Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Be Happy...Healthy Holiday Gifts

How is that holiday shopping coming? Just 18 more sleeps until Christmas...


I am very excited to say that in my Christmas-crazy family, we are paring down this year. We are limiting our usually over the top gift exchange to stocking stuffers. I love this because in reality, many of us don't really need anything and it can be so unnerving to continue to try and find something "special" for your loved ones. This way, we can buy cute trinkets that are useful and have lots of fun opening little surprises but the focus can be on family, not stuff. 


That said, a little bit of stuff - especially functional stuff - is always fun around this time of year so I thought that for this round of gift ideas I would highlight some of the things I am coveting this year. Given the amount of time I spend in the kitchen, I am always keen to get a new gadget.


All of the gifts featured are available at Cookworks (big plug because my mom works there and it is a local business - support the local!) and Cookworks has graciously offered all Eat Drink Be Happy readers a 15% off code for their online store. See below for details!


First on my list are the Le Creuset Cocottes (and a large Dutch oven, but these are easier to lift!). When my husband and I were in Paris, cocottes were all the rage - we even had dinner at a restaurant named Les Cocottes. This tiny little pots are perfect for single servings of custards, souffles or even as a cheeky way to serve soup. The fennel colour is my new favourite.
Les Creuset Cocottes Set
Next, I would really like some silicone muffin cups. If you have ever forfeited a lovely muffin because it has stuck to the pan...you need these. Nonstick and infinitely reusable!

Danesco Silicone Muffin Cup Liners
Okay. I never had much use for peelers. To be totally honest, out of laziness and a desire to eat as much fibre-containing peel as I can, I have never owned a peeler. Until I got one of these, I used to struggle to "peel" squash with a knife. This little inexpensive gadget changed my food prep life. Super sharp - you have been warned.
Swiss Mar Carbon Blade Peeler.


I want to be a master macaron chef. Not to sell...just to impress the pants off guests (and save myself 1.50 - 2.50 per cookie!). This set will help take the guesswork out of the process.
Mastrad Macaron Set

My husband is a big whisky drinker. I bought him his first set of Whisky Rocks a while back and they are a big hit. For those who like their scotch neat, these little natural stones get things chilled without diluting the good stuff. Perfect for the single malt connoisseur on your list.

Whisky Rocks


From today through December 23rd, enjoy a 15% off discount at www.cookworks.ca with the promo code EAT15 . The discount applies to only regular priced merchandise and cannot be combined with any other offers.

Happy Holidays everyone!
Desiree


PS. Thank you to Cookworks for offering such a generous discount to EDBH readers! As always, the idea for this post and the opinions contained in this post were unsolicited and completely my own - if I ever choose to start accepting sponsored posts, I will let my readers know.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Those whiskey rocks are a great idea! Just wondering though ... wouldn't the stone scratch the glass?

I enjoy your blog. As I'm also in Vancouver, so it's a great blog for local events and places. Thanks! :)

Unknown said...

We are careful when we place them in the glass but they are very smooth and not scratching!