Clever Tribe- today is UNI-SEXY day. All gifts discussed today would be fitting for either sex and since I think cooking can be very sexy (when done in the right outfit) you will notice a lot of food related items on the list.
Not so Clever in the Kitchen?
Sur la Table offers cooking classes year round for singles or couples. I have a friend who met her husband in a cooking class for singles- turns out she is a horrible cook with no patience, but as luck would have it- he is a Rock Star and the kitchen is the stage on which he performs. I love going to their house for a glass of wine- she and I chat (yes, I do girl talk) at the bar while he flutters around dazzling us with appetizers, salads and entrees. As she does when I'm not there- she oohs and aaahs appreciatively- claps like a four year old and does the this-is-the-best-thing-I-have-ever-eaten eye roll. Usually she is right.
Clever Cooks
Now, what could be more fun than cooking together? Chopping, slicing, dicing, talking, drinking- some ass slapping- hugging, kissing- oh, and let’s not argue- there are likely to be very big knives around. Food is very sensual- fresh, ripe ingredients should be tasted from the fingers of one another, the lips of one another and … ok, I better stop there.
Here are some gift ideas to make your time in the kitchen a bit smoother. If you like your white wine perfectly chilled (or even your red) pop a bottle into the Waring wine chiller available at Williams-Sonoma for under $100.
I find cooking much easier with the right tools at my right hand. All-Clad has a lovely stainless steel seven piece cooking utensil kit in a stainless holder meant to be left out. Find it for $130 at Williams-Sonoma, but I found discounts on All-Clad cookware at www.metrokitchen.com. Also of interest in the All-Clad cooking family were the measuring cups and spoons priced well for stocking stuffers between $10 and $40 dollars.
I find glass bowls indispensable while cooking- they provide great surface area, are perfect for chilling before serving or for holding during preparation and best of all, are easy to clean and store. Williams-Sonoma has a ten piece set for $40
Tired of having to take apart a blender after making a protein shake in the morning? One of the most Clever kitchen tools I own is an immersion blender. Called thus as it can be immersed into liquid for blending. I use it to thicken soups, create a richer stock and to create purees without having to transfer hot liquid into a blender or food processor. This little gadget is ideal for making smoothies with fresh or frozen fruit- though, frozen berries can wreck havoc on a less sturdy immersion blender. I recommend the Bamix blender- it's pricey but most durable. It can be purchased at Williams-Sonoma or Macy’s for about $130.
For a quick and yummy lunch on the weekend, paninis are gaining popularity as are the panini makers. I like the Breville Ikon Panini Press- is can be found for about $80 at Bed, Bath and Beyond, Williams-Sonoma or Best Buy. My favorite recipe for a panini is a good fresh mozzarella or provolone cheese, vine ripened tomato, some arugula and a bit of pancetta. The Italian BLT- basil works really well too. Yummmm. Find the perfect bread at a local bakery- sandwich sliced rustic Italian is ideal.
Some really Clever gift ideas out of Sur la Table include slider cooking and preparation tools. As these little burgers are becoming a must have item for tailgates and game day- Cutters ($5), a basket to cook them in ($25) and a burger press ($25) seem invaluable. Some grocery stores and bakeries are making slider buns- but if you can’t find them, the cutter works for buns as well.
Love, love, love this one- a chili pepper grill rack. So fantastic for those who love to bring some heat! Fill your favorite peppers with your preferred ingredients and sit them upright in the rack for even cooking inside and out! $20 at Sur la Table.
No griller can do without a grill basket. For fish or veggies or even fruit it is a must have. $25 at Sur la Table for a durable and inexpensive one.
I am a big fan of soup, being from the north- it is a staple for the winter. You can be assured game day in our house was a big pot of home made soup, stew or chilli. I am forever in need of stock pots which are well constructed so as not to burn my creation. Le Creuset stock pots are available at Sur la Table for $30- $40 dollars in a variety of colors.
For those health conscious cookers- the Breville steamer is a fabulously versatile steamer with three large trays to cook a few vegetables, rice, shrimp or any other low fat fave. Sur la Table offers them under $100.
Clever Girls and Guys love Costco! I am a huge fan- love, love, love this place for gift items and Costco.com has awesome gaming furniture, house wares, home goods and outdoor furnishings. If you make it to the store, you will find bargains on wine, which rival any other store. For the wine lover, you can get some Wine Spectator gems at close to cost and if you buy a case you can procure a discount. Costco is also my go to book store. Deep discounts on just released hardbacks and during the holidays, they have every coffee table book imaginable.
I love the hand held grater/zester for $15 at Bed, Bath & Beyond.
Cleverly Clad and Carrying
For the traveling man- a Baekkgaard tie case for $46 on line at www.baekgaard.com is the perfect way to protect your neck accessories while on the road. In the same style of classic Herringbone, the travel shaving case for $50. I also love the uptown collection in colorful houndstooth and plaid- totes, wallets, business card cases- all at surprisingly reasonable prices.
The only thing I really do like about UGG, is that their slippers are warm and who really cares how stylish? Chances are, whoever you are wearing them in front of already knows you- knows you would never wear UGG boots with a jean mini-skirt and a crop top so what the hell? Further, they are usually right around $100.
Mountainsmith is a mecca for outdoor gear designed for the true sports man, woman and animal. Find pet packs here, in a variety of sizes and colors- the company has designed and tested an entire series of packs for lumbar fitness and comfort. They offer luggage and myriad options for camera storage and travel. Couples who camp together- both get chiggers. www.mountainsmith.com
The Home BODY
Each year, the Pirelli tire company produces a racy and sexy calendar- it’s pricy, but I have a very Clever friend who had the images mounted and framed simply for display about her home. The stir it caused when dates would come over to see half naked women on display! It is for the most part tastefully done and worth the money when you turn it into art. www.us.pirelli.com
Just Plain Clever
I have a Clever friend who called her mother-in-law, the chef in the family and asked her for pictures of her husband, his siblings and parents- as many as possible in the kitchen or eating. She also requested her mother-in-law's family recipes- written in her own hand. My Clever friend created an APPLE book on line combining the photos of the kids and family with the formulas for secret Italian dishes. She made a book for every member of the family and found herself in great and immediate need of Kleenex the minute the books were opened. Totally scored with the mother-in-law- Clever indeed.
Ok, enough for this week. Many gadgets next week on Tuesday as I continue to combine Clever Girls for Clever Girls and Guys. Tomorrow- I’ll help you navigate your way into the perfect wedding date and on Thursday, I’ll give the Clever Guys a few heads up for the big Proposal.
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