Stuffs

So, it’s probably too late to talk about stocking stuffers, but I’m going to…because they’re too cute not to share. My husband and family find me the cutest kitchen gadgets to surprise me with.

This year, I got

These beautiful “hand-painted” measuring bowls from Pier 1 (from my mom).

And these nifty measuring beakers (from Mr. J) [These are from OXO. There is a 4th one, the smallest, but it's in the dishwasher.]

These measuring matryoshkas (From Mr. J) [a Fred product]

And this long dog appetizer server – perfect for mixed nuts or olives (from Mr. J)

Two years ago, I got these adorable timers.

Love it!

Holiday Recap

I know you’ve been wondering…this was the Christmas morning breakfast scene at my parents’ house:

The menu included a MEAT TRAY (bacon, country ham, and pigs-in-a-blanket…we almost made sausage, too, but decided to reel it in a little), buttery grits, scrambled eggs, and various juices (grape for the boys and tomato for me). I also made biscuits. I even referenced the blog on my phone for the recipe. Of course, Mr. J enjoyed pie with his parents on Christmas morning, too!

How’d you fare with kitchen equipment this year under the tree? I racked up…and I LOVE it all. I got TWO Smitten Kitchen cookbooks, and I’m really enjoying it so far. I love Deb’s writing, and her photography is to die for, as always. I’m looking forward to a few recipes in there, too! I also got TWO hand mixers, and I think I’m going to keep them both. You need 3 mixers, right? (I also have a Kitchen Aid stand mixer.)

All of the stuff from my wish list made it into my stocking: a Silpat, baking sheets, a zester, and a red wine aerator (a very nifty contraption).

I also got a mini egg skillet for making my newest obsession: sunny-side up eggs. Another neato item I got from Mr. J was an OXO cookbook holder. I like to pull up recipes on our tablet, and this holder keeps it up off the counter and protected from flying powdered sugar and drips. Very handy!

I’m sure I’m forgetting something…if so, that just means there’ll be another blog post…hooray!

Our little Chicken had a big Christmas, too. Here he is in his jolly, red suit:

My Visual Christmas List

Since it’s Black Friday, I thought I’d bring on the Christmas!

As usual, kitchen tools dominate my Christmas list. On a recent trip to Bed, Bath, and Beyond, I snapped a few photos of items I’m wishing for this year.  You’d think by now, I’d have every tool there is out there. I’m definitely thankful for lots of storage.

These are expensive, but I’ve always wanted some. They are very handy in the kitchen. I would use them for baking and pasta making…and I’m sure there are many more uses!

I’d like some new baking sheets / jelly roll pans. I won some Chicago Metallic muffin tins at Food Blog Forum last year, and I’ve been pleased with them.

I have a really janky way of zesting limes and lemons with a grater that isn’t appropriate for the task. I really like OXO products, too.

This is an aerator for wine. I saw a similar contraption in action at a wine-connoisseur friend’s house. It livens up red wine without a decanter. Pretty nifty! The only thing is it kind of gurgles as the liquid goes through. It definitely took us by surprise at the dinner party where I first saw it.

I’m also hoping for a new hand mixer [sorry, no picture]. My current one has rusty beaters, and we can’t have that, can we?

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I show and mention specific brands above. This isn’t a sponsored post in any way. I’m just sharing my opinions!