Well…not for everyone. We all feel a little overwhelmed by the holidays. The expectations are high and oftentimes the hype doesn’t live up to the reality. I know people try to plan the “perfect dinner” and there is always something that goes wrong. The gravy is lumpy, Aunt Martha gets drunk, Uncle Seymour starts a fight, etc. I need to remember that! I am a little bit of a control freak – yes I admit it publicly – not about everything mind you. Rest assured if you put me in charge of something YOU ARE PUTTING ME IN CHARGE. I frequently make myself crazy with my attempts to “herd cats” and create perfect events. Guess what? It never is (or will be) perfect and it still manages to be a good time, every time.
To help take some of the stress off you this holiday season I have created a great list for you of what to buy the foodies on your list. Here are a couple of things to remember when shopping:
• We don’t like “Uni-taksers” – things that only do one job – unless they are super cool
• We are called foodies because we like to cook AND eat – gifts of food are good choices
• Always provide a gift receipt just in case we already have what you graciously gave
• Don’t buy a woman anything with an electrical cord attached unless she ASKED for it as a holiday gift.
• If it requires batteries or fuel, be sure to get that too! We’ll want to use it/play with it right away!
Keeping those tips in mind, here are a few great ideas for Holiday Gift Giving for the Foodies on your list:
• Cuisinart Smart Stick Hand Blender – great value for the dollar. I really like this one because the stainless steel head is detachable and can go in the dishwasher (no accidental cross contamination due to improperly cleaned blades). Bonus! It comes in fun colors – mine is lemon yellow.
• Fantastic Charcuterie – look for something locally made if possible. If not, then try any of the myriad of online purveyors. I like Boccalone and Aux Delices des Bois.
• Gift Certificates to locally owned restaurants.
• Organic produce baskets – check with local farmers for the best selection
• Homemade preserves, jams, chutneys, etc. These were some of my fave gifts last year!
• Professional weight baking pans – they DO make a difference
• Grow your own mushroom garden from Back to the Roots – perfect for Foodies of all ages.
• Origin specific food baskets – choose all Spanish, Italian or French food items. Try Fab.com for a good selection.
• A butane torch – get it from the hardware store! It’s cheaper, tougher and will last a lot longer than the foo-foo ones from the kitchen stores. This one is $27 and the one in the kitchen store is $40
• A great, easy to use wine opener – I love the one from The Pampered Chef – it’s so simple a novice can look like a pro!
Happy Shopping!
This week’s Food Memories are a great breakfast with friend Cheryl B at eat downtown – the Shrimp & Grits were really good, burgers and beer with Texas friends Ronnie & Sherry, and pre-shopping Pho with Lynn.
Until next week, go out and make your OWN Food Memories!
