Basil & Thyme

Oma’s Placek

October 31, 2020October 26, 2020by basilandthymekitchenLeave a Comment

Placek is a Polish bread, topped with sweet crumbles, and has always been a staple in my family, especially around the holidays. My Oma (German for Grandma) always, always made a few loaves of Placek whenever we visited, and while she is no longer with us, it will always remind me of home, her love for her family, and the holidays spent with her in Buffalo, NY. As we come up on the holiday season (already, I know!) I thought there was no better time to share one of my favorite dishes that brings back the best memories.

Cocktails

Mulled Apple Cider

October 29, 2020October 26, 2020by basilandthymekitchenLeave a Comment

While I would drink mulled cider all year long, I try to save it for when it starts to cool down. There is something so special about a warm glass of mulled cider on a cold fall day, especially when sitting around a fire. Simmering the cider for hours with mulling spices and fruit gives it the perfect amount of sweetness and spice, making it the perfect drink to warm you up. If you like, add your favorite liquor for an additional warming effect 😉

Main Dishes

Red Wine Braised Short Ribs with Garlicy Sage Mashed Potatoes

October 26, 2020by basilandthymekitchenLeave a Comment

Short Ribs are definitely high up on my list of favorite foods, if I see a dish with short ribs in it on a menu, you can almost guarantee I will order it. Short Ribs are also one of my go-to ingredients when I want a comforting melt-in-your-mouth sort of meal. These short ribs are cooked low and slow and are perfectly paired with creamy garlic sage mashed potatoes. For this dish, you'll need quite a few more ingredients than most of my other recipes, but trust me, its worth it, all the flavors come together perfectly, and I'll bet this meal becomes one of your go-to for a warming Sunday comfort meal.

Main Dishes, Meal Prep, One Pan

Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Chili

October 18, 2020by basilandthymekitchenLeave a Comment

As the weather gets cooler, I tend to make lots of chili, soup and stew - I just love comfort foods in the fall and winter, even if my waistline does not! This chili mixes it up by incorporating flavors you'd normally find with wings, with less mess, and it comes together with very little prep. This is a great dish to make for a quick and easy weeknight meal, Sunday football, meal prep, or as an easy dish to serve to a crowd. I've also included slow cooker directions in the recipe notes.

Main Dishes

Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops with Crispy Brussels Sprouts and Grilled Apples

October 13, 2020by basilandthymekitchenLeave a Comment

Don't you love when you can have a fall meal, but it's still warm enough to grill? This dish is a fall-favorite in my household - we make it a few times every October. It gives you those delicious fall flavors, but with those smokey, grilled flavors added in, the perfect combination for an easy early fall meal! Pork chops, apples and brussels sprouts go to together so perfectly, and using the glaze on all three elements brings everything together.

Main Dishes, Pasta, Side Dishes

Penne alla Butternut Squash

October 2, 2020October 9, 2020by basilandthymekitchenLeave a Comment

I wasn't kidding when I told you to prepare for all the fall recipes coming your way! Penne alla Vodka is one of my favorite meals, and I absolutely love butternut squash, especially in the fall, so I had the idea to combine the two a create a fall version of Penne all Vodka using butternut squash. This pasta is creamy, delicious and packed with all your favorite fall flavors, I know it's not traditional, but give it a try, you won't regret it! It comes together quickly and easily, and you can serve it as a stand alone dish, or a side dish to a larger meal.

Main Dishes

Autumn Turkey Apple Cranberry Melt

September 29, 2020by basilandthymekitchen1 Comment

Fall is hands down my favorite time of year, I love everything about it: the crisp air, changing leaves, Halloween, and most of all, fall flavors!! I know its only September, and some places, like here in Virginia, Autumn temperatures are still slowly beating out the 80 degree days, but I am ready! Expect lots of fall-inspired recipes from me over the next couple months - sorry, I'm really not sorry 😉 This melt combines some of my favorite fall ingredients, especially smoked turkey, apple and cranberries. Every year for Thanksgiving we make cranberry brie bites for an appetizer, and I look forward to it every year. I decided to take that concept and make a melty, crispy turkey sandwich.

Main Dishes, Meal Prep, One Pan

Instant Pot Meal Prep Fajita Casserole

September 17, 2020September 17, 2020by basilandthymekitchenLeave a Comment

I absolutely love fajitas, so I created this healthy casserole in the Instant Pot as a go-to for my weekly meal prep. It's super quick and easy, tasty enough to eat multiple days in a row, yet still healthy enough to keep you on track with your diet goals.

Main Dishes, One Pan, Pasta

One Pan Sun Dried Tomato & Feta Orzo with Chicken

September 14, 2020by basilandthymekitchenLeave a Comment

This one pan meal is super easy to throw together for a delicious weeknight dinner with minimal clean up. This pasta is packed with herbs, sun dried tomatoes and feta, is slightly creamy, and super flavorful. Perfect for when you're craving pasta, but want something a little lighter: an ideal dish for late summer.

Main Dishes

Hot, Hot, HOT Chicken Tacos

September 11, 2020by basilandthymekitchenLeave a Comment

My husband is my go-to taste-tester and biggest critic, and since his favorite foods are anything spicy (think hot sauce on EVERYTHING) and tacos, I decided to combine to the two and make these HOT Chicken Tacos. These were inspired by a combination of Nashville Hot Chicken and Buffalo Wings, and they are delicious but very HOT, however, they can easily be adapted so even those who hate spicy foods can enjoy these!