17 Gifts For At Home Cooks

Normally, I would say it is too early for holiday, but not this year. Don't we all just need something to celebrate? Safe to say that we are ready for 2020 to be over, but first Christmas and Hanukkah.  Covid has delayed shipping. So it is best to shop early. Let's start with something we all have been doing more than our share of - cooking at home! Fabulous finds like velvet pot holders, couture cookware, and a family cookbook will make cooking a pleasure. 

Infusing Bottle

Designed by bartenders but meant for oils, cocktails, and more. I bet that they don't have one of these.

Food52

Olivewood Spoon Set

These sturdy spoons will handle any kitchen task at hand.

Williams Sonoma

Glass Pot

"Designed by Massimo Castagna, this unique pot is made of flame-resistant borosilicate glass." It's so clearly chic for the serious cook.
ABC Carpet & Home

Family Cookbook Journal

What a lovely compliment to a home cook. Ask them to keep track of the families recipes for you. This genius book will help them archive generations of recipes! 

Amazon

Signature Cheese Gift Set 

Here is your next party trick.  Beekman's organic goat cheese is delicious. I have gifted it several times. Go all out and give your favorite chef the set. The cheese shaver actually enhances the flavor of the cheese. It's a tasty treat for anyone that appreciates good food. Word to the wise, order soon. This set sold out early in the season last year.

Beekman1802

Velvet Pot Holders

For the couture cook

CB2

Kitchen Aid Cordless

What a saving grace in the kitchen! That cord is always in the way for me. A wonderful gift for the baker!

Kitchen Aid  

Raclette Party Set

Surely we will be able to entertain again soon. And this is the party! It's like a dinner and show all in one. Consider this individual cheese fondue.

Food52

Verve Culture Malinilla

I know, I have not heard of this, either. But it is actually a very cool chef's tool. It is used to froth milk for Mexican Hot Chocolate or muddle herbs and fruits for cocktails. It is an intricate accessory with a rich history. And best of all, it is 

less than $25 and ships for free.

Neiman Marcus

VSOP 25-Year Barrel-Aged Balsamic Vinegar
25 years of aging gives this vinegar a deep complex flavor. The seasoned chef will so appreciate the difference.

Williams Sonoma

Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Pour-Over Kettle

Most cooks, like myself, have an aversion to the microwave. It is just healthier to heat your water in a kettle. This one is so glam in gold, but available in three more colors, too. I own the kettle alone. 

Love it! 

West Elm

Chocolate Flaker

What’s a cappuccino without a little chocolate? This chocolate flaker is ideal for finishing off their favorite treats. For the cook who has everything.

Amara

Double Bottle

Cool, right? This beautiful bottle is one part art and the other part function. It will be the talk of any tabletop. The chef in your life will fill it with balsamic and oil, or two different dressings, or sparkling and flat water. It's just so clever.

Lumens

Frantoio Muraglia Extra Virgin Olive Oil

This award winning olive oil will have any cook smitten by the fabulous designs of the ceramic container. But they will be most impressed by the deep flavors of the robust olive oil!

Williams Sonoma

Caraway Ceramic Cookware

For the couture cook! Non toxic and beautiful. What more does a cook want? I will take the grey set, please.

Goop

Himalayan Salt Rock and Grater

A centerpiece and seasoning tool in one.The delicate pure flavor of Himalayan Seas is something to experience. Best yet, it is actually healthy for you. A wonderful gift for under $30

Goop

Cooking With Wine Apron

A fun under $20 gift. And isn't it true?

Etsy

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Thanksgiving Starts Here: 20 Starters, Soups & Salads

Hopefully this post will be a diversion from the election stress. Food has a way of doing that. If you haven't noticed, there are only three Fridays before Thanksgiving. Time flies when we aren't having fun, huh?  I have surfed the Internet for the most interesting appetizer, soup, and salad recipes that are Thanksgiving worthy. Enjoy! 

Apple Butter Old Fashioned

Let's begin with a stylish sip, shall we? What a beautiful cocktail! That spoonful of apple butter says it all. This should be your house drink on Thanksgiving Day!

Half Baked Harvest

Pumpkin Bisque In A Pumpkin Shell

You can't beat this presentation! Find the perfect mini pumpkin, but don't bake it. Clean it up, and serve your bisque in the pumpkin. The recipe is easy and sounds so good.

Pizzazzerie

Prosciutto and Fig Salad Board

Serving buffet style? This is your salad on a beautiful board!

Pure Wow

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup With Creme Fraiche
My kind of serving style. Consider casually serving this "shooter" style soup before sitting at the table. It is a fun surprise for your guests, even if it is just family. The simple sprigs of thyme are the perfect touch!

Cambria Wines

Brie and Bacon Palmiers

With only three ingredients and 15 minutes of cooking time, this is an easy but elegant appetizer. 

Delicious Table

Whipped Cranberry Goat Cheese Spread

This recipe had me at that gorgeous color.  I think that this could be called the only Thanksgiving appetizer we need!

How Sweet Eats

Roasted Cauliflower Soup Shooters

Could a soup be any more stylish? They are dairy free, too!

Flavour & Savor

Pomegranate Avocado Salad

This recipe gives a healthy fat, the avocado, a Fall twist. It is all dressed in a pomegranate vinaigrette. If you haven't tried a dressing made with pom juice, try this one. It gets five stars.

Half Baked Harvest

Bacon, Onion and Asiago Fondue

Is there anything more comforting than a skillet of warm gooey cheese? And I bet that no one would have a problem if you tossed in a little bourbon or white wine. YUM!

Pure Wow

Caramelized Onion and Apple Tarts with Gruyere and Thyme

I just love to serve pretty food. Don't you? This recipe creates an easy and elegant appetizer. Best yet, it is served on top of a store bought puff pastry.

Williams Sonoma

Roasted Squash, Pecan, & Pomegranate Salad

The base of this dish is roasted squash or sweet potatoes, if you prefer. This is a very festive salad that is both sweet and savory.

Minimalist Baker

Bacon and Fontina Stuffed Mushrooms

It wouldn't be Thanksgiving in my home, without stuffed mushrooms. My Mom made the best, and we all loved them. Now Ms. Shop This has elevated the appetizer and we love those, too. I will. miss her and those mushrooms this year.

Taste of Home

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup With Crispy Tofu { Vegan }

What a beautiful soup! The added extras to this dish take it up a notch.

Heather Christo

Fall Harvest Salad With Pumpkin Goddess Dressing

What a beautiful combination of tastes and textures! That dressing has me intrigued. It's healthier than most, made with Greek yogurt.

The Seasoned Mom

Roasted Garlic and Wild Mushroom Naan Flatbreads

Mushrooms add an earthiness to any dish, which is perfect for Harvest time. And according to the recipe author, this one is so simple that a monkey could make it.  LOL!
Scrambled Chefs

Sweet Potato & Roasted Apple Soup

Filled with flavor and nutritional fiber, this soup has all of the Fall feels.

Smells Like Home

Roasted Pumpkin Salad With Kale, Apples, & Maple Pecans

Isn't this a tasty looking Thanksgiving Salad? It's picture perfect, and dressed with  a maple vinaigrette. Divine! Feasting At Home

Festive Goat Cheese Balls
These couldn't be easier to make. They indeed are festive looking with the colors of cranberries and pistachios. Sure to be a winner!

The Pioneer Woman

Bacon Wrapped Fig And Honeycrisp Apple Salad With Salted Caramel Pecans

This salad is really the ultimate special occasion recipe. But I would enjoy it any night of the week.

Half Baked Harvest

Sweet Potato Pear Soup

Sounds delightful, doesn't it? The pear will add a sweet spriteness to the soup. Such an elegant presentation.

HGTV

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Election Elixirs

It's going to be a long day and night, friends. If you are as anxious as I am, a cocktail or two might be in order. To help you stay up, the Espresso Martini  above is a chic choice.  Here are thirteen terrific cocktails that will  get you through the night. I have taken a little poetic license with the drink titles, which was so much fun.  Please remember to drink and vote responsibly.  

Cheers!

Mr. President

This cocktail might make you smile. Peach-infused Aperol, Prosecco, and topped with a Cotton Candy Toupee.  Make your own or head to the Bird in Washington D.C.

Pence's Poison Apple Martini
There's still time for a smoking gun in this race. Until then, smoke your own cocktail.

The Political Storm

This cocktail hails from Chicago's Rush Bar. It features Cranberry Juice, St. Germain, and Grapefruit Juice.

The Vodka Quarantini
Social distancing and watching the results alone? This recipe from Town & Country mag, will solve everything.

The Lavender Landslide

Actually it is called a Lavender Chills, but I love alliteration, don't you? Looks yummy.

The Cosmopolitician

Actually this recipe is for the perfect cosmopolitan. And it does look like the perfect pour. I just renamed it for today.

The Kamala Harris Victory Cup
Selected for its' nutritional value. because one has to eat even in times like this.

Minted Melania Mimosa
These get my vote for best dressed mimosas!

Biden Brandy Old Fashioned
Well, he is old. They both are. Young or old will love this classic cocktail. 

Suntory All Free

Don't drink? Here's a beer free of calories and alcohol. Best yet, you can buy it at Amazon! The name is appropriate for the event. Aren't we all happy to be free to vote?

Dark & Stormy

I think we can all agree that this political campaign has been both dark and stormy. And then there is Stormy....

The Fauci Figa

Made with fig infused vodka.  This is one smart cocktail, just like the doctor.

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P.S. I will be taking a minute to let the election electricity shake out. See you at the end of the week.

Saturdays At Shop This: Happy Halloween!

This Halloween will look different. The above pic is my idea of dressing up, and quite the costume! Personally, I can't remember the last time that I really dressed up. Does wearing kitten heels with skinny pants count? Today's post features all treats  and no tricks. Enjoy your holiday the best you can.

Fall Refresh: Enjoy 25% off at one of the most fashionable websites, Moda Operandi! Use Code: FALL25 to save on over 1500 styles. You'll find fab fashion from Etro, Missoni, Vince and more.

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Shop the Max Mara Teddy Bear Collection exclusively at My Theresa. The coats are always the essence of streamlined luxury. But you will love the accessories this year. Those gloves and hats!

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Ready to ditch the toxic chemicals in your skincare? Now is a good time to do it. Try Annmarie wildcrafted and organic skin care for 25% less this weekend with Code: BDAYLOVE25. I love the Aloe Cleanser

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Have a new iPhone 12? Baublebar has the best custom and personalized cases. A great gift idea for yourself or someone on your list.

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Persée’s Symbolic Jewelry Is Pure Magic. Read and shop the story at Saks online.

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Have you seen the Furoshiki Holiday Wrapping Cloth at Anthropologie? It's so so pretty!

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I wore my Antibacterial Fashion PPE Gloves + Mask zebra print set last weekend for the first time. They were so much fun, and I received many compliments. Both pieces were super comfy. So worth the $26 and two day free shipping!

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Designer Christopher Kane's "More Joy" face mask is something we all could use.

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This little fab find just made me smile, and it is less than $8: These metal hair clips in gold or silver tones are an easy, minimalist way to dress up your look.  See them at Amazon.

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Don't lose your head this Halloween, my Pretties.  Play it safe, have fun, and make it fashion!

XOXOX

Deb

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