Hippity Hoppity Easter’s On Its Way…

Once again,  Sur La Table is offering adorable holiday accents for your holiday table! Check out these new Easter must-haves. You won’t find anything cuter than these steals:

This is an adorable hand painted earthenware salt and pepper set to make your Easter dinner shine:

How about these cute straw chicks? This set of three chicks are 3″ tall and will brighten up any Easter decor:

Show off your egg dyeing skills with these chick cups! This set of four cups were crafted in Portugal and brought here to make your Easter a little cuter!

Italian Duck Ceramics Serving Bowl

I was lamenting last night about how I don’t have a decent “chips and dip” serving set anymore when I happened upon this beauty in the Sur La Table catalog. This is quite possibly the cutest serving bowl and dip bowl set I have ever seen. Handmade in Italy, this duck set is perfect for spring and Easter but can be used all year-round. It is a true original made exclusively for Sur La Table.

Here is the link for the Duck Serving Bowl.

Here is the link for the Duck Dip Bowl.

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Good Food Reads

There is nothing like sitting down to a great cookbook and enjoying the gorgeous pictures and mouth watering recipes. But lately, I’ve been drawn to books (both fiction and non-fiction) that are about food and eating and chefs. There are some great, non-traditional food novels and memoirs out right now. Here are a few of my current suggestions, I encourage you to get reading:

The School of Essential Ingredients (by Erica Bauermeister) – I am currently reading this novel and I haven’t been able to put it down. The author has such a beautiful writing style. You will be instantly transported and affected by this story. A chef holds weekly cooking classes in her restaurants and the novel follows the different life stories of all of her students. Some stories are humorous, some are heartbreaking and some are very surprising, but everyone can find a common ground with cooking. I cannot say enough good things about this novel and I will be looking forward to more work from Bauermeister.

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle (by Barbara Kingsolver) – I spent an entire summer reading this book. The subject matter was so new to me and so foreign, that I took my sweet time with this book. Kingsolver and her family moved to a farm in Virginia and pledged for a year to eat local, homegrown food. That meant giving up anything that wasn’t in season, wasn’t grown in the garden and wasn’t raised or produced by neighbors. Both their struggles and accomplishments are highlighted in this memoir and it is truly an eye-opening read. I look at food differently now and I think you might too!

Like Water For Chocolate (by Laura Esquival) – What book list would be complete without this novel? This one is slated for a re-read by me sometime in the very near future. This is one of my sister’s favorite books, and favorite movie, and I have to agree! The heroine Tita is bound by tradition to care for her aging mother and thus can never marry. Tita pours her heart and soul into her cooking with some extraordinary results. Relive this classic novel or discover it for the first time. This is a must read!

Cook Up Some Love

Yes, it’s true. It’s that time of year again. And while my single-girl-self is not a big fan of Valentine’s Day, I am a big fan of red appliances and cookware! Here are some of my favorites from my favorite affiliate partner, Sur La Table:

This adorable Embossed Heart Cake Plate is perfect for Valentine themed cupcakes and brownies. The ceramic heart pattern is perfect for showing off your baked goods to the ones you love.

Open up your favorite wine for you romantic Valentine’s Day dinner with this great looking corkscrew. The grooved spiral design is even safe to use for plastic corks too and comes with a 5 year warranty.

And finally, in my opinion, nothing says loving like ice cream! Treat your special one to a Cuisinart Red Ice Cream Maker. This is a Sur La Table exclusive product and can make frozen desserts in as little as 20 minutes. The best part about this machine is that no chemicals, salt or ice are required! Also has a removable, double insulated freezer bowl for easy clean up! Strawberry ice cream anyone???

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Where Have All The Aprons Gone?

I don’t wear an apron anymore when I cook and I miss it. I especially missed it while making this recipe for Beef and Red Wine Broth – as I’m pouring hot liquids through a strainer, hot splatters of soup were getting all over me. When I was a kid, I had the coolest apron – it was blue and yellow and had tiny flowers all over it. I’d put it on everytime I got to help my mother out in the kitchen. It was like putting on a uniform. I knew I was going to do some SERIOUS cooking with it on. So I have decided I am going to buy myself an apron to wear. I did a little online shopping – and oh my – how aprons have changed! While at one time aprons might have been seen as a symbol of women’s oppression (“get in the kitchen and cook my dinner, woman”), they are now regarded as some sort of fashion statement in the cooking world. Here are a couple of examples of aprons I love. You might love them too!

The first is a classic, blue stripe apron. Most likely this is the one I will purchase, simply because I’ve seen it worn on Top Chef so many times…maybe if I wear it, I’ll be a top chef too! Classic, simple and it goes with everything:

The second is a gorgeous Italian Seafood print apron. This is the apron I would wear if I didn’t spill so many things. Maybe some calm, sophisticated women can pull it off…but I am not one of those. Especially in the kitchen. When I am a grown up, I am definitely buying this luxurious looking apron:

Here is a cute Mother/Daughter apron set. If you want to teach your daughter some tips and tricks in the kitchen, this is the set for you! Matching Ice Cream Cone Aprons, available in adult and children’s sizes, have an ice cream cone print and precious pink piping and bows adorning it. It is the perfect gift for someone you know:

I am still undecided about which apron I’ll choose, but I know I have to get one. For the love of all of my clothes!

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Five Fabulous Gift Ideas for the New Cook

1) Cooking DVD’s – Even if your aspiring chef loves to watch The Food Network and watches it all day long, he or she can still be inspired by watching DVD’s of cooking shows.  And instead of buying him or her complete season of a show they already watch, try to inspire them with cooks from the past. Just a few weeks ago, my PBS station broadcast a bunch of episodes from Julia Child – The French Chef. And I have to say, I learned a lot from her! They are fun to watch and very informative. I would also suggest Julia & Jacques Cooking At Home which is my all-time favorite cooking show, the banter between Julia Child and Jacques Pepin is hilarious. And try The Best of Graham Kerr with the Galloping Gourmet for lots of laughs and great food!

2) Instructional Books – There are about a million recipe/cookbooks out there that I am desperate to own. I’m slowly building up my own collection. But often overlooked are some fantastic instructional books that should be in every cook’s collection. Tom Colicchio, celebrity chef and head of judge of Top Chef, didn’t go to culinary school  but worked his way through Jacques Pepin’s La Technique and La Methode books to train himself. Get Jacques’ updated version of instructions in Jacques Pépin’s Complete Techniques. Tom Colicchio then went on to write his own instructional book, Think Like a Chef which shows the reader various cooking techniques and opens up a world of possibilities. This book hasn’t left my coffee table in the past year. It is a must!

3) Recipe Box – Carry on family traditions and provide your new cook with a recipe box full of traditional family recipes. Not only will you inspire him or her to get in the kitchen, but family recipes are like precious heirlooms and must be passed down from generation to generation. Decorate a simple recipe box (can be found at craft stores) and wrap it up pretty – you now have an inexpensive but very thoughtful present.

4) Essential Gadgets – Put together a basket with simple, inexpensive tools that all cooks need – measuring cups and spoons, meat thermometer, spatulas, can opener, cast iron pan, potholders, colander, cookie cutters, silpat , etc. The possibilities are endless and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Everyone needs these items in the kitchen and getting them as a gift makes it easier and ten times more fun for a new cook.

5) Grocery Store Gift Cards – How is your young chef going to learn to cook masterpieces without the proper ingredients? Buy a gift certificate to their favorite grocery store so they may stock their pantry, stock their spice rack or have the freedom to try new and exotic ingredients! Better yet, buy a certificate to an upscale grocery store that may stock a lot of items your local grocery store does not carry – and let their imaginations run wild!

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Super Shopping Thursday!

Welcome back to another Thursday. This week I’m going to get a jump on holiday gift ideas without completely overwhelming you on the holidays. I’ll save that for next week! I came across three cookbooks this week that I must own. It seems like everywhere I turn online this week, I’m running into these three books. What else could I do but feature them for Super Shopping Thursdays! Cookbooks these days are works of art – gorgeous photography, fabulous foods and fantastic writing by celebrity chefs. These three AUTOGRAPHED books are some seriously great cookbooks and will make the perfect gift for the foodie in your life.

The first is called “Ad Hoc At Home” and is written by celebrity chef Thomas Keller featuring family style recipes and fabulous comfort food – including chicken pot pie, New England clambake and beef stroganoff. Don’t be intimidated by the talent of Thomas Keller, these recipes are quick and easy and perfect for the novice in the kitchen.

You know how they say, “Don’t judge a book by its cover?”. Well, I judged and I fell in love with this cover and the name of this book! “Momofuku” is the long awaited cookbook by NYC chef David Chang featuring his very unique brand of cooking. Momofuku literally means “lucky peach” and this book is both a story and a cookbook, my favorite combination!

This last book made me smile and made me think. “Fat” by Jennifer McLagan explores the fascination with health food and the misunderstanding of fat as an ingredient. This book contains some truly, truly indulgent recipes including – are you ready for this – a classic blt made with bacon fat mayonnaise. Oh yum!

Enjoy everyone!

Super Thanksgiving Shopping Thursday!

Thanksgiving is three weeks away. And while  you might think I’m rushing the holiday season along, you couldn’t be further from the truth. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. And it’s not just because I love juicy dark meat turkey covered in homemade gravy. Thanksgiving is all about spending time with family, giving thanks for all of our blessings and without all the pressure of gifts. And, of course, the food. Ok, ok it’s all about the food! Well, at least in my family. And my family knows how to do Thanksgiving well! So here are a few things to get you in that Thanksgiving mood:

The first is an adorable Turkey Votive Holder. This would make an excellent centerpiece for your table:

And I came across this great salt and pepper shaker last week! They are ceramic gourds and they are absolutely adorable. A must for your Thanksgiving table!

Lastly, to really tell your guests you are into a fall and Thanksgiving mood, hang this beautiful Fall Wreath on your front door. Only my friends at Sur La Table would make a wreath this pretty!

I hope everyone has a great weekend and has fun preparing for Thanksgiving in the weeks ahead! Next week, I’ll start my “gift giving” editions of Super Shopping Thursday! Until then, take care!

Super (Gadget) Shopping Thursday!

Here is the gadget version of Super Shopping Thursdays! While making the butternut squash soup recipe, I borrowed a Cuisinart stick blender and fell in love with it! And lucky for me, my newest affiliate Sur La Table is offering a great deal on three fantastic Cuisinart gadgets.

The first is the SmartStick immersion blender. This handy tool is very affordable, comes in a choice of 4 great colors and is super easy to clean.

Fun colors are also included in Cuisinart’s Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor. This food processor will take care of all of your chopping, slicing, dicing and shredding needs! It boasts a three cup capacity and a three year warranty (five year warranty on the motor).

And last but not least is the Cuisinart 7-Speed Hand Mixer. A space saving, money saving miracle, this mixer was voted one of “The Best Small Appliances” by Cook’s Illustrated.

Super Shopping Thursdays!!

Join in Super Shopping Thursdays where each week I will bring you the best deals from my cooking affiliates.

As many of you know, this month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And while I originally placed a link here for you to buy pink stuff for your kitchen,  at second glance it seemed rather cheesy to be profiting off of such a horrible disease. And I couldn’t quite figure out HOW much of the money was going to cancer research. And really, who needs a pink grill pan anyway? As if to my confirm my suspicions, I happened upon this article today which further vindicated my feelings. So instead I’ll just say- give freely to charities, spend your money wisely and hug the ones you love…

Enough of the sappy, bring on the shopping! I’ll share with you my new all time favorite link – Kitchen Essentials under $30 at Cooking.com! Stock your kitchen without shocking your budget! This collection of kitchen tools is absolutely drool-worthy. Every item is under $30 and every items is needed for a fully functional, well stocked kitchen!

And lastly check out these gorgeous ceramic mixing bowls pictured below. These bowls are not only practical (used for mixing batters and doughs) but also beautiful. You can use them to hold fresh fruit or simply adorning the shelves of your rustic hutch. Available in a set of three, they’re from Sango’s Nova Brown collection. Click on the picture!

Sango 3-pc. Nova Mixing Bowls, Brown

Until next Thursday when I bring you more shopping and deals! Enjoy!

-Katie

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