Let’s be honest: cookbooks make awesome gifts. They teach skills, flavors, cuisines. They transport you to another place, far far away or just around the block. Give one to the right person and you’ll get a meal out of it. They can be used over and over (how terribly green!) or put on a coffeetable to be admired (how terribly chic!). Trust me; I know. I’ve bought and received hundreds of them and right now have a stack next to my couch waiting to be thumbed through. I know my books and I’ve put together a list of my favorites. Some are new, some have been kicking around for a while. You see, I’ve looked at a lot of lists in the last week and one thing that bugs me about book lists that come out this time of year is they’re almost always based on the newest releases. This doesn’t set well with me – the new shiny model doesn’t always replace the old classic. I’m not entirely convinced that a book released two months ago is better than the one I’ve had for 10 years. I have a couple hundred and there are certain volumes I go to again and again and frankly, some are timeless. So let’s talk about my favorites, most are baking related but I’ve got others too …
Archive for the ‘goodies/giveaways’ Category
books for the cooks in your life … the 2011 list
Posted in goodies/giveaways, holidays, tagged cookbook recommendations, gift list, holiday gift list on December 8, 2011| Leave a Comment »
a holiday giveaway from Spice Islands
Posted in goodies/giveaways, tagged giveaway, spice islands, vanilla on December 5, 2011| 18 Comments »
Like clockwork the holidays are here, nipping aggressively at our heels. If you’re anything like me, right now you’re juggling holiday baking projects, Christmas shopping (and the subsequent wrapping disaster and shipping nightmare), parties, cookies exchanges and what not. It’s a race and the goal right now is just to keep it together and get it all done. Somehow amidst the chaos, the “holiday spirit” always sneaks up slowly usually as I bat it away with a chocolate coated hand. Truthfully, I never feel fully “spirited” until Christmas Eve when I am able to completely exhale. Let’s face it, this is a stressful time and we all have to adjust our expectations to realistic levels. I’ve found a cocktail here or there usually helps.
STRESSCAKE 