Cooking
Over Thanksgiving I hopped behind couches, slipped into a closet and even snuck out a backdoor. Yes, I was playing hide-and-go-seek with my not quite 5 year old niece. And every time she found me and we switched places (she'd hide, I'd seek), she'd adopt my last hiding place. While it made finding her a breeze, I kind of understood her thinking. If it's good enough for auntie Amy then it must be good enough for me.
Which brings me to the topic of holiday shopping. I don't think anyone has ever had a hard time finding me a present. I am pretty clear on what I like. Often I buy what I want for myself for others, which is where my thinking is on par with that of my niece...
So without further ado here are my top picks, presents I have actually given and truly, madly believe in. These are gifts that please me, but I'm betting they'll please you or someone you know too.
Kitchen Gear
Butter Keeper.It comes in other colors too, but isn't the orange pretty? Keeps your butter fresh, soft and within your reach. I bought this in red for my sister last year.
Heat-resistant spatulas. Ok everybody just needs to have these. They will forever change the way you cook scrambled eggs.
Microplane.The best grater/zester ever, accept no substitute. I have gotten and given this one.
Kyocera peeler.You can even peel winter squash with this!
Remote thermometer. Unchain yourself from the stove once and for all. I bought one for me and one for my parents.
Edibles
Madras Curry mustard. This is just so yummy! It's my favorite mustard.
Truffle salt. Use this on tomatoes, potatoes, etc. An affordable luxury.
Truffle honey. Oh my goodness, this drizzled on blue cheese is heavenly!
Fudge is My Life sauce.Contains no corn syrup, is microwaveable and delicious right out of the jar. I bought tons of it last year for friends.
McQuade's Celtic chutney.Alison's chutneys are a delight. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and colors. Last year I bought Fig and Ginger for friends. This year I bought the Melon and Peach, the Cranberry Tangerine and the Habanero, but I'm not sharing!
Sonoma syrups.These syrups inspire me in the kitchen, but they are also great for making cocktails or even for sweetening ice tea. The Black Currant, Lemon and Lavender flavors are favorites, but they're all good. No artificial flavors or colors.
Maggie Beer Burnt Fig jam. There is nothing like this jam, if you love figs you have got to try it!
MarieBelle Hot chocolate. What can I say? My mother-in-law loves this stuff and I can't blame her.
Food-inspired Indulgences
Breath Palette toothpaste. This is just a fun product, the flavors only last for a minute so don't be scared!
Honey I Washed the Kids soap.The most scrumptious honey scented soap around.
Fresh Sugar candle.Ok it's pricey but very luxurious and smells divine, equally wonderful are the Demitasse and Sake versions.
FOOD
- Mcquade's Celtic Chutney Tasting
I love the idea of 18 Reasons. It's space where people can connect with artists, food producers and learn about food. I keep eyeing butchering classes, but there are also coffee roasting classes, cheese and beer pairing classes, the lineup changes...
- Honeyaholic
My name is Amy and I am a honeyaholic. Sure, I have a lot of jam and mustard in my fridge but I think it's honey that takes the cake. I currently have 13 different containers of honey. Actually it's 14 because I also have a big can of honey that...
- Favorite Things: Madras Curry Mustard
Last year at the Fancy Food Show I discovered Dulcet Cuisine's wonderful Madras Curry Sauce & Marinade. While it was the Lemon, Mustard & Dill Sauce that won an award, I really loved the tangy but not too spicy curry sauce, a product with...
- Wine & Chutney Tasting Event
The best thing about writing this blog ain't the money. There is none. It's trying great food and meeting terrific people. I have met more local folks involved in making and serving food and wine in the past year than ever before. I've also...
- Summer Syrups
I recently wrote about Torani syrups, but at the Fancy Food Show earlier this year I also discovered syrups from the Sonoma Syrup Company. Less sweet than Torani and made from all natural ingredients, Sonoma Syrups are a real treat not just for drinks...
Cooking
Holiday Gift Guide
Over Thanksgiving I hopped behind couches, slipped into a closet and even snuck out a backdoor. Yes, I was playing hide-and-go-seek with my not quite 5 year old niece. And every time she found me and we switched places (she'd hide, I'd seek), she'd adopt my last hiding place. While it made finding her a breeze, I kind of understood her thinking. If it's good enough for auntie Amy then it must be good enough for me.
Which brings me to the topic of holiday shopping. I don't think anyone has ever had a hard time finding me a present. I am pretty clear on what I like. Often I buy what I want for myself for others, which is where my thinking is on par with that of my niece...
So without further ado here are my top picks, presents I have actually given and truly, madly believe in. These are gifts that please me, but I'm betting they'll please you or someone you know too.
Kitchen Gear
Butter Keeper.It comes in other colors too, but isn't the orange pretty? Keeps your butter fresh, soft and within your reach. I bought this in red for my sister last year.
Heat-resistant spatulas. Ok everybody just needs to have these. They will forever change the way you cook scrambled eggs.
Microplane.The best grater/zester ever, accept no substitute. I have gotten and given this one.
Kyocera peeler.You can even peel winter squash with this!
Remote thermometer. Unchain yourself from the stove once and for all. I bought one for me and one for my parents.
Edibles
Madras Curry mustard. This is just so yummy! It's my favorite mustard.
Truffle salt. Use this on tomatoes, potatoes, etc. An affordable luxury.
Truffle honey. Oh my goodness, this drizzled on blue cheese is heavenly!
Fudge is My Life sauce.Contains no corn syrup, is microwaveable and delicious right out of the jar. I bought tons of it last year for friends.
McQuade's Celtic chutney.Alison's chutneys are a delight. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and colors. Last year I bought Fig and Ginger for friends. This year I bought the Melon and Peach, the Cranberry Tangerine and the Habanero, but I'm not sharing!
Sonoma syrups.These syrups inspire me in the kitchen, but they are also great for making cocktails or even for sweetening ice tea. The Black Currant, Lemon and Lavender flavors are favorites, but they're all good. No artificial flavors or colors.
Maggie Beer Burnt Fig jam. There is nothing like this jam, if you love figs you have got to try it!
MarieBelle Hot chocolate. What can I say? My mother-in-law loves this stuff and I can't blame her.
Food-inspired Indulgences
Breath Palette toothpaste. This is just a fun product, the flavors only last for a minute so don't be scared!
Honey I Washed the Kids soap.The most scrumptious honey scented soap around.
Fresh Sugar candle.Ok it's pricey but very luxurious and smells divine, equally wonderful are the Demitasse and Sake versions.
FOOD
- Mcquade's Celtic Chutney Tasting
I love the idea of 18 Reasons. It's space where people can connect with artists, food producers and learn about food. I keep eyeing butchering classes, but there are also coffee roasting classes, cheese and beer pairing classes, the lineup changes...
- Honeyaholic
My name is Amy and I am a honeyaholic. Sure, I have a lot of jam and mustard in my fridge but I think it's honey that takes the cake. I currently have 13 different containers of honey. Actually it's 14 because I also have a big can of honey that...
- Favorite Things: Madras Curry Mustard
Last year at the Fancy Food Show I discovered Dulcet Cuisine's wonderful Madras Curry Sauce & Marinade. While it was the Lemon, Mustard & Dill Sauce that won an award, I really loved the tangy but not too spicy curry sauce, a product with...
- Wine & Chutney Tasting Event
The best thing about writing this blog ain't the money. There is none. It's trying great food and meeting terrific people. I have met more local folks involved in making and serving food and wine in the past year than ever before. I've also...
- Summer Syrups
I recently wrote about Torani syrups, but at the Fancy Food Show earlier this year I also discovered syrups from the Sonoma Syrup Company. Less sweet than Torani and made from all natural ingredients, Sonoma Syrups are a real treat not just for drinks...