It is that time of year again, and life has just flown by! Here is my gift guide for 2017. It’s a collection of things that I either discovered this year, or wish I had! Some are kitchen essentials, and completely appropriate for the Holiday season. I, for one, did in fact order two boxes of those pie weights. I’ve got pies to make for Friendsgiving this Sunday that need to be blind-baked, so I hope they get here in time! (It’s a banana cream pie, if you’re wondering!!! ;-))
Without further ado:
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Pie Weights
Like I said, a kitchen that bakes needs pie weights. They’re not expensive, and exactly what you need, when YOU NEED a banana cream pie.
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Mastering Your Mean Girl
This came as a high recommendation from a friend – I haven’t ordered it yet, but it’s good to be well-rounded I guess?
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Nurtured Dragon
I don’t know about you, but I don’t nearly take enough relaxing baths. This is definitely a great way to “Feed Your Inner Rock Star”, and nourish your body in the form of a luxurious bath with these sea salts. This company is run by one of my Husband’s old friends, and is as legit as it gets! I love supporting small businesses.
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Melonballer
My own melonballer broke one dark and stormy night, and then I realized that you really don’t know what you’ve got ’till it’s gone. (name that band!) The melonballer is an essential kitchen tool that needs to be in every kitchen. Not only does it ball melons, it also takes out cores to apples and pears, but it also is great for scooping anything you need to scoop. Cucumbers come to mind. Anyway, Hubbs, if you’re reading, I want this in my stocking!
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Wok & Jet Tila’s New Book, 101 Asian Dishes To Cook Before You Die
This is the cookbook of the year for me, seriously. I’ve never been so jazzed to cook out of a book, AND invest in an honest to goodness wok. Having a carbon steel wok has changed my life, really. Tofu doesn’t stick to it… isn’t that reason enough?
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Melissa’s Produce Gift Baskets
Look, it’s true that I get a lot of handouts from Melissa’s Produce – they do seriously hook it up. BUT as a recipient of some of their gift baskets, they’re absolutely decadent. I’ve had a few, and I just can’t get over their baby veggie basket. Totes fav.
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Theracane
I’m calling this year the “Year of Pain” for me. Seriously, I was getting comfortable hiking up my local hill, and one day, my shoulder was f&@#$d for five long months. It turns out that I had tendonitis in my shoulder, a pinched nerve in my neck, and a ligament tear in my hip. I also turned 40 this year, so I guess all that is expected. Going to physical theraphy, they helped me discover this amazing tool, called the Theracane. It’s AMAZING for those of you who need to massage yourselves every now and then. Invaluable.
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Blis Gourmet
This company, BLiS (Because Life is Short), is nothing short of amazing. Their motto is their name, and they make all the best things! Bourbon barrel aged maple syrup, soy sauce, hot sauce, fish sauce, and a plethora of other amazing goodies… I’m telling ya, your pancakes will never be so decadent.
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High River Sauces
Steve Seabury, the owner and mastermind behind not only High River Sauces, but all the Hot Sauce Expos is a friend of mine, and happens to make the best hot sauce on the planet. I’m not just saying that either. It’s award winning!
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DWP Gear!
Well, I’ve got to mention my own stuff, right? I’m so in love with this design. I think it’s the BOMB! It makes me feel empowered, enlightened, like a total bad ass, and I hope you feel that way too! I’m just honored to share it with you. I hope you like it as much as I do. Smoothies have never looked so good.
That’s all folks! Happy shopping!
Love,
Cathy A says
Great list. I really need to break down and buy proper pie weights. My beans I use need to be retired to the trash. LOL
Natalie Wiser-Orozco says
Yes! I just used mine for the first time, and they did a great job!
Kathy Smith says
Good Job ! Thanks for sharing this list. All are important elements for Cooking . This content helping for others. I think next time we want more interesting content from you. I am waiting for your next content.