We’ve compiled a short list of items a foodie would love to receive as a gift for the holidays. (Hint hint.)
Beecher’s World’s Best Mac and Cheese
I’m fortunate to have a Beecher’s Handmade Cheese shoppe close to my office. I often indulge in what I’ll agree is the the world’s best mac and cheese, which is made with Beecher’s award winning, one-year aged Flagship and Just Jack. You don’t have to be in NYC or Seattle to enjoy this savory dish, just order it online. Their mac and cheese is shipped frozen so you can enjoy it fresh from the oven. ($58 for 2- 20oz pans, store.beechershandmadecheese.com)
Jacques Torres Hot Chocolate
Mr. Chocolate, Jacques Torres, makes the best hot chocolate. The Classic Hot Chocolate, is made with real chocolate, never cocoa powder. The result is a thick, rich cup of hot chocolate which bursts with flavor. Making about 8-10 servings per tin, a cup of delicious hot cocoa for about $1.80-$2.25 a cup is a great deal. ($18, mrchocolate.com)
Le Sanctuaire Tahitian Vanilla Beans
Who needs vanilla extract when you can use vanilla beans? You’ll need less of it, but using vanilla beans is more potent than extract. Use this to flavor signature dishes/desserts like panna cotta or crème brûlée. ($27.95, One 0.5 oz tin, gilttaste.com)
French Kitchen Pastry Slab
This beautiful slab of white marble with unique grey veining makes a great gift. It is a sophisticated kitchen addition for the home baker. Marble remains cooler than room temperature, helping keep dough firm while you roll and cut. Slab with non-skid feet also makes an impressive trivet or serving presentation for pastries, cheeses, sushi and more. ($49.95, crateandbarrel.com)
In the digital age, cookbooks have been replaced with iPads and iPhones. I’ve spilled plenty of ingredients on my screen – flour, cocoa powder, you name it. Let’s not forget about the countless oil and pasta sauce splatters. The Chef Sleeve is an FDA approved protective plastic casing that’s 100% recyclable—custom made for the iPad® tablet. Just peel off the re-sealable strip to close the sleeve and you are ready to start cooking. When you’re done, just dispose of it. ($19.99 for a set of 25, chefsleeve.com).
Personalized Apron
Williams Sonoma sells personalized aprons in a variety of colors for both adults and children. My favorite color – claret (shown, right). ($19.95 + $7 for monogramming, up to nine characters, williams-sonoma.com)
Disclosure: The opinions expressed are my own and I received no compensation or product from any of these brands or their representatives.
