Foodies- I need your help!!

[just_teachin]

My sister is a bit of a gourmet, and there's a Penzey's Spices shop near where I take Corinne to the children's museum (but isn't in typical driving distance for my sis). I'm thinking about doing a gift basket of spices and stuff for her for Christmas.

What would you suggest? Any gadgets to throw in too??

Thanks!!!

OOopps-- didn't see the "What's Cookin" until just now... hope it's okay to have this here!

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Heather
Mommy to Corinne, 11/17/04
6/7 SAHM, 1/7 Kdg-8th grade music teacher; 7/7 Bargain Huntress
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_sapphire_24m.gif Proudly breastfed for 24 months and 7 days! Corinne has self-weaned!

[SnuggleBuggles]

Is she more of a cook or a baker?

Baker- vanilla extract. The Mexican vanilla extract is a good value compared to Madagascar and has a great flavor. Then I would do a Silpat sheet for her cookie sheets.

I haven't really spent much time at Penzeys. I usually just pop in for vanilla. :) I buy my spices in bulk at the co-op. Hopefully someone else will have good ideas!

Beth

[dules]

They have really nice gift boxes. That's what we're doing for my sister and BIL. My brother the chef is getting a gift card so he can pick.

Mary

[just_teachin]

As for cook vs baker, she dabbles in both... but she's expecting her second kiddo in the spring, so the baking will likely take a back seat for awhile.

I thought I'd do a mix of savory cooking spices and some baking ones, too.

Thanks!
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Heather
Mommy to Corinne, 11/17/04
6/7 SAHM, 1/7 Kdg-8th grade music teacher; 7/7 Bargain Huntress
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_sapphire_24m.gif Proudly breastfed for 24 months and 7 days! Corinne has self-weaned!

[elephantmeg]

I just bought a bunch of stuff from them, a curry set for my bro for x-mas, some mural (awesome!), some pasta seasoning, some stuff for my secret santa present and a bunch of sandwich sprinkle (like 5 small containers) for stocking stuffers. I had a great time looking through the website and am having a better time yet with the catalog so the store would have to be even cooler. It sounds like they have a "make your own" collection option (box plus the packing "materials"-bay leaves etc) or you can buy one of their sets. Here's the gift box section

http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/c-Gift_Boxes.html

I'm loving the stuff I ordered!

[Dcclerk]

I just did the make-your-own gift box for my dad, since he is impossible to shop for, but likes to cook. I really can't remember all that I chose to go in there, but I'll tell you some of my loves....

1. Sandwich sprinkle. Sounds weird but I liberally applied that to some sweet potatoes for some oven fries and they were absolutely TDF.

2. Shallot salt. I use this for everything. It has an amazing flavor.

3. Taco seasoning. I use this a surprising amount, and it is much cheaper than the various packets you can get at the supermarket.

4. Cinnamon (I think I have the one from China). It's really amazing cinnamon. I didn't think there could be much of a difference, but there is.

5. Green Goddess dressing mix. I haven't used it for a dressing, yet, but it has popped into all kinds of dishes like spinach dip, and really added a nice touch.

6. Foxpoint Seasoning. I use this in everything. My kids LOVE it in their eggs. I just made a quiche with it on Thanksgiving, and it was an absolute hit. I also like throwing it in with pasta, oil, tomatoes and basil.

To be honest, we have about 20 other seasonings from Penzey's, but those are the ones that I go through the most quickly. We also have some Madagascar double strength vanilla and some hot chocolate mix, but I can't say that I find them to be any better than the stuff I get at Trader Joe's, and they are a little pricier.