I love being impromptu.  Before kids, I used to be all the time.  Some of my best memories are things that I planned or done last minute or without much thought.  Eight years ago I was living in Upstate New York.  I had a wild thought of moving to Florida.  Within two months of that initial thought, I found a job, packed my bags and dog and headed south for fresh start.  I left behind all my friends and everything that was familiar to me, but I was looking for change.  I’m glad I did because sometimes in life you just need to go for it.  If you don’t, you’ll never know what could have been.

After having the twins almost three years ago, I got caught up in being a mom and putting myself last.  Now I feel more comfortable leaving them on occasion, and actually welcome the break.  Last week I decided to plan a quick getaway and head down to New York City tomorrow..  Of course, there is a little business involved in going, but I have plenty of time to eat my way through the city while I am there.  I have almost every minute planned while I am there, from hopefully meeting up with one of my blogging buddies, attending an event, catching a show on Broadway, and of course a little retail therapy.  If you follow me on Instagram, I’m sure I’ll be posting pics of my little twenty-four hour marathon in New York City.

This month for Secret Recipe Club I was assigned the awesome blog Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom.  From awesome craft ideas that I could even make like the No Sew Pillow which I am totally trying, to fabulous my kind of recipes like Healthy Chocolate Dip and Buffalo Chicken Bites, I had a lot of fun visiting Jamie’s blog and look forward to staying in touch and seeing her latest creations.  

It has been far to long since I made a batch of rice krispie treats.  When I saw the recipe for Chocolate, Coconut and Almond Rice Krispie Treats, I knew I had to try those.   Almond Joy used to be one of my favorite candy bars.  Like Jamie mentions, these rice krispie treats are like Almond Joy only in rice krispie form and they definitely are. 

If you love Rice Krispie Treats, check out a few of my other favorites:
Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats
Apple Caramel Cake Rice Krispie Treats

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Original article: Coconut Almond Rice Krispie Treats

©2013 Mother Thyme. All Rights Reserved.

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I am a sucker for a good cannoli.   

Every so often I get a huge craving for a cannoli.  And once I get something in my mind I want, I can’t stop thinking about it.  I have been doing so good with eating right and going to the gym, I wasn’t going to let a little craving for a cannoli blow it. 

I love ricotta cheese.  It is something I always have on hand.  I love it for breakfast or a snack on bread drizzled with a little honey.  The creamy texture of ricotta is perfect in so many sweet and savory dishes. 

I recently created this recipe that has all the flavors of a cannoli with less guilt.  This recipes uses low fat ricotta cheese that only has 50 calories per serving and 2 grams of fat.  To the ricotta add a few spoonfuls of powdered sugar, a handful of mini chocolate chips, a splash of vanilla and you have the filling ready to go.  Instead of using a cannoli shell, I use a small 6 inch soft taco shell that is rolled with the filling then quickly browned in the skillet.  The end result is a fun little Cannoli Wrap that makes a tasty snack.  I have even used a round cookie cutter and cut the shells even smaller to make mini wraps that are cute for the kids, or even as little desserts. 

Original article: Cannoli Wraps

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Oh Monday, why do you have to creep up on us so quickly? 

To make your Monday a little sweeter, I share with you the perfect summer “thyme” angel food cake. 

I heart angel food cake.  It is one dessert I can enjoy without the guilt.  Load it up with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream, and I would take that over a triple layer chocolate cake anyday.

Angel food cake reminds me of summer, although I enjoy it all year long.  One of my favorite ways to make it is to cut the cake up into cubes and serve it as a trifle.  It is a dessert I enjoy serving often since I know everyone will love it.

Last week I asked what recipe from my Summer Thyme cookbook  you would like me to feature.  The responses were great, thank you!  It was a close race between Maple Chipotle Glazed Corn on the Cob and this Key Lime Angel Food Cake.  I am thrilled this angel food cake had the most votes.  If you like key lime desserts, you will love this cake.  It is fresh and light with a hint of key lime.  Top with a key lime glaze and serve with a lime whipped cream, this dessert will quickly become a new favorite.

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Original article: Key Lime Angel Food Cake

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The one thing I truly love about blogging is the people I meet.  From readers sending me emails and comments and the circle of blogging friends that I have “met”, I have connected with people from around the world.  None of us have ever met in real life, but we have connected through our keyboards.  One of my dearest blogging buddies is Claire from Claire K Creations.  I have known Claire for a few years now.  She lives in Brisbane, Australia and I live in Buffalo, New York.  It is awesome that we live so far apart, yet can feel like we are in each others kitchen.  Some days, you have to love modern technology. 

That is what makes blogging special, the relationships you make.  I often tell my blogging friends that I wish I could be more social.  Sometimes my Twitter is chirping more than tweeting.  It’s hard when I am also trying to raise twins.  I won’t even get into potty training.  Let me just say it’s tough.  For those who had an easy time potty training, please send me your suggestions!  I do the best I can to juggle it all, and I am thankful for the dear friends, like Claire that I have met along the way. 

Claire is actually coming to visit me from Australia.  Ok, maybe not come to visit me technically, even though she is more than welcome to, but she is coming to the United States with her hubby for vacation.  She is going to be in New York City touring the Big Apple.  She’ll be in the same state as I live in, so we’ll be kind of close, right? 

Anyways, while Claire is enjoying the city that never sleeps, I am heading to Brisbane (not literally) to hang out on her beautiful site, Claire K Creations to share this yummy Lemon Cake Pie.   If there is one dessert you make this summer, you need to try this.  It is out of this world.  It’s a little cake and a little pie all in one bite.  To top it off, which is not even necessary I make a blueberry compote that is the perfect compliment to this easy, yes easy and amazing dessert.

For all the scrumptious details, come visit me today at Claire K Creations, clicking HERE.

On a side note, I have an exciting promotion going on this weekend on Amazon!  If you own a Kindle, or even have the Kindle App on your tablet, you can download Summer Thyme this weekend only for FREE!  Click HERE to download your free copy.  This promotion only lasts from June 7-9, 2013 so grab it while you can, or purchase a beautiful print copy HERE.  Enjoy! 

Original article: Lemon Cake Pie

©2013 Mother Thyme. All Rights Reserved.

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This has been such a fun weekend with the release of Summer Thyme.  I hope you have had a chance to check out Friday and Saturday’s giveaway.  If you haven’t yet, there will be information below to check that out and a chance to enter those giveaways.

Today I need your help!  I would love to feature a recipe from Summer Thyme but I can’t decide.  I am leaving it up you, my awesome readers to decide which Summer Thyme recipe will be featured from the cookbook.

It was a hard decisions, but I picked my three favorite recipes.  The most requested recipe will be featured on Monday, June 10th!

First choice – Key Lime Angel Food Cake
I love angel food cake, especially this recipe for a light angel food cake with a hint of key lime in each bite.  Topped with a key lime glaze and served with a dollop of lime whipped cream for a dessert you’ll enjoy all summer long!

Second choice- Maple Chipotle Glazed Corn on the Cob
When I make this for a cookout, I always make more because it never lasts very long.  I love this sweet and spicy combination.

Third choice- Lemon Chia Seed Waffles with Honey Lemon Syrup
These are a weekend favorite in the Mother Thyme household.  Light and fluffy waffles with a hint of lemon and drizzled with a honey lemon syrup.  If you are a lemon lover like I am, these waffles may become your new favorite. 

Like I mentioned before, choosing just three was though as each recipe in Summer Thyme I love. 

Now it’s up to you.  What is your favorite that you would like to see featured?  Enter your choice in the entry form below.  The winning entry will also WIN a CUISINART 5-1 GRILLER!  

Giveaway open to U.S. residents only (sorry!) 

In case you missed it-
ENTER HERE for a chance to WIN a 6 QUART PROGRAMMABLE COOK AND CARRY SLOW COOKER (Giveaway ends 6/6 at 11:59pm EDT)
ENTER HERE for a chance to WIN a CUISINART PURE INDULGENCE FROZEN YOGURT, ICE CREAM AND SORBET MAKER (Giveaway ends 6/6 at 11:59pm EDT)

Grab your copy of Summer Thyme!  Here is where it can be purchased-
Summer Thyme is 128 pages and print books can be purchased exclusively on Amazon. Click HERE to order. You can also peak inside the pages of the book on Amazon, so it is definitely worth checking out.
If you prefer reading on your tablet, Ebooks are available for Kindle and Nook. It will be available soon on iTunes for your iPad or iPhone.
To purchase the Ebook for your Kindle on Amazon, click HERE
To purchase the Ebook for your Nook on Barnes & Noble, click HERE

GOOD LUCK! 

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Original article: Summer Thyme Reader’s Choice plus GIVEAWAY!

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First, I would like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone for your emails and comments about my cookbook Summer Thyme.  I am truly grately for all my readers, food blogging buddies, Dorothy, Cassie, Rachel, Katie and my friends at Mommypage and Vidalia Onions Flavor of Summer that have helped spread the word about Summer Thyme.  It means so much and I hope you enjoy this cookbook as much as I have enjoyed creating it. 

To continue the celebration of Summer Thyme,  I made ice cream!  I could eat ice cream all year round, but there is something about ice cream and summer “thyme” that just go hand and hand.  Maybe it is the nostaligia of having an ice cream cone on a hot summer day that brings back backyard memories as a child.  I now relive those moments through the eyes of my kids as I watch them enjoy their ice cream.  Every night they ask for an ice cream cone and won’t give in until I make them one.  Eden eats her cone so well.  At almost three years old, she has perfected the art of eating an ice cream cone without making a mess.  Tyler on the other hand, has it all over.  He has the ice cream running done the cone, and it is just a mess.  He eventually grabs a spoon and eats it that way. 

I have a weakness for ice cream.  There is something about being curled up on the couch after a long day watching one of my favorite shows and enjoying a bowl of frozen yogurt or ice cream.  As easy as it is to grab a pint of ice cream from the grocery store or even at the ice cream shop close by, it is just as easy to whip up fun concotions at home.  When you make it at home, you can customize it to your taste, and know what exactly what the ingredients are.  Usually within thirty minutes you can have perfectly churned soft custard to dive into with a spoon.  With an ice cream maker, the consistency usually is soft after the churning is done.  To get a harder ice cream, pop it in the freezer for a few hours and when the urge hits for a bowl of your favorite ice cream, it is right there ready to enjoy.

There are many ways to make frozen yogurt and ice cream.  Eggs, no eggs.  Cream, no cream.  For me, I like minimal ingredients and little effort.  I’ve played with many recipes, tried many varieties both in an ice cream maker and even the no churn versions.  I have created this Lemon Cream Pie Frozen Yogurt that only containers four ingredients, non-fat yogurt, milk, sugar and a package of sugar free pudding mix.  Simple, easy, creamy and delicious.  Just think of the possibilities you can create with just using a different pudding mix.  I have made this with pistachio pudding mix which is another favorite.  Note, it is important to use the 1 ounce sugar free packages of pudding mix.  I have not made it with the large 3 ounce boxes, so the outcome could be different.  Also, I have not tried using chocolate sugar free pudding mix, but I’m thinking that is next on my list with a mix in of crumbled oreos or swirled peanut butter.

To make this, you need an ice cream maker.  As the ingredients churn, you will watch before your eyes as it forms into creamy, custard like ice cream.  It’s pure magic.  

If you don’t have an ice cream maker, guess what?  To continue the celebration of Summer Thyme, I am giving one away to one lucky reader so you can make this recipe along with all the other yummy varieties there are.  You can check out my Pinterest board Just Ice Cream with some of my favorites I have pinned too.  

And if you missed yesterday’s post, check out all the details about my new cookbook Summer Thyme HERE.  There is also a fabulous giveaway there for a 6 quart programmable cook and carry slow cooker to enter as well!  

To enter the giveaway for this awesome ice cream maker, use the form below.  Giveaway open to U.S. residents only (sorry!)  

Good luck!  

Enter to WIN a CUISINART PURE INDULGENCE 2-QUART AUTOMATIC FROZEN YOGURT, SORBET AND ICE CREAM MAKER and a copy of my cookbook SUMMER THYME! 

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Original article: Lemon Cream Pie Frozen Yogurt plus GIVEAWAY!

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Remember when you were a kid and it was the last day of school before summer vacation.  As the bell rang and school let out, summer begun.

That is how I feel about today.  I’m super duper excited and I have butterflies in my stomach because it is the first day of summer, Summer Thyme that is.

My latest cookbook, Summer Thyme is officially available!

What is Summer Thyme?  Summer Thyme is filled with over 50 ALL NEW seasonal recipes perfect for your summer barbecue, family reunions or just a quick dinner with the family.  There are 8 sections including Appetizers, Breakfast and Brunch, Salads and Sides, Fresh from the Farmers Market, Main Course, Just for Kids (even though the recipes are for the kid in all of us), Drinks and Desserts.

What are some of the recipe? All the recipes are easy to prepare, that stick with my concept of homemade made easy, combining fresh ingredients with common ingredients on hand. Some of the recipes include my favorite Southwestern Corn Dip. Start your morning with Lemon Chia Seed Waffles topped with a Honey Lemon Syrup. At your next cookout, try my Warm Dijon and Herb Potato Salad or Maple Chipotle Glazed Corn on the Cob which is always a crowd pleaser. Keep dinner simple with Slow Cooker Rotisserie-Style Chicken Breasts which is fall off the bone delicious, or try the Coconut Chicken Tenders with a Coconut Mango Dipping Sauce in the Just for Kids section. Cool off by the pool with a refreshing Cantaloupe Cooler. End the day with a slice of Key Lime Angel Food Cake topped with a Key Lime Glaze and served with a dollop of creamy lime whipped cream.

Why did you write a cookbook? I have always had a passion for writing and really wanted to take some special recipes and showcase them in a cookbook. I honestly thought I would do this in a few years after the twins were in school but my dear friend Jennifer Ford Berry who is an accomplished writer, author and organizing guru inspired me. It all started with Holiday Thyme which came out last fall, that is filled with NEW recipes perfect for the holiday season. The only recipe that was ever featured from that book was my Rum Cake with Butter Rum Glaze which you will want to bookmark and try. I had a blast doing that one, that after that book was done I jumped right into Summer Thyme and for the past seven months have been completely this book.

I couldn’t have done this without my readers.  I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful group of people that enjoy visiting my blog.  The kind emails, comments really means a lot.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being on this journey with me. 

Who is the book for? Anyone that loves to cook and wants simple and easy, family friendly meals. Whether you are hosting a dinner party with friends, or a barbecue with neighbors, this cookbook is filled with recipes perfect for all your summer gatherings.

Where can it be purchased?  As much as I love tablets for reading, I am a true believer that cookbooks are best in print. There is just something about holding a cookbook in your hand and flipping through the pages. My shelves are lined with my favorite cookbooks that I love to sit and look at on a rainy day, always looking for new recipes to try.

Summer Thyme is 128 pages and print books can be purchased exclusively on Amazon. Click HERE to order. You can also peak inside the pages of the book on Amazon, so it is definitely worth checking out.
If you prefer reading on your tablet, Ebooks are available for Kindle. 
To purchase the Ebook for your Kindle on Amazon, click HERE

To celebrate the release of Summer Thyme, I am celebrating with a weekend of fabulous GIVEAWAYS! 

In Summer Thyme, I share two of my slow cooker recipes.  What I love about my slow cooker is no matter how hot it gets outside, I can turn on the slow cooker to make dinner and it doesn’t heat up the house like the oven does.  I also love using my slow cooker in the summer because I can be out and about for the day with the kids and come home and dinner is ready. 

For one lucky reader, I am giving away a Crock Pot 6-Quart Programmable Cook and Carry Slow Cooker plus a copy of Summer Thyme!

To enter for your chance to win, fill out the entry below.  Giveaway open to U.S. residents only (sorry!)

Stay tuned for 2 more giveaways for your chance to win!

GOOD LUCK! 

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Original article: Summer Thyme is here plus a weekend of GIVEAWAYS!

©2013 Mother Thyme. All Rights Reserved.

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Today is such an exciting day!  Not only is my cookbook Summer Thyme now available, but I am thrilled to share the Flavors of Summer  presented by Vidalia Onions with you!

Are you bored with the same old pasta salad?  This Sweet Vidalia Onion Pasta Salad will quickly become your favorite for all your summer cookouts.  Use your favorite short pasta noodles, like elbows, wagon wheels or even rotini.  Combine with corn, celery, crisipy bacon and the star of the show, Vidalia onions.  Toss with an easy homemade Vidalia onion dressing that you will not only love on this salad but on your favorite lettuce salads too.

This pasta salad travels great, so take it to a picnic in the park, a family reunion or whip it up for a backyard barbecue.  Wherever you enjoy it, everyone will be wanting more!

For this delicious recipe you will want to serve at your next cookout,  click HERE to head over to the Flavors of Summer for this recipe along with other tasty summer recipes! 

I am excited that the Flavors of Summer will be giving away a copy of Summer Thyme to one lucky winner!  Head to the Flavors of Summer for your chance to enter!

In case you missed it, be sure to check out Summer Thyme and some amazing giveaways happening this weekend! 

Original article: Sweet Vidalia Onion Pasta Salad

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I have a weakness for Nutella.  I can’t keep a jar of it in the house or I end up eating half of the jar with just a spoon.  A little here, a little there, before I know it half the jar is gone. 

Sometimes I can’t help myself when I find myself at the grocery store and a I see a lonely jar of Nutella on the shelf.  I know it is just destined to come home with me.  I just better put it under lock and key or I’m in trouble. 

I love Nutella for many things.  Sometimes as a little snack, I will spread a little Nutella on a flour tortilla and wrap it up with a banana.  It is so good like that!  My Nutella Brownies are wildy popular.  Thank you so much for the continued positive feedback on that recipe.  I am so thrilled that everyone love those.  If you haven’t tried those yet, those are a must try.  They may quickly become your new favorite brownie.

These Nutella Muffins may become a new favorite of yours as well.  They are light, moist and delicious served warm alone or even spread with a little strawberry preserves.  Try them even as a dessert with a little vanilla ice cream.  You may also pop them in the freezer so you have some on hand anytime the urge for one hits.  They thaw quickly in the microwave or even just sitting on the counter.

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An early release of Summer Thyme is now available!  Click on the book cover for a sneak peak and to grab your early release copy!  Later this week there is some great things happening that I can’t wait to share with you along with the full launch of Summer Thyme including fun giveaways!

Original article: Nutella Muffins

©2013 Mother Thyme. All Rights Reserved.

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Let’s talk cake.  I don’t make it often for the simple fact I have no willpower around it.  If there is cake in my presence, there is probably a fork in my hand ready to dive into it.  I would consider myself a cake skimmer, meaning I take little pieces off the cake, thinking if I just take a bite here or there, the calories won’t count.  Before I know it, I look at the cake and a quarter of it is eaten.  So much for just a taste.  That’s why I don’t make it often, I don’t want to be tempted.  If we have cake or any dessert around when having company over, I try to pawn any leftovers off on them.

It has been awhile since I made a cake.  I think the last cake I made was this homemade Rum Cake for Holiday Thyme.  I was in the mood for cake.  This cake hit the spot!  It is light, moist and totally acceptable for breakfast, at least for me.  Serve it warm, and your taste buds will thank you. 

The best part about this cake is you can substitute the strawberries with any fruit on hand.  Try is with blueberries, and blueberry preserves, raspberries, you get the picture.  You don’t even need an electric mixer to make this, just two large bowls and a pan.  I like to make this in a 8 inch springform pan for presentation,  however it works well in a loaf or bundt pan as well. 

It is topped with a simple strawberry glaze which adds the final touch to this incredible cake.

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An early release of Summer Thyme is now available!  Click on the book cover for a sneak peak and to grab your early release copy!  Next week there is some great things happening that I can’t wait to share with you along with the full launch of Summer Thyme including fun giveaways!  

Original article: Strawberry Vanilla Yogurt Cake

©2013 Mother Thyme. All Rights Reserved.

The post Strawberry Vanilla Yogurt Cake appeared first on Mother Thyme.