It’s been so fortunate for me to be able to travel for work and play quite a bit the past few years. I’ve picked up a few habits and items along the way that have helped make my trips as seamless as possible. Today I wanted to share one of my go-tos - because it’s had such an impact on making endless trips through airports so much easier - hope it will be useful for you as well!
May I present: the Uniqlo hoodie. Why do I love it so?
Photo: Uniqlo.com
5. It’s relatively lightweight while being highly effective at retaining heat (I'm always cold in airplane cabins)
4. Water resistant and hooded, it doubles for cover during light rain (so you don't have to juggle an umbrella while trying to wrangle luggage, if any part of your trek to/from ground transportation is open air). Also stain resistant.
3. Structured, color-fast and durable: stands up to dozens of washes without fading, pilling, or getting flaccid, so even though I’m wearing a hoodie, I can still maintain an alert Type A vibe, and not look like I just crawled out of bed and pulled a 10 year old sweatshirt off the nearest pile of clothes on the floor :P. This hoodie almost looks ‘professional’! :)
2. It doesn’t wrinkle no matter how I may shove it into luggage / carryons
1. Game changing *vertical*, super roomy pockets on the *inside*. This is my #1 reason for maintaining a fleet of these hoodies in my wardrobe specifically for travel. There is enough room to hold my:
passport (pockets in other hoodies made for an average sized Asian woman never seem to be big enough for this)
earphones (x2 because iPhone ones don't plug into in flight entertainment systems, sigh!)
USB charging cable
packet of tissues
antibacterial hand wipes
phone
All of which I need immediate access to for my settle in routine on a flight. I then don’t have to hold up everyone coming down the aisle by digging for them in my carryon before stowing into the overhead bins, nor irritate row mates rummaging through my bag.
Of these, THE most important feature is that the inner pockets on both sides are vertical offering convenience, safety and security at the same time - most hoodies only have the diagonal slit pockets outside, and that would put me in constant fear of items dropping out in transit, or the zipped diagonal slit pockets are not deep enough to fit the passport at all. Not only are the inner vertical pockets perfect storage spaces that allows me to conveniently access my passport/ID for counter agents, TSA, gate agents and customs officers/kiosks as needed, while being confident that that crucial travel document is not going to tumble out of my pocket unless I do something crazy like cartwheel through the Terminal...(yeah I'm nowhere near athletic enough for that anyway) the placement inside the hoodie adds another layer of security. Once you zip your hoodie up, you’ve made it harder for people to pickpocket your passport.
Of course, the familiar outside pockets are still available to keep hands warm.
Oh and a bonus reason for travelers to love this hoodie? It’s an affordable price at $19.99. (Sometimes on sale for $14.90)
You can find it in-stores or online at Uniqlo. Also, Deal Alert: Get $10 off your order of $75+ when you sign up to receive Uniqlo emails.
(No I have not been paid, not received any samples, to write about this hoodie: I’m writing because I love it so much and my only evil plan is to share with others so that hopefully people will keep buying this fabulous design, so hopefully Uniqlo will continue making it!!)
The holidays are officially upon us again. If you're wondering what to get the food / drink lover in your life, here are some ideas: this year, I'm combining edibles and non-edibles into one master list.
All gifts are under $150, and where scaled options or deals / discounts are available, I have noted them below each product description.
1. For the Holiday Enthusiast (Who Just.Can't.Wait.For.Every.Day.In.December.)
Photo source: Vosgeschocolate.com
Let them countdown to Christmas...with a daily dose of gourmet chocolate. Housed in a beautiful keepsake advent calendar table box, with an individual drawer for each day in December til Christmas. There's also a fun 'secret message' element - flip each drawer after indulging in that day's chocolate, and eventually a holiday greeting will be revealed. Drawers filled with Caramels, Organic Peanut Butter Bonbons, Toffee and Mini Exotic Chocolate Bars.
The drawers are refillable too of course! Just contact the Vosges "Chocolate Concierge". Awesome, right?
[Deal Alert: 20% off $100 spend at Vosgeschocolate.com on Cyber Monday only! No code required.]
Photo source: Honolulucookieco.com
2. For Island Dreamers Take them to the islands in the thick of winter, with Honolulu Cookie Company's insanely delicious shortbread cookies in the shape of pineapples, often dipped in chocolate.
Get a sampler assortment like in the keepsake holiday box, which contains 8 cookies featuring 6 flavors: Pineapple Macadamia, Butter Macadamia, Chocolate Dipped Macadamia, Dark Chocolate Coconut, Dark Chocolate Peppermint, and White Chocolate Peppermint.
You can even get the pineapple shaped cookies in a fun clear pineapple shaped ornament, in case they can't get enough of...pineapple.
Fancy a cup and saucer set with some holiday sparkle?
Tea connoisseurs would also raise their pinkies to this floral loose leaf tea from Palais des Thes, in a highly civilized and sophisticated cup and saucer set tinged with holiday sparkle.
For an excellent locally handcrafted tea, check out Art of Tea. They have the most incredible Egyptian Chamomile herbal tea with actual floral buds in a beautiful tin, or you can go all out and gift the leatherette box with a mix of their most popular teas in tea bags.
Tea: Art of Tea leatherette gift box of assorted fine tea bags $55
4. For the Constant Caffeinator Concerned with Consistent Temperature
Because every.single.thing.you.own. needs to be 'smart' nowadays. This smart mug keeps coffee or tea at the perfect temperature up to 2 hours on the go, or use charging coaster to maintain desired temperature all day
The Ember app then lets them customize their mug with a "name", temperature presets, and notification preferences.
5. For the Star Wars Fanatic
Because this won't just be ANY old holiday this year, it is as you're sure to have heard by now, the #SeasonoftheForce. Don't let your favorite Star Wars enthusiast hyperspace jump into their every day battles without fueling up with Rebel-worthy bites / sips.
Photo source: ThinkGeek
Let R2D2 take over duties for time watch, and precision with a cool measuring cup set that stacks up to the image of the charismatic droid. Then, break out the Death Star for some Wookie...I mean...cookie containment. And, give the gift of the best theme party ice breaker with Han Solo in Carbonite ice cubes made with the special shaping tray. And unleash dark forces with the Darth Vader corkscrew and bottle opener.
Buy from:
Han Solo in Carbonite Ice Cube Tray from ThinkGeek $9.99
[Deal alert: sign up to Bed Bath & Beyond emails / texts for offers: often 20% off. Then go through eBates first for 2%-4% cash back (varies by day), before clicking over to BB&B site and applying coupon. Also go through eBates for ThinkGeek first to get 2.5% cash back] 6. For the Nostalgic / Luxe Sweettooth Happy as a kid in a candy store...well now that expression can apply to adults as well, with a new crop of stores that offer upscale experiences and gourmet confections in beautiful packaging.
Photo source: Sugarfina
The first set that I love is Sugarfina and their store in Beverly Hills. You can get a 'candy bento box' of treats of your selection, without the mess and unsanitary condition of bulk bins. Gourmet candies like champagne flavored gummy bears and candied apricots in delicately painted chocolate egg shells, come in small plastic squares that can stack into beautiful bentos like a tasty puzzle. Or, you can grab curated sets with fun themes like "Cocktail Hour" with brut & rose champagne bears, peach bellini gummies (my fav), chocolate "olive" almonds, kir royale cordials, Jamaican Rum snowballs and more, or "Happy Holidays" with pumpkin pie caramels, gingerbread cookies, candy cane caramels, peppermint malt balls and more.
If you've ventured into either of the major malls in Sherman Oaks or Glendale lately, you might have noticed what looks like an old-timey sweets shop with an elegant old-world / classic European aesthetic.
You'll literally feel like an adult in a candy shop, and may be at risk of whip lash trying to take in all the wonders of sugary confections in every direction at once. There are bulk bins of delectable chocolates and candies that you can fill gummy bear shaped glass jars, mason jars or beautifully etched nostalgic tins with. And designer artisanal often single-origin chocolate bars wrapped in the most gorgeous handmade paper you may have ever seen. These aren't run of the mill confections either - you'll see anything from Mr. Stanley Turkish Delights with rose & lemon, champagne mimosa / croissant and almond flavored chocolate bars, Remy Martin Cognac filled bonbons to Harry Potter pez dispensers. Create your own tin, basket for your favorite sweets loving foodie - then double the order for yourself, as it'll definitely not be easy to part with your selections.
Buy from:
Lolli & Pops stores in select cities: see list here.
Sugarfina online or in stores in select cities, see list here.
[Deal alert: sign up for eBates (free) to get 3% cash back, then click through from the eBates Gilt City page to buy Gilt City voucher $50 for $75 store credit to Sugarfina here (deal ends 12/14)]
7. For the Novice Chef / Home Cooks Strapped for Time
Photo source: Blue Apron
This ready-to-cook-meals-in-a-box-to-your-door subscription service is fantastic: saves the headache of fighting traffic and crowds at the grocery store or planning your meals for the week out to ensure you use up all the ingredients. Each week that you sign up for a box they send you all the fresh ingredients you need + simple recipe cards to make 3 curated dishes, and they are often very creative ones as well, using ingredients you may not normally encounter or think to use yourself, like finger limes, hominy (for pozole) and tomatillos. The great thing is that you can skip a week or as many weeks as you want in advance, with no penalties or fees. Again, especially for single eaters - this service prevents food waste as well: they give you exactly the amount of ingredients you need to make the dishes of the week - for example, if your recipe calls for 1 stalk of celery, they will send you just the 1 stalk, so you don't have to buy an entire head that may go to waste if you don't have any use for it outside of that recipe. And you can save the second portion of each dish for lunch or dinner the next day. Buy from: Blue Apron $59.95 per week of your selection (for 3 meals x 2 servings per meal = 6 total meals) [Deal Alert: save 3% + 35% + 25%!!! Do it in this order:
eBates - Gilt City (free to sign up) for 3% rebate this weekend (must go through desktop, not mobile) to save $0.94 (3% on paid amount if you follow the steps below, which will be paid by check to you after you accumulate $50 worth of rebates from various shopping within their vast network of partner sites)
Buy Gilt City voucher: pay $39 for $60 value to save $21
Use code: BLACKOUT25 for extra 25% off the order (ends Nov 28 11:59pm EST) to save $7.80]
Total cost with all 3 steps = $30.26; savings with all 3 steps = $29.74]
8. For the Love of Art Gift a unique experience to remember: an after hours tour of LACMA galleries with an art expert, learn about master works based on a theme, then dine after the tour with dishes around that theme (often at Ray's and Stark bar on the terrace of the musuem). Or learn to cook dishes around the theme. Previous themes have included Dali and Surrealism, German Art, and in January there is a Spanish Art & Tapas tour.
Photo source: Artbites.com
Buy from: artbites $80 or $110 gift certificates good towards artbites classes
9. For Wine / Spirits Lovers
Wine is always a welcome gift, and the Oremus Tokaji is sure to please even connoisseurs' tastes (afterall, if it's good enough to be served at Chef Curtis Stone's restaurant Maude in Beverly Hills...)
Pinnacle Iced Cider is another dessert wine I loved from our visit to Montreal - still trying to find out how to get a hold of a bottle in the US though - stay tuned!
And, not that anyone would reasonably have any leftovers after opening these wines - but for ahem, future other wines, should there be any remaining, get them a Savino Wine Carafe, an elegant glass cruet that they can not only serve from, but also preserve the wine for up to a week after opening.
Photo source: The Grommet
For Whiskey fans:
From the inventors of Corkcicle, the icicle shaped device that lets you chill your wine quickly, comes The Whiskey Wedge: a silicon form that allows you to create a slanted wedge of ice inside a
specially designed tumbler to cool your drink while slowing dilution of flavor —as the ice block melts at a slower pace than regular ice cubes. Works for whiskey, bourbon.
Know someone who loves to add spice to everything? The DIY Hot Sauce kit with let them create their own unique blend with cayenne, ancho, curry, and chili spice packs, peppers, vinegars, and brown sugar.
Photo source: Uncommon Goods
For spirits / cocktail enthusiasts: the absinthe kit has everything they need - besides their favorite high proof neutral spirit - to brew their own "Green Fairy" beloved of 19th century artists and writers (obviously without wormwood or the notorious hallucinogenic neurotoxin). Add complexity with a blend of 11 certified organic botanicals including fennel, anise, licorice, hyssop, angelica, and artemisia. The kit also includes a custom labeled 500ml Tortuga antique green bottle, 4" funnel, natural coffee filter, and instructions. Buy from: Uncommongoods.com
11. For the Breath Obsessed / Those Who Tend to Overindulge in Holiday Spirits
Photo source: Breathometer
Let them check the quality of their breath, and be safe whether for the road (or on a date), with a personal portable smart breathalyzer, as seen on Shark Tank.
12. For the Food Styling / Modernist Cuisine / Foodporn Enthusiast
Photo source: Darby Smart
Whether they are creators of food art or just want to style their food like one, this kit gives them all key tools to play with their food in a sophisticated way: includes precision tweezers, fine scissors, scalpel + 2 blades, culinary syringe + 2 syringe tips, oil mister, spatulas
For Hollywood Bowl Frequenters / Picnic Lovers: the foldable Wine2Go travel plastic bottle is easy to fill with your favorite wine (it holds a full bottle and are BPA free!), much more lightweight to carry than glass, with less risk of breakage. Just roll up when you're done and it fits easily into your bag.
Regular readers know that Pressed Juicery is one of the only ways I really get my veggies in, and actually enjoy it. Toast to your fav foodie's health with gift cards from Pressed Juicery - take advantage of their annual Black Friday deal to get more for your money too (see deal alert below).
[Deal alert: get 20% off gift cards any denomination, ends 11/29, in-stores only excluding Montecito, Paseo Nuevo, Manhattan Beach]
Tip:
For any of your other holiday shopping, first check eBates to score any retail rebates available, simply by clicking through the site first (free to sign up).
Here
are a few ways to do that, many of which support local small businesses, for
budgets up to $200 ;) Some of these ideas are for curated themed items that you can pick and choose from within the set, to suit your limit!
Where deals or discounts are available, I have
noted them below each product description.
You can see this year's non-edibles gift guide here.
1. Ultimate Artisanal Ice Cream Bar Stash
Put together a custom basket of handcrafted toppings that will take their ice cream game to another level. Include as many or as little of the below as you like to fit your budget. Maybe even throw in a DIY ice cream maker so they can experiment with their own flavors at home!
Quenelle caramelized rice + bourbon caramel
Chef Park's caramelized rice are like the best, most refined version of rice crispies you've ever had, glazed with caramelized sugar but still super crunchy, light and each piece distinct, not clumped together. I don't normally even like toppings on my ice cream, but these are my favorite. And, bourbon caramel will make anything taste better.
Middlebar bourbon poached cherries
Photo: GoodEgg.com
Local farm to glass ambassadors Middlebar takes farm fresh produce and turns them into delicious cocktail mixes and fixings, from pickled veggies to bourbon poached cherries. The Bulleit bourbon poached cherries are my favorite: the humdrum vanilla ice cream in your freezer won't even have any idea what hit it (and why it will suddenly become the hottest commodity).
Zoku DIY ice cream maker bowl
Photo: Williams Sonoma
This bowl lets them make their own ice cream in minutes, and serve it right in the bowl. Just keep the inside stainless steel liner in the freezer, and when ready for a frozen treat, just place the liner into the insulated sleeve, the ice cream mix into the liner, and keep stirring til the desired consistency is reached. Easy?!
Just because they live in a draconian state doesn't mean that you can't be their enabler by getting their favorite food shipped in from elsewhere (to be clear, the ban only applies to selling of foie within the state of California - it's totally legal to purchase from outside the state for personal consumption in CA).
Dartagnan offers a fantastic selection from medallions of duck foie with truffles, to sliced foie (for searing), to foie in prepared formats from torchon to terrine.
Buy from:Dartagnan medallion of foie with truffles: 6 oz $14.99 / 1lb $33.99; torchon 1lb $96.99 / case of 4x 5oz $170.99
[Deal Alert: Spend $125 get 10% off, Spend $225 get 15% off through Cyber Monday 12/1. AND stack the deal: get 3.5% cash back when you go through eBates first, no minimum spend required (free to sign up!)]]
3. For the Momofuku Milk Bar / Banana + Chocolate Fan
Photo: Goldbely
Know someone who is obsessed with Momofuku? Chef Christina Tossi's brilliant treats?
Do that have that episode of Mind of a Chef on repeat, about rotting food on purpose to impact flavor, and consider it genius?
Well now you can gift one of chef Tossi's creations, probably using that nifty rotting banana trick to get the cake tasting, well, more banana-ey.
[Deal Alert: get $15 off your first order with this link]
4. Try the World - like Birchbox for Foodies
Photo: Try the World
There's
something about coming home to a waiting package that make people happy
- you've seen this turned into a successful business idea with Birch
Box in the beauty space. Now you can give food loving friends / family
that same sense of surprise and delight with a gift that doesn't end
with the unwrapping this holiday, with a Try the World subscription.
They will get shipped one box from a different country every 2 months,
that contains 7-10 artisanal delicacies w/ card describing each product +
cultural guide and recipes.
The
current box is Paris themed, and from the photos looks like it contains
some classic staples from Mere Poulard cookies to fleur de sel,
caramels, to Bon Maman jam, dijon mustard as well as packets of tea from
one of my favorite tea brands, Les Palais des Thes.
Yes,
you can get some of these items at your local grocery or gourmet food
stores if you know where to look, and I'd like to see future boxes
include more items that you can't actually buy in the US - but this idea
of themed boxes arriving at your door on a regular basis, filled with
possible culinary surprises, is a fun one.
Buy from:trytheworld.com $39 per month on month-to-month subscription basis
5. For True Tea Lovers
While vacationing in Taiwan one year, we discovered a love for the Red Formosa Assam (aka 'Taiwan #18' that blends different Assam leaves) from the Sun Moon Lake region, a black tea that is so fragrant, sweet and smooth that it tastes in flavor as if cream and sugar were already added in.
As with wine, terroir and climate matters with the flavors that develop in tea leaves, and Sun Moon Lake is apparently ideal for cultivating Assam tea.
Photo: Red Blossom Tea
When we returned from the trip, we were disappointed that we were not able to get the tea easily from even well known tea purveyors.
So when we found that Red Blossom Tea, a family owned shop in San Francisco's Chinatown (who also coincidentally supplies Sons & Daughters with their teas) carries Taiwan #18, I definitely stocked up.
Photo: Ten Ren Tea
And now you can access it for tea loving friends too: Red Blossom tea also sells this incredible tea via their online store.
Check out their other more unusual offerings too, like elderflower tea!
To plus up this gift, consider adding a traditional clay tea pot and gaiwan set as well.
6. For the Truffle Hound: Truffles to Make Everything Better
Photo: Ditalia
The Casina Rossa Truffle Trio Gift Pack is a perfect way to sample the
famous Truffle & Salt, along side Casina Rossa's own 100% black
truffle carpaccio and elegant truffle Acacia honey.
This is a perfect
set to give, share or indulge in the elegant and aromatic flavor of
truffles.
If they think the stinkier the cheese, the better: than spread the holiday cheer for them with this lovely Stilton crock set that includes a classic 6 oz stilton cheese in a
very English styled ceramic jar, and 9 oz pickled plums.
[Deal Alert: get 15% off with promo code: CYBER14 at check out, on Cyber Monday only. After that, sign up for their free e-newletter to get 10% off your first order]
8. For the Nuts About Marrons Glaces
Photo: Mire Poix USA
Forget chestnuts roasting on an open fire. The candied and glazed
version (through slow immersion into hot sugar syrup to retain moisture
and flavor), which dates back to 17th century France / Italy (the
earliest known recorded recipe originated from Louis XIV's Versailles
court), is a decadent yet refined treat that will elevate any holiday
celebration. They can be served with dessert, or alone with port or other dessert wines.
[Deal Alert: sign up for Mire Poix's free e-newletter to get 10% off your first order]
9. Sweets for the Sweet: Macarons
Photo: Jin Patisserie
If you are so fortunate as to live in a city with a Laduree store, let me say that you will make a sweet-toothed foodie's life if you send them a box of the insanely delicious treats. Unfortunately as far as I know, you can't order Laduree online. So, if you don't live on a city blessed with a Laduree store (i.e. Los Angeles), then the next best thing IMHO is Jin Patisserie's version. Rose, jasmine, pistachio, yuzu...I haven't had a flavor I didn't like from them yet. And, the macarons are made the Parisian way, nice and airy inside, with a crisp shell that doesn't crumble down to a sticky mess with the first bite. Macarons are by nature delicate treats - so Jin, like Laduree, does not ship either. But you can order for pick up from their facilities in Culver City.
That is to say, for Californians, when it reaches the 60s, the sun is
only out for a few hours at a time, and some wet stuff starts falling
from the sky...(hey, everything is relative, ok?)
There's nothing more comforting and cheery than hot chocolate (whether while in your snuggie, or wrapped up in a book by the fire...to each their own). And no easier, no mess way to do it then with Chocomize's hot chocolate on a stick spoon. This version even has marshmallows already built in. All you have to do is get a mug of hot milk or water, place the Chocomize into the mug, and keep stirring: and voila, hot chocolate, with marshmallows.
Pair these with a nice gold monogrammed mug for a fun and tasteful gift set that's ready to be put to use!
To plus it up even more, try pulling a set of two mugs with hot
chocolate spoons into a gift basket, with a tin of Moravian Ginger Spice
cookies for extra holiday flavor.
[Deal alert: for Chocomize: get 7.5% cash back when shopping at OpenSky, when you go through eBates first (free to sign up!)]
Ok I had to go 11 this year...too much good stuff.
11. For the Totally Not Bitter DIY Cocktailer / Traveling Craft Cocktailer
Photo: Hella Bitters
An example of a GREAT crowd-funded passion project, Hella Bitters' DIY products let your budding cocktail aficionado take it to the next level, and make their own custom bitters for their next stroke of brilliance creations.
The Craft Your Own Bitters Kit is a curated collection of the essential tools and starter blends for bitters-making.
Kit includes:
• Custom Machined Funnel
• Custom Fine Mesh Strainer
• 2 Infusing Jars
• 4 Dropper Bottles
• Aromatic Bitters Herb and Spice Blend
• Citrus Bitters Herb and Spice Blend
Another awesome option for jetsetters weary of airport / in flight mixology: the Carry On Cocktail Kit.
Photo: PSFK
The travel friendly kit includes almost everything you need to mix up a good Old Fashioned. All you need is for the stewardess (or duty free) to bring you a mini bottle of bourbon and a glass - and voila: a tasty cocktail classic while airborne.
Bonus: For the Socially / Environmentally Responsible Foodie: Edible Greeting Cards
Do they hate waste, and live to reduce carbon footprint?
In lieu of a paper greeting card, get them one of these edible cards printed with food grade ink - they start off as eye candy, then your recipient can literally enjoy the card and leave no trace behind!
It's that time of the year again - the season to show that your favorite food lovers are in your thoughts...
Here are a few ways to do that, even for hard-to-shop-for foodies, for budgets up to $300. Where deals or discounts are available, I have noted them below each product description.
Edibles version to come!
1. Cooking Tool for Gourmands Who Don't Have Time to Cook - Nomiku
Photo from Nomiku
Sous vide cooking is slow cooking by immersing food in a low temperature
water bath to achieve even flavor and texture (for example, sous vide
steak for even cooking, or poach eggs using this method to get them just
to the edge of being cooked). A few years ago, sous vide equipment was
cost prohibitive for most home cooks, but Nomiku introduced its
technology - an easy to use tool that you clip on to the side of any
stock pot - and made it more affordable.
Buy from:nomiku.com
Original: $299
Wifi version (ships March 2015, so delayed gratification gift): $199
[Deal Alert: Black Friday - Cyber Monday only deal: $100 off original Nomiku with code: CYBERNOMDAY]
2. For the Cocktail / DIY Enthusiast - Gin / Bitters Makers Kits
Photo from Williams Sonoma site
Take craft cocktails to the next level - let them make it uniquely their own with high-quality small-batch DIY kits (and if it works out well, you could reap the benefits of this gift too :)). Transform a bottle of vodka into a custom blend of gin
(two 375ml bottles!) with the requisite juniper berries, and bright notes of citrus, botanicals, aromatics and spices in 36 hours with the included recipe and instructions.
(Alcohol not included: requires one bottle of vodka.)
Of all the food enthusiasts I follow on Instagram, Julie Lee never
fails to impress with her beautiful, delicate collages made with real
produce discovered at local markets (and sometimes seafood / marine findings).
Her fine art photo prints would elevate any kitchen or dining room, especially for fans of food as an art form. Available in sizes: 8×8, 8×10, and 12×12,
Buy from: Julie's Kitchen $38-$58 each (custom sizes also available to order)
4. For the Sweet-toothed Cook: La Mere de Famille Parisian Confections Cookbook
Ever wondered how to make a Berlingot? (Or, even what it is?) For those obsessed with sweets, and the Parisian: À la Mère de Famille, after 250 years in
business, had released a gorgeous cookbook that is as much a delight to the eyes as to the tastebuds.
Photo from book listing on Amazon
Transport your favorite foodie back in time and place with a old-world-made-new #foodart piece for their kitchen or even just to sweeten their bookshelf or coffee table.
Do
they love the feeling of cooking over an open flame? Give them one
tool that lets them toast or bake many different comfort foods at home
on the fireplace or gas range: waffles + s'mores + paninis + pies =
jaffle iron.
The long handle makes it easier to cook from a safe
distance, or just set and leave to cook, while the round top of the iron
seals and crimps the edges of whatever is baking inside (fresh pies
anyone?). Made of cast iron, chrome-plated steel and wood: measures 28" long with 4.25" wide cooking head.
7. For the Super Serious Wine Lover - Coravin 1000 Wine Access System
Know a wine collector who would scour the earth to find that rare bottle? And who doesn't want to share it? Now they can taste from pricey bottles, without removing the cork - and reseal it as if never opened to allow it to preserve...indefinitely.
This expensive but brilliant piece of tech,
invented by a medical device inventor, uses a patented non-coring, medical grade needle
and precision pressure system to extract wine, allowing your favorite wine
enthusiast to enjoy as much or as little as they like from the bottle,
and leave the rest as if untouched, in its original bottle. No danger
of oxidation.
[Deal Alert: with your purchase, get 4 free capsules from Wine Enthusiast until 12/20]
8. The Smarter Cereal Bowl
Everything seems to need to be 'smart' these days, even fashion. But, this low-tech bowl still delivers a clever way to avoid soggy cereal: with a slotted divider, just the right angle of tilt that allows the milk to stay in its place, while cereal can be slow-spooned into it as needed to preserve that first bite crunch.
Photo from Obol listing on Amazon
Plus, the bottom of the bowl is custom molded to be ergonomic and easy to hold while the snacker is in their usual comfy cereal feasting spot on the couch, over the computer desk or in bed.
Can also be used creatively for other food pairings like yogurt and granola (and for me I would say rice porridge and pork floss: Cantonese food lovers, you know what I'm talking about!)!
Love the smells of comfort and cheer emanating from the kitchen this
time of year? Let your fav baker / foodie carry that with them wherever
they go with kitschy kitchen fun hand-sculpted scented food-icon
necklaces including this Scented Christmas Cookie charm.
Comes with 18" sterling silver ball-chain necklace.
Look out for my edibles list soon! In the meantime, happy gift hunting and stay safe out there!
Hershey's 3D printer http://money.cnn.com/2014/01/16/technology/3d-printer-c Travelers: 10 foot power cord http://www.bestbuy.com/site/rocketfish-10-lightning-cable-white/1498825.p?id=1219052
