GIFTS THAT BRIGHTEN THE SEASON ~ PART TWO

(From www.roberturban.com)

Holiday entertaining doesn’t have to be stressful, especially when you can rely on the delicious high quality Italian imported foods from Alessi and Vigo.  Alessi Foods and Vigo Foods have been purveyors of fine imported Italian foods since the 1940s.  In terms of gifts, food items make the perfect gift, so consider curating a basket of these delicious food items for someone special on your gift list. 

I’ve put together some simple ideas about ways to use some of these delicious items for your holiday feasting and entertaining.  I’m keeping it simple and going vegetarian, although you can easily supplement any of these items for your holiday spread with cured meats, seafood, poultry, etc.  Enjoy!

~ HOLIDAY FEASTING ~

(Photo by T. Herman)

~ Alessi Foods ~

Condiments ~ Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and 20 Year Balsamic Vinegar

Pasta ~ Certified Organic Mezzi Paccheri Pasta, and Certified Organic Rigatoni Pasta

Sauce ~ Chunky Marinara Pasta Sauce, and Princess Pasta Sauce With Heavy Cream

Breadsticks ~ Pepato, Rosemary, Garlic, Sesame, and Thin

Antipasti ~ Sun Dried Tomato Pesto, and Fire Roasted Red & Yellow Peppers

~Vigo Foods ~

Antipasti ~ Marinated Artichoke Hearts, Marinated Hearts of Palm and Artichokes, Marinated Green Asparagus, Marinated White Asparagus, Marinated Mushrooms, and Pitted Kalamata Olives

MENU ~ A VEGETARIAN DELIGHT

(Photo by T. Herman)

~ Plated Antipasto Spread ~

Fire Roasted Red & Yellow Peppers, Marinated Artichoke Hearts, Marinated Hearts of Palm and Artichokes, Marinated Green Asparagus, Marinated White Asparagus, Marinated Mushrooms, Pitted Kalamata Olives, Sun Dried Tomato Pesto, Sweet Basil Pesto, Fresh Mozzarella, Assorted Crackers

(Photo by T. Herman)

~ Cannellini Bean Salad ~

With Fire Roasted Red & Yellow Peppers, Sun Dried Tomato Pesto, Sweet Basil Pesto, Capers,

Shallots, Parsley, Oregano, Himalayan Pink Salt, and Ground Black Pepper

Dressed with Simple Vinaigrette of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and 20 Year Balsamic Vinegar

My Recipe Take:  Cannellini Bean Salad…drain and rinse one can of low-sodium Cannellini Beans…add to mixing bowl, along with one T each Alessi Sun Dried Tomato Pesto, Sweet Basil Pesto, capers, dehydrated shallots, dehydrated parsley flakes, onion powder, garlic powder…mix thoroughly, then add ½ C diced Alessi Fire Roasted Red & Yellow Peppers…make a basic vinaigrette with the Alessi Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Alessi 20 Year Balsamic Vinegar and add, season to taste with Himalayan pink salt, and ground black pepper…mix thoroughly and chill in fridge for at least an hour (or overnight) before serving, to allow flavors to meld…add pasta to make this a heartier main dish.

(Photo by T. Herman)

~ Greek Yogurt Dip ~

Seasoned with Shallots, Parsley, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Sweet Paprika, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Himalayan Pink Salt, and Ground Black Pepper

Assorted Breadsticks for Dipping

My Recipe Take:  Seasoned Greek Yogurt Dip With Assorted Flavored Breadsticks…to about two cups of yogurt add the following…dehydrated shallots, dehydrated parsley, sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, Himalayan pink salt, Alessi Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and a splash of half n’ half (depending on consistency preference)…mix thoroughly, periodically tasting to correct any of the seasonings...chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour so all of the flavors can meld…serve with Alessi Flavored Breadsticks, crackers, or dips...the dip would also make for a great topping to a baked potato, chili, etc.

(Photo by T. Herman)

~ Main Course ~

Baked Certified Organic Rigatoni Pasta, Princess Sauce With Heavy Cream,

Chopped Broccoli, Provolone Cheese, grated Italian Cheese Blend, and White Truffle Oil

My Recipe Take:  Baked Certified Organic Rigatoni Pasta With Broccoli…preheat oven to 375 deg F…cook a one pound package of Alessi Certified Organic Rigatoni Pasta al dente…drain, and then add to a large bowl…add a 24 oz jar of Alessi Princess Pasta Sauce With Heavy Cream, ¼ C of sweet basil pesto, ¼ C half n’ half, and a one pound package of thawed chopped broccoli…mix all ingredients thoroughly...to a glass baking dish that’s been oiled with Alessi Extra Virgin Olive Oil, add this mixture and spread evenly in baking dish…top with Provolone cheese slices and then sprinkle with dried oregano…bake until cheese has browned (less than an hour)…let cool for at least twenty minutes before serving…slice a portion and then add some grated Italian cheese blend, along with a drizzle of White Truffle Oil.

~ ADDITIONAL TIPS ~

(From www.123rf.com)

Meat can also be introduced with the Antipasti and Main courses.  The “Antipasti” can include an assortment of Italian cured meats (e.g. Capacolla, Mortadella, Prosciutto, Pancetta, Soprasatta, Salami, etc.).  The “Main” course can also include browned sweet or hot Italian sausage, Italian style meatballs, etc.

Lastly, don’t forget to serve your favorite wines with the meal.  And of course, end your feast with some rich and flavorful Italian coffee, traditional sweets (e.g. Torrone, Panforte, Anisette Toast, Cannoli, Panettone, etc.), and some chilled Moscato.

~ CURATED GIFT BASKET IDEAS ~

(From www.frining.com)

Basket #1 ~ Italian Bean Salad

Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 20 Year Balsamic Vinegar, Sun Dried Tomato Pesto, Fire Roasted Red Peppers

Supplement with Cannellini or Garbanzo Beans, and Dried Herb Assortment

Basket #2 ~ Pasta and Sauce

Organic Mezzi Paccheri Pasta or Organic Rigatoni, Chunky Marinara Pasta Sauce or Princess Pasta Sauce With Heavy Cream, and Breadsticks

Supplement with Sweet Basil Pesto, Capers, Chunk of Hard Cheese, Cheese Grater, and Pasta Spoon

Basket #3 ~ Antipasti Assortment

Marinated Artichoke Hearts, Marinated Hearts of Palm and Artichokes, Marinated Green Asparagus, Marinated White Asparagus, Marinated Mushrooms, Pitted Kalamata Olives, Sun Dried Tomato Pesto, and Fire Roasted Red Peppers

~ Additional Items for Your Gift Baskets ~

Wine, Cheeses, Cheese Carving Board with Knife, Artisan Crackers, Dried Fruit, Honey, Honey Dipper, Desserts, Espresso Coffee, Cookbook, Gift Certificates for All-Things Culinary

~ RESOURCES ~

Alessi Foods and Vigo Foods are available online, and in market retailers nationally. For more information on Alessi Food, visit https://alessifoods.com  For more information on Vigo Foods, visit https://vigofoods.com

~ IN CLOSING ~

(From www.shorecompass.org)

While this festive season may have your thoughts focused on finding the right gift for someone, let’s not forget the best gift to give, which doesn’t cost any money, and that’s the gift of our time with those we love and care about…family and friends.  Lastly, don’t forget those in need…find a local or national charity and contribute what you can…that might even include volunteering for special projects, or sponsoring a food or clothing drive in your neighborhood, place of worship, or at your work place.  To you and yours, I wish you peace, joy, and love!

That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to always celebrate yourself and your culinary curiosity.  Happy creating…happy cooking…happy eating!

By Terry Herman

TERRY HERMAN continues perfecting her passion for food and wine.  She has been covering culinary related for many years as it relates to wellness and a healthy lifestyle.  Her popular blog, Terry's Spa, Beauty and Wellness Go-To has featured formidable reviews of cookbooks, restaurants, wine and food, food prep and tools, chef interviews, and coverage of prestigious events such as International Home+Housewares Show, National Restaurant Show, Sweets and Snacks Expo, United Fresh, and Food Marketing Institute.  She has served as a food judge at the Bellavita Italian Expo Excellence Awards (Chicago).  She has been published since the mid-1990s in both consumer and trade publications, and is regarded as an expert in spa, beauty, wellness, travel and lifestyle, and is frequently interviewed by publications for her expert content.  She has also presented at major industry conferences, and has served with distinction on numerous governing and advisory boards.  She has a background in strategic and qualitative management, consulting, and motivational speaking.  In addition to her blogs, her social media outreach also includes Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  Don’t forget to “Like” her Facebook Page, Terry’s Second Helpings.  Please note that the “Comment Section” has been disabled.  For additional information, email her at terry.herman@gmail.com.

ALL MATERIALS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

(Photo credits as indicated, or as represented by the specific brand.)

GIFTS THAT BRIGHTEN THE SEASON ~ PART ONE

(From www.trendymods.com)

Holidays are a wonderful time of the year to gift the cook or foodie on your list.  And while the choice(s) for gift giving may pose some challenges, my hope is that in this year’s guide I’ve eliminated this quandary with some of my gift suggestions.  This year’s guide includes food, wine, kitchen prep and cooking tools that add those extra touches sure to add some sparkle to the holidays.  Enjoy!

 ~IN THE KITCHEN ~

(Photo by T. Herman)

Lamson Sharp ~ 3.5” Paring Knife With Rosewood Handle

Since 1837, Lamson Sharp has been making precision knives in the USA.  Made of high-quality forged German steel, this ergonomically and well-balanced designed implement includes a tang extension into the Natural Rosewood handle; the brass rivets further add to the stabilization; the bolster makes it easy to grip the knife for ease of cutting and wrist action. The super sharp blade and balanced weight make for precise peeling, cutting, mincing, or coring of fruits and vegetables.  

(Photo by T. Herman) 

Microplane Kitchen ~ Food Slicer, Herb Mill 2.0, Master Series Coarse Grater, and Zester

Microplane Kitchen implements are a must-have for the cook or chef, regardless of their level of culinary proficiency.  Herb Mill is made of dual-action super sharp stainless steel blades that finely mince herbs with a simple twisting motion without bruising or blemishing the delicate herbs; there's also a stripper with holes for threading herbs and stripping leaves from stems; works also with dried herbs.  Food Slicer is made of durable ¼” serrated blades ideal for uniform slicing of softer fruits (including tomatoes), vegetables, and HB eggs without bruising the flesh; non-skid stabilizing bottom; dishwasher safe.  Grater and Zester are made from precision 18/18 stainless steel blades for precision grating or zesting, and genuine oiled walnut handles with brushed stainless framer; balanced and ergonomically designed for ease of use and handling.  The Grater is perfect for grating soft cheeses, coconut, carrots, garlic, and chocolate, and yields more substantial results; the Zester is ideal for zesting citrus fruits, ginger, chocolate, nutmeg, cinnamon bark, and cheese, and yields finer results.  These Master Series implements are beautifully designed and culinary work of art.

~ FOOD ~

Field Roast Grain Meat ~ Hazelnut Cranberry Roast En Croute

Even if you’re not a vegan, this delicious plant-based roast makes for a filling and nutrient-dense meat alternative.  The fillings of this loaf are savory and sweet with just the right amount of delicate flaky pastry crust.  Traditional sides make for the perfect holiday meat alternative feast.  This is so tasty, that you won’t miss the meat!

Claxton Fruit Cake ~ Old Fashioned Traditional Fruit Cake

Hands down, this is the finest Fruit Cake I’ve ever tasted!  Premium quality ingredients like golden raisins, cherries, walnuts, almonds, pecans, pineapple, lemon peel, and orange peel are baked in a rich golden pound cake batter.  The taste result will definitely change any fruitcake naysayer's attitude with the first bite!

 

Cobram Estate ~ Australia Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil and California Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Both the Australia Select and California Select are first harvest and cold pressed, which preserves the delicate fruity aspects of the olives and integrity of the oil.  I found the Australia Select to have a grassy and tomato taste with a pronounced peppery bite in the back of the palate; overall, it was delicious and aromatic.  I found the California Select to have a fruity and floral taste with a pronounced peppery bite throughout the palate; it was also delicious and aromatic.  Both were great with crusty Italian bread, or used in a simple Caprese salad or simple garden salad.  I also loved the beautiful green color of each, as well as the clever built-in pour caps that dispensed just the right amount of this liquid gem.  Be sure to check the website out for retail locations in your area that carry these outstanding products.  Meijer, for example, is a major retailer of Cobram Estate products.

Echelon Foods ~ Bacon Wrapped Turducken Premium Roast

This Turducken Premium Roast is a meat-lovers dream come true.  Layers of succulent and meaty deboned Turkey, that’s stuffed with a deboned Duck, then stuffed with a deboned Chicken; between each of these flavorful layers are additional layers of spicy Italian sausage stuffing.  The final “tah-dah” is a Premium Roast that’s generously wrapped with Bacon! 

(Photo by T. Herman)

Honey Ridge Farms ~ Honey Crème Blood Orange Honey, and Serrano Chile Balsamic Honey Vinegar

This organic Honey is at home used as a sweet or added to a savory dish, and the Blood Orange flavor is like biting into a juicy segment of the fresh fruit.  It’s perfect in hot tea, yogurt, hot cereal, on pancakes or French toast.  If you want to jazz up a quick vinaigrette, add the sweet and savory Serrano Chile Balsamic Honey Vinegar to some good quality olive oil and dress up garden fresh greens; to accentuate the sweetness, try adding some of the Honey Crème Blood Orange Honey to the mix for a sweet and savory vinaigrette!

(Photo by T. Herman)

Wild Hibiscus Flower Company ~ Flower Extract, Rose + Hibiscus Flower Extract, and Wild Hibiscus Flower Pyramid Salt Flakes

These pure Extracts are delicious, and the perfect addition to special drink creations, smoothies, desserts, yogurt, brewed teas, or fruited waters.  The Salt Flakes are also delicious, and add a taste dimension to any grilled or roasted meats and seafood.  They’re also delicious added to roasted vegetables, or dips, and ideal for rimming a margarita glass for that special libation.

~ WINE ~

Mercer Wine ~ Mercer Estates Rosé 2015 (Washington)

This is a crisp and fruity dry wine that complements any type of food, and is delicious chilled.  Frozen fruit cubes are the perfect add and make for a beautiful visual effect.  Try adding one of the Wild Hibiscus Flower Extracts for added taste and visual pizzazz.

Mommy’s Time Out Wine ~ Garganega 2015 Pinot Grigio (Italy)

This is another crisp and fruity wine semi-dry wine that complements any type of food, and is delicious chilled.  It’s also ideal for adding frozen fruit cubes for a beautiful visual effect.  Try adding one of the Wild Hibiscus Flower Extracts for added taste and visual pizzazz.

~ ENTERTAINING OUTDOORS ~

BakerStone ~ Pizza Oven Box

If you have someone on your gift list that’s a grill-meister that wants to impress their guests with making gourmet pizza outdoors, then this is the perfect gift item for them.  The Pizza Oven Box works best on a three-burner (or larger) gas grill, although it can be used on a large charcoal grill.  The Pizza Oven Box converts a gas grill to perform like a super hot wood burning pizza oven, from 450 deg F to 750+ deg F; it also can be used to bake bread, roast meats, fish, or vegetables.

Picnic Time ~ Highlander Picnic Basket

The perfect Picnic Basket to dine in style outdoors.  Includes everything you need to service four; includes hand-blown wine glasses, porcelain dishes, stainless steel flatware, stainless steel salt and pepper shakers, hardwood cutting board, stainless steel knife, corkscrew, lidded food storage container, insulated wine duffel, and blanket throw.  Made of sturdy willow with rattan collapsible handles.

~ DON’T FORGET THE GIFT CARDS ~

While some may not appreciate these, sometimes the gift-giver isn’t quite sure what that perfect gift might be.  Trust me, if the recipient is a cook or foodie, there’s no end to the possibilities of gift cards available to add that glimmer in their eyes; those unlimited possibilities include restaurants, specialty shops, import food and wine stores, cooking classes, food-related trips, cookbooks, etc.  And, while I rarely return gifts I’ve received, I’ve always welcomed receiving gift cards, and using them.

~ RESOURCES ~

BakerStone Pizza Box ~ http://www.bakerstonebox.com

Claxton Fruit Cake ~ https://www.claxtonfruitcake.com

Cobram Estate ~ http://www.cobramestate.com

Field Roast Grain Meat ~ http://fieldroast.com

Echelon Foods ~ http://www.echelonfoods.com

Honey Ridge Farms ~ https://honeyridgefarms.com

Lamson Sharp ~ http://www.lamsonsharp.com

Mercer Wine ~ http://mercerwine.com

Microplane Kitchen ~ http://us.microplane.com/microplanekitchentools.aspx

Mommy’s Time Out ~ http://www.mommystimeout.net/home

Picnic Time ~ http://www.picnictime.com

Wild Hibiscus Flower Company ~ https://www.wildhibiscus.com

~ IN CLOSING ~

(From www.wallpaperwide.com)

While this festive season may have your thoughts focused on finding the right gift for someone, let’s not forget the best gift to give, which doesn’t cost any money, and that’s the gift of our time with those we love and care about…family and friends.  Lastly, don’t forget those in need…find a local or national charity and contribute what you can…that might even include volunteering for special projects, or sponsoring a food or clothing drive in your neighborhood, place of worship, or at your work place.  To you and yours, I wish you peace, joy, and love!

That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to always celebrate yourself and your culinary curiosity.  Happy creating…happy cooking…happy eating!

By Terry Herman

TERRY HERMAN continues perfecting her passion for food and wine.  She has been covering culinary related for many years as it relates to wellness and a healthy lifestyle.  Her popular blog, Terry's Spa, Beauty and Wellness Go-To has featured formidable reviews of cookbooks, restaurants, wine and food, food prep and tools, chef interviews, and coverage of prestigious events such as International Home+Housewares Show, National Restaurant Show, Sweets and Snacks Expo, United Fresh, and Food Marketing Institute.  She has served as a food judge at the Bellavita Italian Expo Excellence Awards (Chicago).  She has been published since the mid-1990s in both consumer and trade publications, and is regarded as an expert in spa, beauty, wellness, travel and lifestyle, and is frequently interviewed by publications for her expert content.  She has also presented at major industry conferences, and has served with distinction on numerous governing and advisory boards.  She has a background in strategic and qualitative management, consulting, and motivational speaking.  In addition to her blogs, her social media outreach also includes Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  Don’t forget to “Like” her Facebook Page, Terry’s Second Helpings.  Please note that the “Comment Section” has been disabled.  For additional information, email her at terry.herman@gmail.com.

ALL MATERIALS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

(Photo credits as indicated, or as represented by the specific brand.)