Holiday Gift Guide 2012

We are taking a break from the regularly scheduled Friday Links to talk about gifts for your favorite chefs and foodie loved ones.  There are a few qualities that I think make a wonderful gift: thoughtfulness, utility, and creativity.  Give gifts that will become treasured pieces, and learn to understand what your friend or family member would want and use. Be thoughtful, not hasty, this Christmas.

The Handcrafted: Rustic Natural Edge Bread Boards from this one man Etsy shop are a unique but useful kitchen tool.
















The Stocking Stuffer: the Microplane Grater/Zester is a perfect tool for new and seasoned cooks.  The sharp, well designed blades make easy work of citrus, ginger, and anything else.

The Delicate: these Peony Measuring Cups go far beyond the typical stainless set meshing utility with beauty.  They nest for easy storage, and are so pretty you will want to put them out on display.

The Splurge: the Staub Oval Coccette is a tool built to last a lifetime.  This cast iron twist on a traditional dutch oven is a true workhorse in the kitchen. The enamel makes a beautiful dish that is also non-stick, non-toxic, and easy to clean.  

The Cookbook: The Sprouted Kitchen, by star blogger Sara Forte has wonderful recipes focused on whole foods that nourish the body.  With beautiful photography and spot-on recipes, this gift will thrill cooks of all abilities.













Need more ideas?  Check out 2011's gift guide.

The List: 5 Appliances to Skip in a Small Kitchen

We live in 400 square feet, with one of the smallest kitchens I have ever seen.  This includes an under counter refrigerator, no dishwasher, and a very small counter.  Through a lot of creativity, the kitchen is not only usable, but enjoyable.  While there are some quirks that cannot be solved, many of the difficulties of living in a small space are easily avoided with some creativity. I found one of the biggest helps for this was getting rid of bulky appliances.

5 Appliances to Skip in a Small Kitchen

Microwave
Why skip it?

• While they are handy for your leftovers, they take up a lot of space.  
• Most offices have one, so eat your leftovers at lunch.  
• Switch over to glass containers for your leftovers, which can be microwaved at work and popped in the oven at home.  
• You can also use a small non-stick skillet for quicker warming.

Toaster Oven
Why skip it?

• Use the toaster, or the oven.  
• To go farther: use the broiler for  your toast and skip the toaster as well.

Coffee Maker
Why skip it?

• Use a small french press, or a pour over cone like this one (you can also get a much cheaper plastic one at most large stores).  
• You will save a lot of counter space, and have better coffee.

Crock Pot/ Slow Cooker
Why skip it?

• They are a storage nightmare.
• A large soup pot can be stacked easily and is light enough to hang.  Another option is a dutch oven that can be stored in the oven.

Stand Mixer
Why skip it?

• How often do you use it?
• You can make almost anything with a hand mixer, which is much easier to store. 
• I will admit, this one I could not part with.

What would you skip?

Simple Basil Pesto

It is so good to be home. Wednesday morning I awoke with a sense of peace that I have missed for the past month. I returned to some beautiful basil that was just a few inches tall when we left.  Next week I will write more about our adventures, and share some food inspiration.  For now, I am reveling in home. Today's recipe is for simple basil pesto, fresh from the garden.  I used almonds because pine nuts are expensive.  For more flavor, you could add a clove of garlic.

My Little Sanctuary of a Kitchen

Big Basil Plants

Simple Pesto

Makes ½ cup

• ¼ cup raw almonds
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves (packed)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons olive oil

Tomato and Eggplant Gratin with Basil Pesto

1. Place almonds in food processor and pulse a few times to break into small pieces 
2. Add basil, salt and 2 tablespoons olive oil and continue to pulse
3. Drizzle remaining olive oil until consistency meets your fancy
4. To duplicate the dish pictured: follow the recipe for Tomato and Eggplant Gratin, but omit the thyme.  After removing from oven, drizzle or spoon pesto over the top and serve