Christmas Gift Guide for Foodies (2015)

 
Table 87:
:::Coal-Fired Pizzas:::

 

I saw this delicious pizza for the first time on Shark Tank and was impressed with the quality! It looked crisp, artisan, fresh yet…delivered frozen! Could this be true?!
The ratio of pizza joints in NYC is two per every New Yorker but only a few get it right. San Marzano tomato sauce paired with fresh basil and mozzarella, I am a believer! I’m stocking up on these as they are the perfect quick weeknight dinner when paired with a crisp salad. This is an ideal gift for the pizza lover!

Table 87 check out their website for full details and order via Goldbely

Sutter Buttes Oil: ::Cherry Balsamic Vinegar & Garlic Balsamic Vinegar::  

Providing artisan products means always having access to the freshest ingredients, including the finest California EVOO. It also means a continued commitment to handcrafting each and every batch. This is the promise—and the taste—at the heart of Sutter Buttes Olive Oil Co! My favorites for winter gifting are the Dark Cherry balsamic, it’s aged giving it a syrupy texture and decadent finish. I used this in several salads and paired with prosciutto, fresh mozarella and crispy Metropolitan Bakery bread. The garlic vinegar is another favorite as a hearty marinade for chicken or steak and combined with fresh herbs and olive oil for a quick and healthy vinaigrette. Sutter Buttes Olive Oil
Waring:::Double Belgian Waffle Maker::

   
  I’ve had this waffle maker for 1 month and have used it at least 10x’s so far. It’s hands down the best kitchen gadget I have ever used. This has also given me the opportunity to try out several recipes including a boxed Belgian waffle mix. The best recipe is the one listed below. It takes a bit more patience and a few more mixing bowls to clean, but is well worth the time invested. If you plan to use a mix, I recommend whipping the egg whites to stiff peaks (like a meringue), adding a little vanilla or almond extract and then folding the whites in gently with the rest of the ingredients. This results in a light, airy and slightly crisp waffle. Making the full mix and just dumping all the ingredients together made the waffles very chewy and rough. So definitely take some extra time to whip the whites. This waffle maker beeps when it’s preheated (you can set the waffles to your preferred crispness, I like to do 3 ½). Pour in the batter, spread with a spatula, turn to 180* and it beeps/turns green when each are done. Since it’s a double decker, you can have waffles on the table in 20 minutes or less. This is such a great Christmas present that can be used all year round. There are even loads of savory waffle recipes online. I like to keep it simple and top with powdered sugar, fresh raspberries and maple syrup. My next experiment will be healthier versions (ex: Greek Yogurt waffles), so stay tuned for more in that area. In the meantime, here is my favorite recipe for Belgian Waffles from Waring Pro: Classic Belgian Waffles

Cuisinart: Food Processor

   

 A food processor is one of the best gifts to give the cook in your life. My winter recipes involve lots of pizzas, breads, desserts and sauces and this is the ultimate tool for achieving the best results. Cuisinart® Elemental 11 Cup Food Processor allows users to quickly and easily prep larger portions of ingredients for bigger meals. With an 11-cup work bowl, 1 stainless steel blade and 2 discs, it’s the ultimate timesaver, making quick work of everything from chopping nuts and puréeing soup to slicing tomatoes and shredding cheese. The rubberized touchpad with Pulse control offers the ease of use and versatility that makes this classic the favorite of creative home cooks! It comes with a recipe booklet too! Cuisinart 11-Cup Food Processor

Jam Jar: ::Sweet Wines::  

All varieties are super sweet, perfect indulgences for the holiday season! Jam Jar sweet white is an easy-drinking Moscato offering flavors of peach, apricot, lychee and orange blossom. A lively jolt of acidity keeps it fresh and fruity. Fancy enough for a special occasion toast, yet sweet-natured enough to enjoy every day, this bright and cheerful white wine is sure to capture your heart. The red variety has flavors of cherry and the perfect balance of sweet and acidity. 

Sucre: ::Macarons & Marshmallows::   

 Sucre makes delicious macarons that have the perfect semi-crunchy/chewy texture and loads of concentrated, sweet flavor. Their holiday variety reminds me of a fancier Girl Scout thin mint – subtle peppermint, rich chocolate. As if the macarons aren’t enough, they also make pillowy soft marshmallows and chocolate-covered macaron varieties. They are always whipping up new recipes based on the season, check them out at Shop Sucre

Ticket Chocolate: ::Hot Chocolate on a Stick::  

Nothing says winter like a cup of rich hot chocolate. Ticket makes these delicious sticks of chocolate goodness that can even be stirred into coffee for a mocha. Ticket Chocolate does everything from gourmet chocolate sticks to marshmallows and rich, sweet bars. The S’mores Kit looks absolutely amazing! 

Bee Raw: ::Artisan Honey::  

Who doesn’t use honey?! It’s perfect when paired with some luxurious tea! Any recipient can get daily use out of honey – salad dressings, marinades, parfaits, drinks, even skincare! Why not gift the “Holy Grail of honey?!” Bee Raw is single floral source honey that is sustainably sourced. I’ve tried several varieties and they even offer gift sets that include delicious teas. I’m so excited about their full line Bee Raw

Cake Love: ::Jarred Cakes::  

 I remember seeing Warren Brown’s cakes featured on The Food Network years ago and dreaming of going to his bakery to try them out. Years, later – I finally tried his delicious work! Cake Love is literally love in a jar; rich cream cheese frosting paired with cake from scratch (no artificial anything). My personal favorites are the Salty Caramel and of course the Red Velvet. I love that it comes in a chic package with strips of confetti. They change the gift packages based on the season including the fabulous Winter Holiday Gift Box featuring these delicious flavors Cake Love Holiday Set

Fat Witch Brownies:: All Varieties:::   

 

 I visited their Chelsea Market store in 2009 and have been a huge supporter ever since. Each time I bite into one of their brownies, it brings me right back to NYC memories enjoying an espresso from 9th Street (which pairs perfectly if you happen to be in the area to try)! The best gift set is their mini tin, offering up a variety (walnut, caramel, original and more) Fat Witch

: ::Edible Cookie Dough::Edoughble   

   

I have to resist making chocolate chip cookies because it means I am guaranteed to eat over 1C of dough (or the entire batch). To me, the dough just tastes so much better than the actual cookie – better texture and concentrated taste. I love it! When I discovered Edoughble, I was super excited (my scale, not so much) but it’s the holidays so whatever! They are a small business with passion for hand crafting delicious varieties of dough. Products are egg and dairy free and made in small batches with no preservatives or artificial ingredients. They have holiday flavors and original plain old chocolate chip, my personal favorite! Edoughble