Tomato Basil Rolls...A Video for You...and an Interview with 'Thyme"

Photography by Marcie Scudder of "Daily Walks" Photoblog

Isn't this such a lovely and dreamy photo?  It was taken by a photographer that I have been following for some time now.  Her name is Marcie Scudder and her site is called "Daily Practice". She was the 2011 winner for "Best American Photoblog".  Not only do Marcie's photographs transport you to a mystical and ethereal world but the words that accompany them speak straight to my heart and to my inner thoughts.

Remarkably, Marcie also visits my "Thyme" blog and has asked to interview "Thyme" over on her site.  So, if you would like to learn a few snippets about the inspiration behind "Thyme", slide over to "Daily Practice" by Marcie Scudder and read my interview.  But, what will transfix you, will be the daily escape she provides into her world of transparent beauty and thought.  There isn't a day that goes by when I don't sit back, take warm sips of my coffee and enter her world of calm thoughts and pure visions.

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Today, on "Thyme" I have a little something special.  I often talk about how much we just love rainy weekends when we can move slowly, cook wholesome meals, and listen to the beautiful sound of rain. So here is a little video gift...enjoy.

Tomato Basil Bread Rolls from Snippets of Thyme (Sarah) on Vimeo.

It's these spontaneous kinds of weekends when rain storms patter on all day long drawing us closer to the kitchen for our source of entertainment and amusement.

P. has no hesitation about jumping into a baking project whereas I am usually looking for structure and organization.  In trying to eat healthier, we planned on simple spinach salads for the weekend.  Of course, what would taste so delicious with a nice spinach salad?  Bread...straight out of the oven with aromas of basil and tomato.

One of my most favorite times to get out on one of my walks is right after a good rain.  Everything is glistening, wet, and heavy.  This is the time to move close into nature and see life in a whole new dimension.

The tiniest of dragonflies are moving about right now.  Just one hanging drop of rain looks like a pool of nourishment for the entire little dragonfly family.  




Patrick is our scientist in the kitchen. He understands the ratios, portions, and chemical roles of ingredients better than I do.  Although, this aspect of recipes is beginning to intrigue me more and more.  As I fail in one recipe, I want to know "why" and "what if...".

Rainy weekends make being in the kitchen so cozy and ...yes, rather romantic.  I readily admit, a man in the kitchen is oooh, la, la...very sexy.  

We've actually had our windows open since last fall.  I enjoy hearing the sound of rain playing its delightful tunes inches away from us indoors.  The yeast of these bread rolls is heady combined with the wet scents from the storm.

A warm cup of wild rose flavored tea, a deeply hued green salad with soft buttery boiled eggs, and these aromatic, earthy tomato basil bread rolls make for a deliciously tranquil and soothing rainy day meal.

Tomato Basil Rolls
(from the adorable blog Yammie's Noshery)


2 tablespoons yeast
1 cup hot water 
6 oz. tomato paste
1 tablespoon dried basil
2 tablespoons oil
1/4 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
4 3/4 cup bread flour
A beaten egg and freshly grated parmesan for garnish (optional)


Mix together the yeast, water, tomato paste, basil, oil, and butter. Let sit for 3 minutes or until the yeast is dissolved. Add the sugar and then the flour and mix in a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for 10 minutes. Add the salt in while it's mixing. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm moist place for about 1/2 hour or until doubled. Line a baking sheet with parchment or grease it. Form the dough into balls and place on the baking sheet. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise for fifteen minutes more. Brush with egg and sprinkle with parmesan. Bake at 425º for about 10 minutes.