Product Newsletter 9/10/2009

Wow! TWO free recipes this week! But first, let's see what's new at JM Creative...

New Products

• Vegetarian/Vegan Rosemary & White Bean Soup - Our popular Tuscan-Style White Bean Soup has been reformulated into a vegetarian version and tastes every bit as delicious as the original.
• Locally Grown Peach Jam - We're happy to offer a very limited quantity of peach jam made from locally grown peaches. This jam is delicious, makes a beautiful gift, and will be one of the most versatile things in your pantry.

News

• Send Freshly Baked Cookies - Know someone in college who may be homesick right about now? Send them a treat with our College Care Package with freshly baked cookies and more. Packages start at just $30 including FREE shipping!
  

Free Recipe: Quick Mini Bread Bowls (Great for Kids!)

1 jar JM Creative Hearty Soup, Stew, Chili, or Chowder
1 batch still-warm homemade popovers

1) Mix and bake popovers as directed in recipe. You may use muffin tins in place of a popover pan.
2) While popovers bake, reheat soup, chili, chowder, or stew as directed (3-4 minutes on high, stirring each minute until heated).
3) Turn fresh popovers out of the pan immediately when done cooking.
4) Cut the top off of each pop-over and place into a bowl. Fill each popover with soup.

Free Recipe: Quick Fruit Cream Puffs

1 jar JM Creative jam, jelly, or preserves
fresh or canned whipped cream or non-dairy whipped topping
1 batch still-warm homemade popovers (add additional sugar if you want a sweeter cream puff)

1) Mix and bake popovers as directed in recipe. You may use muffin tins in place of a popover pan.
2) Turn popovers out onto a cooling rack and cool completely.
3) Slice each popover in half. Fill each half with whipped cream.
4) Place a dollop of preserves on top of the cream on one half.
5) Re-assemble each popover and serve with a dollop of cream and preserves on top.

Product Newsletter 8/31/2009

Hi All,

How we love the harvest season and it is definitely upon us! Fresh fruits and veggies abound at the farmer's markets and farm stands. Justin spent a few hours this week in the fields harvesting delicious, juicy red raspberries. You'll love the bright, sweet flavor of our new product, Locally-Grown Raspberry Jam!

New Products

• Locally-Grown Raspberry Jam - Made from fresh local raspberries hand-picked from a small family farm. This jam has a firmer set than most of our jams and a bright raspberry flavor.
• College Care Packages - We're happy to offer college care packages in two sizes, small ($30) and large ($55). Each care package offers your homesick student the comforts of home with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, handcrafted soups, and other great treats.
• Jam Sampler Three-Packs - We have a limited quantity of our jam sampler three-packs. Buy these now and put them away for Christmas! The three 4-oz jars are a delicious handmade gift.

Free Recipe: Blueberry Jam Cake
(Inspired by: Two-Layer Blackberry Jam Cake)

1 1/2 sticks of butter, room-temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sour cream
3/4 cup JM Creative Local Blueberry Jam
3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
buttercream frosting or fresh whipped cream to frost or garnish

1) Cream together the butter and sugar. Add eggs, beating well.
2) In a separate bowl, sift-together flour and baking soda.
3) Add flour mixture to wet mixture a little at a time, mixing together thoroughly.
4) Stir-in nuts (optional) and blueberry jam. Mix well.
5) Pour into a single greased and floured cake pan or pie plate.
6) Bake at 350 degrees for 25-35 minutes until a toothpick or skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool.
7) Either cool completely and frost with buttercream frosting or serve slightly warm with a dollap of whipped cream. Garnish with fresh blueberries if available.

Product Newsletter 8/24/2009

Hi Everyone!

While the heat of summer is still here, we're already thinking ahead to Autumn and the holidays, our favorite time of year. It's a wonderful time of year filled with family, friends, and some of the best food. We're happy to offer a few new products that'll be perfect for your Autumn shopping needs.

New Products

• College Care Package - Send your favorite college student a hand-made back-to-school treat. Our college care packages, containing a number of our delicious hand-crafted food products, are just the right thing for someone who misses home. Includes FREE Shipping!
• Custom Gift Baskets - We're happy to now offer custom gift baskets for any occasion. Each basket is carefully arranged with your choice of products from our store and shrink-wrapped to keep everything in place. Baskets start at just $30. Contact us for exact pricing!
• Ginger Rhubarb Jam is Back! - Pungent and spicy, this jam was more popular than we could have imagined and sold out quickly. Never fear, it's back and now you can have your very own jar.

Store News

• New Shipping Prices - As most of you know, we were forced to discontinue our $5 flat-rate shipping program due to unreliability. Please see our new shipping policies, with prices that start as low as $12 per order.

Free Recipe: Jam-Stuffed Moist Corn Muffins

1 Recipe Ina Garten's Corn Muffins
1 Jar JM Creative Jam, Jelly or Preserves (any flavor)

1) Prepare corn muffins as directed in recipe. Allow muffins to cool slightly and remove from pan.
2) Scoop all jam into a piping bag fitted with a large tip.
3) Push the tip of the piping bag into the top of each muffin and squirt 1 to 2 tablespoons of jam into each muffin, letting it overflow just a bit on top.

Recipe Idea from The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook.

Product Newsletter 8/15/2009

Hi All,

It's been a busy week here at JM Creative. You all can't seem to get enough of our All-Natural Marinara sauce and hearty soups. That, of course, is wonderful! Now, on with the newsletter...

New Products & Deals

Now Offering Next-Day Air Shipping - We're now offering a next-day air shipping upgrade for an additional $3 (a total of $8). As always, this is a flat-rate price and applies to your entire order. We will continue to ship only on Wednesdays unless you make special arrangements with us. To add next-day air to your next order, find the product in our "Shipping Upgrades" category and add it to your cart.

Custom Gift Baskets - Looking for a unique hand-made gift? Email us about custom gift baskets. Choose several items from our store and we'll arrange them into a beautiful hand-crafted gift basket or box. Each basket is custom-priced depending on the products chosen and container choice. Contact us for details!

Gift Wrapping & Gift Direct Shipping - Buying a gift for someone else? We'll wrap it and ship it directly to the recipient for you. Ask about it in the comment field when you place your order. All gifts will be wrapped in our rustic brown paper, tied with twine or raffia, and bear the recipient's name on a tea-stained hanging tag. We'll even include a card with a message from you. A small feel will apply for wrapping supplies.

New Shipping Policy on Chocolate Products - Due to the summer heat, we aren't able to ship our chocolate products via UPS ground. Effective immediately, all orders including chocolate items will automatically be charged $10 for shipping and will receive next-day air service with ice packs in the box to keep things cool. This policy will be rescinded when the weather gets cool again. In the interest of recycling, any ice packs returned to us will get you a $1 store credit. Or, use them for the beach!

Sister Blog; Kitchen Organization Tips - Our sister blog, EatMyAsparagus.com, recently partnered with Bonnie Dewkett, a Professional Organizer from The Joyful Organizer, to write an article about organizing your kitchen. Check it out. It has some great tips, even if you don't like to cook!

Free Recipe - Chili & Cheese Dogs

4 quality beef hotdogs
4 hot dog buns or sub rolls
2 tablespoons of butter
1 jar JM Creative Mild Turkey Chili or Beef Chili
1 jar orange cheese sauce (plain or spicey)

1) Open the jar of chili and pour half of the contents into a microwave save bowl. Cover and microwave for two minutes. Stir. Continue heating and stirring one minute at a time until chili is heated through.
2) Warm the cheese sauce according to the package directions.
3) Heat a large frying pan on the stove on medium-high heat.
4) Split each hot dog the long way, being careful not to cut through the skin on the bottom so that each hot dog opens "like a book".
5) Place butter in the pan and allow it to melt. When the foaming subsides, place hot dogs, cut-side-down into the pan. Weigh-down with a sauce pan if they start to curl. Allow bottom to develop a brown crust, 2-3 minutes.
6) Using tongs, flip the hot dogs onto the uncut sides and allow to develop color, another 2-3 minutes.
7) Remove the hotdogs from the heat, fold back together, and insert each, cut-side-up into a bun.
8) Dress hot dogs with cheese sauce and chili, allowing the filling to get between the two split pieces of the hot dog.
9) Enjoy with quality potato chips, pickles, or your favorite summer side dishes.

Product Newsletter 8/6/2009

Hi All,

It's been an exciting week as we gradually complete the remodel on our production kitchen and take advantage of the summer's bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Justin spent two hours in the fields picking local blueberries and a lot of time at the stove to bring you two fresh, new products. We hope you enjoy!

New Products

Local Rhode Island Blueberry Jam - This all-natural blueberry jam is made from 100% Rhode Island grown blueberries from a small family farm. Justin hand-picked the blueberries himself and made the jam the same day, locking in the most intense, delicious, sweet blueberry flavor you've ever experienced.

Tuscan Rosemary & White Bean Soup - This hearty, filling soup is inspired by the Italians' love for creamy white beans. Not only that, but it happens to be Michelle's favorite soup in our repertoire. This is true chicken soup for the soul.

New Programs and Great Deals

Free Soup With a Bulk Jar Return - For our frequent customers, we're offering a new "Bulk Jar Return Program." If you have at least 12 of our jars to return, send us an email. We'll send you a prepaid shipping label to ship the jars back to us. To thank you for your efforts, you get a free jar of soup on your next regular order.

Wedding Favors - Looking for unique wedding favors for your upcoming celebration? Contact us! Our delicious candy treats, such as our English Toffee or Chocolate-Dipped Macaroons can be made in miniature, packaged in bite-sized bags and tied with a tag for your guests' names. We promise you your guests will love you for it. Ours sure did!

Wedding Gifts - Going to a wedding this August or Fall? Nothing is a nicer gift for a newlywed couple than a warm, fuzzy hand-made afghan for their new home. Sure, it's 90 and sunny now, but remind them that you love them on those upcoming chilly winter days.

Save Money, Eat Soup! - Our handcrafted soups are a healthy and delicious way to put a little less stress on your wallet during these tough economic times. Save over $16 per week or $800 per year by eating a jar of our soup instead of eating out! Plus, return every 12 jars to us at our cost and get a new jar of soup free! **

Free Recipe - Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

Use a jar of one of our delicious, all-natural jams or jellies to make these Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars. We highly recommend our Strawberry Rhubarb Jam as its tartness pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the cookie bars and the peanut butter. Recipe by Ina Garten of Barefoot Contessa and The Food Network.

Product Newsletter

In This Issue:

• New Product: Hearty Chicken Stew
  
• New Product: No Sugar Added Blueberry Preserves
• Cozy Afghans ON SALE
  
• Kitchen Towels Will Be Back Soon!
• Free Recipe: Pepperoni Bagel Pizzas
  

Chicken Stew is Here!!!
We are incredibly happy to announce that we've added Justin's legendary Chicken Stew to our collection of healthy soups and stews. Justin makes over two and a half gallons of this stew each year for our annual holiday party. Every year, our guests drain the pot. Now, you can have that stew year-round for lunch at work or a great meal on a drab rainy day. We start the way Grandma did, with whole chicken pieces, make our own rich stock, then simmer the soup until just right. The soup is 95-98% fat free and gets its creamy texture from an all-natural thickener packet that gets stirred-in before reheating. And, at only $4.99 per jar, it's cheaper than eating out.

New Product: No Sugar Added Blueberry Preserves
Our brand-new No Sugar Added Blueberry Preserves uses the natural pectin found in blueberries to create a delicious, sweet, yet slightly tart blueberry spread. Perfect for those on low sugar diets, our preserves are sweetened with the blueberry's natural sweetness and a small amount of sucralose (Splenda) to balance the flavor without that bitter aftertaste.

Our Cozy Hand-Crocheted Throws ON SALE!
Our beautiful, hand-crocheted throws are on sale for $60 each. That's a savings of $20. Going to a summer wedding? Get the bride and groom something to keep them warm in their new home come winter time. We have one with burgundy and one with brown accent colors, each with neutral main colors.

Hanging Kitchen Towels Back in Stock Soon!
Our designer hanging kitchen towels are so popular that we've already sold out! However, they'll be back in stock soon. We're currently working on a new batch made with earthy colors and natural fabrics and yarn. Like the original batch, all are 100% cotton, washable, and fashionable enough to accent your kitchen's decor.

Free Recipe: Pepperoni Bagel Pizzas
1 jar JM Creative All Natural Tomato Marinara
plain, whole wheat, or whole grain bagels (one per person)
1 package shredded mozzarella cheese
sliced pepperoni from the deli (6-8 pieces per bagel)

1) Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper
2) Slice each bagel in half and place on the baking sheet cut side up
3) Spoon a thin layer of tomato marinara onto each bagel
4) Top each bagel with a generous layer of cheese
5) Stack the pepperoni and cut the rounds into four, making small "pie wedges"
6) Distribute the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.
7) Bake 5-10 minutes or until cheese is melted and starting to brown.
8) Cool 1-2 minutes and serve two pizzas per person.

Note: These work great with mini bagels too.

YART SALE

In This Edition:

• Etsy YART SALE (Yard + Art) Starts Today - Great Deals!
  
• Free Recipe: Strawberry Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
  
• Half-Price Toffee With 4 Jars of Soup
• Deep Discounts on all Blankets
• Marinara Stock-Up Sale - 3 for $15
  

Etsy-Wide YART SALE (Yard + Art) Starts Today!
Today begins a site-wide sale on Etsy called a YART SALE and we're participating. Each store is offering deep discounts, special offers, free gifts, and other deals. See our special Yart Sale section for our discounts. Search for Yart Sale to see deals in other stores. If you make a purchase from another store, please mention in the comments that you heard about the Yart Sale from JMCreative.

Great Deals
Save $20 on Throws - As part of the Etsy Yart Sale, we're discounting our two gorgeous, fluffy hand-made throws down to $60 each. Going to a wedding or bridal shower soon? Pick one up for the couple's new home. Or, grab one for Christmas and stash it away.
Economy Buster "Soup and a Snack" Deal - Beat the economy by bringing lunch to work instead of eating out. Order any four of our delicious, hand-crafted jars of soup and receive a bag of English Toffee at half-price. Just remember to hide the Toffee from your co-workers!
Marinara Stock-Up Sale - Feed your family well. Stock-up on our all-natural tomato marinara sauce at the great price of 3 jars for $15.
Save $5 on Soft Baby Blanket - Know someone who's expecting? Grab our super-soft baby blanket for the perfect gift at just $25.

Free Recipe: Strawberry Vinaigrette Salad Dressing

1 tablespoon dijon mustard (optional)
3 tablespoons JM Creative Strawberry Jam
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1 cup good olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

1) Whisk mustard, jam, and vinegar to combine.
2) Add oil in a steady stream while whisking.
3) Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Yeild 1 1/2 cups
Recipe borrowed from the Vistadoro Farms website

Product Newsletter

Hi Everyone,

We hope you all had a wonderful week and a fantastic holiday weekend. It was a bit chilly here in New England this weekend and a bit drab and dreary for a few days last week but we were excited to see the farmer's markets getting ready to go full-swing and my container garden is looking more and more green by the day. That said, we've introduced some new products and great deals for you this week!

New Products & Great Deals

• New! Recycled Cotton Wash Cloths - Michelle has been hard at work making some of our traditional cotton wash cloths using yarn made from 75% recycled cotton and 25% acrylic. Not only do they help the planet by being washable and reusable, but these cloths saved a lot of cotton trimmings from ending-up in the landfill. They're incredibly soft and an elegant gray-beige color that the manufacturer calls "almond". We have one set of four in stock and another set on the way. Of course, we'll gladly take special orders for your choice of color.
• New! Half-Pound Bags of Toffee - We're happy to offer our famous English Toffee in less expensive half-pound bags. Add one to your next order. You won't regret it!
• Wedding Gifts - June is the beginning of wedding season. Give your favorite bride and groom a hand-made gift from JM Creative. Our elegant, fluffy throws are the perfect compliment to their new home. Or, order our eco-friendly wash cloths and some all-natural hand-made soap from another Etsy seller and put together a beautiful gift basket. Don't forget one of our designer kitchen towels!
  
• Organic Wild Blueberry Jam - Nothing but pure blueberries, some sugar, and a little bit of elbow grease (in the form of stirring) went into this batch of scrumptious blueberry jam. The jam still contains small whole berries but is spreadable enough to slather onto your morning toast or a PB&J sandwich on whole wheat bread for a light lunch.
  
• Toffee Ice Cream Topping - We've taken our classic Old-Fashioned English Toffee and chopped it down into a course, crunchy treat that will go great on a big scoop of ice cream or just about any decadent dessert. Sold in 4oz bags, it's a bargain at $2.99! Add a bag onto your next order. You won't regret it!

Network With Us!
Want the latest, most up-to-date info about our newest products and what we're working on? Follow us on your favorite social networking site:
- Twitter (www.twitter.com/JMCreativeStore)
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/JM-Creative-Handmade-Gifts-and-Gourmet-Foods/82788124913
- Our New Blog: www.jmcreative.blogspot.com or jmcreative_feed.livejournal.com


Free Recipe - Tomato Soup & Toasted Cheese Sandwiches
Everyone knows that grilled cheese and tomato soup is the best weekday lunch. This recipe brings it up a notch with artisan bread, two types of cheeses, and our own homemade creamy tomato soup. Serve it to luncheon guests on your best china. I guarantee they'll be pleasantly surprised.

JM Creative Creamy Tomato soup (1 jar per person)
Crusty French, Italian, or Artisan bread
Sliced Cheddar Cheese from the deli (1 slice per person)
Siced Provolone Cheeese from the deli (1 slice per person)
Butter

1) Open the tomato soup and pour into a microwave safe bowl or a sauce pan. Optionally stir-in a little milk or cream.
2 Heat soup in the microwave on high 2-3 minutes or in a sauce pan on the stove until hot.
3) Slice the bread into thick slices (about 3/4 of an inch)
4) Place one slice of each kind of cheese between two slices of bread. Repeat for as many sandwiches as you need.
5) Melt butter in the bottom of the pan and swirl to coat. Be careful to not let it burn.
6) Place sandwiches in pan and weigh them down with a heavy sauce pan, bacon press, or a teakettle half-filled with water.
7) Cook until bottoms are toasted and brown. Flip sandwiches ad weigh them down again.
8) When the second side is brown and cheese has melted, remove to a cutting board and slice diagnally. Serve with a piping-hot bowl of the tomato soup.

Product Newsletter

Hi Everyone,

What a beautiful day it is today in New England. The birds are chirping loudly, everything is green and full, and as I sit here on the deck overlooking Narragansett Bay, I can smell the thyme in my herb box with each gust of wind. It's definitely starting to look like summer...

We've been working hard and we're excited to offer you a number of new products and deals. Don't forget the free recipe at the bottom of this newsletter!

New Products & Great Deals

• New! Organic Wild Blueberry Jam - Nothing but pure blueberries, some sugar, and a little bit of elbow grease (in the form of stirring) went into this batch of scrumptious blueberry jam. The jam still contains small whole berries but is spreadable enough to slather onto your morning toast or a PB&J sandwich on whole wheat bread for a light lunch. Yes, it's a bit expensive, but it's worth the price! It's also cheaper, by ounce, than one of the leading gourmet jam companies in the New England area (you know...the one in Maine).
  
• New! Toffee Ice Cream Topping - We've taken our classic Old-Fashioned English Toffee and chopped it down into a course, crunchy treat that will go great on a big scoop of ice cream or just about any decadent dessert. Sold in 4oz bags, it's a bargain at $2.99! Add a bag onto your next order. You won't regret it!
• New! 100% Cotton Eco-Friendly Wash Cloths - Our new cotton hand-crocheted face cloths are made of 100% USA-grown cotton, from well-managed sources. The yarn we use bears the seal of the Forest Steward Council. Whether you use them in the bathroom or to wash the dishes, you'll be doing your part to help the planet and buying hand-made.
• Cotton Hanging Kitchen Hand Towels - Our cotton hanging hand towels are selling great! Not only are they handy, but they're a great visual accent to your kitchen and they're earth friendly. I have one in my kitchen and I've already cut my paper towel usage by a third. We're working on a few more styles that will be available soon, so check back often. These will be more neutral-colored.
• Special Toffee Discount! - We're offering a special deal just for our newsletter subscribers, their family and friends. From now until Tuesday, May 25th at 5pm Eastern, order a bag of toffee and mention "Toffee Deal" in the comment field when you place the order. We'll refund $4 to you when we process the order so you pay just $8 for your bag of toffee! That's 33% off our regular price!
  

Visit our "Sister Site" Food Blog - www.EatMyAsparagus.com
Justin has started writing a food blog. The blog will take a look at food and cooking from the perspective of a home and hobbiest cook. In particular, there will be a number of entries over the next few months on "Thrifty Cooking" during these tough economic times including recipes. Follow along with Justin's food adventures at www.EatMyAsparagus.com

Follow us on Twitter
JM Creative has a twitter feed. Join our twitter feed at: www.twitter.com/JMCreativeStore
Be the first to find out when new items go on sale! Find out about great last-minute shipping deals.

Free Recipe - Toffee Crunch Chocolate Trifle

1 previously made unfrosted chocolate cake (store bought or made from a boxed mix)
1 package of chocolate pudding or mousse, prepared
1 4-oz bag JM Creative Toffee Ice Cream Topping
2 small containers of non-dairy whipped topping (Cool-Whip or similar product)

1) Prepare pudding or mousse according to the package directions. Cover with plastic wrap, letting the wrap completely touch the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Place in the refrigerator to chill and set.
2) Defrost frozen whipped topping according to package directions. Stir well.
3) If you don't have a trifle dish, use a large see-through glass mixing bowl or any other suitable bowl (it may not be as decorative, but it'll taste the same.
4) Break or cut the chocolate cake into approximately 1/2-inch chunks.
5) Spoon pudding into the bottom of the trifle dish. Spread to cover it by at least 1/2-inch.
6) Sprinkle a thick layer of cake chunks on top of the pudding.
7) Spread a thick layer of whipped topping on top of the cake.
8) Sprinkle toffee topping on top of the whipped topping in an even layer.
9) Repeat from step 5 until the dish is full or you run out of ingredients. The last layer should be whipped topping sprinkled lightly with toffee as a decorative touch.

Product Newsletter

JM Creative Product Updates
www.jmcreative.etsy.com

Hi Everyone,

As always, we hope this newsletter finds you well. As many of you know, we just returned from vacation and we've been working hard all day to catch-up with the store and get some new products online. In fact, we even made a few products while away! On with the news...

New Products & Great Deals

• New! 100% Cotton Hanging Kitchen Hand Towels - Remember that terrycloth towel Grandma always had hanging on her oven door with the flowers and acrylic yarn loop on top? Our version of this classic church bazaar staple is stylish and environmentally friendly. We take 100% cotton designer tea towels and hand-crochet the top and strap with 100% US grown cotton yarn. The result is something you'll be proud to display and use in your home everyday. And, because they're 100% cotton, they're machine washable. We're offering $2 shipping on single towels or our $5 flat-rate shipping on more than one or shipped with any other product.
• New! All-Natural Jam's - We're proud to offer all-natural fruit jams. Our jams are produced the old fashioned way by boiling fruit and sugar until the natural pectin in the fruit allows it to set to a spreadable consistency. Our jams make the best PB&J sandwiches you've ever put in your mouth! We're currently offering Strawberry Jam made with fresh California strawberries. Organic Blueberry Jam is on the way. When berry season starts in June, we'll be picking berries from local farms.
  
• Creamy Corn Soup is In Stock - A large batch of our popular "Creamy Corn Chowder" just came out of the canner. If you're tired of spending $8 per day eating-out for lunch, this hearty soup is your answer. The soup is vegan/vegetarian and 98% fat free so it's healthy for you too!
  
• Turkey Chili is In Stock - We have a limited supply of turkey chili in-stock. Get 'em before someone else does!

Eating "Green" and Healthy
Most people think eating "green" and healthy means buying food at an expensive organic market. In reality, the impact of mass-produced organic food can have just as much of an effect on the environment as non-organic food because the mass production and distribution requires vast amounts of energy and fuel for transportation. If you want to feed your family healthier and with a lower environmental footprint, consider buying locally when you can. Local farmers may use chemical fertilizers, but the food you're eating is fresher, of much better quality, and you're supporting your local community businesses--something very important in these economic times.
Thoughts borrowed from Mark Bittman's new book Food Matters

Visit our "Sister Site" Food Blog
Justin has started writing a food blog. The blog will take a look at food and cooking from the perspective of a home and hobbiest cook. In particular, there will be a number of entries over the next few months on "Thrifty Cooking" during these tough economic times including recipes. Follow along with Justin's food adventures at www.EatMyAsparagus.com

Follow us on Twitter
JM Creative has a twitter feed. Join our twitter feed at: www.twitter.com/JMCreativeStore
Be the first to find out when new items go on sale! Find out about great last-minute shipping deals.

Free Recipe - Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies

2/3 cup sugar
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 jar JM Creative All-Natural Strawberry Jam

1) Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2) In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat sugar and butter till light and fluffy.
3) Add vanilla, salt, and egg to butter and sugar mixture and beat till well combined.
4) Add flour and stir gently by hand or with the mixer on low just until combined into a stiff dough. Be careful to not over-mix the batter.
5) Scoop batter 1 tablespoonful at a time and roll into balls. Place each ball 2 inches apart on a sturdy baking sheet lined with wax paper.
6) Press each ball down slightly and make an indentation in the center of each cookie with your thumb.
7) Fill each thumb depression with a half teaspoon of jam. Be careful not to over-fill or the jam will run down the sides when baked.
8) Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Cookies should be set and starting to brown around the edges.
9) Cool slightly before serving. Hot jam can burn your mouth.

Product Newsletter

Hi Everyone,

We hope this newsletter finds you well. It's starting to look and feel like spring here in Rhode Island and after the winter we've had, the nice weather is a welcomed change. We have a few new products and great deals to tell you about, so I won't waste your time and get right to the good stuff:

New Products & Great Deals

• Free Shipping on Throws - Our two adult-sized throws (one in brown, one in burgundy) are now being offered with free shipping. Going to a wedding shower this spring? Surprise the bride and groom with a cozy hand-made throw for their new living room. We can produce these same throws to order with special color requests provided that you give us enough notice.
  
• Tomato Soup is Back in Stock - Our Creamy Tomato Soup is back in stock! Stock-up your pantry or desk drawer and save money on lunch.
• New Product: Creamy Corn Chowder - We're happy to announce a new product, "Creamy Corn Chowder". This smooth, silky, sweet chowder is absolutely divine. And, if that's not good enough, it's also very low in fat and calories because no cream is actually added to the soup!
• New Product: Hearty Meat Chili - We're now offering a hearty meat chili with either Beef or Turkey (your choice). The chili has a mild heat, so add a shot of your favorite hot sauce if you like something more fiery. Perfect for watching the game, tailgating, or as a topping for grilled hot dogs.

Mother's Day
Mother's day is right around the corner! Give your Mom the gift of something hand made. Please note the following ordering deadlines for arrival by Mother's day:

• Food & Candy Orders - Order must be received by Monday, April 27th at 9:00am.
• Pantry Items marked "In-Stock" - Order must be received by 8:00am on Wednesday, April 29th.
• Crocheted items marked "In-Stock" - Order must be received by 8:00am on Wednesday, April 29th.

We apologize for these early deadlines, but we will be away the week before Mother's day and will not be able to ship that week.

Store "Closed" for Vacation 5/2 through 5/9
We will be traveling from May 2nd through May 9th and will not have email access. During that time, the store will be placed on vacation status and will not be accepting orders. Stock-up on your favorite pantry items before then! Please use our Mother's Day shipping deadlines (above) to assure delivery before we leave.

New "Sister Site" Food Blog
Justin has started writing a food blog. The blog will take a look at food and cooking from the perspective of a home and hobbiest cook. In particular, there will be a number of entries over the next few months on "Thrifty Cooking" during these tough economic times including recipes. Follow along with Justin's food adventures at www.EatMyAsparagus.com

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Free Recipe - Chicken Corn Casserole
- 1 16oz jar JM Creative "Creamy Corn Chowder"
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 package egg noodles (or similar pasta)
- 1 cup bread crumbs (seasoned or plain)
- 3 tablespoons butter

1) Prepare egg noodles as described on package
2) Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Saute in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat until chicken is cooked-through. Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels.
3) Melt butter in the microwave and mix with the bread crumbs in a small bowl. Put aside.
4) Open the jar of corn chowder and empty the thickener packet into the jar. Close the jar and shake vigorously until no lumps remain.
5) Empty the jar of corn chowder into a glass or ceramic casserole dish. Add chicken and noodles and stir to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit of milk, cream, or water.
6) Level mixture with a spoon and sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly on top.
7) Bake in a 350 degree oven until bubbly and bread crumbs have begun to brown and get crispy.
8) Remove from oven, cool slightly and serve.