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NOTABLES: Books, Tools & More
Gifts of Good Taste
Food Gifts A Foodie Gives
Weíve tasted and tested, given and been given many food gifts. These are the ones that get (always favorable) comments. They wonít disappoint.
For chocoholics:
We prefer dark chocolate on most occasions but this is a treat weíll gladly waste the calories on. World Finest Milk Chocolate Covered Continental Almonds are addictive. We are not the only oneís who think so, itís their best-seller. best%20sellers</a>.">Click here to see more and purchase.
We love sipping chocolate. Vosges Haut Chocolate makes a spicy version called Aztec Elixir. The traditional English variety made by Charbonnel et Walker is a little lighter and can be made with water.
The most discriminating foodies on your list will love artisanal cured meats made especially for Sur La Table, by Salumi, Mario Batali's dadís company in Seattle. The Salumiô Cured Meats Collection includes Agrumi (pork with cardamom and citrus), Coppa (dry-cured, marbled pork shoulder rubbed with pepper and pepperoncini) and Guanciale (dry-cured pork used by Old World chefs to flavor vegetables, sauces and more). Approx. 3 lbs. total weight. Order early. To purchase click here - www.surlatable.com.
Cheese please. Paula Lambert's Mozzarella Company in Dallas handcrafts fine artisanal cheeses that are always a hit. The Texas Sampler, 1 pound of Texas basil caciotta, 1 pound of ancho chile caciotta, and 1 smoked scamorza is a good choice.
Trust us, itís goode. Give one of the best pecan pies you will ever eat, which comes in a tasteful wooden gift box. www.goodecompany.com
We're big fans of Hamilton, Texas-based Pedersonís Natural Farms for their superb nitrate-free sausages and bacon. Weíre especially partial to their Uncured Sweet German Sausage and Uncured Apple Smoked Bacon. There's more, like turducken and hams at www.healthypork.com.
Allen Brother's steaks get rave reviews. These guys supply some of the most prestigious steakhouses across the country. www.allenbrothers.com
Happy gifting, and happy holidays!
Breakaway from the Ordinary
As a working mom with young kids and a special interest in food and cooking, any recipe or cookbook touting quick and easy gets a second glance. But the problem with the genre is that the recipes can be dull or replace fresh foods with overly processed prepared and convenience foods.†
††† The first time I picked up Eric Gowerís The Breakaway Cook I opened to a mouth-watering†photo using frozen peas (I have bags and bags in the freezer.) and two favorite ingredients ñ fresh tarragon and pistachios. And that was before I realized this was a quick and easy kind of book.†
††† So what is breakaway cooking? Itís not as cutting edge as fusion, but it uses flavor-packed,†unconventional ingredients that are conveniently available online and in ethnic markets. Gowerís breakaway style injects some exciting flavors into the genre of quick cooking.
††† The book includes a helpful list of essential items for the pantry and refrigerator ñ things like chutney, tofu and miso. And Gower goes on to explain the ingredients that might be unfamiliar to some, like maccha, a thick green tea drunk during formal tea ceremonies. Donít miss Ahi Salad with Plum, Asian Pear and Avocado, Orange-Fennel Risotto, Flank Steak with Tamarind-Tomato Chutney and even Maccha Truffles. If bored with your current repertoire of recipes, pick up Gowerís book for easy-to-follow recipes full of new flavors.
To purchase, click here ñ www.amazon.com
Wood Fired Pizza at Home...On the Patio
Now here's a grand idea. I've always thought those built-in wood-fired pizza ovens for home were nifty, but they sure can heat up a kitchen. Enter Sur La Table's terra cotta oven which is hand-crafted in
Portugal, made for outdoors and
conveniently on wheels. There's a removable metal-lined wood door for controlling temperature and a metal rack allows cooking on†two levels. Package includes oven, stand, cover, pizza paddle and brush. $2000 includes shipping.
To purchase click here - www.surlatable.com.
Fun Foodie stuff on the webÖ
The authors and editors of the Joy of Cooking have launched a website www.thejoykitchen.com. Membership in The JOY Kitchen is free. Users will be able to participate in contests, contribute to online discussion forums where visitors share their favorite recipes, JOY stories, and much more.
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Are you a sandwich nut? Then check out Lisa Cherkaskyís blog devoted to the mighty sammy. Cherkasky is a Washington, DC-based food stylist, writer and cook. www.midnightsnack.wordpress.com
Check out Whole Foods Marketís weekly online cooking show called Secret Ingredient hosted by Scott Simons. The video podcast showcases a special ingredient offering practical ideas for home cooks to explore the flavors and uses of that item. Ingredients might include an artisan goat cheese or nitrate-free proscuitto that is featured in a recipe. Find it at www.wholefoodsmarket.com/secretingredient†or on iTunes. | 
