12 Days of Giftmas Archives - Cooking In Stilettos™

12 Days of Giftmas – Gifts for the Food Blogger

December 22, 2012 By Aly 1 Comment

We are in the final stages of wrapping up the 12 8 Days of Giftmas* and it dawned on me – what does one get the Food Blogger in your life or what do you tell people to get you? Here are a few suggestions – whether you are new at food blogging or a pro, I’m sure there’s something for everyone.

12 Days of Giftmas – Gifts For The Food Blogger – 2012

1. One book that should be in every food blogger’s library is Food Blogging For Dummies by Kelly Senyei. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – this book is a treasure trove of information and will help you take your blog to the next level. When I started blogging years ago, I had no idea of what I was doing, essentially I have been flying by the heels of my stilettos. I wish I had this years ago – would have saved me some serious grief. In 2013, expect to see some changes to Cooking In Stilettos and it’s all from stuff I have learned from Food Blogging For Dummies.

2. Another book I love and adore: Will Write for Food: The Complete Guide to Writing Cookbooks, Blogs, Reviews, Memoir, and More by Dianne Jacobs. Dianne’s blog is also a must read daily – my eyes have been opened to much that goes on when it comes to food writing on what to and not to do.

3. Food Photography is not my strong suit but I’ve gotten a bit better over the years. One of my 2013 homework assignments is to work on my shutterbug skills. Gone are the days of the point and shoot (that fell in the spoonbread batter) and while I adored pictures, I still have to learn how to use my Canon Rebel XSi . For the food blogger that wants to learn some photography skills, may I suggest these two lovelies: Plate to Pixel: Digital Food Photography & Styling by Helene Dujardin and Focus On Food Photography for Bloggers (Focus On Series): Focus on the Fundamentals by Matt Armendariz. Both Helene and Matt are amazing photographers (their blogs amaze me on the daily) and you know that the lessons learned from both of them will be priceless.

4. If anything I have learned from Jaden at Steamy Kitchen (well, I learned a ton at Food Blog Forum this year but this really stuck with me) is the use of lights when you have none. I invested in these Lowel EGO Lights some time ago and, confession, I haven’t used them yet. I know – I’m mortified. They have been in my back office, forgotten about in their little box and I’ve seen the magic they can do for food photography. Resolution – in 2013, these lovelies are getting a new spot in the front room because natural light is not often found in my dark abode. Want a prime example of how they can take your photos from nice to fabulous? Check out Jaden’s post on what it did for her photographs.

5. Camera lenses are always a good thing for the food blogger – just make sure to find out what camera they are using. One of my investments this year was a lens for my Canon Rebel XSi that is apparently one of those coveted lenses – Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras. After hearing the high recommendations of some fabulous food bloggers, well, I put back the stilettos and got this lovely.

6. One phrase we should all remember for 2013: “Back Up Your Data” because you never know what’s going to happen. Think of all the blog posts, the photography, etc – one swift oops (like when the sous pug and evil minx broke the laptop) and it’s history. A good portable hard drive always helps – There’s a great version for MAC (the G-DRIVE mobile Portable USB 3.0 1TB Hard Drive) and when I used to have a PC, I used a good portable hard drive by Seagate (Seagate Backup Plus 1 TB USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive)

7. Finally – you can never go wrong with gift cards. Think of Williams Sonoma, Sur La Table, Crate and Barrel – it’s endless. Plus – there will be some killer sales starting after the holidays and in January so they can get some fabulous props and items for their kitchen. Many stores are also doing the virtual gift card so that’s helpful for last minute shopping.

What would you get your favorite food blogger (or what do you want to see wrapped and ready for you this holiday season?)

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12 8 Days of Giftmas

*With all that has happened recently, while it’s still part of the 12 Days of Giftmas series, we’re only going to do 8 Days this year. Regular posting of recipes and Fab Friday should resume right after the Christmas Holiday.

[FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate and/or referral links which help offset the cost of hosting this site. However, as always, my opinions are 100% my own]

12 Days Of Giftmas – All Things Cookbooks Part 2

December 21, 2012 By Aly 1 Comment

Continuing on the last of the 12 8 Days of Giftmas* ideas list, here are the 7 final cookbooks that I adored this year and think would be lovely to give for the holiday season (and beyond). There were so many I could have picked from but these are the ones I find myself referring to time and time again and are on my “use often” pile as my cookbook shelf has officially “runneth over.”

12 Days of Giftmas – All Things Cookbooks – Part 2 – 2012

1. I was honored this year to be part of the Emeril Secret Sandwich bloggers and wrote about my experiences with some of his culinary creations from his latest cookbook, Emeril’s Kicked-Up Sandwiches: Stacked with Flavor, including the Monte Cristo, Emeril’s Smoked Sausage with Beer Braised Onions, French Bread Pizza (that will kick any pizza in a box’s behind), my first calzone (specifically a Sopressata and Genoa Salami calzone) and so much more. There’s so much more to this cookbook than one might think – it’s not only the sandwich, but the recipes for the bread, the condiments and some fabulous breakfast and dessert ideas. This book is one of my favorites and I will be referring to it time and time again through 2013.

2. I’ve been flirting with the whole DIY movement for a while. I’ve always joked about Canning In Stilettos and have been reading Marisa McClellan’s blog for some time now. She’s a Philly gal and when it comes to canning, she knows her stuff. I even took a canning class with her this year and learned how to make a killer spiced blueberry jam. When her book, Food in Jars: Preserving in Small Batches Year-Round, was released this year, I knew I had to have it and, for any canning enthusiast, this book is a MUST. Now – let’s hope that Food In Jars Part II is in the works.

3. Love Cuban food? Sabor!: A Passion for Cuban Cuisine by Ana Quincoces is a must. Some of my favorite recipes remind me of my first trip to Miami many moons ago and are must haves including her Papas Rellenos, Tabor de Picadillo (a Cuban Shepard’s Pie), my personal must have – Arroz Con Pollo (I always make this when I’m having one of those days where comfort food is a must) and, of course, Dulce de Leche. Don’t even get me started on her cocktails chapter – one that I’m making for the next soiree – the Whammy.

4. What about a baking cookbook, you ask? Well, Baked Elements: Our 10 Favorite Ingredients was one of my favorite baking cookbooks of 2012. Of course when you have a whole chapter devoted to pumpkin, I’m already going to adore the recipes (what I can I say – I adore pumpkin) and this week I will be making their pumpkin cinnamon rolls for the holiday. They also have a recipe for Devil Dogs, a Holiday Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream and a Chocolate Chip Orange Pannetone (which would be perfect for my Panettone Bread Pudding, dontcha think?).

5. Savory Sweet Life: 100 Simply Delicious Recipes for Every Family Occasion by Alice Currah is one that’s been on my shelf for a spell, flagged to within an inch of its life. Standouts for me: The Hawaiian Plate Lunch Macaroni Salad, Thai Marinated Chicken Skewers, Teriyaki Pineapple Wrapped Shrimp and her Christmas Breakfast Casserole. Fantastic recipes and great photography = perfect recipe for culinary inspiration!

6. Last year, One Curly Fry’s Jen and I went to see Nate Berkus tape his show and the chef that day – Aida Mollenkamp. I watch her show Ask Aida from time to time and her tips are always helpful. She is one of those chefs that loves to share whatever she knows with everyone. When Aida Mollenkamp’s Keys to the Kitchen: The Essential Reference for Becoming a More Accomplished, Adventurous Cook was released this year, I knew it would be a winner. Heck – this was one of those cookbooks I had on pre-order. This book is no lightweight by any means – the recipes are stellar, the information – priceless and this is one cookbook that you can often find on my counter or me reading like a novel. The recipes flagged for this month to try – the Chipotle Sweet Potato Hash with Poached Eggs and Avocado, Indian Style Braised Butter Chicken and Shrimp Simmered in Garlicky Beer Sauce.

7. Cooking Light The New Way to Cook Light: Fresh Food & Bold Flavors for Today’s Home Cook is perfect to kick off the new year. I made a pasta dish from this a couple weeks ago that was to. die. for. Seriously – baked pasta made healthy – who knew, right? I have a slew of recipes flagged but I can say that I’m attempting to make their Bourbon Caramel Truffles for the holiday. It’s one of those cookbooks you will find yourself using for inspiration and healthy cooking through 2013.

What were some of your favorite cookbooks this year?

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12 8 Days of Giftmas

[FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate and/or referral links which help offset the cost of hosting this site. However, as always, my opinions are 100% my own]

12 Days of Giftmas – All Things Appliances Edition

December 19, 2012 By Aly 1 Comment

Are you one of those people that adore trying out new things? Do you have a bit of a Bill Cosby problem with kitchen appliances under the sink (not like I’d know anything about that *cough cough*).

Here are some favorites that are perfect for the holidays and would look fabulous under the tree or on your kitchen counter.

12 Days of Giftmas – All Things Appliances

1. One of my favorite investments this year was my very first KitchenAid. I went copper – specifically antique copper but, if copper wasn’t available, I know I’d definitely have to follow The Chic Life’s lead and scoop up the Aqua KitchenAid Mixer.

2. Already have a KitchenAid? Why not get an attachment for it – whether it’s the pasta maker, the food grinder, grain grinder, etc. You name it – they have an attachment that will turn this fabulous mixer into a workhorse.

3. I have waxed on and on about the Vitamix – I absolutely adore mine. It’s under the counter and I use it more than my food processor (shhhh – don’t tell anyone). I will be making roasted banana ice cream in this puppy over the weekend and also plan on making some more soups for the holidays.

4. While I was chatting with a few of my fellow line attendees at the Barefoot Contessa book signing, one of them really enlightened me to the Breville Countertop Convection Oven. Apparently, it comes in very handy when you don’t want to heat up the whole house with your standard oven (especially when I have a Sous Pug who is so sensitive to heat). Could you imagine how helpful it will be when it comes to holiday meals?

5. When people ask me for good gift ideas to get others – I always suggest my personal favorite – the All Clad Deluxe Slow Cooker. This slow cooker is worth every single penny. It browns on the stovetop, it cooks items beautifully and, ask anyone who has had my Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon, Bourbon Pulled Pork or (my personal favorite) Pork Tinga, this slow cooker is phenomenal. It’s an investment but well worth it on a cost per use basis.

6. Did you know that there’s a NEW Keurig? Now – don’t tell my Vue but I was seriously tempted when I saw their new RIVO system – cappuccinos and lattes with fresh milk? For now, I’ll make due with a frother but for those that find a RIVO under their tree – can you tell a gal how you like it?

7. When I went to South Beach Food & Wine, I got a glimpse of the T-Fal Actifry. It looked intriguing but I thought – ehhhhh – I don’t really do French fries that often unless they are oven baked. However, lately, I’ve been hearing quite the buzz and people are saying it’s not all about the French Fry but a host of other dishes that can be prepared in here. Guess what’s on my wishlist this year.

What is your favorite kitchen appliance that you would love to get or give? Tell me!

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12 Days of Giftmas

[FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate and/or referral links which help offset the cost of hosting this site. However, as always, my opinions are 100% my own]

12 Days of Giftmas – All Things Entertaining Edition

December 18, 2012 By Aly 1 Comment

We are down to the wire – the holiday is upon us and it’s all things holiday prep. Let’s continue with the 12 Days of Giftmas with some last minute ideas to help you round out your holiday gift list.

Entertaining is not just for the holidays but year ’round. I must confess that I, personally, can lose sight of that. There’s something to be said about the hustle and bustle of hosting a soiree for a few close friends to gather, have a fabulous cocktail and some delicious dishes, all while enjoying everyone’s company. Sure, you can go to a restaurant and do the same but, personally, I love the feeling of opening my doors to friends and family.

While I’ve been in Philly, I’ve done a wee bit of entertaining (much less than my Orlando days) but I’m determined to change that in 2013. With the SousPug’s med issues, there has been a bit of a monkey wrench in my social calendar. However, I’ve always been the type of gal who is prepared to face any situation –whether it’s whipping up a cocktail sauce for the shrimp or tossing some wine, spirits and some fruit together for a killer sangria. Here are a few things I swear by, some things I adore and some things that will make fabulous gifts for the entertainer in your life.

12 Days of Giftmas – All Things Entertaining – 2012

1. Candles and entertaining go hand in hand – after all, who was it that said everyone looks fabulous in candlelight? Now, while there is a bit of a risk factor with a few lighted candles here and there, I always tend to have candles at the ready whenever I entertain. For some areas, I do use flameless candles (less to worry about), but for the table, the candles are lighted and flickering. Want a piece that will get the conversation started (and people remarking how chic your table is?) – check out this Branch Candelabra from Colin Cowie. Absolutely stunning!

2. When I entertain, I often serve buffet or family style. Over the years, I’ve added various serving platters and dishes along the way to my collection and I’ve got my eye on both of these lovely Marin Blue Serving Platters (and the corresponding dinnerware set) from Crate & Barrel. Don’t like the blue? Mix it up with some of the other shades in the collection.

3. There’s nothing like a fabulous martini glass to set off a cocktail (or a dessert!). This Hollywood Black and White Martini Glass has that va va voom factor!

4. For the cocktail portion of the evening, I tend to make a signature cocktail and serve it either in a swanky pitcher or a drink decanter like this Nantucket Beverage Jar.

5. A fabulous hostess gift or stocking stuffer is the Corkcicle. Yes – you read that right – a Corkcicle. You keep it in your freezer and use it to chill your wine. Brilliant – right?

6. In my shopping travels, I came across some stunning dishes and bakeware that I just had to have and, lo and behold, it was designed by no other than one of my favorite chefs, Marcela Valladolid. Seriously gorgeous pieces! One of my faves: the glass carafes. Don’t even get me started on the Acacia wood pieces – love!

7. Seeing this trifle dish inspired me to make a trifle this holiday season. People underestimate the wow factor of a seriously fabulous trifle (and how forgiving it can be). Just tumble in a few ingredients, dollop with some freshly whipped cream and voila – you have a wow factor desert.

What is one of your tried and true tips for holiday entertaining?

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12 Days of Giftmas

[FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate and/or referral links which help offset the cost of hosting this site. However, as always, my opinions are 100% my own]

12 Days Of Giftmas – Sur La Table Edition

December 5, 2012 By Aly 2 Comments

Another favorite shopping destination for me year round is Sur La Table and I’m blessed to have not one but two stores near me – both in King of Prussia, PA and in Marlton, NJ. Both have full kitchens for teaching classes (which I know, I know – I have YET to take one – I’m failing that part of my 2012 Culinary Goals) and, when I get in my DIY/Canning moods, I head to SLT to pick up supplies. Let me tell you – while I adore having both of my favorite cooking stores nearby, my wallet tends to get a bit angry with me.

I needed some baking supplies the other day and I knew Sur La Table would have them at the ready – some Tahitian Vanilla, a bit of whole nutmeg (hey – Whole Foods – you know you can stock more than just ground nutmeg ya know!), some peppermint extract – all vital necessities for this season. Well, that and a “Will Cook For Shoes” towel that was perfect for my kitchen. Add to that a bunch of fabulous items that are perfect for a cook’s kitchen and, well, let’s just get to my favorite finds for the holidays, shall we?

12 Days of Giftmas – Sur La Table Edition – 2012

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