Thursday Highlights — March 15, 2012: Top News & Picks

Here are this week’s Thursday Things:

1. I just discovered a Peanut Butter of the Month Club and I’m seriously tempted to join. They ship deluxe and unusual peanut butter flavors directly to your door. If a subscription delivers something this delicious each month, count me in.

Peanut butter of the month club

2. Scott and I used to visit Napa and Sonoma all the time. We tasted a lot of wine, had a wonderful time, and—more often than not—signed up for another Wine of the Month club while happily tipsy. Then the deliveries started arriving by the case, and we realized we either needed to drink it all or watch bottles pile up in the house. Not ideal.

Wine bottles in cupboard

If peanut butter started appearing on my doorstep, at least I wouldn’t have to worry about storing it—I’d happily eat it instead.

Jif peanut butter, dark chocolate butter, and peter pan peanut butter

3. Fresh Produce Capri Pants are lightweight and perfect for warm weather. They have a drawstring waist, which is handy if you’ve indulged in one too many of these Puffy Vanilla and Peanut Butter Chip Cookies.

I wear capri pants nearly year-round, and these would make a comfortable addition to my favorite capri collection.

Just in time for the cool, overcast days—though I know San Diego sunshine will be back soon.

San diego trees

4. Hibiscus Syrup made from organic hibiscus petals, real sugar, a touch of ginger, and orange spice. It’s lovely in soda or cocktails and adds a bright floral note to drinks. I’m thinking this one needs to be in my pantry.

Bottle of Hibiscus Soda Syrup

5. A Diamond Knife Sharpener on a Pedestal for about $29 looks like a great bargain. There’s nothing worse in the kitchen than a dull knife—aside from a poorly made knife to begin with.

6. If you want a truly excellent knife, the Shun Fuji Santoku is one to dream about. Definitely a splurge, but a very sharp, well-made tool can transform kitchen prep.

Shun Fuji Santoku knife with onions

7. While you’re thinking about big purchases, Modernist Cuisine: The Art and Science of Cooking is a monumental set for the curious cook. It’s an ambitious six-volume collection that explores science-inspired techniques, new textures, and tools that push culinary boundaries. If you love deep dives into how food works and how to create surprising results, this set is for you. It’s on my wish list.

8. Need pantry or wellness items like nutritional yeast, probiotics, bulk spices, white stevia powder, liquid vanilla stevia drops, specialty honey, or organic body wash? I’ve found iHerb to be a convenient source for many of these items, often at a noticeable discount. Using a savings code can help lower the cost further—I’ve used it over the years and saved a lot on routine purchases.

Bag of white stevia powder, box of probiotics, and stevia drops bottle

9. Congratulations to the winner of the Practically Raw Vegan Cookbook Giveaway: Alex at Spoonful of Sugar Free. Well deserved!

10. With Saint Patrick’s Day approaching, it’s a great time to make Triple Layer Fudgy Mint Oreo Brownies—a rich, festive treat that’s perfect for sharing.

Triple Layer Fudgy Mint Oreo Brownies

What are your Thursday Things?

Anything new, noteworthy, or fun you’ve seen, made, or done? Share it in the comments.