My favorite things

December 9th, 2010 by justJENN

Let’s face it, the holidays are all about food. And with so much cooking and baking going on, there are a few key things that I rely on in my pantry – here’s a list of some of my favorites, which also happen to make great holiday gifts…

1. Matcha (info here)
Matcha aka green tea powderis what is commonly used for making green tea ice cream (recipe here) at home, but I’m quite fond of using it to make Yoda Cookies. It’s pricey, that’s for sure. But you can’t beat it for true flavor and of course color!

2. Mario Batali Measuring Prep Spoons (info here)
Oh man, I LOVE these measuring spoons! They are perfection because not only do they nest in themselves, but there is a little magnet imbedded in each of them so they don’t get lost in your drawers! Genius. That, and the colors are gorgeous AND they make great stirring spoons.

3. Moleskine Recipe Journal (info here)
This is a new line of ‘passions’ journals from Moleskine. This particular one: “Moleskine Passions Recipe Journal” is the bomb. If you keep track of recipes, either write your own or copy them from books/friends – this thing is the best. It has the perfect layout and allows you to keep all your favorite recipes in one tidy place. I’m sure it makes a great gift, but I’m keeping mine all for myself…

4. Cupcake liners from Bake it Pretty (info here)
I make so many cupcakes each week – I need to have liners GALORE and Bake it Pretty has some of the most gorgeous ones out there.

5. Peanut Butter & Co. Peanut Butter (info here)
I was crushed (like a peanut) when I found out the Kid was allergic to Peanut Butter. It meant that I couldn’t make him the most amazing peanut butter desserts ever. Luckily his allergy went away – and that opened a flood gate of baking for me – just check out ALL my peanut butter baking recipes!! Peanut Butter & Co. Peanut Butter is the best peanut butter, hands down. Packed with flavor and freshness, it’s great for eating but even better for baking.

6. Nigella Lawson Nesting Measuring Cups (info here)
I love Nigella Lawson and these measuring cups are to die for. They are sturdy, BEAUTIFUL and useful. They are pricey – but they make a lovely gift for that special baker in your life. You should ALL have special bakers in your lives because they reward you in pastry.

7. Bakery Boxes from Webstaurant.com (info here)
I adore packaging and plating and Webstaurant.com has some awesome things that even home cooks like me can use and appreciate. I LOVE their selection of bakery boxes because you know, I need to organize EVERYTHING, even my cupcakes…

8. Kitchenaid mixer (info here)
This final one is obvious. I’ve had hand held mixers, but nothing can match the power and precision of a KitchenAid. Um…I have two of them. Hey, I bake like 70 cupcakes a week, what do you want from me?? The second one was actually a hand me down from my mom, but I’d much rather have one big ol’ 6 quart than two 4 quarts. sigh. Someday. I’ll have one in every color. ~dreams~