The end of the year is nearly approaching, and what a year it has been. We started our blog half way through 2011, and I can’t believe how wonderful it has been discovering new places and cuisine. I want to thank all of my readers for following and supporting Life & Food. It is such an amazing feeling to know that my posts are actually being read. I can’t wait to see what 2012 brings, and the food adventures that it will take us on.
Tag Archives: Thyme
Olive Oil & Thyme Muffins With Lemon Glaze
All of the ingredients for these muffins come together and create a savory and sweet treat. Olive oil really plays a part in creating a light and incredibly moist baked good. This versatile muffin can be enjoyed both as a dessert or a morning pastry with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.
Makes 12 muffins
Ingredients:
For the Muffins:
- 1 ¾ cups all purpose flour
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp. salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- The lemon zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp. fresh thyme, right off of the sprig
- 2 tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar
- 2 tbsp. Whole Milk
- ¾ cup extra- virgin olive oil
For the Glaze:
- 1½ cups confectioners’ sugar
- The juice of 2 lemons
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 Degrees F. Line a 12 cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- Mix together the flour, baking, powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Using an electric mixer blend the eggs, sugar, and lemon zest together until pale in color, about 3 minutes.
- Beat in the balsamic vinegar and milk, then gradually beat in the extra-virgin olive oil. Add the flour mixture, and stir just until the ingredients are all blended together.
- Fill each paper liner just about to the top with the batter. Bake until golden on top, about 20-25 minutes. Be sure to insert a toothpick to test if the middle is baked through. Transfer to a platter or wire rack to cool just until they are warm to touch.
- Meanwhile for the glaze, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice, and melted butter until smooth. If you feel that the mixture is too thick, you can add a bit more lemon juice. Drizzle over the muffins while they are warm.
Enjoy!
Pork with Tomato Sauce
This dish is one of my husband’s favorites. I have found that the sauce is equally delicious on both chicken and steak. The velvety texture of the cream sauce adds a wonderful richness to any dish that you choose to make it with.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher Salt and Freshly ground black pepper
- 4 Pork loin chops ( Bone in or Boneless)
- 4 tbsp white wine or chicken broth
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tomato chopped
Instructions:
Melt the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Season the pork with the kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then add them to the pan, and reduce the heat to medium-high. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until browned, then transfer the pork chops to a plate. Pour off all of the fat.
Add the wine or broth and dried thyme to the pan and bring to a boil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the liquid has almost evaporated.
Add the cream and tomato paste and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, then put the pork chops back into the sauce, and cook for 4-5 minutes. The pork chops should be just firm to touch.
Add the Dijon mustard and chopped tomatoes, stirring the pan to distribute them, and cook for 1 more minute to heat through. Serve the pork chops with the sauce poured over the top.
Enjoy!
