The new issue of RUE really put me in the holiday spirit and I thought I would put together a little list of some of my favorite things around the kitchen this year. And a holiday playlist to put you in the mood as you surf the snow-crested waves of the internet...

MARSHMALLOW WORLD

Let It Snow! : Les Brown & His Band

Baby, It's Cold Outside : Ann-Margaret

I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm : Dean Martin

Winter Time : Steve Miller Band

Fairytale of New York : The Pouges

Little Saint Nick : The Beach Boys

Ring Those Christmas Bells : Peggy Lee

2000 Miles : Pretenders

Chanukah Song : Adam Sandler

Swingle Jingle : Lionel Hampton

Santa Baby : Eartha Kitt

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus : The Ronettes

Marshmallow World : Darlene Love

This Year's Kisses : Nina Simone

What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? : Nancy Wilson

Listen here.

 

Like most writers, I love being surrounded by my books - their comforting presence is in every room. Here is a list of some wonderfully unusual and beautiful cookbooks for the book lover and cook on every list...

~ The photographs alone put Quay: Food Inspired by Nature at the top of this list.

~ I peeked at They Draw And Cook in the bookstore this week - I love the combination of illustrations and recipes so much.

~ A pretty penny (or several hundred) but it looks so fascinating and Taschen can do no wrong: Modernist Cuisine: The Art and Science of Cooking.

~ When I first started really learning to cook in my early twenties, the CIA's The Professional Chef was gifted to me and it's since become my kitchen bible.

~ I LOVE Sweet Myrtle & Bitter Honey - we've made a lot of the recipes and it always transports us to our little apartment in Palau, Sardinia.

~ Larousse Gastronomique is another classic and has been on my wishlist for nearly 15 years.

~ I would buy Flavour Thesaurus for the cover alone.

 

More ideas... food and goodies...

~ We love our Bialetti's - we even travel with them. Den prefers espresso so he has this, and I prefer cappuccino's so I use this one.

~ I have a huge crush on this measuring jug.

~ When we attended the Indie Craft Parade in Greenville, SC this fall, we discovered, then immediately fell in love with Sweeteeth. Peanut Butter & Chiplote is my favorite.

~ Only a few more days to get your order in with my friends Jenna and Mark - the marshmallows are to DIE for.

~ Last year my mom sent us a Zingerman's Olive Oil Cake. I think I ate the whole thing in a closet so I didn't have to share.

~ The label will get me everytime and this Tequlia is no exception.

~ Love the tea towels {and clutches} from Hammocks & High Tea.

~ I heart paper straws.

~ And these gold brushed bowls are seriously worthy of giving.

But the best? The best is to make something with your hands, your heart and happiness. You could try my Rosemary & Wine Applesauce or Rosemary & Honey Simple Syrup!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Comments

[robina]

Agreed on that last point. I'm actually doing some canning/cooking for my Uncle's Christmas present this year (we are doing a secret santa, and he's who I chose -- lucky for me, because he likes to cook as much as I do!). So far I'm making cranberry-apple jam and a spice paste for meats...but I really want a third thing and I'm not sure what to make. Any ideas? Maybe the simple syrup!

[Anna]

I love that you guys listen to some Peggy Lee...she is on our christmas playlist along with David bowie/bing crosby, Sinatra, judy garland...I have a dear friend who lives in the kitchen and now I'm not clueless about cookbooks. LOL.

[jen a]

robina love! aiming to do a post everyday next week about something you can make and give - lots of ideas coming ;) xo

anna - we loooove peggy lee ;)

xo

[Ashley]

oh i love this list! just secured a few of those measuring jugs! one for myself and one to gift! quick question: does the simple syrup need to be refridgerated once it is in the jar? and approx how long does it last? i'm looking to make a batch to jar and give with christmas gifts :)

[jen a]

oh ashley you lucky girl!

i refrigerate ours in an air tight container to be safe - it should last several weeks.