lunch-time genius

I had to post about Delight's find of the day---a portable dish set. The set includes a plate, bowl, cup, utensils, that all wrap together in a placemat. Pure genius and conveniency can be yours for $25.08.

Make your own cookbook

Know anyone who's ever wanted their own cookbook? My friend Paola sent me over this link from the New York Times about a new venture from Conde Nast and Kamran Mohsenin - Tastebook.com. Through this site, users can create their very own cookbooks, using up to 100 recipes from Bon Appetit, Gourmet, Epicurious, and other chefs. You can even add your own personal recipes - which is why I really like this concept. The book comes in a hardcover binder (you choose the front image and the title) and allows you to add chapters that are tabbed for easy access.

How much does all this cost? $34.95!

For gift-giving purposes, I suggest gathering up the family's favorite recipes and creating a cookbook using the family name (ie, The Smith Family Recipes) and gifting to all the chefs in your clan. This would also be great for showers, weddings, and office parties.

Thanks for the tip P!

Get a gift for. . .the GIRLFRIEND

Here's some ideas for your other half...

Instead of heading over to Vicki's for lingerie this year (if that's your style), check out Free People's slips and jammys. The Flower Patch Slip is pretty enough to make her feel sexy, but comfortable enough that she'll want to wear it again and again. Sounds like a win-win to me. ($78.00)

A girl can never have too many jackets (just ask my closet). This year the jacket of my affections is this Cropped Tartan Trench from J. Crew. The pattern is absolutely brilliant and it passes my two rules of thumb: must have pockets and a liner. ($350.00)

I love the idea of gifting a journal. And if you can make it somehow more personal and private - all the better. There are a few Etsy sellers who are currently selling journals made from vintage books, which I think is really unique. Check out Nightjar Books - they have great styles to choose from (some pictured above). Bonus: write a romantic "entry" on the first page. (Prices start around $25.00)

And if she can't have a new coat, then how about a new tote? QueenBee Creations are all handmade and totally unique. The Vine Tote is a perfect carryall for books, weekend clothes, or whatever else her heart desires. ($86.00)

Do you and your significant other enjoy cuddling up on the couch and watching many, many hours of Food Network? If Iron Chef is one that you regularly watch, then consider picking her up this Iron Chef Gift Set. It includes a wok, stir fry tea oil, Kishibori Shoyu, an AUTOGRAPHED cookbook by none other than Chef Morimoto, and a kitchen timer to perform your own version of the show at home. No pressure! ($99.95, available at Sur La Table)

Finally, if all she really wants is jewelry, here are a couple of options that will stand out from all the rest.


Hollie Ten makes really cool pieces that may appear subtle, but they definitely make a statement. You can pick up some of her stuff through her website, but I found that Tobi has some awesome stuff of hers, too. Prices range around the $100.00 mark.

Wanna give your girlfriend some bling? Get her a mini silhouette ring pendant from Carrie Weston. Available in silver for $90.00.

New Orleans Baby!

In case anyone was wondering, the gift giver went to New Orleans on a three-day excursion. If you've never been, or if you haven't been post-Katrina, I highly recommend it. The city is really getting back on it's feet and the people there are all about having a great time. If you're in the area and looking for possible souvenirs/gifts here are some hot spots I found.

The New Orleans School of Cooking and Louisiana General Store in the French Quarter offers daily cooking classes, plus a store where you can get traditional New Orleans seasonings. I picked up some Joe's seasoning for stocking stuffers (also available in their online shop). The staff there is very friendly and willing to help with whatever you are looking for.

I'm not necessarily a sweet person, but it's had to go to New Orleans without passing a praline shop. Many claim to be the "original," and while that is an argument I wouldn't want to touch, I had a chance to sample Aunt Sally's at the French Market, and they are delish! Pick up a box for grandma.

If you head over to Magazine Street, you must hit up Pied Nu. It is a cute little boutique with all sorts of gifts, I especially love their jewelry (warning...they aren't cheap)! You may also want to check out Hazelnut, which has the "exclusive" New Orleans Toile. When I first moved to CT, I turned into a toile freak, and although I have since calmed down, my heart went pitter-patter at the thought of a New Orleans toile accordion file.

So, there you have it! Anyone else have good gift recommendations for the NOLA area?

Bacon, Bacon, Bacon!!!!

Speaking of salt, who doesn't love bacon? (Okay, maybe that wasn't the best segue, but moving on...) Shelterrific posted this link about a BLT-scented candle trio that was featured in Rachel Ray's mag, and as weird as it sounds, I bet I know some people who would absolutely love it! And if you know someone who would like a bacon-inspired gift, here are a few suggestions:
The BLT candle trio (mentioned above), $33.95 at the Grateful Palate.

Bacon Salt, because "everything should taste like bacon." Don't ask me how these guys did it, they actually invented a seasoning that tastes like bacon, but doesn't actually have bacon as an ingredient (some things are better left unknown). Bacon salt also boasts no fat and no calories. What's not to love? Available in Original, Peppered, and Hickory ($12.99 for the sampler).

The only thing I can think of that's better than smelling or eating bacon taste is wearing it! Well, not really, but this bacon scarf looks mighty tasty to me! ($39.95 at Shopsin's General Store, via Ohgizmo.com).

Now that you have all these bacon products, what do you wrap them in? Why, bacon gift wrap of course! $3.95 for 2 20''x30'' sheets, available at Merch-bot.com.

Salt is my drug of choice

How many salt addicts do you know? I can think of at least 12 off the top of my head (myself included). Why not indulge their craving 24 different ways with the World Salt Sampler from Red Envelope ($165, On October's O List). According to Red Envelope, "The serious chef knows that salt from Cyprus has a distinct ocean flavor and that Indian black salt greatly complements vegetarian dishes." Crap, I guess I'm not as addicted to salt as I thought I was. Does knowing the difference between Morton's table and kosher salt count?

Carved for Cutting

These cutting boards available at Elsewares from Olze and Wilkens would make great housewarming gifts. The designs are lasered into the wood following the grain, creating a cool scene. Cutting boards are an essential kitchen item that everyone needs, but can never seem to remember to purchase. Pick one up for $38.00.