Tag Archives: Gift Guide

The Giftmas Guide 2021

Posted on by LeAnne Notabartolo

It’s Giftmas again and time for the Holiday Gift List. A few of these will be repeats because they have either updated their products or now offer free shipping or just because I love them and think if you missed it the first time, a gentle reminder will help. And it’s just in time for the first night of Chanukah and Cyber Monday. And everything on the list is under $100

Plymouth Artisan Cheese

What I love about Plymouth Artisan Cheese is that it is small batch, family owned, and the product is great. Based in Vermont, they only use local dairies for their milk, so purchasing from them is supporting more than one independent business. They now offer free shipping on orders $65 and above. My faves are the Hunter and the East Meadow and the gift set comes in this awesome crate!

Assorted Cheese Box – you choose which flavors to include – $98 and free shipping – Image from their website above

My Favorite Uni-tasker

Like Alton Brown, I can’t stand a tool that only has one use…but I make an exception for this one. If you have watched any of my cooking demos, you will have seen me use this and it’s in the top drawer in my kitchen because I reach for it ALL THE TIME. It makes fast work out of several cloves of garlic, dishwasher safe, and a breeze to use, even if you have arthritis. Under $12 and comes with a few other useless tools, this garlic rocker is a fab stocking stuffer.

Garlic Rocker $12 on Amazon – images from the listing linked above

The Vermont Country Store

There is so much to love about this catalog/online store! First of all it’s family owned & operated. They carry gorgeous wreaths and garland from hand tipped Vermont trees. And OH! the weird stuff you thought they didn’t make any more. Hard to find nostalgic items, like ribbon candy that no one eats, it just looks pretty. But these are two items in my kitchen that everyone on your gift list should have.

Toaster Tongs

One of John’s clients happily gifted us a set of these toaster tongs that he hand made and I LOVE them. Because not everyone has access to someone who works with wood on their friend list, I went in search of them for you. The little magnet that helps it stay RIGHT where you need them is the perfect touch.

Maple toaster tongs – image from the link above $13 – Vermont Country Store

Butter Bell

I have had one of these for years and I have gifted them to folks as well. One of the things about eating toast is that the hard butter always tears it up, or when making grilled cheese, you want spreadable butter to coat the outside of the sandWISH, right? This little doohickey keeps the butter at room temp and safe from bacteria with a water seal. Buy two, one to keep and one to give away.

French Butter Crock $30 – image from the link above – Vermont Country Store

Instant Read Thermometer

It doesn’t matter what you are cooking, sometimes you just need to know the exact temp. Roasting that holiday bird? The correct temp is 165 F in the thickest part of the thigh. Making fudge? The correct temp is 115 (the soft ball stage). It’s so much better to know exactly than have to guess. This tool from The Pampered Chef will handle it for you. It’s digital, easy to use and compact in your drawers. And you support an independent sales consultant when you click the link above.

Instant-Read Food Thermometer
Pampered Chef Instant Read Thermometer $51 – photo from the link above.

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day

Let’s face facts, NO ONE (except Friend Karen B) likes to do dishes. But what if it at least smelled great while you were doing them? This product line is the answer. Yes, they are a little more expensive, but I think the scents alone are worth it. They have fantastic seasonal scents like this Orange Clove, Apple Cider, Snowdrop, and others that are just the pick me up you need when you have to tackle a sink full of dishes. $4 at Target. And try their hand soap and room fresheners too!

Mrs. Meyer’s Orange Clove Dish Soap

Anything from Blue Q

If you know me at all, you know I love a snarky dish towel, a funky apron, or anything that truly shows my personality in the kitchen. This apron does it for me! In fact, just about anything from Blue Q makes a great gift. I crack up when I get one as a gift. Here’s a bonus – free shipping on orders $40 or more and they frequently have “free stuff” they toss into your order. Little magical surprises you didn’t know you needed!

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Fuck Off Apron –
Image from Blue Q $35

Mexican Hot Chocolate

If you have never had this treat, you don’t know what you are missing! Just trust me on this one. There are loads of options out there, but this one is as pretty as it is functional and it arrives in a sturdy box that you can wrap and give as a gift immediately. Bespoke Post has all sorts of gifts geared for men, but I find just as much cool stuff on the site for me. (Disclosure – this is my referral link to Bespoke Post, so I get a bonus if you join up).

Image from Bespoke Post – Mexican Hot Chocolate set $45

My Cookbook Choice This Year

Friend Christine gave me this as a gift and I love it. Six Seasons focuses on produce, but there is plenty in there for the omnivores in your life as well. This is perfect for folks who get veggies from a co-op when everything is seasonal and they don’t know what to do with some of the stuff they get. My fave dish in there is the pumpkin bolognese (pg 384). This book is based, and laid out, with the seasons and it will definitely challenge the cook in your life to include, try, or adopt new favorite veggie forward recipes. And while you are at it, buy from your local bookstore and support a small business. This is the link is to MY local – The Writer’s Block, and they ship!

Six Seasons

What you can get ME…

So here’s the thing, like everyone else, I like to be liked. to show me how much you like me, follow me on Instagram or Facebook and subscribe to this blog (scroll to the bottom and put your address in – no, I don’t share your info!) and my YouTube page so you don’t miss a spoonful! When you choose to subscribe, you’ll only hear from me when there is new content on either site.

Gift Guide – Holiday 2017 – What to Buy NOW!

Posted on by LeAnne Notabartolo

It’s that time of year again – Gift-mas! What do you get for the Foodie/Chef/Cook on your list? Here’s the Holiday Gift Guide for this year. Sorry for my absence, but I have been playing with, experimenting, and doing recipe trials with one of the items on this list.

Carnivore Club 

If you have been following along, you know I am a Charcuterie Whore. I simply love cured meats in all forms. The Hubs bought Carnivore Club as a surprise for me and it comes monthly until he cancels. Of course you can opt for a single box as a gift for someone on your list. Each box comes with 4 -6 artisanal meats created by small producers, so not only are you giving a unique gift, you are indirectly supporting small businesses. $50/month

Photo from their website us.CarnivoreClub.co

 

Instant Pot

I was skeptical about this “wonder appliance”, the Instant Pot. Whenever there is a ton of hype online, I am wary. So, I borrowed one from friend Kristie and was suitably impressed enough to buy one for myself. Several sizes and options are available depending on household size and cooking needs. The 6 quart Ultra (pictured below) is the one I chose and have yet to figure out all the options. I can tell you I whipped up a lamb stock in about 45 minutes using the “soup/chili” pressure cooking option. My crockpot, rice cooker and pressure cooker have all been donated because this pot does all three tasks and so much more. It’s a great gift for busy households. I’ve been playing with this a lot and I will be posting in depth about it soon. It’s a little pricey, so watch for specials at retailers. Starting at $139.

Instant Pot 6 Qt Ultra model Photo from their website instantpot.com

 

Rock Crok™ Slow Cooker Set – The Pampered Chef

While on the surface, the Rock Crok™ Slow Cooker Set may seem like a repeat of the Instant Pot, trust me, it isn’t. The insert goes in the microwave, freezer, fridge, oven, on the stovetop and on the grill on its own for optimal versatility. Sear your meat on the stove and pop the “crok” into the base and use it as a slow cooker. I have bought this as an engagement gift 4 times this year. It’s a perfect gift for cooks just starting out, or households where both heads of household work and getting dinner on the table is a challenge. If someone you know loves their crockpot, they are going to flip over this. Again, a bit pricey, but every time I gift this, the recipients are delighted! Bonus, not sold in stores, only available through a Pampered Chef sales rep, so you’ll be supporting a small business person. You can order here! $169

4 Qt Rockcrok set from The Pampered Chef – photo from their website

Raw Spice Bar

That person on your gift list that loves to cook and is impossible to shop for because they have everything? Raw Spice Bar has you covered! This fab company sends freshly ground spices once a quarter complete with recipes to spark the imagination. You can select the type of recipes you want to send, vegetarian, omnivore, paleo, light & healthy are all available as options. Tired of making the same old recipes? Buy it for yourself! All the recipes are seasonally appropriate and this is REALLY affordable. $52 for a two quarterly shipments or get an annual gift of 4 quarterly deliveries for $88.

Raw Spice Bar – photo from their website rawspicebar.com

Cooking Classes

Is there a budding cook on your gift list? A perfect solution is to gift them with a cooking or tasting class or two! Here in Vegas try Artisanal Foods to shop local. They have both tasting and cooking classes on a variety of topics and at various price points. While you are there, check out the tremendous selection of hard to find comestibles. Don’t live here in Vegas? No problem! Sur la Table (nationwide) offers classes in stores with demo kitchens and many local bakeries, restaurants, cooking schools, and chefs offer cooking class experiences. My friend Maureen recently took a bread baking class at her local bakery and the photos were mouthwateringly good! Check locally for availability. Prices will vary.

These are some of the loaves Friend Maureen baked in her Bread Baking Class at Wide Awake Bakery

M(sqd) Knife Bag

Is there a chef on your gift list? Someone who does live cooking demos? Anyone who travels with their knives? THIS is the bag! I have a knife roll, like most traveling “knives for hire”, and I don’t really like it, but I like the hard and semi-hard cases that are available even less. This knife bag is so smartly designed, rugged and USABLE! Nice leather detailing and pockets for everything (including a tablet), make this the perfect gift for any traveling chef or cook. The messenger bag design means hands free flexibility. $99, free shipping and available online only at this time.

Messenger style knife bag from M(sqd). Photo courtesy of M(sqd). Visit the website for more images.

It’s On Me – Gift Cards Reinvented

I know I have included this gift idea before, but I still love It’s On Me and I love it even more now. Digital gift cards that people can’t forget if they have their phone with them. You get to treat your giftees to a round of drinks without even being in the same city. Easy to gift and easy to redeem, all they do is show their phone with the gift image to the server. You can buy lunch for a friend, gift a round of drinks at their fave bar, or treat a friend to dinner. Chef’s table dining experiences, golf packages and so much more are available to choose from. You can shop from your phone with the app or from your computer via the website linked here. Digital delivery, via text means no shipping charges. They have expanded their markets to include Detroit, San Francisco, and Seattle among others. Bonus – It’s On Me is locally owned here in Vegas, and all of the participating merchants are selected for their excellence so you don’t have to worry about giving a dud gift. Prices vary, but basically starting at $10.

Holiday Foodie Gift Guide – 2016

Posted on by LeAnne Notabartolo

It’s Giving Tuesday (I didn’t know that was a real thing) and it’s that time of year again. You know, the “What do I get for <fill in the blank>?” time of year. We all struggle with that one, so here’s my annual Holiday Gift Guide for all the foodies on your list.

Last year Sister Nancy gifted me with Try the World and I loved it! You can choose an individual month, or select a gift of the month option for a series of gifts. Each box comes themed by country with products fitting that country’s cuisine and recipe ideas to use them. Gifts start at $39

This pic of their Holiday Box borrowed from Try the World

This pic of their Holiday Box borrowed from Try the World

Here is the perfect gift for the cocktail lovers on your list

I am a fan of “Gift of the Month”, so here is another one for the cocktail lovers on your list. Shaker & Spoon sends everything you need to make great cocktails except the liquor, so you can choose your favorite brand. Each box revolves around one spirit and includes recipe cards, bitters, custom made syrups and produce for garnish. One standard bottle makes 12 cocktails based on the three recipes in each box. Gifts start at $50

Shaker & Spoon sample gift box

Shaker & Spoon sample gift box. Photo by Shaker & Spoon

Make your own Advent Calendar! Do you have a chocoholic, cookie monster, stationery whore, toy hoarder, etc. on your gift list? Create your own unique, customized advent calendar just for them. You’ll need 24 small gifts, numbered stickers and mini bags, boxes or other receptacle to put them all in for gifting. You can pick up an empty wine or beer box at your local liquor store to get you started. 24 beers in a case = 24 openings for your Advent Calendar. If you start today, you still have time to gift this on the first! Prices will vary.

Give a gift from your kitchen

Anything from your kitchen. I LOVE it when people grace me with something homemade. The fact that they took their precious time to create something for me means the world. Gift homemade banana bread or cookies on a fun or quirky thrift shop plate. Last year I made Bloody Mary bags with my own canned Bloody Mary mix and pickled garnishes to go with it. I added a bottle of vodka to finish it off. I think the recipients were pleased. Prices will vary.

Last year's Bloody Mary Bags. I even made the cute hang tag with my Cricut!

Last year’s Bloody Mary Bags. I even made the cute hang tag with my Cricut!

Every cook needs the right apparel and Lost Car Chef does it right! Aprons and Custom made Chef Coats are the perfect gift for the serious cook on your list. Aprons start at $40 and Jackets start at $100. Add your own logo, name, company and other embellishments to make it personal for your Chef or home cook. I own the Lillian jacket and it is my fave of all of my jackets. Smart detailing like magnetic cuff holders on the sleeves and an angled thermometer pocket on the front placket make all the difference in the world. Don’t settle for impostors. Most fun part? They do them in the back of a repurposed food truck that travels around to various locations. For the most up to date info check their website Lost Car Chef Apparel.

Photo Courtesy of Lost Car Chef Apparel

The Lillian Jacket – my fave! Photo Courtesy of Lost Car Chef Apparel

The trendy and tough Grenade Apron. Photo courtesy of Lost Car Chef Apparel.

The trendy and tough Grenade Apron. Photo courtesy of Lost Car Chef Apparel.

Sister Tina gifted me with a Yeti 30 oz Rambler tumbler this spring and I am officially in love! There are other ones on the market at a lower price point, but I’ll stick with my Yeti thanks. No matter how hot the Las Vegas desert gets, my drink stays cold inside the stainless tumbler while the exterior remains sweat free. In the winter, hot beverages stay truly hot while the outside remains comfortable to your hand. No coozie needed. If you REALLY want to splurge, they also make full sized coolers. Just a note when buying on Amazon – check the ship and arrival dates. Some of their participating merchants TAKE FOREVER to arrive. MY order was place on Nov 11th and I have yet to receive it…Prices on Amazon start around $30

Rambler - 30 oz stainless steel tumbler

Rambler – 30 oz stainless steel tumbler

 

Anthony Bourdain is my spirit animal.

I feel we may have been separated at birth. Of course his new cookbook is on my gift list this year! Appetites is GORGEOUS from the cover art by Ralph Steadman to the photographs and the recipes within. I love the way Bourdain “talks” to you when you read the recipes. You can hear his voice in your head. Filled with tips and tricks and recipes to fit nearly every palate, you won’t be disappointed. Because I bought this for myself AND the hubs bought it for me too, I’ll be giving one away next week. All you have to do is be a subscriber. Not a subscriber? Hit the SIGN ME UP button above on the right to be included in this giveaway. (US and Canada only – winner announced on my FB page and will be contacted by me for shipping info.) Retail value – $37.50

Appetites by Anthony Bourdain. Cover art by Ralph Steadman

Appetites by Anthony Bourdain. Cover art by Ralph Steadman

It’s On Me digital gift cards are the perfect answer to what to get just about anyone on your list if they live in Vegas, SoCal or New York. Choose from a carefully curated list of locally owned bars, restaurants and merchants, choose your dollar value and send it to any internet enabled mobile device. Android and Apple are both supported, so if the recipient has a phone, VOILA! Holiday Gifts DONE! Check their website often for expanding markets and promos. Be sure to check their blog for new additions and featured merchants.

So there you have it! Gift giving made easy…Enjoy the Holidays! You are welcome to post your cooking, entertaining or dining questions on my Facebook page at any time! To follow along with my dining adventures through the season be sure to follow me on Facebook or Instagram.