2015 Holiday Gift Guide: Kitchen Equipment

Today's memo to Santa includes our favorite kitchen equipment. (BTW, in case you missed our previous installments, we have you covered on cookbooks and kitchen gadgets, too.)

Let's get cooking...er, shopping!
Erin, Amy, and Andrea

Disclaimer: These ideas are solely the opinions of your favorite bringers of hot dinner. No companies or manufacturers asked us to provide reviews or compensated us for writing about their products.

Erin's Favorites:

Immersion Blender: This handy tool makes pureed soups a whiz. Before I had an immersion blender, I had a bit of an incident pureeing hot soup in a regular blender. Let's just say I was cleaning soup from under the cupboards for years. Now my soup prep is mess-free. Use it to make Curried Butternut Squash Soup, a Berry Smoothie, or even baby food. --Erin

Le Creuset Dutch Oven: The husband bought me a 5 1/2 quart Le Creuset dutch oven several years ago, and it's one of my all-time favorite pots. Perfect for making Beef Stew, Pot Roast, or Andrea's Cincinnati Chili. If I had to choose one pot or pan to use for the rest of my life, this would be it. --Erin

Amy's Favorites:



Cuisinart PerfecTemp Stainless Steel Steel Cordless Electric Kettle: Last year, I had to give up coffee for health reasons. I switched to tea and this electric kettle helped me through those dark java-free mornings. It heats up water super fast, doesn't take up space on your stove top and has an automatic shut-off. Plus, there are settings for different kinds of tea -- black, white, green, oolong and delicate. There's even a French press setting for you coffee drinkers. --Amy





Instant Pot 7-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker, 6 QT: I buy myself a lot of cooking gifts and last year this was one of them. Totally worth it. In fact, for a while I  was saying I was cheating on my slow cooker with my pressure cooker. Truth is, I couldn't feed my family on the regular without both handy appliances. This model is easy to use and cleans up like a dream. See our 2015 Holiday Gift Guide post on cookbooks for a pressure cooker cookbook recommendation. As for what to make in yours, check out my Pressure Cooker Chicken Noodle  Soup, Midwestern Vegetable-Beef Soup and Shrimp Curry Under Pressure. --Amy



Vitamix Professional Series 500: I'm not sure what I could write to convince you go pay upwards of $500 on a blender. It makes no sense except it does. It beats paying $200 on a blender that you will never use. The Vitamix -- the one with programmable settings for smoothies, hot soups and frozen desserts -- is a fine machine. I'm sure we will have it years; it comes with a seven-year warranty. For the first year and a half or so, I used my Vitamix daily for smoothies for me and my husband and then we tired of smoothies every single day. I still use it a lot for smoothies. I also use it when I need to emulsify ingredients -- i.e. recently for a mole chicken chili. I have also used it to make banana ice cream. (Note to self: post smoothie and banana ice cream recipes to this blog.) Next year, I want to make more nut-based vegan creams and for that the powerful Vitamix is super handy because you don't have to soak the nuts in advance. --Amy

Andrea's Favorites: 

Cuisinart Pro Custom 11-Cup Food Processor: The more I cook, the more uses I find for my food processor. The tool makes so many preparations so much easier. I love using it to slice apples for Apple Crisp or Apple Pie. The list is endless. For those who love to cook, a food processor does it all, from chopping, slicing and grating to mixing and blending. I use mine to make everything from Triple Almond Chocolate Banana Pudding to Green Rice. --Andrea

Crock-Pot Programmable Touchscreen 6.5 Quart Slow Cooker: Thanks to the Slow Cooker Revolution cookbooks from America's Test Kitchen, I'm using my Crock Pot more than ever before. This model works beautifully and I like the digital count down for tracking the cooking time. The most recent meal I made in my slow cooker was Erin's Beer Braised Pot Roast. It's also great for Pork Tomatillo-Verde Tacos and Thai Peanut Pork. --Andrea

Ninja Professional Blender: This model offers 3-way speed control and a single serve blade. It comes with two single serve cups which are perfect for whipping up smoothies. The Ninja does a great job chopping fruit and veggies. It's perfect for emulsifying Berry Vinaigrette and Thai Dressing. And it's the next best thing to an immersion blender when you need to finish off Butternut Squash Soup. --Andrea

Feelings by Lady of the House

It was my sophomore year of high school, and I befriended the phenomenally cool, and oh so foreign exchange student from Germany. Of course she was stuck in the Midwest of all places, but she didn't seem to mind hanging out in basements, loitering at the bowling alley, or waiting in line at McDonald's. One evening, as I stared up at that golden, glowing menu, I proclaimed, "I feel like a milkshake." And the sweet, but totally confused exchange student asked me, "What is it to feel like a milkshake?" We both may never know.

However you're feeling today, here are a few links to take you away for a bit. Enjoy!

*** These paper boxes turn "clutter" into "categorized." Wouldn't they be divine with shortbread tucked inside? Go, have a look at all the pretty options at Smock.

*** Maybe the only thing more fun than enjoying the beautiful wrapping on this soap is tearing it off. Okay, I actually know that for a fact.

*** Can't wait to give one of these bags to each of my September birthday buds. Fabric and Handle serves it up chic and sensible. Yes, please!

xoxo

{ Lady of the House }

Turn it Up! by Lady of the House

I grew up on Paul Simon, James Taylor and the Beatles. The first concert I ever saw was Phil Collins. I have been teased for a particularly bright Bonaroo t-shirt, and at college in southern California I DID randomly bump into my brother at a Phish show. I may still argue the best way to listen to Super Tramp's Breakfast in America is flat on the floor with head phones and all the understanding of an 8 year-old. (Yes, I have memories of my mom laughing at me for singing the lines, "She's not much of a girlfriend. Never seem to get a lot.") You get the gist. But, I still say, nothing tops terrorizing the baby sitter (thanks to my sister's genius with the stereo) with the fabulous cacophony of Paul Simon's Graceland and the subsequent pandemonium of two, tiny little girls dancing their hearts out as they jumped from cushion to cushion, as if to say, "You don't get this. Go home, lady!"

Music is deeply personal, while somehow it does seem to tie us, connect us and weave a sort of fabric, if not a temporary one. It's why I'll always remember taking the doors off my Jeep for the hot days of high school and blasting Zap Mama, Fiona Apple, G-Love and Fleetwood Mac. It's a sort of siren call to a sensitive ear. Sixteen and wondering, if you play it loud enough, will someone hear what you do?

In an effort to harness a bit of those initial feelings of musical exploration and come to grips with the fact that my last family member in California has now moved to the East Coast, I've performed a valuable exercise--I've created the modern-day mix-tape. God bless iTunes for letting us behave like the animals we really are, while making us feel quite slick and technologically advanced. I submit to you (as sort-of gift queen around these parts) a MIX is one of the most thoughtful and wonderful gifts you could give.

My MIX is based on walking, or commuting. And it's hopefully not too melancholy. (I do tend to lean that way. Surprised?) Really the process itself couldn't be easier. Choosing is the difficulty. Give it a try. I'm guessing your recipient will be dazzled by the tracks you're just not sure about, or a bit reluctant to add. And it's so easy. Open iTunes, hang a right under Quick Links, click on Buy iTunes Gifts, and scroll down to Give Specific Music. It's perfect for the graduate, your hubby, or hey, your folks for playing the stuff for you in the first place!

xoxo

{ Lady of the House }

Change

I was all set to post about the cutesy-tootsie packaging I used to make my Ooey Gooey Caramel Chocolate Chunk Bars buyer-friendly at last week's Cookies for Kids' Cancer Bake Sale, but then something happened.

I became an auntie.

Jack, the most beautiful, talented, intelligent, and fabulous little boy the world has ever seen, entered my life in the wee hours of Thursday morning. Now that's really all I can think about. I want to hold him and snuggle him and nuzzle his fuzzy little head and kiss his tiny fingers. My appetite for pictures of Jack is completely insatiable. I'm trying to surpress that appetite with malted milk shakes, but it's not working. I WANT MORE JACK.

Instead of going on and on and on about Jack ("You've already done that," you're saying. Sorry. I can't help it!), I'm going to share with you my favorite make-ahead meals from Hot Dinner Happy Home. Because when a new baby enters your life, you bring food. It's just a thing. But please come back on Monday to find out about my bake sale tips!

Sleep-deprived parents will be happy that breakfast is taken care of when they're munching on these Coffee Cake Muffins.

Shepherd's Pie is cozy, delicious, and easy to reheat.

They'll forget Chinese take-out when you bring Cashew Chicken.

Turkey Meatloaf just like Mom used to make. Well, almost.

You know what sounds good when Junior goes to bed (finally)? Chicken Enchiladas.

Also don't forget about these gift ideas from the Lady of the House for the new parents in your life:

• Wrap food gifts in a tea towel for adorable presentation and convenient clean-up!
• Sophie the Giraffe. I've seen Lady's little princess playing happily with Sophie for hours. It really is a good gift!
• Champagne is always welcome.
• Ding-Dong-Ditch. Drop off a meal and skeedaddle. You'll giggle and the new parents will enjoy a few guest-free minutes.
• Babies love to snuggle up in Swaddle Designs blankets.
• Baskets aren't just for Easter anymore. Use one of these gorgeous containers to make your gift extra special. 

Oh Baby! by Lady of the House

My sister phoned me this week and asked me to compile a little list of my can't-live-without baby items. Maybe, like her, you're wondering what to get for your friends venturing into the wonderful and often mysterious world of parenting. Let's break this down into a few categories: gear, fluff, and life-savers.

Gear, glorious gear.

-The Inglesina Fast Chair

I, though not extremely germ conscious, love to have this in the trunk so I can clip our little one to any table around town. I also have this bolted to the kitchen island, and I try my best to channel Erin while I whip up baby food. You can take off the whole fabric portion and throw it in the washing machine.

-Beaba Baby Cook

This is one of those things I wanted because I thought it looked fun. Turns out it's actually a priceless tool I use every day. And yes, it's fun too.

Let's move on to Fluff.

-Sophie the Giraffe.

I'm not sure why, but this little lady is a favorite for children. She's iconic. She's apparently delicious. And she's the only way to get through the teething phase. Phase! Ha, that's funny. I guess I mean from about 5 months to 2 years of age.

-Sleep Sheep.

We live on a city street with buses, horns and sirens screaming past the nursery window at all hours, so Lambchops, as we like to call her, is a fixture.

Life-Savers, or things you're buddy will likely call you about again and again, thanking you profusely.

-Nose Frida.

Yes, this is a snot sucker, but it is the absolute best of its kind. I can't tell you the relief it is to be able to basically blow your baby's nose. They certainly can't do it!

-Swaddle Designs blankets.

These are the yummiest, best quality blankets that get better and better with each wash. Our baby has always slept amazingly well, and we have these blankets to thank.

If you want to give in another way...

-Drop off a home-cooked meal. And by drop off, I mean literally putting the grub on the doorstep, ringing the bell and running. You'll get to meet the baby eventually.

-When the baby is a bit older and on some sort of routine, call or email with a few dates you have open to babysit. This is so much easier for the parents to take you up on the offer.

-Call from the mall, the market, anywhere in civilization and see if your unshowered, exhausted, hungry mama friend is in need of anything. If she needs even a loaf of bread, you are so meeting the baby!

-Did I mention dropping off a home-cooked meal?

Be fabulous.

xoxo

Lady of the House

Showing Up by Lady of the House

Your social calendar is brimming, and yes, time is running short, but don't, I repeat, don't skimp on your hostess gifts. It's one thing being the host, now show how gracious you can be as a guest.

I'm not reinventing the wheel here, but I will say, my suggested gifts border on luxury and oh-you-shouldn't-have-yum!

1) Send a bouquet of flowers or an arrangement BEFORE the big event. What a fun little treat, and oh how useful for your already haggard friend.

2) Skip ordinary and lavish Ms. Dinner Party with decadent soaps from Claus Porto. She'll either pop them in the guest bath, or better yet, sneak them away to her quarters for that much needed soak once the guests have left and the dishes are done.

3) Got a light? Show up with the ambiance and the sparkle with a bundle of tapered candles. Seriously, it elevates even macaroni and cheese. Hostess with the Mostest will L-O-V-E you for it.

4) And if it's a quickie run to Trader Joes for a bottle of vino, at least dress it up with a fun, and might I add, conveniently re-giftable tote. Since we're not plucking the '94 Screaming Eagle from the cellar, we may as well take old Bogle to dinner in a fancy outfit.

Be fabulous, as usual.

xoxo Lady of the House

Hey Santa! by Lady of the House

A few years ago, my family and I took a detour to Christmas fun, and opted for a good old-fashioned-name-out-of-the-hat gift exchange. I'm happy to report that we landed at the same cheerful destination, but perhaps with a bit more distinction, a bit more flair. Whatever you call it--Secret Santa, Pollyannna, Kris Kringle--I think there's a lot to be said for focusing on a recipient and spending your hard-earned money in one place rather than frittering it on every last relative at the dollar store. If you take it seriously (which you absolutely should) it prompts a careful study of the recipient, and you may find yourself really calculating things, allowing yourself the time to be thoughtful.

This year, I took to the interweb (Erin's hilarious word--not mine) and decided to see what was out there. Could we elevate things? Could we transcend the spit-balled, handwritten, horribly torn post-it note with "MOM" scrawled in ball point? I mean, as much as I like getting mail that looks like a fraction of a ransom letter, I thought, there must be someTHING some nerd developed that makes this funny situation digital and perhaps anonymous. And enter, with pride I'll add, Boogspace.com. Don't laugh. It's the most ridiculous name, but quite the clever gifting tool, and from personal experience, I think you and your family will love it. You can make sure couples don't get paired up, and you can even make a wish list so your uncle doesn't buy you Spanx. um...

Happy family gifting!

xoxo

Lady of the House

Christmas for the Cook

For many years I've suspected that I'm a bit of a nerd when it comes to cooking.  But it was confirmed the year I received a chef's knife for Christmas...and was ecstatic.  Forget asking Santa for cool-kid things like jeggings or a record player (yeah, I think they're in again.)  Maybe someday I'll be a hipster.    

Until then, here are a few gift ideas for your favorite foodie, tried and tested in my (nerdy) kitchen:

For the Hostess with the Mostess:

Fashion Apron.  Yes, they exist.  And there's something so chic about an apron over a cocktail dress.  Check out Anthropologie, or pop over to your local consignment shop for some priceless vintage gems.  My sister gave me the apron pictured here last Christmas, and I loooooove it.  It makes cooking feel so glamorous.

For the Budding Chef:
The America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook.  This is my cooking Bible.  It tells you how to make everything, and how to make it well.  The instructions are clear and easy to follow, perfect for someone who's still gaining kitchen confidence.

For the Carnivore:
Digital Thermometer.  I was terrified to cook meat until I started using a digital thermometer.  Based on a Cook's Illustrated recommendation, I use the CDN ProAccurate Quick-Read Thermometer.  Pick one up at Amazon.com for $14.00  

For the Person You Want to Impress:
5 1/2-Quart Le Creuset Dutch Oven.  This sucker ain't cheap, but it will last you for infinity.  It's perfect for making, well, everything.  Plus it's beautiful.  (There I go, showing my culinary dorkiness.)  I got one from the husband for my birthday.  It's red.  I love it so much, I'm showing you a picture of how happy I was to receive it.  Again with the dorkiness.  Sigh.

For the Person Who Has It All...Or Who Makes a Mess Blending Soups:
KitchenAid Immersion Blender.  In addition to pureeing soups, use this handy tool to chop or blend stuff.  According to the little pamphlet that came with the blender, you can make guacamole, soup, salad dressing, baby food, dip, mousse, gravy, frosting, pancakes, and smothies.  Phew!  That's a lot of things.  I also got this for my b-day (thanks, Kelly and Jill!!), because I do make a mess blending soups.  A big mess.

This list should get you started.  Want more gift ideas?  Just let me know by leaving a comment, sending an e-mail, or posting a note on our Facebook page.  If you guys want, there's plenty more where these came from!