Holiday Gift Favorites of 2011

KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Mixer, Ice

How ridiculously adorable is this color? Not to mention it would go perfectly with my anthro latte bowls in seafoam. The kitchenaid mixer is a must have for a baker like me. Completely versatile and such a timesaver for holiday baking.

The River Cottage Bread Handbook

Once again, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall has won me over. Jarrod and I were recently relishing on old memories of our moms and grandmothers' bread machines. You know the ones where you add a bag of mix, water and push start then presto! Freshly baked bread 4 hours later! The house full with the smell of fresh bread can't be replicated(why hasn't someone tried that in candle form yet?). With hopes of getting a new kitchenaid mixer, homemade bread is definitely in my future.  



Iced Latte Necklace from Anthropologie

Who doesn't need another chunky necklace? This would put the perfect amount of glam into your New Years ensemble. I love the detailed diamond clasp that's magnetic for ease of wear.

Monogrammed Mug from Anthopologie 

I received one as a gift and when Jarrod came home, he was delighted to find that I had bought him a fancy new mug just for him...as much as I wanted to take credit, I kindly reminded him we have the same initials. At least now I know what to get him for Christmas!

Snazzy Greeting Cards by sweetharvey

Who doesn't need a constant reminder of how fabulous they are? These cards are adorably hand printed with the help of antique presses. 

Vintage Wood Calendar Chalkboard

This would be a great addition to any entry way. Hooks for scarves, storage for mail, and a place for quirky chalkboard notes. Score.

Check out last years list for even more ideas!

tur-duck-en

Soup

the makings of one of the many roasted soups we've enjoyed the past few months.

Halloween 2011

 Despite how busy we've been the past few months, we did get a chance to celebrate Halloween. 

We hosted a mini dinner party featuring squid ink pasta with pumpkin sauce, pumpkin beers, and a cheese platter to nosh on. 

We also made it to a pumpkin farm in Half Moon Bay. We were lucky enough to bring baby Thor, a mini dauschund along for the adventure. 

 We successfully got lost in a hay labyrinth for a good hour. But the beautiful day kept us going.  

 My sister announced that when she's rich and famous, a cheese platter like this one would be ready for her when she arrived home everyday. I agreed I'd have the same when I'm pronounced queen. 

Fall Harvest

 delicata squash and kale sauteed with onions, garlic, and a healthy pour of olive oil.

 don't be like me, caramelize your onions. add some freshly grated nutmeg and you've got yourself a fall harvest in a bowl.

Ahi

If I could afford it, I would eat Ahi Tuna errrry day. Crusted with toasted sesame seeds and seared in a smoking hot skillet for 2 minutes per side. Let rest for 5 minutes and slice against the grain. Serve simply with low sodium soy sauce or a mixture with teriyaki, sesame oil, and chili garlic paste. Heaven.

Crispy Sea Bass

Surf n' turf?

St. George Spirits Tour

ferry ride over the bay to Alameda 

tasty contenders 

pears for their delectable poire eau de vie 

infused vodka- buddah's hand, mandarin blossom, kaffir lime 

whiskey barrels

bottle of doom, habanero vodka

check them out, you won't be disappointed.