Foodie Friday: Gifts For Food Lovers

I like to shake things up here and there. Foodie Friday will return next week in its' normal format. Today, I bring to you gift inspiration for the food lover on your list.  Nowadays, that almost means everyone you know. Gifts of food are always the right size, rarely returned, and if you know where to buy them, always in good taste. 

HERE: 13 Gift Ideas And The Best Recipe Of The Week!

Happy Birthday Berry-Gram

Celebrating a birthday? Spell it out with strawberries. A sweet and juicy gift!

Saks Fifth Avenue

Marble Platter

This Carrara Marble platter features a hand stamped leather bottom. How luxe is that?

Max and Moritz-LA

Mrs. Prindables Apples

Got a chocolate lover on your list? These gorgeous gourmet caramel apples come in 8 fabulous flavors. They make terrific  gifts for teachers, co-workers, wedding guests and well, anyone! 

Mrs. Prindables

Recipe of the Month Collection from the Country's Top Chefs

A curated collection of recipes, spanning cuisines from Californian slow food pioneer Alice Waters to Moroccan innovator Mourad Lahlou to the nose-to-tail provocateur April Bloomfield. This gift keeps on giving. Proceeds benefit Alex's Lemonade Stand. Details at

If Only

Berco's Popcorn

If you are lucky, you have tried the "other" famous Chicago Popcorn. And it smells and tastes great. But I have found one even better - Berco's. Really, you have to trust me on this. From the Billion Dollar Popcorn, to the White Truffle (my fave) and every buttery kernel in between, this popcorn rocks!

Berco's Popcorn

Bitterman's Artisan Salts

I became a salt snob ever since my last birthday. A special young man in my life, Steve, gifted me with nine of these sensational salts. What fun it is to cook with them! Thanks, again, Steve.

Sur La Table

Olympic Provisions Salami 

Of The Month Club

Better than a calendar, this gift keeps on giving month after month. Your recipient will get to sample 12 different salamis crafted from local pork using an old-world technique. 

Food52

MZ Wallace + Food52 Market Tote

A real food lover also loves a trip to the Farmer's Market. I get excited not only by the quality of the local produce, but by the possibilities and options my findings give me for dinner! This is the perfect Market Tote from renowned handbag designer MZ Wallace. This bag is both beautiful and functional.

Food52

Foodie Dice

Go ahead. Take a chance and shake things up in the kitchen. This fun little gift ends the age old dilemma of what's for dinner. With over 186,000 possible food combinations, the recipient will never run out of ideas. A cute host/hostess gift for less than $25

Uncommon Goods

Handmade Tamales

Spice up their life with a gift of hand wrapped tamales. It's a fiesta for any food lover! Sold only at

Neiman Marcus

Bee Raw Honey

Hand corked and sealed with beeswax, these gourmet honey flights are perfect or the health conscious foodie in your life.

Barney's New York

Bacon + Chocolate Gift Box

This idea is one for the boys, but who wouldn't want to pig out on Bacon Toffee, Mo's® Milk and Dark Chocolate Bacon Bars, Mo's bacon caramels, and Mo's Bacon Chocolate Chip Pancake Mix? Made and shipped from by Vosges Haut-Chocolat in Chicago.

AHAlife 

Le Petit Dej' Breakfast Tray

An A + R exclusive, this terrific tray made of high gloss acrylic is such a gorgeous and genius gift.  I love the creative vase. It never will topple, as it is built into the tray. Breakfast in bed anyone?

A Plus R Store

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We couldn't have a Foodie Friday without a recipe. This is the best one I found this week. Isn't it gorgeous?

Summer Fruit Salsa and Pesto Hummus

A Summer Snack that provides all the best things about Summer.

Half Baked Harvest

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Where's The Party? Summer Host Gifts

Foodie Friday: Valentine's Gifts & Recipes For Food Lovers

Everyone knows that the way to the heart, especially a Foodie, is through the tummy. If you have a person in your life who really loves food and all that goes into creating delicious dishes, this post is for you. On this Valentine's Day, kiss the cook and butter them up with gifts and recipes that impress. 

Constellation Chocolate Collection
Fine artisan chocolates unlike any box you have ever given or received. A collaboration with 21 of the world’s most acclaimed chefs. "Each confection is a masterful and stunning creation that quintessentially defines each chef's culinary preferences and point of view." Click thru to read more, then choose from 9, 21 or 42 Piece Boxes.
If Only

Ombre Heart Cake
Learn how to turn any cake into a Valentine's Day sensation with these DIY instructions. They'll be yours at first site of this cute creation!
Best Friends For Frosting

Handmade Porcelain Pitcher
Perfect for red hot lovers of food and drink!  "Each pitcher is individually hand-fired in the Three Rays' Pottery studio. And for true blue lovers, they have a special shade of blue, too.
Provisions By Food 52

Swarovski 5 Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Made from Olive Cultivars in Finiki Lakonias, Greece. Highly rated and flavored, but to me, the real draw is the presentation complete with Swarovski crystals! Presented in your choice of black ,white or wooden box.
AHALife

Riedel Bliss Decanter
For the wine lover in your life. Give this gorgeous crystal decanter along with his or her favorite bottle. Alone or combined with vino, this is a thoughtful gift.
Wine.com

Villa Mondori Balsamic Vinegar
One of my favorite things - an aged Balsamic Vinegar! And generally speaking, I have found that with vinegars, you get what you pay for. I have had this brand and can attest that it is killer good! The foodie in your life will drizzle it on salads and berries or create great glazes with this bold bottle.
Sur La Table

James Beard Best Of The Best Cookbook
Hand signed by chef Alice Waters, this is a one of a kind publication. It is the perfect addition to a foodie's library.
IfOnly

Sugar Pink Le Creuset
Just in time for Valentine's Day and only for a limited period, the sweet shade of sugar pink can be yours. These pretty pieces can be mixed and matched with all of the classic color collections. Sweet!
Le Creuset

Spend $150 and Receive a  Free Mini Fondue. Code: LOVE

Feed Arrow Apron
Kiss the cook and cue Cupid's arrow! This is a gift that goes to the heart of anyone's spirit. For each apron purchased, FEED will donate 14 meals to families in need in the USA.
West Elm

Pettrosian Caviar
Pop the champagne, spoon the caviar and I'm yours! See a collection at
Saks Fifth Avenue

Mrs. Prindables Tickled Pink Caramel Apples 

Have you ever had one of these sweet treats? They are beyond delicious, and sure to make anyone happy. 
Mrs. Prindables

Save $10 on Valentine's Day orders of $75+ 
Code: HEART10

DIY Goat Cheese Kit
For the person who always wanted to be a cheesemonger!. The kit is affordable and the instructions are easy. Makes 10 lbs. Cheesy? I think not. 
Provisions by Food 52

Beet Ravioli With Pine Nut Goat Cheese
The perfect recipe to pair with your homemade goat cheese above. It is served with a rosemary cream sauce and aged balsamic Vinegar. Isn't it gorgeous?
Epicurious

Chocolate Fudge Swirled Lemon Ricotta Tart
Because sometimes dessert is better than a date!
Half Baked Harvest

Branch and Twig Pie Server
Anthropologie

Bouillabaisse by Gourmet Traveller
Isn't just the sound of the word "Bouillabaisse," romantic? As a seafood lover, it is one of my favorite dishes, but I have never made it. Why not create it for the food lover in your life? Then serve it in the Staub Cocotte below.
Gourmet Traveller

Bouillabaisse Cocotte
Staub's vessel just couldn't be better looking. Now 30% off at 
One Kings Lane

Gold Ballotin and Michael Aram Vase
Candy goes chic with the help of designer, Michael Aram. This luxe set takes the candy box beyond chocolate. Sold exclusively at
Godiva

The A Moi Tea Set
From Biarritz, France, the tea lover will will be steeped with joy over this heart themed set of Red Tea and roses. 
AHALife

From 50 Shades Of Grey. This is how I feel when I'm cooking, too. Unlike the movie, I'm not sharing what happens next. (Wink) But I do plan on preparing a romantic dinner on the 14th. What about you?

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Foodie Friday
Stay Warm With Breakfast In Bed

Foodie Friday: A Gift Guide For Foodies

(Via Williams Sonoma)

"Foodie -a person with a particular interest in food; a gourmet." They can be a tough crowd, always looking for the best in food, spirits, service and kitchen accessories. I have a few foodies on my own list, and I have been on the hunt for the perfect present for each of them. From cooks tools to Moscow Mules, here's a clever collection for inspired gifting.

HERE:  19 Fab Finds For Foodies

Build A Custom Mitt Gift
What a cute concept, and a hot host gift. In four easy steps, you are spreading good cheer with a fabulous and functional little gift.
Sur La Table

Range Smart iPhone / iPad Thermometer
Deliciousness goes digital. This food-safe, heatproof to 450°F, hand-washable thermometer connects via a tough 4.5' silicone cable to your device (iPhone or iPad). A cool gadget guarantees a warm reception by the techie foodie in your life!
Provisions by Food52

 Rab Labs Ita Plate
Foodies fancy function and presentation. These agate plates are made in Brazil and are just stunning in an array of colors for every decor. Perfect for displaying hors d’oeuvres or artisanal cheeses.
AHALife

Enjoy 15% off + Free U.S. Shipping on all orders with code: ENJOY15 (Restrictions Apply.)

Walnut Ravioli Rolling Pin
Handmade never looked so good. Designed and made in Minnesota by Repast, who replants 100 trees for every tree used in production. This gift rocks....and rolls!
Provisions by Food52

Moscow Mule Gift Set
An American classic cocktail gets kicked up a notch with a premium mix. 
Williams Sonoma

The James Beard Foundation's Best of the Best Cookbook, Hand-Signed by Alice Waters
More than a cookbook, this tome is actually a piece of history, with delectable recipes from culinary masters. And best yet, your purchase benefits The James Beard Foundation. This is the perfect addition to any foodies library.
IfOnly

Tom Dixon Stone Spice Grinder
Designed by artist, Tom Dixon, this is a beauty of a tool. Described by Tom - “the simplest of tools,” requiring only the pressure of your palm to roll the ball and pulverize spices."  I could have used this so many times in my own kitchen! They'll love it.
Design Within Reach

Studio Pirsc's

Zepplin Seasoning Shaker

Is it a blimp? A peanut? No, it is the coolest shaker you ever saw. At this price you can collect all three: One for salt. Another for pepper. And the third? Cinnamon, chile powder, paprika or powdered sugar.

A Plus R Store

Cone Strainer And Wooden Pestle

Separate the good stuff. Even non foodies will feel like a pro with this gourmet gadget.  It's a multipurpose piece that a gourmand will put to good use.

Provisions by Food52

LAFCO Cilantro and Orange Diffuser

A cook creates all kinds of "special" aromas in the kitchen. But the fragrance of fresh fish may not be the aroma you want to greet your guests. Cilantro and orange will smell great and not conflict with what's cooking!

Saks Fifth Avenue

Alessi Todo Grater

A cooks tool that they will never put away. Talk about style and function! This is one good looking gadget.

Barneys New York 

Le Creuset Moroccan Tangine

The Moroccan Tangine is the traditional cooking vessel of the slowly simmered, heavily seasoned cuisines of North Africa. It is the one pot that perhaps the Foodie/cook may not have, but will so appreciate! Many colors.

Le Creuset

Salts and Sugars Set
Sugar, spice, and everything nice! Created by Pamela Stone at Farm Candy in NYC. It's a fusion of flavors for foodies.
AHALife

Enjoy 15% off + Free U.S. Shipping on all orders with code: ENJOY15 (Restrictions Apply.)

Michael Aram 
Molten Olive Oil Dipping Board
A beautiful mango wood board is perfect for entertaining in the kitchen. Sometimes all you need is an homemade loaf of bread and a really good olive oil, The accompanying bowl and handle trim adds a luxe touch to a perfect present.
Nordstrom

Michael Graves Slow Cooker

With busy lives, even the foodie will appreciate coming home to a finished and yummy meal. They will add their spin on the dish before they turn the cooker on - i.e. brown the food, add the fresh herbs and wine, etc. Leave it to designer Michael Graves to upgrade a classic. 

JCPenney

P.S. It's on sale now and then take an added 25% off with Code: OURFRND. Ends 12/8

An Experience Of Food and Wine

Much better than a gift card for dinner - gift that foodie with an experience of a lifetime. Shop by city or experience. I know you will find something right up their (tin pan) alley. Give them a Food Truck Walking Tour in NYC.  A Walking Food Tour In Denver, Wine Tasting w/ Master Sommelier in San Francisco or Host an Elegant Dinner Party in Chicago! Just to name a few of many fabulous experiences for foodies. Click for more ideas.

Cloud 9 Living

Roost Salt and Pepper Cellars
A sophisticated way to offer any condiment. Made of natural marble. The brass spoons accentuate the positive!
 Zhush

Belkin Kitchen Stand and Stylus for Tablets
Boy could I use this! It is the ideal cooking accessory for chefs who keep recipes on their device. Also perfect for watching "how to recipe videos" while cooking.  A great gadget.
Amazon

 Recipe of the Month Collection from the World's Top Chefs

The collection includes one 1 lacquered recipe box and 25 recipes.  One hand-signed Michael Mina recipe, delivered in the 1st month. 24 recipes by star chefs. Two delivered each month for 12 months. Rather priceless, don't you think? 

IfOnly

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