Chef Gift Ideas

Mother’s Day Gift Selection

admin — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:34:31 +0000

Gifts for Mother’s Day

Mothers deserve special attention and thought on this special day each year, and it is the perfect opportunity to show your mother how much you appreciate her. When choosing something for your mother or even mother-in-law spend a little extra time and thought in choosing something that will be really memorable and that she can treasure always. If you need inspiration why not take a look at our list of suggested items that may give you some great ideas for a lovely Mother’s Day gift.

When is Mother’s Day celebrated?

Mother’s day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May.

What would be considered ideal gifts for Mother’s Day?

When choosing a special gift for your mother or mother-in-law you need to consider their likes and dislikes, hobbies, interests and their personality. There is absolutely no point in buying a cooking utensil or cook book for you mom if she has no interest in cooking. On the other hand, if cooking is something your mom takes pride in then she would definitely appreciate a gift for the kitchen that she has been wanting for some time. However, if she enjoys wonderful gourmet food but not preparing it then you could choose a luxury gourmet food item!

The best way to discover her tastes is to look at the items she chooses for herself. One area that should give you a good indication is her collection of CD’s. She may be a classical music devotee or perhaps something more modern. Whatever her preference is you will be able to find exactly what you are looking for, be it a collector’s item or something mainstream. Shopping online you will find an array to choose from. And, of course, flowers are always appreciated and this can all be arranged online and delivered with a song if you choose!

Why not treat your mother to a gift that she would not normally choose for herself because she would consider it too frivolous or expensive. An exotic or interesting plant for the house or garden is a great idea if your mom enjoys gardening and nurturing plants. For something a little more luxurious and special a set of crystal cruets is usually very desirable. You could create a gift that is a little more epicurean and present your mom with some delicious gourmet food items such as unusual cheese and pate. The emphasis when choosing the right gift is not the cost but the thought that has gone into the choice.

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A Gift of Health the Mediterranean Diet

admin — Thu, 08 May 2008 01:31:51 +0000

The Healthy Mediterranean Diet

There many methods available today for anyone wishing to achieve optimum wellness. Infomercials on the television advertise various diet plans ranging from organic herbs to pills to liquid diets, stressing the advantages of these methods over conventional weight loss methods. Many people often experience difficulty finding a method that actually works however.

The healthy Mediterranean Diet, however, is based on age-old wisdom. Recent research has verified that this diet is proof of the saying that one man’s daily diet may be another man’s path to optimum wellness.

Greece has some of the lowest rates of certain types of heart disease worldwide. Current scientific research points towards a diet high in fruits, vegetables, fish, whole grains, legumes, low fat dairy products, nuts, and olive oil being highly beneficial for a person’s health, providing long-term protection against certain diseases.

The Mediterranean Diet stresses optimal health over weight loss, and current scientific research now shows that what the native Greeks have understood for many centuries and have demonstrated in their diet is effective at reducing the risk of contracting heart disease and certain cancers and at increasing life expectancy. The Greeks have also long understood the benefits of consuming olive oil.

“Mediterranean Diet” is, in fact, a generic term as the diet of the Greeks is rather varied, and Greek dishes show evidence of North African and Italian influence. The island of Crete has provided researchers with a wealth of health related information, as its residents have one of the lowest rates of heart disease on the planet.

Interestingly enough, as people from Western nations eagerly seek out the health benefits to be gained from diets in countries like Greece, many Greek youths are at the same time eagerly pursuing Western cuisine. This trend is proving to be somewhat antithetical to the wellness that the diets of the older Greeks bring them.

While older Greeks adhere to traditional diets of stuffed tomatoes, melons, salads, and yogurt, the younger generations of Greeks now regularly consume cookies, French fries, hamburgers, pizza, and soda pop. The resulting increase in obesity rates among younger Greeks has researchers predicting a rise in the rates of heart disease in the coming years.

The Mediterranean Diet replaces butter with healthy olive oil; fast food lunches with various fresh vegetables; chocolate and cola with fresh nuts and fruits.

Some people may wonder why they have not heard more about the Mediterranean Diet. This is because with the Mediterranean Diet, there is no special compound to drink, no special pill to buy, and no 12-step meal plan to follow – it is simply a healthy diet that anyone can follow with ease.

The Mediterranean diet works simply because it is based on common sense in eating choices. A rise in High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels is beneficial to the body and indicates that you are on the right track. The health benefits offered by olive oil are truly great, and traditional Greek cooking uses large amounts of fresh garden produce along with extra virgin olive oil. The popularity of these foods has played a large part in the decreasing rates of heart disease, colon cancer, and obesity and the rising life expectancies.

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A Housewarming Tradition

admin — Thu, 08 May 2008 01:25:11 +0000

The Housewarming Tradition The practice of giving housewarming gifts has a long history, and people often give anything from round bread loaves and salt to classic kitchen gifts as a housewarming gift. This tradition is still alive today, and exists as a way for new neighbors to forge friendships and better relationships with each other.

The Tradition, a look back as it may have happened.

Removing his cap and wringing it nervously between his hands, Boris watched as a member of Russia’s ruling party arrived, resplendent in full ceremonial custom. As the dignitary and his entourage entered the village, merchants paid their respects to him. Nervously, Boris ran back to his home and retrieved the gift that he and his wife, Yelena, had prepared for this occasion.As the visiting dignitary neared the edge of the village, Boris stepped forward to present him with a round loaf of bread that contained a mound of salt in the middle.

“What may this be?” the dignitary inquired of Boris.

“Bread for your good health and salt, for long life.” Boris replied nervously.

“This is for me?” the dignitary asked Boris.

“Yes. To welcome you to our village” answered Boris, as Yelena nervously brushed back a stray strand of hair, hoping that the official would not find the gift offensive.

The dignitary took the bread from Boris and breathed deeply, inhaling the scent of freshly baked bread. With a smile on his face, he said, “Such a wonderful welcome it is.” Hearing this, the rest of the villagers cheered.

Thus a new tradition was born. While historians have no definite answer to the question of how the tradition of giving housewarming gifts truly came about, many believe that something similar to that pictured above probably happened, giving birth to the tradition. Some even speculate that it started with the birth of Christ and the gifts given him by the Magi.

Whatever its origin, however, the tradition of giving a housewarming gift to one’s new neighbors or friends has been followed for countless generations. It has also shown itself to be useful for breaking the tension between new neighbors and showing close friends and relatives how much we care for them.

Many meaningful friendships can be traced back to the tradition of housewarming gifts.

Housewarming Etiquette

As a rule, housewarming gifts should be practical, and a kitchen or cooking gift is always appreciated by neighbors or friends who have recently moved into a new house. A housewarming gift need not be very expensive, and overly expensive gifts may even cause the recipient and other guests to feel uncomfortable or awkward.

So Many Choices

While some people may find outdoor gifts useful, most people appreciate gifts for the kitchen or cooking. Even bachelors often find themselves in the kitchen when they have to entertain guests, so housewarming gifts that are useful in the kitchen are more appropriate than you may think.

A Good Neighbor

In a society that is less and less sedentary, housewarming gifts have become the perfect method of showing your support for someone who has been distanced from his or her family. This simple act of kindness is often the foundation of lasting friendships and mutual support. We are, unfortunately, all too often unaware of our neighbors’ names, and a simple housewarming gift provides a welcome way to remedy this situation, helping us establish communications with our neighbors.

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Oil and Vinegar Cruets, gifts for any occasion

admin — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:39:38 +0000

Oil and Vinegar cruets are a popular gift selection. When choosing a gift for a special occasion one normally takes time to search for something that will be really useful, thoughtful and has lasting elegance. And, of course, price is a consideration. There are so many occasions when a gourmet gift is the appropriate choice, birthdays, housewarmings, mother’s day and anniversaries to name but a few.

A cruet gift set lends a certain Mediterranean elegance to every dining table and makes a stylish accessory to your kitchen. Today, design and function are focal to most cruet sets and an added benefit is that they are extremely versatile and use is not just restricted to dispensing oil and vinegar. For example, you can use any liquid to enhance the food you are serving and that includes not only oil and vinegar but other salad dressings, cream and syrups for desserts. However, they are mostly used to dispense oil and vinegar. Cruet sets come in a pair, one bottle for oil and the other for vinegar. The more contemporary idea of the all in one cruet means that oil and vinegar are kept in separately in one container. The most popular glass within glass cruet is the Grape design cruet from Cruets.com.

There are many shapes, designs and uses for cruet sets and they make a desirable addition to any home and add a touch of elegance to any occasion. They can be simple and contemporary or elaborate and sophisticated. Whatever type you choose for a gift item you can be assured they will be received as a tasteful and thoughtful.

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Storage of oils and vinegars

admin — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:33:05 +0000

Gourmet oils and vinegars are great gift items, but they do require some care.

The shelf life of vinegar can be years if they are pure and do not contain any other components. The same cannot be said for oils, and those infused with nut or sesame have a particularly short storage life. If oil has turned ‘bad’ you will be able to detect this in the aroma. Your oil should smell slightly fruity and have a distinct clean aroma. If you think that the oil is spoiled by storing for too long you should dispose of it as it will taint the flavour of any food you use it with.

Cruets for olive oil and vinegar are decanters, not storage containers.

The word cruet originates from the ancient name of cruse, crouse or cruyse depending on the country, and means small pot, flask or jug. Reference to ‘cruse’ is found in historical documents from that time.

Today, a cruet is understood to be a container for liquid that has a spout and is shaped like a jug. They may have stoppers but all have a flat bottom so that they can be placed on a table.

For religious purposes cruets are used during a Catholic Mass during the Eucharist and are normally made from cut crystal. In the context of cooking and dining, cruets are used to serve gourmet oils and vinegars. It is fairly commonplace to see a cruet set on most dining tables in Mediterranean countries.

The creation of cruet sets originated in France and was made of glass and porcelain. The trend spread to Italy whose cuisine was certainly dependant on the use of oil and vinegar. Its popularity has not waned and like all Mediterranean countries a cruet set is a standard culinary accessory in every household.

An immensely successful type of cruet, made in the Czech republic is the Grape Cluster Cruet. This type of cruet is made from hand blown glass and can dispense both oil and vinegar as it has two separate chambers. This cruet is popular as unique gift item, and is often used in fine Italian restaurants.

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Unique Bread Dipping Dish

admin — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 02:37:07 +0000

Bread dipping dishes are not limited to just olive oil. Many other ingredients can be used to create a myriad of dips with which to serve with fresh bread. Suggested additions to your oil could be garlic, lemon juice or fresh basil.

If you are enthusiastic about creating your own sauces and oils for bread dipping you might like the idea of olive tapenade, basil or sun dried tomato pesto which can be added to your oil for a more exciting taste. To get the best flavor from these additions you should allow all your blended ingredients to rest for around a quarter of an hour.

There are so many ways to create different taste sensations. If you want to create a spicier version of this dish you can add some crushed red pepper flakes to your olive oil and add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning. You can also include a dish of parmesan cheese which makes a wonderful combination when added to bread dipped in oil. All of these versions are guaranteed to appeal to your guests.

Breads such as Italian Ciabatta and Foccacia are ideal accompaniments to your oil dips and sauces, sourdough also works very well as does the classic French baguette.

Bread is not the only food item that can be used for dipping. Vegetables dipped in oil are a delicious alternative. To create a traditional Mediterranean appetizer dish just fill serve your flavored oils and sauces with either a selection of bread or vegetables, both can be dipped into the oil either way you choose will be delightful. The beautifully designed bread dipping dish is made of white porcelain. When filled with oil the effect is of lighter and darker hues of green on the inside of the dish, and is a really appealing feature of the design. It is a very attractive addition to any table and makes a wonderful wedding gift. The bread dipping dish is beautifully crafted and a pleasure to use because it is functional yet perfectly stylish.

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Bread Dipping Gift Set

admin — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 02:33:02 +0000

A Gift Set for Bread Dipping

A Bread Dipping gift set is the perfect gift for so many occasions. If wondering what to give friends who are moving into a new house, or birthday and Christmas gifts for friends and family, you can be confident that this Bread Dipping set will always be well received. Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Italy, exclusive herbs and spices in addition to four porcelain dishes for bread dipping are all contained in this gift set. All that is required from you is some wonderful bread, which you should slice thickly before you serve.

This is an amazingly healthy, delicious and novel alternative to other more staid appetizers that will now seem rather boring uninspired, such as the standard cheese and cracker platter. Bread dipping is rapidly gaining popularity because of the variety of flavors it can incorporate. It is simplicity itself and only needs the addition of fresh flavorsome bread, oils infused with herbs and spices, and creative sauces. This appetizer will always be a success and your guests will appreciate a change from the usual raw vegetable fare, and be keen to continue this trend in their own homes.

As you only need herbs, olive oil and dipping dishes you are assured a fantastic result.

Present your selected Mediterranean breads next to your stylish dipping dish filled with fine extra virgin olive oil and your appetizer will be most impressive. Whatever the time of day, whether casual or formal, this appetizer will be appropriate because of its versatility.

Your bread dipping appetizer can easily be prepared at home as long as you have a good bottle of extra virgin olive oil in your pantry. It is common to find a bottle of olive oil in most kitchens but this is generally used for cooking as it is quite bland in taste. As a rule, it is better to use a superior quality extra virgin olive oil for this dish as the flavor is so distinctive and is ideally suited for bread dipping.

Extra light olive oil is so named because of its color and taste, and not because it has any fewer calories than other olive oils. Because it does not have an intense flavor and is not as heavy as other oils it can ideally be used for baking in place of other corn or vegetable oils you may usually use.

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Unique oil and vinegar cruets that will not drip

admin — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 02:29:27 +0000

Cruets for drizzling

Something very irritating happens when using oil and vinegar and that can only be described as the ‘dripping effect’!

There is never an occasion when oil and vinegar condiments don’t seem to drip. This is a phenomenon that happens everywhere to everyone. The drip does not discriminate between professional chefs or those of us who are simply entertaining at home. Kitchen surfaces, cupboards, table linens, floors and aprons are all immune to the drip. The biggest culprit is olive oil which spreads everywhere leaving an unpleasant oily residue. Not to be outdone, gourmet vinegar can create just as many dripping problems and combined with the olive oil that has dripped you are left with greasy adhesive patches that are unpleasant to touch let alone clean, not to mention the damage they cause to anything they come into contact with. However, there is a very welcome solution to the problem, and this comes in the form of the drizzle cruet. Drizzle cruets are ingeniously designed to prevent any drips from your expensive gourmet oil and vinegar from escaping and dispense the ideal rate of flow, thus making you’re dripping problem a thing of the past.

The drizzle cruet is produced in Europe and manufactured from a laboratory tested glass called borosilicate which is resilient, and easy to clean. The designers of this product have teamed both practicality and distinctive European style. The drizzle cruet comprises of two pieces. The component that prevents the dripping effect is the funnel which is used for filling, and because of its design prevents any drips from falling. The ideal rate of flow of the oil and vinegar is due to the angle of the glass spout.

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Bread dipping gift

admin — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 16:50:28 +0000

A bread dipping gift set is an ideal selection for any occasion. A gift for the kitchen can be simple yet elegant. Maintaining a healthy diet can sometimes feel rather limited in flavor and choice. The Mediterranean diet, however, is an ideal alternative to other low-fat diets and includes a variety of healthy and delicious foods. For example, a popular Italian dish of bread, either sliced or cubed is dipped into oil. It is so simple. A dip of balsamic vinegar is also a favourite. Select freshly baked bread and you have the perfect appetizer.

Choosing the right kind of dipping dish has been made easy for you. Cruets.com has created the perfect dish for this appetizer. The dish is a little over 4” wide, is made of the same quality porcelain used in restaurants and is white in colour. It is not only very stylish but has the added bonus of being safe to use in a dishwasher.

To increase the intensity of flavour to your dip just add herbs of your choice to the oil, and place into the microwave for several seconds. Your dish will remain unharmed and the oil will be infused with the flavours you have added to it. You will also notice how appealing your dipping dish looks when contrasted against extra virgin olive oil or balsamic vinegar.

To create the best bread dip, only use extra virgin olive oil. Its superior quality and flavour make it the right choice for this dish. When preparing your bread dip a variety of herbs and spices can be used. You may like to consider adding sun dried tomatoes, basil, lemon juice and black pepper. More flavor from the herbs will be tasted the longer you allow the herbs and spices to soak, allow all the ingredients to be fully hydrated together in your dish before serving. Or, you may prefer to use the microwave method mentioned above.

If you are planning a dinner party or social gathering you will add flair to the event by serving a bread dipping as an appetizer. It is sure to please most palates and is a really attractive focal point for your table. The simplicity of bread dipping lends itself to any occasion, whether it be a late afternoon snack for your family or to share with guests informally. As long as you have extra virgin olive oil, a selection of bread and some herbs, you are minutes away from a gourmet experience.

The dipping dish from Cruets.com is elegant, contemporary, practical and makes a lovely choice of gift for friends and family whatever the occasion. Purchase the popular American Porcelain Bread Dipping dish from Cruets.com and add your choice of ingredients such as your own recipe dip, a bottle of exceptional balsamic vinegar or extra virgin olive oil and you have the perfect gift!

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Oil and vinegar drizzlers, that wont drip

admin — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 01:40:48 +0000

Oil drizzlers that will not drip are essential to being able to serve olive oil and balsamic vinegar at the table. No one enjoys the mess of olive oil drips on the table, fine linens, apron, or floor. For a perfect kitchen gift selection, consider a matched pair of non-drip oil and vinegar drizzlers.

The ideal drizzler cruet set is designed to drizzle oil or vinegar evenly when required. The set is made of two glass receptacles, each having the capacity to hold six fluid ounces. There are also two glass stoppers. The neck into which the stopper sits is flared and has a dual purpose. Firstly, it is the ideal shape for liquid to be decanted into it, and secondly, it prevents any drips from falling when either the oil or vinegar is being drizzled. An integral part of the glass spout is a pressure equalization vent. Being made of glass the cruet sets can be cleaned in the dishwasher. The importance of choosing the correct container to store vinegar is essential.

Because of its high acidic content vinegar has a corrosive effect when it comes into contact with metal. With this information in mind it would be wise not to purchase cruet sets that are massed produced and have metal stoppers. Always look for cork stoppers that will not degrade and subsequently contaminate the contents of the receptacle. A container made from borosilicate simax glass is laboratory tested and is the preferred choice. Because this material is similar to Pyrex glass it is easy to clean, hardwearing and non corrosive.

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