CLAUDIA’S FOODIE GIFT GUIDE VIDEO

Hey Guys!

Here’s a little quick and dirty video on the things I like to get and give. Click on the name of the items below the video to buy them right now.(I’m not making any money off of these links. These are just things I love to get and give.)

MINI SILICONE SPATULAS $5 +

I bought them because they were on sale and I use these all the time. After the holidays the themed spatula’s will go for a buck. Click Here for the the link to a 6 pack.

BUTTER SLICER $3 +

This is a great tool when making anything that requires cold butter or for making compound butter.

OVEN THERMOMETER $5 +

I didn’t realize what a liar my oven was until I used this thermometer.

NAPA STYLE FENNEL SPICE RUB $8.50 +

I tend to stay away from pre-mixed rubs because they don’t tend to be very high quality, but Michael Chiarello puts this on everything at his restaurant Bottega and Napa Valley, spefically Yountville… where I got married.

OMNIVORE SALT $10+

I backed this project on Kickstarter. Angelo Garro has been making this salt for eons for friends and family and everyone is really happy that anyone can buy it now.

MALDON PINCH TIN (POCKET SALT) $2+

Now you won’t get your food spit on for asking for salt. Bring your own.

SPICE ACE – The spice Mecca in SF and online

I discovered this store by mistake… it is incredible… they have like three kinds of Oregano and things like raspberry and honey powder. If you know a foodie that is into interesting and exotic spices… you can trust these guys to not be selling you old stuff. You can buy small jars and not break the bank.

SOPHIA SPARKLING WINE IN THE CAN $15+ f0r 4

I LOVE these little cans for when I am feeling sparkly, but don’t want to open a full bottle. They make great stocking stuffers, thank you gifts and party favors.

BENRINER MANDOLINE $30+ AND KEVLAR CUT RESISTANT GLOVE $9+

I have the narrow Benriner… hint hint, I want the wide one. NEVER buy one of these for yourself, without buying the kevlar glove with it. You can slice away without losing any fingers. You can find the mandoline for under $50 and the glove for under $10.

SHUN KNIFE (with a penny) $200+

This is by far the sexiest and most dangerous thing in my kitchen. Sorry, I can’t think of a good joke for that. If you do not have good knife skills, do not buy this knife. In my culture, if you buy someone a knife, they need to give you a penny or a nickel. They have to buy it off of you because it is bad luck to give someone a knife. I suggest you do not adopt this superstition.

KIWI KNIFE (with a penny)$2+

These knives can retail for as low as $1.99. You will not find a Thai or Chinese kitchen without these knives. They are super easy to weild and sharpen. They are a must have.

BI-RITE MARKET EAT GOOD FOOD COOKBOOK by Sam Mogannam $15+

I purchased this book far before joining the board of 18 Reasons, the cooking school and non-profit branch of Bi-Rite that runs Cooking Matters. I don’t like cook books. This book not only contains yummy and easy recipes, but explains things about how to choose and store food. LOVE it. Plus, you get the STORY behind how Sam started Bi-Rite.

MICROPLANE FOR CHEESE AND CHOCOLATE $12+

If you like the idea of excellent cheese snowing on your pasta… get this tool. I love the idea of shaving chocolate onto things to make them better. You may also shave your cheese if you are so inclined.

BODUM PAVINA 11.5 Oz (2-$30+)

I have been drinking coffee out of my 8 Oz Bodum Pavina insulated glasses for several years and love it so much. I love to SEE my coffee. Recently, I received the 11.5 Oz version and realized that I could put a lot more foam and a little more milk in my coffee and I never looked back. I could also fit two capsules of Nespresso with milk, instead of one.

LUIGI BORMIOLO CHAMPAGNE FLUTES Set of 6 $40+

I am not a fan of Riedel. I feel like it is all hoopla and brand. These champagne flutes can cost anywhere from $6 – $10 and look like a million bucks. They are beautiful. I realize now that I forgot to put them in the video… so please click on the link.

HILINE COFFEE CAPSULES for Nespresso Machines $4.99 Sleeve of 10

Now you have an option when it comes to coffee capsules for Nespresson. This company was started by coffee lovers who were surprised by how much they loved their Nespresso machines. Their coffee is delicious and the capsules and recyclable in most states. They are currently about .10 less per capsule.

NESPRESSO ESSENZA WITH AEROCCINO (milk frother) $99+ each

I love my Nespresso Essenza and if you don’t believe me, watch this video. Other Nespresso machines are double the price because they look fancy and contain metal, but are exactly the same on the inside. The Aeroccino heats and froths the milk to create a creamy cloud of milk atop your coffee. Yummm.

ZOKU POPSICLE MAKER $36+

Make popsicles in less than 10 minutes. What is not to like?

FOODSAVER VACUUM SEALER $100+

I LOVE my FoodSaver and I have an older one. I will be releasing a video soon on how to use one. I never used to freeze anything because I swore it ruined food, but this gadget makes food last up to 3 years in the freezer. I never leave it more than 6 months, but it preserves all of the flavor and freshness of food.

BEABA BABYCOOK PRO $149+

SURE, you can steam your veggies in a pot and blend them with a hand blender or a bullet, but this is so much cleaner and efficient. I LOVE it. I plan on using it for soups and purees as well, not just baby food.