk count? Grasshopper Pie serves 8 1 Oreo pie crust (6 oz.) 1  pkg. JELL-O Pistachio flavor sugar-free instant pudding 2

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-83243632735472079812011-03-30T17:54:00.008-04:002011-03-31T23:46:38.051-04:00

If you're looking for a quick, delicious way to incorporate a bunch of veggies together into one meal, then try this recipe. It's actually based on a few that I've clipped and saved from magazines here and there.(Yes, I'm one of those people who quietly tear out recipes from the magazines in the doctor's office while waiting. I firstcheck to see that the copy is over 6 months old. Then, it's up

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-70633244648503098032011-03-24T19:26:00.008-04:002011-03-31T23:47:23.358-04:00

Braise: [breɪz] (Cookery) to cook (meat, vegetables, etc.) by lightly browning in fat and then cooking slowly in a closed pan with a small amount of liquid. Thanks Webster's Online Dictionary, couldn't have said it better myself! I like to braise most of my foods because it doesn't take a lot of time, and the meat always comes out "fall apart" tender. This is a quick, easy recipe, which is also

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-42593246571906246852011-03-20T00:44:00.004-04:002011-04-01T00:22:37.912-04:00

It is with a heart full of happiness that I post this dish made by my daughter, Ashley. When I started this food blog, it was really meant for my two girls. As a mom, I have hopes and dreams that someday they will both grow to love cooking as much as I do, and not run for the hills whenever I preheat the oven. I'm a firm believer that food and tradition brings families closer together, and I know

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-27690172653568490802011-03-06T20:55:00.025-05:002011-03-30T22:36:24.240-04:00

"Did you ever stop to taste a carrot? Not just eat it, but taste it? You can't taste the beauty and energy of the earth in a Twinkie." ~Astrid Alauda This is a great recipe to pull out whenever you have a crazy/lazy day scheduled. If spring ever gets here in Upstate New York, I know many of us will be shuffling kids from games to practice, working in the yard, or just enjoying the long, overdue

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-35290376082456691912011-03-02T21:48:00.005-05:002011-03-04T20:55:25.285-05:00

I love making these little cuties for large gatherings, as well as weekday dinners. You can add just about anything from mini-meatballs to turkey sausage, but for tonight, I chose fresh, organic baby spinach. Enjoy! Baked Stuffed Shells (makes 24 shells/serves 8) (print) 24 uncooked pasta shells (large size) olive oil salt/pepper 1 large can crushed tomatoes 1 jar vodka sauce (favorite store

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-23865426664638517792011-03-01T22:01:00.001-05:002011-03-01T22:10:13.680-05:00

Who, (besides my youngest daughter), doesn't like a good meatloaf? It seemed to be a staple in my grandmother's house growing up, and I vividly remember "Nonny" making cold meatloaf sandwiches the next day for lunch. Not so sure that cold turkey meatloaf would be as appetizing, but you can always give it a try. I found this recipe through Ina Garten (The Barefoot Contessa). "Tweeked" it a bit to

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-11939561033986270352011-02-26T19:39:00.001-05:002011-02-26T19:41:21.244-05:00

Couldn't resist getting this Star Wars cupcake kit at Williams Sonoma for my nephew's 7th birthday. In addition to the paper liners, you get... Darth Vader... A bunch of scary Storm Troopers, and a few other "guys" I'm not sure of. They were a big hit, and cupcakes were enjoyed by all!  Cupcake recipes are located in the sidebar, or you can click:  (peanut butter cup cupcakes) I used the

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-77239964736892998542011-02-19T18:09:00.000-05:002011-02-19T18:09:48.611-05:00

Another frustrating day here in snowbound, windblown, Central New York. As beautiful as winter can be, we've had enough!  Unfortunately, the only thing that helps us through our cabin fever is comfort food. If you find yourself bored to the core, round up the kids and bake these cookies! I've tried many recipes, including Toll House, but according to my official taste testers, this one from the

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-67378580889074865772011-02-09T20:45:00.002-05:002011-02-09T20:56:41.839-05:00

Please take a few moments to thoroughly read the following medical breakthrough, and have a healthy, happy valentine's day! "Groundbreaking research from The Angiogenesis Foundation (link below) proposes that you can stop cancer before it begins to grow. This new preventive approach is called anti-angiogenesis. Anti-angiogenesis encourages that, by changing the way you eat, you can change your “

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-46692513154956520232011-01-30T20:41:00.005-05:002011-02-01T20:45:12.631-05:00

Let me stand a bit on my soapbox again, and shout out the benefits of eating organic. No pesticides, no dyes, preservatives, or imitation anything. You wouldn't add these ingredients if a recipe called for it, so why purchase food altered from it's natural state, or made artificially?  Yes, it is shocking how much more expensive organic produce, dairy and meat can be, but my overall grocery bill

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-77918728743405136212011-01-24T21:22:00.006-05:002011-01-24T22:03:38.263-05:00

I love the smell of coffee cake in the morning, and the wonderful aroma from this cake will fill your home with warmth and happiness! (Unless of course, there's a water leak or you have a houseful of bored kids snowed in with you for the day.) What makes this cake really moist is the addition of overly ripe bananas, at least four large or six small sized. In the past, I've added a few extra

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-55756100099418374362011-01-21T23:23:00.000-05:002011-01-21T23:23:59.937-05:00

As much as I'm trying to eat healthy and organic as possible, there are just some Friday nights when I want to dial up my favorite pizza joint and place an order. For these trying moments, I am experimenting with my own "fast food" recipes. This one came out pretty good, and health wise, it's not too bad! Spinach Artichoke Pizza Roll serves 6-8 (print) 1 lb. raw pizza dough   (your recipe or

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-41748060744072422772011-01-15T21:32:00.029-05:002011-03-31T23:49:38.957-04:00

I love this dish because you can personalize it in so many ways. Feel free to substitute the meat and cheeses to your own liking. I've tried so many versions, from just veggies to ground beef, and it always turns out great. Baked Lasagna (makes a 13x9 pan) (print) 12 uncooked lasagna noodles Meat Sauce: 8 cups of your favorite tomato sauce  or use  (tomato sauce recipe) 6 fresh basil leaves,

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-57157997418716641422011-01-10T22:23:00.005-05:002011-01-17T20:36:36.348-05:00

Nothing says you're in for the night like a bowl of delicious stew. Here's an easy recipe, even better heated up for lunch the next day.  As usual, I'd like to encourage using all organic ingredients, including the beef- Beef Stew (serves 6-8) (print) 2 lbs. of stew beef or a 2 lb. chuck roast, cubed 5 potatoes, peeled/cubed 3 small baby bok choy 1 cup cubed celery 1 bunch rough cut carrots 2

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-82755049098173089032010-11-26T22:26:00.008-05:002010-12-02T21:48:13.770-05:00

I love the taste of apples and pears together, especially when baked inside a sweet, flaky pastry. While scanning through my stack of  cookbooks, this recipe caught my eye because of  two words: "cookie dough". The batter you spoon over the top of the fruit does resemble cookie dough, but it bakes into a cake-like topping. This is a good alternative to the typical "apple crisp" desserts with oats

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-13935209994273760662010-11-26T01:17:00.000-05:002010-11-26T01:17:12.284-05:00

I've read many versions of this recipe lately in most of the popular food magazines, and thought it would be fun to try and combine the "best of the best" into one delicious side dish. I'll be brutally honest though. This recipe can go one of two ways: naughty or nice.  You can bake the yams (or sweet potatoes), mash them up with a little skim milk, salt/pepper to taste, and they're wonderful,

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-73131636588768801652010-11-07T19:35:00.005-05:002010-11-13T20:27:24.769-05:00

I love visiting our local farmer's market. It's therapeutic and relaxing, browsing and wandering from table to table, seeing all of the new and beautiful colors of fall produce.  It's especially interesting talking to local growers, who work very hard to bring quality meats and produce to consumers. They are coping, and probably more worried than the rest of us, with high costs of production,

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-70635561826723077612010-11-07T16:06:00.000-05:002010-11-07T16:06:07.015-05:00

I was so fortunate last week to have a family friend bring over a bottle of this delicious, organic wine. Like most merlots, it would compliment any beef or pork dish. The taste of this rich, red wine is more flavorful and full-bodied than most, mostly because it's organic. It has overtones of cranberry and chocolate, as well as the mild sweetness of dark berries. I would definitely recommend

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-29410767050924264872010-11-07T15:32:00.004-05:002010-11-07T19:59:50.997-05:00

This is a hearty soup Mr. Grumps and I loved when we went out to dinner awhile back. As usual, I "tweeked" it a bit, adding more veggies and staying the course with organic produce. One thing you'll absolutely need for this recipe is a food processor or a good blender. You're going to cook the vegetables until they're tender, which will make the mixture easier to pulse in the processor. The best

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-47247757672760049422010-10-09T20:27:00.001-04:002010-10-09T20:52:54.072-04:00

One of the best things about fall is wanting to cook inside once again, and having the time to pull out some of my favorite soup and stew recipes. I love stew because you can add almost any ingredient and it will still turn out delicious. It's important with this recipe to use the freshest produce you can find. As usual, I'm going to talk "pro-organic", especially with poultry. Organic chicken is

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-38427208624271347512010-10-03T23:18:00.000-04:002010-10-03T23:18:53.254-04:00

I'm not even going to elaborate. It warms you on a cold day, comforts you when you're feeling blue, and is even better the next day reheated for lunch (sigh...), I love this dish! Mac and Cheese (print) makes a 13x9 pan 4 large slices of homemade, bakery bread (I prefer Italian) 4 tablespoons butter 2 cups dry pasta 1/4 cup flour 2 cups skim milk 1/2 cup half and half 2 and 1/2 cups shredded

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-89673363056371201932010-10-03T20:36:00.001-04:002010-11-07T16:37:41.524-05:00

Lately, I find myself wandering up and down the liquor store aisle trying to select a good wine that will compliment our meal. It's a bit overwhelming at times, and it's never guaranteed that you'll like what you buy. My happy choice this week is called "Tony's Red" from Anthony Road Wine Company. It's a great tasting wine, and Mr. Grumps has voted it to be his new favorite!

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-71289037878435224892010-09-28T22:04:00.002-04:002010-09-28T22:18:37.744-04:00

This is such a fast, easy recipe, and the beauty of it all is that you can add whatever your little heart desires! I've kept this version pretty basic, but in the past have added cubed potatoes, cherry tomatoes, mini turkey meatballs, and even diced pancetta. Pasta and Greens makes 6-8 cups 2 cans cannelli beans, rinsed/drained (or you can use 2 cups of fresh beans, soaked if needed) 1 lb.

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-58659177720807668812010-09-13T21:57:00.000-04:002010-09-13T21:57:41.597-04:00

I'm sad to say that summer seems to be dwindling away faster than usual this year, and though I love the fall season, I hate to think of the unpredictable winter that's lurking just around the corner. That's really what I hate about winter, not knowing what it will be like. Freezing temps? Lake effect snow? More than three feet? The best way to handle my anxiety is to know that my freezer is

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-49366525701490532002010-09-03T22:37:00.016-04:002010-09-08T00:07:56.741-04:00

When I first saw this recipe at the Williams Sonoma store, I immediately felt happy. Why? Because I love nachos, and also love grilling. Who wants to turn on the oven in August?  I've grilled just about everything, but never really thought to throw some cheesy nachos on the grates. So, this is my first attempt at this delicious appetizer. You'll need to have a metal grill pan, or a sturdy,

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-54205713157216781282010-09-01T22:25:00.002-04:002010-09-01T22:32:36.735-04:00

I think part of the reason it's hard to eat healthy, is because it takes a lot of work "remodeling" old recipes. This dish is based on a few I had found from my pile of "to be organized" clippings, and unfortunately weren't the healthiest versions. So, I added a bit of this, a little of that, and tried substituting organic, low-sodium foods. It's important to purchase organic when you can,

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-34812424869148215682010-08-20T20:48:00.001-04:002010-08-20T21:02:19.667-04:00

So easy, so good, pretty healthy. This makes a great side to grilled burgers or chicken. This recipe calls for cajun seasoning, and if you're lucky to live in Central New York, you're familiar with Dinosaur BBQ's Foreplay. It has the right amount of "heat" for your dishes without being overpowering. I absolutely love it, and sprinkle it on just about everything. If you've been unfortunate

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-54890745856428871062010-08-19T20:01:00.002-04:002010-08-19T21:09:57.923-04:00

One of my favorite childhood food memories is my grandmother's banana bread. Not from a box, but homemade with ripe bananas, granulated sugar and walnuts. I loved smearing cream cheese across the top of each warm slice. As much as I loved it, her original recipe calls for a few ingredients I now try to avoid -white flour and sugar, and unfortunately, the cream cheese. So I got to thinkin', this

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-12544797151875707172010-08-06T23:22:00.005-04:002010-08-17T19:40:56.562-04:00

Eggplant is one of those vegetables you either love or hate, but this little recipe might change the haters into likers! Grilling the eggplant for this recipe instead of frying is not only healthy, but gives this traditional dish a bit of a delicious transformation. If you're feeling ambitious and have a garden full of ripe tomatoes, try the tomato sauce/homemade recipe in the sidebar. Your own

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-52948590209561656242010-08-04T23:30:00.000-04:002010-08-04T23:30:36.677-04:00

This is such a fast, easy recipe, one that's great for a backyard party.  Make a pitcher of something fun and bubbly, throw a salad together, put on some great music, and fire up the grill... Grilled Pizza Appetizers(print) serves 6-8 1 package soft tortillas (8-inch) 2 cups grated mozzarella 1/4 cup grated provolone 1/4 cup fresh mozzarella balls (tiny) 3-4 basil leaves, torn 2 cups finely

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-34991111316829129892010-07-16T00:11:00.001-04:002010-07-16T00:12:25.222-04:00

One thing Mr. Grumps and I can't live without during the summer is grilled chicken. If you feel the same way, but are tired of the same old BBQ sauce, try this one.  It's based on a recipe made in the 1940's by Dr. Robert Baker, a Cornell University professor of Animal Sciences. He invented this marinade to increase the sale of poultry, and appropriately named it "Cornell Chicken".  If you go to

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-19999597472186016422010-07-01T00:26:00.002-04:002010-07-02T18:56:52.089-04:00

It's been a very long road since December; a road twisted and winding, but I feel I'm finding my way. Accepting a cancer diagnosis has been difficult, but not impossible. I also have the firm belief that everything in this life happens for a reason.  Since this news, which I now accept and embrace, I've managed to change my diet, mindset and focus. I know that diet alone will not cure cancer, but

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-52964155987219919852010-05-05T23:03:00.000-04:002010-05-05T23:03:01.790-04:00

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-67883087642991384302009-12-20T17:41:00.024-05:002010-07-01T01:05:29.526-04:00

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before... "What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?"One of the most debated ingredients I encounter when baking is the addition of nuts. Many dessert fans absolutely love them, while others fiercely stand their ground, insisting that even a minuscule piece of walnut be removed from

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-89421784539273460002009-11-22T21:49:00.020-05:002009-11-22T23:19:16.550-05:00

If you're planning on making an infamous "Green Bean Casserole" sometime this holiday season, please try these little cuties in place of the fried onions in a can.Onion straws are so easy to prepare, and aren't nearly as salty and over processed as the canned varieties. I also like serving these as toppings on steaks and burgers. They even add a nice crunch to salads. There are so many recipes

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-53823020499695726042009-11-14T18:43:00.015-05:002009-11-14T20:22:22.233-05:00

Life has been a little crazy, but I'm back in the game! I'm sooo looking forward to reading and sharing new recipes for the holidays, and have been ripping out magazine pages and digging through my recipe boxes for our traditional favorites. There's so many wonderful desserts, casseroles and dinner creations, it's always hard to choose. Christmas shopping has begun, and cookie swaps are scheduled

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-83730922646455947732009-10-23T22:10:00.014-04:002009-10-25T18:39:40.624-04:00

I wish - in addition to posting food pics, I could post "smell-a-vision" today. You really have to understand how wonderful this blended aroma of apples, cinnamon, butter and sugars can be. It even puts a smile on cute Mr. Grumps. Each fall season, I like to try different recipes for apple crisp, but this is my tried and true favorite. It also makes a huge difference as to the type of apples you

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-5802985891061684452009-10-11T18:12:00.013-04:002011-01-30T17:42:21.461-05:00

After watching the weather report last night, I'm reluctantly putting away my box of grilling and BBQ recipes, and pulling out my soups, stews and casserole cookbooks. I will admit, that as much as I love summer and the food that goes along with it, I really favor comfort food. Anything cheesy, warm and gooey that will help me to accept that first snowfall of the year is fine by me. This

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-70220525221307926852009-10-05T19:51:00.019-04:002009-10-05T21:10:24.923-04:00

These cookies are the classic Vanishing Oatmeal Raisin Cookie recipe found on the lid of the Quaker Oatmeal canister. My kids have always loved these, especially with a tall glass of cold milk. I've also found that most kids don't question what they're eating so much if you call it a "cookie". They just seem to enjoy munching and dunking! Over the years, I've felt pretty good about making these

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-28126321180637266072009-10-01T22:09:00.010-04:002009-10-01T23:35:20.054-04:00

Lately, warm comfort food seems to "hit the spot" on these cold, rainy nights we've had in the northeast. Thanks to this lovely weather, Mr. Grumps and I celebrated our anniversary with assorted cartons of cold medicine and cherry vapor drops. We've been sniffling and coughing for about 3 straight days, and are getting pretty sick of it. I made the monthly trek to my favorite butcher, and was

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-35355898741656710382009-09-19T18:50:00.017-04:002009-09-20T19:56:47.884-04:00

A very good friend of mine made this for our work luncheon last spring and I loved it, though it really shouldn't be called an appetizer. You could serve this for lunch or dinner with a mug of hot soup, and it would be delicious and filling.You can find this on many other recipe sites under various names, but they're all about the same as far as baking. The only thing I did differently was jazz

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-89185613656017155462009-09-18T09:52:00.015-04:002009-09-19T21:17:17.870-04:00

Thought for the day:"...but it never rained rain. It never snowed snow. And it never blew just wind. It rained things like soup and juice. It snowed mashed potatoes and green peas. And sometimes the wind blew in storms of hamburgers." -Judi Barrett (Children's Author)I couldn't post these past few literacy-food connections without mentioning Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs. The movie trailer

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-14471275217205078862009-09-09T21:04:00.007-04:002009-09-09T22:34:27.638-04:00

Thought for the day: "Then Strega Nona sang: Enough, enough, pasta pot! I have my pasta, nice and hot. So simmer down my pot of clay, until I'm hungry another day..." - An Old Tale Retold by Tomie de PaolaIf you made the homemade tomato sauce from a few postings ago, you'll hardly work at all to put this meal on the table. Just take out a few containers of sauce from the freezer, place them in a

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-46006785450400453372009-09-06T12:50:00.022-04:002009-09-07T00:53:05.009-04:00

Thought for the day:"Then all around, from far away across the world, he smelled good things to eat, so he gave up being king of where the wild things are..." - Maurice SendakJust about everyone knows that reading with your child strengthens fluency, enhances vocabulary, and builds comprehension needed for future achievement. But most important, reading together provides a unique bonding time.

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-19224593525594727182009-09-04T14:28:00.029-04:002010-08-06T22:14:03.903-04:00

With many of our kids heading back to school this fall, we as adults, tend to seek out "convenience eating" when fatigued or rushed for time. We dread arguing about what to have for dinner, or whose turn it is to cook. It seems much easier to "blue tooth" a pizza delivery service on your way home than it is to get a cart and mindlessly walk the supermarket aisles with a couple of cranky

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-72835737140091660722009-09-01T19:40:00.024-04:002009-09-01T22:17:59.611-04:00

With summer winding down, and a crisp hint of fall in the air, I'm grabbing all I can of this season's local harvest. We are fortunate to have a few farm stands down the road selling fresh picked corn, lettuces, fruit, and other greens daily. The vegetables are colorful and vibrant, which motivates me to put them to good use. All the produce used in this recipe (except for the shitake mushrooms)

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-61143213084559403832009-08-25T19:52:00.009-04:002009-08-25T20:38:53.598-04:00

Most recipes require extensive cooking, wood chip techniques and smoking time for baby back ribs, but I happened to stumble upon this crazy concoction that gave me the most tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs I've ever tasted. At the beginning of the summer season, our local grocery store had a sale on rib combo packs. I was able to purchase a rack of baby ribs for under $10.00 each. I bought three,

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-51673030968692317502009-08-18T20:36:00.030-04:002009-08-20T20:25:06.381-04:00

As much as we all love barbecued food, grilling can become a bit boring towards summer's end. I've grilled just about everything this season from fruit to nuts, and I'm starting to feel like I'm in a grilling rut. This week, in Upstate New York, the humidity has been in the high range, along with annoying, sporadic thunderstorms. There haven't been many comfortable days to cook outside over a hot

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-22663656553895958922009-08-09T13:43:00.020-04:002009-08-20T19:49:48.221-04:00

I find it hard to believe we're heading into mid-August already. I wish the winter season would pass as quickly as summer. I've enjoyed eating out on the deck with Mr. Grumps, going to market, catching up on outdoor projects, and harvesting my little herb container gardens. I plan on posting some great pesto recipes to use up that fresh basil soon. On a recent trip to Connecticut, one of my "

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-32114814802081350202009-07-23T22:27:00.018-04:002009-07-23T23:16:10.582-04:00

Thought for the day:"You get as much actual "food" out of eating an artichoke as you would from licking 30 or 40 postage stamps."- Miss Piggy Granted, it does seem like a lot of prep work for a small amount of enjoyment, but I love artichokes, especially grilled. To eat after cooking, just pull off a petal, place the large, bottom half behind your front teeth, and bite and pull the artichoke out.

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-43346627092061791562009-07-23T20:34:00.013-04:002009-08-14T21:14:01.219-04:00

If you live in Central New York, you are definitely familiar with these little babies. They are tiny potatoes, packaged in 5 pound bags, and sold with a big, bag of salt. Many restaurants and outdoor clambakes serve them, and they are sold by the dozens at the New York State Fair in little paper cartons. The skins are paper thin, and they cook white and tender on the inside. Cooking them in

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-47255771626944742552009-07-20T12:59:00.018-04:002009-07-20T14:21:03.473-04:00

I haven't been as dedicated to my kitchen as usual, and there are a few reasons why.....This is one,And here's another.I love being outdoors watching my backyard bloom into color with very little help from me. Summer is a time to explore, connect and "lighten up" a bit. Nothing compares to eating dinner outside and enjoying a glass of wine with a cool breeze a-blowin'. I just love it!As for

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-2955273877820087132009-07-15T21:12:00.017-04:002009-07-15T23:10:04.534-04:00

"I found my thrill...on Blueberry Hill...."I just can't resist walking past a fruit stand at the market without buying blueberries. You can toss them in salads, desserts, main dishes and cocktails. They make me happy, they really do!The recipe here is easy to follow, extremely fun to make with kids, and I froze half a batch for later. I also consumed a massive amount of blueberries! Banana

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-57985157154010754202009-07-10T20:40:00.023-04:002009-07-10T23:43:17.635-04:00

Since I've started this blog, I've been able to exchange ideas, get feedback on my own recipes, and participate in forums and contests through Foodbuzz.com, a "foodie" site, which is a wealth of information and recipes for virtually every occasion and ingredient. One of the members of Foodbuzz suggested I participate in a cupcake contest hosted by her blog/website, Gourmet Girl Magazine. There

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-53417307142713466732009-07-07T17:22:00.067-04:002011-04-10T17:04:01.099-04:00

Thought for the day: "Life is just a bowl of cherries, so live and laugh at it all..."- George Gershwin One of the reasons I love summer so much is because the quality and quantity of fresh fruit seems endless. Today, I couldn't resist buying two pounds of fresh, sweet cherries from the market. I was excited to also try out a new "gadget" given to me by a wonderful friend. It's a pocket pie

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-23576678034296782302009-07-05T17:53:00.025-04:002009-07-05T20:02:02.187-04:00

Tonight was beautiful...sunny, clear, and not too hot. Mr. Grumps and I grabbed two Blue Moons, some orange slices and headed out to the deck. And even though we ate like two crazies yesterday celebrating the 4th, we were still in the mood for burgers. I always try to have a supply of easy-to-grill meals in the freezer for this very occasion. No running to the store, no wasted food or time. With

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-51048059222154967952009-07-04T11:24:00.014-04:002009-07-05T20:02:20.726-04:00

First off, Happy 4th to everyone! I hope all of your barbecues, salads and desserts turn out wonderful and memorable. Be sure to give everyone you care about a big hug today.I am going to my sister-in-law's beautiful home to not only celebrate Fourth of July, but recognize a few birthdays, including Mr. Grumps. I found out that there is already going to be a cake, as well as an ice cream version,

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-81879074377711020772009-07-02T19:58:00.011-04:002009-07-05T21:07:28.516-04:00

I just couldn't believe it until I tried it myself. Black beans and brownies. What? You're raising your eyebrows? That's okay, I had the same reaction. My hair stylist shared her love for this dessert with me, and I'll admit, I made a funny face.But as a true "foodie", I can't judge until I actually make and taste what I'm being judgemental about. So, here they are, and the taste is wonderful.

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-77497418909361180332009-06-28T19:16:00.017-04:002009-07-04T23:10:59.609-04:00

I had the guilty pleasure of baking assorted chocolate cupcakes for a grad party this weekend, but even with the big wad of sugarless bubblegum in my mouth to prevent me from "taste-testing", I caved. I really don't know many people who can resist chocolate or sweets of any kind, and since I'm trying to diet, I realized I failed the ultimate willpower test. Again.The bathing suit hanging on my

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-16465273848066675562009-06-27T00:02:00.018-04:002009-06-27T01:10:12.620-04:00

Whenever I eat grilled tuna, I kind of feel like I'm enjoying a strip steak. Seasoning and grilling these fillets virtually eliminates any "fishy" taste they may have. (We've discussed my fish phobias before, remember? If not, refresh your memory with the Grilled Tilapia post).I bought these in the fish department freezer case at our local grocery store (recommended by the "fish butcher" there).

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-69943136831201477222009-06-26T21:45:00.018-04:002009-07-04T23:12:05.665-04:00

If you are trying to come up with a delicious, yet healthy side dish for summer, then be sure to print out this recipe. I love Sweet Potato Fries, but seldom find them on restaurant menus. Sweet potatoes are full of fiber, are naturally sweet and extremely nutritious. It's much healthier to eat a sweet potato than a typical white version, such as russet or Yukon gold. Of course, this recipe isn't

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-88408442547742859772009-06-21T23:11:00.027-04:002009-07-04T23:18:45.170-04:00

Happy Father's Day to all! Mr. Grumps celebrated with our youngest daughter at an Earth, Wind and Fire with Chicago - concert last night. The reviews were that both bands were energetic and awesome. My little crew came home tired, singing and smiling. Couldn't have picked a better gift for a wonderful guy. Mr. Grumps, if we haven't told you lately, you're the best!For Father's Day, we were

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-18294700358860243192009-06-21T22:13:00.016-04:002009-06-21T23:08:54.725-04:00

I've never really had too much luck grilling turkey burgers because they stick so easily to the grill. So imagine how happy I was to watch "Emeril" Friday morning doing a grilling segment on this very topic! I grabbed a pen and paper, (as well as my coffee) and sat down to list his secret cooking technique. I have to say, it wasn't what I expected.Before he put the prepared turkey burgers on the

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-91849812977409966512009-06-14T18:15:00.042-04:002009-06-14T23:12:09.780-04:00

Thought for the day:"Chicken? What's all this talk about chicken? Why, I had an uncle who thought he was a chicken....my aunt almost divorced him, but we needed the eggs."- Groucho MarxLet me just say what this little chicken dish has been called..."Beer in the Rear Chicken, Drunken Chicken with Dirty Bird Rub, and Beer Butt Chicken"...I like to refer to it as "Beer Can Chicken." Plain and simple

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-53440073119516941732009-06-13T19:57:00.017-04:002010-08-20T18:59:59.849-04:00

If you like barbecue food, and follow "foodie" shows, chefs and recipe contests like me, you would have seen this blues-themed restaurant on Good Morning America. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que won a contest, up against three other contenders, for best BBQ. They have a huge food stand at the New York State Fair each year, and you can always plan on standing in line; well worth the wait. The paper plates are

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-1422276044948462602009-06-10T20:05:00.028-04:002009-06-13T22:44:02.059-04:00

You've heard of pigs in a blanket, right? Well, this is a much larger and tastier version made with veggies, pork tenderloin, and a freshly baked baguette. It sure hits the spot, and looks impressive too.While browsing through a few catering sites awhile back, I came across this recipe which seemed interesting and different. The original recipe calls for this to be oven-baked, but I decided to

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-86905982115717012572009-06-04T22:29:00.011-04:002009-06-04T22:56:51.483-04:00

Thought for the day:"We should give meaning to life, not wait for life to give us meaning.." - author unknownAs I was grilling dinner tonight, I had a little audience. Mr. Grumps was enjoying the evening with a glass of wine, and his faithful friend was at his side, waiting for an ear scratch. I love nights like this; no schedules, no plans, just in for the night. I also love this crazy dog with

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-42822439164985313232009-06-04T19:23:00.020-04:002009-06-04T20:42:29.976-04:00

The first time I read about putting uncooked pizza dough on the grill, I was totally doubtful. According to my law of physics, the dough would heat up and most likely seep through the grill grates into the fire.Imagine my surprise when I tried it. The pizza came out totally perfect, and absolutely delicious. It's crispy, flavorful, and will not last once it's served hot off the grill. This is a

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-823591990770686552009-06-04T19:08:00.011-04:002009-06-10T22:46:14.751-04:00

Imagine this....a tropical beach with your favorite book; toes in the sand, sunblock on your nose..then reality hits, and you're really home with phones ringing, laundry buzzers buzzing, and the 6:00 news blasting on the family room TV.There's a way I've found to still imagine you've escaped. Make this little drink, close your eyes, and smile for a bit (until someone's ringing the doorbell, or

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-37083531658773080182009-06-02T23:08:00.010-04:002009-06-02T23:28:17.610-04:00

Thought for the day:"There are only ten minutes in the life of a pear when it is perfect to eat." - Ralph Waldo EmersonIf you're looking for a heart healthy dessert that is sweet, grab a pear. This recipe is great because you can whip this up quick for an after dinner dessert.This particular recipe was found on a "heart healthy" website. I

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-5402078782455801612009-06-02T21:12:00.020-04:002009-07-05T20:11:56.109-04:00

Let me tell you, I'm not really a "fish" person. Although I like seafood, I can't stomach eating anything that remotely resembles a fish. I can only enjoy eating seafood if there's no evidence that the fillet on my plate formerly swam in the ocean....or worse, a lake.You can imagine my frustration when I order fresh fish from the supermarket. I ask that they completely skin my order, ensure it's

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-26459391886572141592009-05-31T18:53:00.033-04:002009-10-08T19:02:19.349-04:00

I had planned to grill some new recipes today, but it's extremely windy here, and not very warm. There's even a frost warning for tonight, so the flowering baskets I bought last week are "hanging out" in the garage. I guess my outdoor planting projects will have to wait until another day. Instead, I'm pulling recipes together for summer canning and freezing, while everyone else seems content

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-46530859366684732002009-05-25T17:54:00.032-04:002009-06-04T23:30:03.538-04:00

I know I've been talking about dieting for swimsuit season, but my daughter turned 19 this past week, and she requested these horrible (actually quite delicious), terrible smelling (they smell like heaven), Peanut Butter Cup Cakes for our family get together. And then I got to thinking, "What if someone doesn't like chocolate cupcakes?" So, I made yellow cupcakes with strawberry frosting as well

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-5369798536226969542009-05-24T18:39:00.058-04:002010-07-24T18:04:40.363-04:00

So happy to say that I love our new Weber grill! Why? It's really sturdy, the propane tank is located inside a cabinet (so the dog can't squeeze under the grill to lick grease off the tank), and it has wide, heavy metal grates. To "christen" this long awaited hunk of beautiful metal, I prepared a vegetarian meal tonight; rosemary roasted potatoes and grilled veggie sandwiches. They both came out

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-4405796781311217122009-05-18T22:14:00.026-04:002009-05-18T23:17:32.918-04:00

As you know, I'm trying to be good. Really, I am. It's so hard. I caved today and enjoyed a chunk of chocolate praline cake with pecans and whipped cream frosting. It was baked by my friend, and was by far, one of the best cakes I have tasted! Although I enjoyed every bite, I felt pretty guilty when I got home from work. So I made a fruit salad for tonight. It's something you can enjoy

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-16269442668966297132009-05-17T12:58:00.062-04:002009-05-17T21:28:34.502-04:00

I'm excited to tell you that Mr. Grumps is picking up our Weber gas grill today (yahooo)! I have so many wonderful grilling recipes I've found to cook and share, so I'm hoping you'll "tune" in throughout the summer. Many of the meals are designed to take advantage of the local fruits and vegetables we'll soon be enjoying. I went to the farmer's market on Saturday, and saw many flowering, hanging

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-47819345219535862992009-05-11T20:22:00.038-04:002009-05-15T17:37:15.437-04:00

Thought for the day:"A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people; promptly announces she never did care for pie-"- Tenneva Jordan I hope that each of you reading this blog had a wonderful Mother's Day. After enjoying brunch in the morning, then a barbecue in the afternoon, I came home to bake a pie. Actually, a tart. It was relaxing, therapeutic, and it made

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-45746714369744473342009-05-07T19:01:00.030-04:002009-05-09T23:16:14.131-04:00

Whenever I look at photographs of these sweet little faces, it fills me with emotion.These were the days when you could count on a hug and a smile to greet you after an afternoon nap. Tears could be kissed away, playdough was entertaining, and it was okay if your socks didn't match. Bubble baths caused great excitement, and we were thrilled to each have a turn holding the backyard hose while

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-2786974877632183152009-05-06T19:14:00.035-04:002009-05-15T17:27:40.676-04:00

You just can't go wrong with Shrimp Scampi, especially if you love shrimp (like Mr. Grumps). If you don't like shrimp, feel free to substitute grilled chicken, or just savor the tomato/garlic/butter sauce over fettuccine.(Mr. Grumps just came in from his evening jog, saw this on the stove, and took to the stairs whistling, two at a time. He will be showered and downstairs in literally 5 minutes.

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-20919031881645803202009-05-04T18:35:00.009-04:002009-05-04T18:58:42.556-04:00

I don't know about you, but it's becoming evident that I have to really watch these next couple of weeks.A promise has been made to my little nephew that I will go to the beach with him this summer. And this summer is coming up pretty fast. And my legs look absolutely ridiculous at this point. :(Like me, if you're wrestling with trying to create healthy (but delicious) after dinner snacks, here

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-72102653054437358142009-05-03T14:19:00.007-04:002009-05-03T14:36:21.153-04:00

After taking my daughter back to school today, Mr. Grumps and I will be "meandering" around the local hardware store "hot spots" in our continued search for a small, moderately priced, well built, Weber gas grill. I know many people think that it's just a grill, but after owning many over the past 20 years, I can honestly say that you get what you pay for. There really is a big difference cooking

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-57397819040750130502009-04-29T19:13:00.102-04:002009-05-02T16:25:04.139-04:00

Okay, I'm getting nervous now. Why? Because in Upstate New York, our summers go by so quickly, that we actually start opening our pools when the snowbanks are still melting, and the temp is above 48 degrees. Everyday is a cause for celebration when you can see actual blades of grass in your backyard. I want to take every advantage of each beautiful, warm, sunny day....and as we've discussed, I

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1526427062251703042.post-20216351176496042912009-04-28T22:36:00.020-04:002009-04-29T00:05:07.389-04:00

At this point, I wish I could say that I found the perfect gas grill, but it hasn't happened. Mr. Grumps and I drove around Sunday and looked at a few floor models, but didn't have much luck. The grills are either way too big, way too expensive, or really flimsy. I'll keep looking, but in the meantime, I'm trying to think of new ideas for dinner until I can get those burgers outside on an open

"Vanilla and Thyme"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04520515176323915631noreply@blogger.com2