Last-Minute Orders

It's Tuesday night and we all know what that means... Last chance to order in-stock products and have them shipped on Wednesday!

Order an in-stock item (such as our delicious soups) by 10:00 (Eastern) on Wednesday morning and your product will ship that day.

If you live in New England - Have your order by Thursday!*
If you live on the East Coast - Have your order by Friday!*
If you live in the Mid-West - Have your order by Saturday or Monday!*

* Time estimates based on observed average shipping times for UPS Ground. UPS officially asks that you allow 7-10 days for shipping.

New Product Poll

I'd like to take a moment to take a brief product poll. Please respond with comments indicating which of the following product ideas you'd like to see added to the JM Creative store:

Soups
Chicken Noodle
Chicken or Turkey Stew
Beef Stew
Beef & Vegetable
Creamy Butternut
Creamy Carrot & Ginger
Creamy Honey Carrot
Creamy Tomato and Basil
Vegetarian Bean Chili
White Bean Chicken Chili
Tuscan White Bean Soup With Rosemary
Minestrone
Tomato Rice
Chicken & Rice

Meal & Side-Dish Kits
Meal and side-dish kits would consist of a jar of product and a package of powdered mix that must be mixed with one or two pantry ingredients (butter, water, milk, etc.) and heated according to included directions.

Chicken Pot Pie - On the table in 30 minutes
Home Fries - On the table in 20 minutes
Spaghetti & Meatballs (Beef or Turkey) - On the table in 20 minutes
Ready to Mash Potatoes - On the table in 10 minutes
Ready to Mash Sweet Potatoes - On the table in 10 minutes
Ready to Mash Butternut Squash - On the table in 10 minutes
Berry Pies (Strawberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Strawberry-Rhubarb) - In the oven in 15 minutes.

Jams & Jellies
Strawberry Jam Made With local RI Berries
Blueberry Jam Made With local RI Berries
Raspberry Jam Made with Local RI Berries
Seedless Strawberry Jam Made with local RI Berries
Seedless Raspberry Jam Made with local RI Berries
Strawberry Rhubarb Jam Made with Local RI Berries
Concord Grape Jelly Made with Local RI Grapes

Condiments
Dill Pickles - Made with local cucumbers
Bread & Butter Pickles - Made with local cucumbers
Sweet Relish - Made with local cucumbers
Cranberry Mustard
Hand-Crafted Ketchup

Sauces
Caramel Sauce
Strawberry Syrup (for Pancakes, Ice Cream, and Milk)
Blueberry Syrup (for Pancakes and Ice Cream)
Chocolate Sauce
Chocolate Raspberry Sauce

Breads (Freshly Baked Before Shipping)
Banana Bread
Zucchini Bread
Pumpkin Bread
Corn Bread
Carrot Cake

Candy & Treats
Biscotti
Chocolate-dipped Biscotti
Chewy Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Lindzer Cookies (Jam-filled shortbread)
Thumbprint Cookies (Jam-filled shortbread)
Peanutbutter Bites/Cups
Chocolate-Coated Marshmallow Bites
Cherry Cordials (liquid)
Chocolate Bark (with nuts)

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.

Welcome

Welcome to the JM Creative Blog! This blog is a companion site to the JM Creative Store, an online store that specializes in hand-crafted gourmet foods, hand-crocheted items, and more.

All of our email newsletters will be archived here in this blog and we'll periodically make announcements about new products or special last-minute deals.

We encourage you to follow us with BlogSpot or your favorite RSS reader. You won't regret it!

Warm Wishes,
Justin & Michelle
JM Creative Store (www.jmcreative.etsy.com)

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

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!

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.