4 Cookbooks - what foodie wouldn't want a cookbook? There are quite a few I recently came across and love. One has beautiful, artistic photography and a modern take on cuisine, another uses non-traditional flavors to jazz up classic recipes, another captures fail-proof recipes from my favorite cooking magazine series and lastly, one livens up the party with some delicious libations!
THE COOKBOOK is a sumptuous tribute to the unforgettable experience of
dining in the restaurant, where the latest culinary techniques are
married with classical French cuisine. The book features more than 125
sophisticated recipes, arranged by season, adapted for the home cook,
and accompanied by stunning full-color photographs by Francesco Tonelli.
ELEVEN MADISON PARK is sure to be one of the most talked-about
cookbooks of 2011.
Following the success of the hit television series Everyday Exotic, Chef
Roger Mooking and his producer Allan Magee bring together the most
delicious of his 52 inspiring episodes. Using the concept of one main
exotic ingredient, Roger demystifies the ingredient through its flavor
and aroma, empowering the reader to embrace them in their cooking. Mix
in your standard midweek recipes and you have new classics that your
entire family will love. So discover your own inspiration for
plating each recipe in the accompanying beautiful presentations found
within each vibrant and colorful photo throughout the book.
Cook's Illustrated Cookbook
Cook's Illustrated Magazine has stood the test of time and distinguished itself among the pack by having a singular focus--developing recipes that work the first time and every time; it's as simple as that. For the first time since the magazine's inception, more than 2,000 of Cook's Illustrated's landmark recipes have been carefully compiled into a wide-ranging compendium that shows you how to make your favorite dishes better. A must-have collection for fans of Cook's Illustrated (and any discerning cook), The Cook's Illustrated Cookbook will keep you cooking for a lifetime--and guarantees impeccable results.
DIY Cocktails
3 Foodie Family Fun Games: Aside from sitting down to the dinner table with loved ones, my family loves playing games together. Here are some food-inspired games we enjoy together, which are great for adults and kids alike...
This is one tool every kitchen should also have. I love tools I can use for both sweet and savory dishes and this is definitely one of them. From zesting citrus fruits, grating hard cheeses, ginger, garlic, onion, nutmeg or even chocolate, this zester/grater makes it all so easy. You'll find yourself grabbing this more often than you think and is a must for any foodie to have in the kitchen.
Black Rose, Blood Orange Tequila & Soda, Kentucky Apple Sour: the newest trend in cocktails is creating your own! Now, the editors of DrinkoftheWeek.com have concocted the only
guide that teaches you to create your own infallible thirst-quenchers.
Using a simple system of basic ratios, you will learn to Mix new flavor combinations, Master advanced mixology techniques and Serve the perfect drink every time.With
only nine ratios to master, you'll shake, stir, roll, and build
literally thousands of unique and exceptional cocktails. All you need is
a good thirst, an active imagination--and this guide!
The Anagram game that will drive you bananas. In this unique word game, players use tiles to create
words crossword-style. The first player to use all their tiles is the
winner. With multiple ways to play, this game is perfect for beginning
spellers, as well as more advanced players. No pencil, paper, or board
required.
If you love the online game, Words With Friends like me (I'm borderline addicted lol), this game is definitely for you!
AppleLetters
AppleLetters
An Apple a day for us all to play. Create a continuous word snake by
adding your word to the head or tail. Originally designed with younger
players in mind, APPLETTERS features three levels of play to amuse
children and challenge adults. The free-standing tiles are easy to
handle and can be used to play three different games. It's the domino game where you don't connect the DOTS... You connect the LETTERS! A fun word game for all.
Stone Soup is a yummy memory matching game with Spice. From the
classic tale of cooperation comes this simple game where players work
together to “cook” a soup by making matches of ingredients. Match all
the ingredients before the Fire under the kettle goes out and everyone
wins. Players work together to "cook" a soup by making matches of
ingredients. This cooperative game fosters memory, social development,
helping others and cooperation.
2 Kitchen Tools: It's just as important to
have the proper tools in the kitchen as it is quality ingredients. Here
are some tools that make cooking and baking just a little bit easier...
After receiving one from the
FoodBuzz Tastemaker program a few weeks ago, I knew friends and family
would love this for themselves too! I ended up purchasing a few to give
as gifts and one to include in my big holiday foodie giveaway. This egg
beater is just awesome. I love the ease in using it for everyday things
like mixing up pancake batter, eggs, and pretty much anything I normally
would use a hand mixer for. It's my favorite kitchen tool for
breakfasts and I think everyone should have one!
This is one tool every kitchen should also have. I love tools I can use for both sweet and savory dishes and this is definitely one of them. From zesting citrus fruits, grating hard cheeses, ginger, garlic, onion, nutmeg or even chocolate, this zester/grater makes it all so easy. You'll find yourself grabbing this more often than you think and is a must for any foodie to have in the kitchen.
1 Set of Spices: These spices make being in the kitchen a little more fun. I love incorporating new and different flavors in my cooking and these spices make it possible. I think the foodie on your holiday shopping list will appreciate these too!
I've loved this local company ever since I stepped foot into their headquarters and had a chance to meet the folks behind it all. It's one company that I fully support and it's no wonder their spice blends and rubs fill up my cupboard throughout the year. In fact, they helped me prepare one of the best Thanksgiving turkeys I've ever made and I look forward to making another turkey soon using their great products! You probably didn't realize it, but some of the store brand gourmet products found at Crate & Barrel and even Williams Sonoma are created by Urban Accents too. I definitely encourage folks to check out their site and for my big holiday foodie giveaway, I'm highlighting their Pride of Prague Hungarian Paprika Blend, Moroccan Road Roasting Blend, Mesa Rosa Chipotle Southwestern Smoky Blend and their award-winning Mango Masala Seasoning Salt. These will definitely spice it up in your kitchen!
Thanks to my foodie friends at the above companies and publishers, they will be sponsoring this
week's Ultimate Sunday Fun Day Foodie Holiday Giveaway. A lucky reader will receive a huge package on their doorstep containing one of each of the items featured above! That's 10 foodie gifts (4-3-2-1) that you can keep for yourself or give to those foodies on your holiday shopping list this year. Will you be that lucky reader that will be enjoying this foodie-licious holiday package?! Read on for more details...
Some guidelines:
- Giveaway is only for those who live in the United States - my apologies to my non-United States readers!
- You must check back in a week when a winner is announced and email me to claim your prize if you win.
To enter the giveaway, leave a comment answering:
What food related item are you coveting this year on your holiday wish list?!
Deadline: Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 12 midnight CST.
One winner will
be randomly chosen by Random.Org's Interger Generator
based on the number of your comment and will be announced on
Sunday, December 4, 2011, next week! Good luck!
I'd really love a Le Creuset! But... I doubt that's going to appear. Hah.
ReplyDeleteI really need a new food proccesor! I've been trying to use my blender but its not cutting it for some things.
ReplyDeleteA new lens - which is food related because I need it for my blog :)
ReplyDeleteA set of All Clad pans, but I'd settle for any new pans to replace the ones I've had for 8 years!
ReplyDeleteA Breville Smart Oven. My oven is slowly dying, and I can't afford the dual-fuel double oven I want to replace it with yet. The Breville will backup my current oven until that day.
ReplyDeletea spice grinder
ReplyDeleteA smaller dutch oven is on my list this year.
ReplyDeleteljyoung85 at gmail.com
I just put mini muffin tins on my xmas list to my mom yesterday!
ReplyDeleteAlly
[email protected]
Joelen, this is an amazing giveaway! I really hope I get the immersion blender that is on my wish list.
ReplyDeleteI am hinting for a new mixer!
ReplyDeleteFirst Grade Delight
[email protected]
I'm really hoping for a dutch oven!
ReplyDeleteI really wanted a chip clip cookie dough scooper and I think my mom got me one for Christmas!
ReplyDeleteA good set of stainless steel pots and pans.
ReplyDeleteI would love a beater blade for my kitchen aid mixer!
ReplyDeleteI want a set of stainless steel pots and pans!!!!
ReplyDeleteI would love a pasta attachment for my KitchenAid!
ReplyDeleteI suppose highest on my list is a new Kitchenaid mixer. Mine is over 20 years old and still going strong but the beater now hits the side of the bowl. That is not so great. I have switched to the new beater with blades so that helps.
ReplyDeleteI really wanted a blender this year, and I was able to get one while I was home for Thanksgiving. So, I cna mark that off my culinary wish list. Now, I have to think of something else..lol
ReplyDeletecereza25 at yahoo dot com
I'm all about a baking stone this Christmas.
ReplyDeleteA new larger crock pot might be handy to have. Mine is not always large enough, especially when cooking a turkey breast.
ReplyDeleteI would love to start making homeade vanilla, so all the stuff to start that process would be a great present. Thanks!
ReplyDelete[email protected]
I want this every year but am still waiting to splurge on a KitchenAid stand mixer of my own! Thanks for hosting this giveaway! It would definitely tide me over until next Christmas. :)
ReplyDeleteFor my serious cooking endeavors, I really want an All-Clad oven-safe saute pan. It's something that I've really needed for quite some time, but I never seem to have enough $$ for it. For my fun holiday baking, I would love to get a cookie press. I've never used one and they look like fun!
ReplyDeleteI would love the Kitchen Aid stand mixer with the clear bowl and the one that also has the beater blade that scrapes the side of the bowl.
ReplyDeleteI've asked my mom and my husband for a food processor. Here's to hoping!
ReplyDeleteI'd really like a panini pan!
ReplyDeleteI have new baking sheets on my list - my old ones definitely need to retire!
ReplyDeleteI would love a pasta maker!
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to have either the brand new Kitchenaid 7qt mixer, but I know I won't get it, or a really good digital thermometer for cooking and baking
ReplyDeletejessicarwarfield at gmail dot com
I would really love a Kitchen Aid mixer!
ReplyDeleteI've got a 12qt cast iron dutch oven on my list this year.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping to get new icing tips!
ReplyDeleteI'm asking for the ice cream attachment for my KitchenAid.
ReplyDeleteThis holiday season I would like a new cupcake carrier. I decided to ask for the one made by Progressive. Cooks Country voted it best of the sample they reviewed.
ReplyDeleteI would love some new cookie sheets.
ReplyDeleteI am wish wish wishing for an empire red KitchenAid mixer! Thank you for this wonderful giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI need some silicone baking mats-I go through parchment paper like none other!
ReplyDeleteAfter a minor disaster at Thanksgiving, I'd really like a new set of knives!
ReplyDeleteI really want an ice cream maker.
ReplyDeleteI'm really wanting a Kitchen Aid hand mixer. Thanks!
ReplyDelete[email protected]
Doesn't sound like much, but I'd really like a crock-pot to start cooking some slow cook dinners!
ReplyDeleteI need new pots and pans...desperately.
ReplyDeleteI've been dropping a few hints for a food processor.
ReplyDeletei really would love love an ice cream attachment for my mixer...would be the perfect christmas present!
ReplyDeleteI really want one of those little gadgets that make mini cupcakes. This is really a fab giveaway by the way!!!! Sure hope I win! [email protected]
ReplyDeleteA new egg beater - My old one fell apart and I'm still looking for a new one. I'd also love a pasta maker!
ReplyDeleteI am hoping to get a second bowl for my kitchen stand mixer or some new cookie sheets
ReplyDeleteA Kitchenaid Stand Mixer! A girl can dream!
ReplyDeleteI really need a set of cupcake frosting tips.
ReplyDeleteI think I will be forever coveting a Kitchen Aid mixer till I get one. But for something less expensive then the mixer it probably has to be a bundt or angel food cake pan.
ReplyDeleteI really want a sandwich press.
ReplyDeleteHow great! I really want some little jars of lovely food things. Rose petal jam. Several varieties of vanilla. Oh, and a crock pot.
ReplyDeleteOne can never have too much silpat!
ReplyDeleteI want Santa to bring me a kitchen aid mixer!!
ReplyDeleteI want a food chopper, mine has broken!
ReplyDeleteA new lens for my camera so my food pics will be better.
ReplyDeleteI would love a cupcake carrier or a bundt pan!
ReplyDeleteI am hoping for a new food processor this year. I would also like the Easy Chinese Recipes cookbook.
ReplyDeleteI so need a DEEP lasagna pan and it's been on my wish list for a while now. If Santa doesn't bring it this year, I might just have to get it for myself! :0)
ReplyDeleteI am hoping for a new set of pots and pans!
ReplyDeleteI would really love a food processor for Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI would love a new food processor, since mine is broken. Great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI would love a giant all-clad saute pan, but I'm pretty doubtful it will arrive under my tree! :)
ReplyDeleteMy Christmas list is pretty much all food related. I want lots of new cookbooks and two kitchen aid attachments (meat grinder and pasta maker).
ReplyDeleteEbelskiever pan, although I kind of cheated and know My Mom got it already.
ReplyDeletesince I rarely get what I want, I took it upon myself to get a dutch oven and the multipot I've been meaning to get
ReplyDeleteI would love the pasta attachment for my KA Mixer!
ReplyDeleteWow, how generous! I am wanting another pasta cutter attachment for my pasta maker!
ReplyDeleteOh I am drooling. I just got my two artisan bread in 5 minutes a day cookbooks for my birthday last week, soooo my next foodie gift I covet is a pasta attachment for my kitchen aid. So much faster and easier than my manual one!
ReplyDeleteA blender. I bought ingredients to make a smoothie and realized that my blender broke last year. Thinking my food processor would work, I found out I was WRONG and ended up cleaning a huge mess and a half a glass of chunky mango smoothie.
ReplyDeleteI would love another set of my every day dinner plates. I got a gift card last year for Christmas and bought my first set and am hoping for another one this year.
ReplyDeleteI really want a dehydrator! I keep hinting at it.. wonder if my husband is getting the message or not...
ReplyDeletelarkspurpurple (at) gmail.com
I would love a good quality pan set that matches.
ReplyDeleteA food mill or ricer! I can't wait to make fluffy, light gnocchi from scratch!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great giveaway! I really want a glass bowl for my stand mixer.
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing giveaway! I want a dutch oven because there are a lot of new recipes I want to try with it!
ReplyDeleteI really want the KitchenAid Pasta Roller Attachments. I've been dying to make my own pasta.
ReplyDeleteI would really like a new set of pots and pans, some of the pieces I'm using belonged to my grandmother! :)
ReplyDeletejulie_prescott at yahoo dot com
I would love a mandoline for Christmas! I may look for after holiday sales and treat myself!
ReplyDeleteseavila26 at yahoo dot com
I would want a Vitamix to make green juices, smoothies, and ice cream.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping for a great knife.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing giveaway! I'd love a pasta roller attachment for my KA this year!
ReplyDeleteI really want a 3 speed kitchen aid hand blender....pretty please? :)
ReplyDeleteI'd love a new stockpot so I can make soups this winter!
ReplyDelete