Celebrating Earth Day By Brooke Baker

Every April 22nd, we are reminded to “make everyday Earth day,” which is the official slogan of earthday.org. What has grown into a global environmental initiative originally started with a U.S. Senator in 1970. Although it may be hard to imagine, there was a time when it was perfectly legal to dump toxic waste into waterways and spew clouds of poisonous smoke into the air. This is because the Environmental Protection Agency did not yet exist, nor did the Clean Air Act or Clean Water Act.

Enter one Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin. The junior senator’s primary objective in planning the first Earth Day was to show the political leadership of the time that there was deep support for the environmental movement and wide public concern for the deterioration of our home planet. During that first celebration, 2,000 colleges and universities, 10,000 high schools and grade schools, and several thousand communities- in all more than 20 million people- came together to participate in one of the most successful, exciting, and enduring grassroots campaigns in the history of this country. By the end of 1970, Senator Nelson was seeing true change happen: the Environmental Protection Agency was born and one of the most important pieces of environmental legislation, the National Environmental Policy Act, was signed into law. By 2020, the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, over 1 billion people worldwide participated in events to commemorate the occasion. Those five decades have also seen many substantial environmental laws passed including the Endangered Species Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, to name a few.

Small personal changes add up to big global impacts, so if you’re looking for ways to contribute, Thyme in Your Kitchen can help! Here is an outline of just a few of the products we offer to help you make the most of your Earth Day initiatives.

To reduce paper waste, consider trying our line of Three Bluebirds Swedish dishcloths. These eco-friendly beauties come in tons of friendly and inviting prints. Each cloth is reusable for up to 6-9 months and can be laundered in the top dishwasher rack or the washing machine. Three Bluebirds uses a patented material made from sustainably-forested wood pulp and organic cotton that ensures a positive environmental impact. Just one Swedish dishcloth saves 1,000 paper towels a year- that’s how to clean green!

In addition to Three Bluebirds, we also carry a full complement of Geometry dish towels. Chic but luxurious, these towels are ultra-absorbent and made from post-consumer recycled materials. Each tea towel contains 3.5 recycled plastic bottles! Be sure to look for matching wash cloths as well as dinner napkins and not-so-paper towels to complete your Geometry collection; but act fast- a new shipment just arrived at our Grove City location and these towels won’t last long!

To take your environmentally-friendly cleaning game to the next level, be sure to grab a Progressive Mix N’ Clean spray bottle and whip up a batch of homemade cleaner. This DIY essential comes pre-marked for easy measuring and there are also homemade cleaner recipes printed right on the bottle! Save money while also being kind to the earth!

As an added bonus, here are some additional eco-friendly cleaning recipes that are TIYK tested and approved!

Hardwood Floor Cleaner

1/2 c white vinegar

1 gallon warm water

2-3 drops lemon essential oil

Mix All ingredients in a 2 gallon bucket for use on all of your hardwood floors

Mold & Mildew Cleaner

2 c water

2 tsp tea tree oil

1/3 c baking soda

Mix all ingredients in a 24-ounce spray bottle (or large mason jar and transfer to a smaller spray bottle as needed). For stubborn mold, allow spray to remain on surface for 24 hours prior to wiping off.

Lemon De-Greaser

2 c water

2 T freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 tsp liquid Castille soap

1 T baking soda

Mix all ingredients in a 24-ounce spray bottle (or large mason jar and transfer to a smaller spray bottle as needed)

Homemade Disinfectant Wipes

Love those handy containers of pre-cut cleaning wipes but hate the cost and waste? We’ve got a great alternative!

1/4 c water

1/4 c white vinegar

8 drops tea tree oil

8 drops eucalyptus oil

8 drops lemon oil

Empty wipes container

Fold or roll 15-20 small squares of cloth (such as our Three Bluebirds Swedish dish towels, old t-shirts, or bath towels) and place into empty wipes container. Mix all liquid ingredients and pour over cloth squares. Launder and repeat as long as the fabric holds up!

We also carry No Tox Life vegan dish soap blocks and scrub brushes. This cleaner is fragrance and dye-free. Each 6-ounce bar is concentrated and will supply a rich, sudsy lather while also being gentle on your hands, thanks to its infusion of aloe. Use along with one of our scrub brushes to tackle stubborn dirt and grime on all of your dishes as well as household cleaning jobs such as laundry stains, carpet spot-cleaning, and oven cleaning.

Disposable plastic baggies are a common household go-to. But did you know that we use 5 trillion of these harmful plastic bags worldwide each year- 100 billion in the U.S. alone! That’s the equivalent of 1 bag per person per day! For a visual, if you lined the bags up side by side, they would circle the earth over 1,300 times. Therefore, reducing the use of these disposable baggies should be on every Earth Day must-do list! And here at Thyme in Your Kitchen, we have lots of fun, colorful, reusable solutions to help! Try our convenient tomato and onion savers for storing that partially-used produce. Not only will you reduce waste, but you’ll save money, keep your products fresher longer, and decrease odors in the fridge! Next time you want to pack a healthy snack of carrots and dip, look no further than our adorable Carrot Snackers- No more baggies and messes! For sandwiches, snacks, and fruits, you can count on our selection of Eco Stand N’ Seal reusable bags and Joie beeswax wraps to satisfy your storage needs! And for berries, our Bitty Berry Boxes and full-size Berry Boxes are your eco-friendly alternatives for cleaning and storage. Not to mention the vibrant collection of colors; if you eat with your eyes first, these terrific reusable options will certainly make you hungry for more! With one stop at TIYK, you can do a complete Earth Day kitchen makeover

**Mention reading about any of these products in our blog to receive 15% off your Earth Day purchases!

Fun St. Patrick’s Day Facts and Recipes by Brooke Baker

Sláinte! Whether you’re of deep Irish heritage or simply Irish at heart, you’ve likely heard this Gaelic toast to good health and prosperity. And since it’s almost time to break out the shamrock decorations and all things green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, let’s take look at the roots of this holiday as well as the many ways to amp up the fun festivities. Maybe you have young kids and enjoy the Americanized version by making lots of fun foods in varying greenish hues and setting traps for those wily leprechauns; or maybe it’s traditional all the way with classics like corned beef and cabbage, Shepherd’s Pie, colcannon, and boxty. Perhaps you just enjoy hitting up the party scene with some friends and indulging in the green beer that freely flows in bars across the country each March 17th. Regardless of how you celebrate St. Patrick’s day, we’re here to help by giving you a little history, a few good recipes, and some tips for picking up those last minute party additions.

Saint Patrick lived during the fifth century, being born in Roman Britain but kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave when he was 16 years old. During his time in captivity, Patrick was a shepherd, spending long stretches alone and afraid. It was this isolation and fear that caused him to turn to his religion for comfort and which molded him into the devout Christian leader he would become. He later escaped after hearing a voice, which he believed to be God’s, telling him to leave. Patrick is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland by ministering to the small Christian population already in the country and converting the Irish in large numbers. The most well-known legend surrounding Saint Patrick is that he explained the Holy Trinity using the three leaves of a shamrock, which is a form of native Irish clover. His death is believed to have been on March 17, around 460 AD and in the ensuing centuries, his mythology became increasingly more ingrained in Irish culture.

St. Patrick’s Day originated as a Roman Catholic feast day in the ninth or 10th century. More than a 100 years later, Irish soldiers, serving in the English military and pining for home, marched in New York City on March 17, 1772 to honor their beloved patron saint. Irish patriotism grew among American immigrants, as did the racism and stereotypes they were facing. But they soon realized that there was power in numbers, and the Irish-American bloc organized and became not only a vital swing vote in politics but an integral piece of the fabric in the evolving cloth of American heritage.

Today, people of all ethnicities and backgrounds gather to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, particularly in North America and Australia, but countries as far as Japan, Singapore, and Russia are known for their March 17th revelries. So whether you’re an Irish cuisine traditionalist or just like to have a little fun with this special day, read on to be inspired by some St. Paddy’s recipes that are sure to please any palate.

Irish Soda Bread

Irish soda bread can trace its roots back to the 1830s when baking soda was first introduced to the country. This was also a time of widespread famine in Ireland, so bread needed to be made from simple, cheap ingredients. Many families also lived in isolated areas and had no access to ovens, and soda bread solved that problem, too! It was cooked over three-legged iron pots or baked on griddles over an open hearth, giving the bread its famous hard crust and dense texture. Even the shape of Irish soda bread is steeped in tradition. The people of the northern regions of Ireland would divide the dough into triangles and bake each piece on a flat griddle while the southern inhabitants used the traditional round loaf and scored a cross into the top of the dough to let fairies out, ward off evil, and protect the household. Like many recipes, Irish soda bread has changed and evolved over the years and the versions across the ocean boast lots of fun additions, which we will explore later. But at the heart of this rustic little bread, the science remains the same: the unique texture is caused by a reaction between acidic sour milk and baking soda, which forms small bubbles of carbon dioxide in the dough. The true “traditional” soda bread doesn’t utilize eggs or butter, so this recipe is an homage to Irish roots with a little bit of an American twist. I feel this recipe also works a little better than the traditional dough if you’re incorporating any mix-ins. Don’t be intimidated by the word “bread” in this recipe- even a kitchen novice will find this comes together in a snap! This bread is very versatile and can be baked with lots of pan options, too: a regular baking sheet lined with parchment paper, a 9- or 10-inch pie or cake pan, a 5-qt dutch oven, or a 9- or 10- inch springform pan (my personal choice). Thyme in Your Kitchen is a must-stop shop for all of your bread baking needs; we carry a full line or Nordic Ware sheet pans, springform pans, and cake pans as well as bread lames, pastry cutters, and silicone baking mats!

Ingredients:

1 3/4 c buttermilk*

1 large egg (optional)**

4 1/2 c all purpose flour, sifted

3 Tbsp granulated sugar

5 Tbsp cold butter, cubed

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

Optional mix-ins: raisins, currants, dried cherries, caraway seeds, and honey. You can really add in anything you’d like but just remember to only use between 1/2 - 1 cup or the dough won’t be able to absorb it all.

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease desired pan for baking. Whisk the egg into buttermilk and set aside. Next, sift or stir together the flour, salt, sugar, and baking soda in a large bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or two forks until the pieces of butter are about the size of peas. If you are adding in raisins or any mix-ins, do so at this point. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently fold the dough together until it is too stiff stir. Tip the dough out onto a silicone pastry mat or floured surface, working it into a ball with floured hands. Knead for about 30 seconds, or until all of the flour is moistened, but don’t overwork it. If it is too sticky, just sprinkle on a little more flour. Transfer the ball of dough to the baking sheet or pan and score (which just means to make about a half inch cut into the dough) an “X” on the top of the dough using a paring knife or bread lame. Since this isn’t a yeast bread, it doesn’t need time to rise. So pop it right in the oven and bake for 40-45 min. If the top browns too heavily or quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil. When done baking, allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes before slicing then enjoy with a thick pat of Irish butter and swab up all of the juices from your Shepherd’s pie! The following morning, top a slice with your favorite jam and breakfast is served!

*Buttermilk is really the top choice for making this bread because its needed for the chemical reaction with the baking soda and provides such rich, deep flavor. If, however, you don’t want to use buttermilk, you can sour whole or 2% regular milk by adding 1 Tbsp white vinegar or lemon juice to the measuring cup prior to pouring in the milk. Just allow the mix 5 min to sour before using in the recipe.

**The egg is not absolutely necessary to the success of this recipe. Therefore, if you are allergic to eggs or simply don’t have them hand, just omit and no other changes to the recipe are needed.

Irish Soda Bread

Easy Shepherd’s Pie

Traditionally, Irish Shepherd’s Pie would actually be made with ground lamb (the ground beef version is called Cottage Pie). But in this recipe, I have used ground beef, as it is widely available and this tends to be the Americanized norm of the dish. If, however, you want to switch the protein to ground lamb for a more decadent and traditional feel, by all means do so! But I’m here to tell you that whatever you decide, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters this St. Patrick’s Day. Add a slice of warm Irish Soda Bread and you have a complete comfort meal!

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef

2 lbs russet potatoes (approx 3-4 large potatoes)*

2/3 c half and half, milk, or heavy cream

4 tbsp butter

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 c or approximately a 12 oz bag of frozen mixed veggies such as carrots, corn, and peas**

1 1/4 c beef broth, dry red wine, or a combination of the two

2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

3 tbsp tomato paste

2 Tbsp flour

1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese

Dried or fresh herbs such as rosemary, parsley, and thyme are a great addition, up to 2 tsp fresh or 1 tsp dried, of each, if you have them. If not, don’t let that stop you from making this recipe!

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Rinse, peel, and quarter the potatoes and place them in a medium sized pot with enough water to cover them by at least an inch. Add a tsp of salt, bring to a boil, reduce to simmer, and cook until tender - approx 20 minutes. While the potatoes are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground beef and onions as well as salt and pepper to taste. Allow to cook approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up the beef. When the ground meat is fully cooked and the onions are translucent and tender, add the minced garlic, herbs, and Worcestershire sauce and cook for one minute. Next, stir in the flour and tomato paste until the mixture is well combined. Add the broth or wine and bring to a gentle boil to thicken, approximately 2-3 minutes. Now, add your frozen veggies and the filling is complete- just give it a taste to see if any salt or pepper is needed. Keep the covered pan on the stove at a simmer until the potato topping is complete. When the potatoes have cooked, drain and remove them from the pan. Mash with a fork or potato masher or ricer (which you can pick up at either TIYK location!). Add butter, Parmesan cheese, and your desired dairy liquid to the potato pot and warm to melt the butter. Add the potatoes back into the pot, season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix with the liquids. Now it’s time to make the pie! Layer the meat and veggie filling into a 9x13 pan (one of our Chantal pans will do the job beautifully!) or a casserole dish. Dollop mashed potatoes on top and gently spread with the back of a spatula. Bake until golden and bubbly, approximately 25 minutes. To get the top extra browned and give the edges that beautiful crispy texture, broil for the last few minutes. Allow the shepherds pie to cool for 5-10 minutes then enjoy a taste of Ireland right at your kitchen table! *Shortcuts and options: Everyone likes to hate on boxed potato flakes, but as a busy mom, I know what it’s like to be under a constant time crunch. So if you want to make this dish but the clock has gotten the best of you, feel free to use a boxed potato flake as an alternative to making the real deal (your secret is safe with me!) It takes approximation 8 servings of prepared flakes for this recipe. Pro tip: to give the boxed version a homemade taste, try adding a clove or two of smashed garlic to the liquids while heating them up. Pull them out prior to adding the flakes. Also, you can add a couple tablespoons of heavy cream and/or cheese if you have it, to give the potatoes a luxurious texture! **For the vegetable mixture, you can use fresh veggies if you don’t want to use frozen. You will need a longer cooking time on the stove to get them tender. You can also use canned mixed vegetables, but be sure they are thoroughly drained. Also, they won’t require any cooking time on the stovetop, so add when the meat and onion mixture is already completely cooked or the veggies will turn to mush!

Easy Shepard’s Pie

Emerald Isle Milkshakes

Green food on St. Patrick’s Day is definitely an America tradition, but it’s also a great way to involve your kids in the kitchen! We’re all familiar with a certain chain restaurant’s classic green milkshake, but here is a version you can make at home - and variations and add-ins are endless, so have fun creating your ultimate milkshake masterpiece!

Ingredients & Instructions:

This recipe is for two shakes, so feel free to double, triple, or quadruple this recipe to satisfy all the hungry mouths at your table! 3 c vanilla ice cream (you can also use frozen yogurt or gelato)

1/2 - 3/4 c milk (whole, 2%, skim, fat free, nut or oat milk- your choice), depending on how thick you want it

1/2 tsp mint extract (be sure to use regular mint extract, not peppermint)

5 drops green food coloring

Whipped cream, if desired

Toppings, if desired (cherries, green sprinkles or jimmies, minty marshmallows)

Place first four ingredients in a blender or Ninja and pulse until everything is combined. Start with 1/2 cup milk then add more until you reach the desired consistency. Divide equally between glasses and garnish with whipped cream and any toppings you like!

Emerald Isle Milkshakes

Over the Rainbow Reuben Casserole

While reubens aren’t traditional Irish fare, the corned beef inside of them is certainly an Irish-American staple. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Irish people didn’t eat much beef, rather sticking to pork and lamb. While they had very large beef herds, this meat was all exported, primarily to Great Britain. Ireland also boasted just 1/10 of the salt tax of Britain, so the country produced and exported massive amounts of corned beef (a term which just refers to beef that has been heavily salted for preservation). The irony, however, is that while Ireland was famous worldwide for its corned beef, the people living there couldn’t even afford it. In fact, Irish immigrants living in New York City in the 1800s were the first to start using corned beef in their recipes. Many traditional Irish recipes called for bacon but these immigrants quickly found that the corned beef (now produced from kosher cuts of beef brisket) in their neighboring Jewish delicatessens had a very similar flavor profile and was both affordable and plentiful. Thus, corned beef quickly became a favorite protein of the Irish families living in America, even if the trend never reached their native homeland. So now that you know a little more about the origins of corned beef in the American celebrations of St. Paddy’s Day, let’s talk about a recipe that showcases this flavorful meat.This casserole comes together super quickly and is a great one for the kiddos to showcase their culinary chops. At Thyme in Your Kitchen, we carry a large selection of kids aprons, oven mitts, baking tools, and even fully functional (but safe!) knife sets. Stop by either location to let your little helpers gear up! Ingredients: 2 (15 oz) cans or 1 bag sauerkraut, rinsed and well drained 3 c cooked corned beef or deli sliced corned beef, chopped 1/2 c sour cream 1 c Thousand Island dressing 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 c (approx 1/2 lb) Swiss cheese, shredded 6 slices rye bread, diced 4 tbs butter, melted Instructions: Mix first five ingredients in a large bowl. Transfer to a greased 9x13 pan (in need of an upgrade to your pans and mixing bowls? If so, pop in either TIYK location and stock up). Top filling with cubed bread, drizzle with melted butter and bake for 25 minutes. Remove pan from oven, top bread with shredded cheese and bake an additional 10-15 min until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown. Your taste buds will be over the rainbow with this tangy, creamy casserole!

Over the Rainbow Reuben Casserole

Chocolate Guinness Cake

Ireland has a rich brewing history, dating back more than 300 years, with Guinness easily being one of the most famous and popular beers produced on the island. Guinness has been brewing at St. James’s Gate in Dublin since 1759 and is sold in over 100 countries worldwide! It’s known for its malty and sweet flavor, with notes of roasted coffee and chocolate making it a perfect choice for this cake! This recipe features a springform pan; if you don’t already have one be sure to stop by one of our locations to add this staple to your baking arsenal!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 c Guinness (save the little bit left in the bottle)

1 1/2 sticks (12 Tbsp) butter

3/4 c unsweetened cocoa powder

3/4 c sour cream

3 eggs

1 c granulated sugar

1 c brown sugar

2 c flour

1 Tbsp vanilla extract

2 1/2 tsp baking powder

Icing:

8 oz room temp cream cheese

3/4 c heavy or whipping cream

1 1/2 c confectioners sugar 2 tsp cornstarch

1 Tbsp Guinness (should be just about the exact amount you have leftover in the bottle from making the cake!)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9-inch springform pan. In a large saucepan, add the Guinness and the butter, heating gently, just until the butter melts. At this point, add the cocoa powder and sugars, mixing until the sugar is dissolved. In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla, mixing until thoroughly combined. Add the sour cream mixture to the buttery beer mixture, whisking to combine all of the wet ingredients.

For the dry ingredients, add the baking powder to the flour and slowly sift into the wet mixture, adding the dry ingredients in small batches and whisking well between additions. Pour the cake mix into the prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes. Allow cake to cool completely.

To prepare the icing, beat the cream cheese, confectioners sugar, and Guinness until creamy. In a separate bowl or in a stand mixer, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form then add the cornstarch and whip an additional minute. Mix a couple of spoonfuls of the light and fluffy whipped cream into the cream cheese to lighten the texture a bit. Then, gently fold in the remaining whipped cream, just until well combined. Take the sides off the springform pan and transfer the cake to a platter or cake stand, if desired. Use a spatula to dollop and spread the icing onto the top of the cake and it will look like a welcoming pint of Guinness with the frothy foam on top!

*Shortcuts and options: If you want to save some time on the icing or don’t have all the ingredients on hand, you can substitute an 8 oz tub of thawed whipped topping (such as Cool Whip) in place of the heavy cream mixture. And if you don’t like cream cheese or don’t have it available, then use a 16 oz tub of whipped topping instead, just mixing in the 1 Tbsp of Guinness! If you want to make this icing with a hint chocolate, mix in 2 Tbsp cocoa powder.

Chocolate Guinness Cake

If you’re planning a fun and festive St. Patrick’s Day party or just want to add a bit of luck o’ the Irish to your home, Thyme in Your Kitchen has just what you need! Our Pastabilities line has the perfect shamrock-shaped pasta to enhance your holiday meal. Add an adorable hand towel, one of our green collapsible colanders, and a green serving spoon to complete the look. This is also a great time to stock up on all of the essential bakeware and cookware mentioned in the recipes above! Our friendly sales staff will be happy to assist you in getting all of the pieces your kitchen is missing!

St Patrick’s Day gift ideas

The Irish are known for their many and varied sayings and blessings. So whether you’re raising a foamy pint of Guinness this St. Paddy’s Day or simply cutting into the creamy and dreamy chocolate Guinness cake, here’s an Irish blessing to use:

May God grant you always a sunbeam to warm you, A moonbeam to charm you, A sheltering angel so nothing can harm you, Laughter to cheer you, Faithful friends near you, And whenever you pray, Heaven to hear you.

PRO TIPS FOR FUN FOODIE VALENTINE'S DAY GIFTS!

Love is in the air now that the calendar has flipped to February and the 14th sneaks ever closer! If you’re planning on surprising your sweetie with the classic combo of wine and chocolates this Valentine’s Day, consider shaking it up with some new culinary gifts instead. Read on for some pro tip ideas to make this year extra sweet! While long considered a classic, wine and chocolate can actually be difficult to pair due to their tannin content. Tannins are a naturally occurring compound that are often bitter and astringent and can be heavily influenced by, or even clash when mixed with the wrong flavors. So to help Cupid’s arrow hit its mark, let’s explore some fun foodie options that make the perfect gift for this special day!

Thyme in Your Kitchen is a must-stop-shop for this Valentine’s Day; from baking molds to dish towels and pasta, we have it all! For the baker in your life, peruse our assortment of pans and molds. We offer beautiful heart-shaped Bundt pans from Nordic Ware that are sure to not only impress but also provide tasty cakes for many years to come. Maybe your sweetheart prefers silicone? No problem - we have you covered! Let us help you choose from a selection of heart-shaped cupcake molds, round cake pans, and mini muffin pans- all in signature Valentine’s colors. And if cookies are on the menu instead, TIYK can set you up with spatula and cookie cutter gift sets as well as some designer cardamom-sugar from Spicewalla for that extra luxurious touch! If your honey prefers savory to sweet, stop in and grab a package of our Pastabilities “Eat Your Heart Out” pasta in fun holiday-themed shapes and colors. Pair this with a new stainless steel colander or straining spoon and a pretty serving platter and you’ve got a perfect (and delicious!) gift! Cutting carbs this year? Try something from our collection of Wildwood soup and dip mixes. Add a locally crafted artisanal charcuterie board and serving set or some of our olive oils and balsamic vinegars to complete the package. If your dearest enjoys entertaining, consider an offering from our line of French Bull serve ware. Colorful, fun, durable, and easy to clean, these platters, bowls, and plate sets are sure to brighten up the table at your next party! We have a phenomenal Dirty Martini Dip Mix to round out this present. Sometimes that special person in your life just wants to unwind with a nice warm cup of tea or coffee to cut through the chilly winter days. If so, be sure to check out either our Grove City Outlets or downtown Sharon location to explore our selection of Chantal tea kettles, Aerolatte French presses, and Fino pour-over coffee brewers. Plus, we can hook you up with all of the must-have accessories such as pure clover honey, honey dippers, tea balls, cream and sugar servers, milk frothers, and locally crafted mugs.

And last, but certainly not least, if you want indulge in a classic, peruse our curated collection of chocolate products. We have brand new Ticket Chocolates hot cocoa bombs with strawberry marshmallows, fun and functional hot chocolate on a stick, melt in your mouth sea salt coconut sugar caramels, and classic chocolate bars. We also feature Spicewalla hot chocolate mixes in deluxe flavors like chai-spiced and Mexican hot chocolate. And be sure to grab a bottle of our “Love Potion #9” - a decadent strawberries and cream mix that you add to a glass of champagne, Prosecco, or sparkling water for a fabulous cocktail or mocktail to seal the deal!

After enjoying all of these tasty treats, we can help make clean up a cinch with our gorgeous selection of Geometry dishcloths, towels, and napkins. Geometry house is a California-based company that produces an eye-catching assortment of linens that you can feel good about giving. The fun and flirty patterns are just the start; they’re also quick-drying and made from post-consumer recycled materials. Each sumptuous microfiber tea towels is produced from three and half recycled plastic bottles and absorbs seven times its weight in liquids! Grab yours before they’re gone! If you really want to spoil that special person in your life this Valentine’s Day, be sure to stop by one of our Thyme in Your Kitchen stores for these great gift ideas before they sell out. Then, get ready to pucker up and toast to your shopping success because Cupid is going to be right on target this February 14th!

Mention this article to receive 15% off any of the products mentioned!

New Year, New Knife- A Guide to Selecting the Perfect Blade by Brooke Baker

As the new year dawns, the mantra is often “Out with the old and in with new!” Many of us are looking to declutter our homes after the busy holiday season and get a fresh, clean start in January. As you’re purging those kitchen cabinets, however, it may actually be the perfect time to add a new item: High-quality kitchen knives!

In addition to enhancing your overall cutting experience, a good knife can also cut down on culinary prep work, reduce the risk of injury, and be an investment that will last for years to come. A quality blade with a sharp edge makes precise cuts that help to ensure uniformity and even cooking. Let’s face it – the more you enjoy your culinary endeavors and the better the finished product, the more likely you are to relish your time in the kitchen and hone your cooking skills!

Many people are afraid of or intimidated by the large, shiny, sharp knives they see professional chefs using on cooking shows. However, a better blade is a far safer, faster, and easier option than its dull dollar store counterpart. A sharp knife requires much less force to be exerted during the cutting or carving process, therefore reducing the risk of cuts and injuries that happen due to having to exert too much force with an inferior tool. Well maintained, sharp knives also produce cleaner cuts which make for even cooking and a polished looking plate.

If you’re in the market to add this culinary staple to your home or professional kitchen, you’re in luck! Thyme in Your Kitchen has many durable, top-end products to choose from as well as a knowledgeable sales staff to assist you. We carry the Zwilling-Henkel line, which is one of the top carbon steel knives available on the market. Zwilling has been in business since 1731 and they have perfected the stainless blade! Their knives have a harder edge than most and can retain their edges for years with only frequent honing. They are truly an investment piece and an heirloom product that can be passed down through generations of family cooks and professional chefs alike!

In addition to steel, another material that has gained popularity in recent years is ceramic. While this initially may sound like a questionable choice for a knife, ceramic blades are manufactured from zirconium dioxide and pressed at high temperatures and pressures which results in an extremely hard end product that retains sharpness. Thyme in Your Kitchen carries a full complement of Kyocera knives for you to explore. Kyocera is a leading manufacturer of high quality ceramic knives; they are lightweight and easy to work with and are ideal for cutting fruits and vegetables. These blades never oxidize or rust and are naturally bacteria resistant.

While knives come in many lengths and widths and go by various confusing-sounding names, don’t be overwhelmed! The friendly staff at both the Grove City Outlets and downtown Sharon, PA locations can review the selection and help you pick out the perfect blade to meet your needs! But if you want to study up on your terminology in the meantime, here is a list of common knives:

Chef – the most common type of knife; used for almost all applications

Carving/Slicing – a long, narrow knife with a slightly curved blade for slicing meat

Boning – narrow knife used to butcher meats and cut at sharp angles around the bone

Serrated – a blade with “teeth” designed for cutting bread (not meat – this is a common misconception; the teeth of a serrated knife destroy the tissue and rip and tear at the meat, rather than cutting it cleanly)

Paring – small knife typically 3”-4” in length for little jobs like trimming fruits and veggies

Peeling – small, curved blade to help peel around circular surfaces.

In addition to stocking high quality knives, we also carry the accessories you need to showcase and care for these pieces such as: knife blocks, honing tools, magnetic knife strips, cutting gloves and boards, and finger guards.

Mention this article and receive 15% off your knife and accessory purchase at Thyme in Your Kitchen.

We look forward to seeing you soon and helping you select a new knife to take you into the new year!