food gifts « The GayWeddingGear.com Blog

August 27, 2010

Top Food Gifts – Best Food Wedding Gifts

So I was thinking the other day when I started prepping for Labor Day in Rehoboth Beach that not enough people are giving out food wedding gifts anymore. With more and more Foodies getting hooked on cooking and more and more people loving wine and cheese gift baskets, why are people not giving out as many food wedding gift baskets and food gifts for couples getting married.

You have tons of things to choose from from picnic baskets and wine carriers to designer olive oils and balsamic glazes and vinegars and even small independent and unique food gifts like fresh blue crabs fished from the Chesapeak Bay in Maryland. I love giving and getting food gifts and there is always a perfect food gift for just about everyone.

You can do fruit baskets for people on diets or people who are healthy. My personal favorites are oils or chocolate gift baskets and some people love designer cookie gifts and gift baskets. You can order expensive ones from over priced designer stores or you can order from independent companies and smaller farms that produce their own jellies and jams gift baskets. There are tons of foodie gifts and foodie wedding gift baskets that you can find online so I wanted to share a few of my personal favorite shops and a random foodie wedding gift basket that they carry which everyone will love, whether they are a foodie or not. Please feel free to visit the site if you want to see a larger selection of foodie wedding gifts and food wedding gift baskets and don’t forget to come back here to leave a comment and tell us how you liked your favorite foodie wedding gift basket.

God, I think I am completely going to have to go on a chocolate binge right now and make a seriously fabulous dinner after making this post. Maybe I’ll wait until Monday when it is my turn to host dinner here. I feel like Ina from the Food Network lol. She is absolutely fabulous and her dinners are pretty good to. =0).

Ghirardelli Gift Baskets

Ok, if you cannot tell that I am obsessed with chocolate than you have not been reading this blog long enough. Although Ghirardelli was never on my top ten list of chocolates that I thought of first, I recently got invited to a party at a Blogging and Marketing conference where Ghirardelli sponsored an invite only event and featured everything from their line. They had chocolate covered strawberries, martinis, these little discs, the famous Ghirardelli squares and even the brand new dark chocolate ones. After stuffing my face and myself full of chocolate everything for about 3 hours, I became hooked and fell in love with Ghirardelli chocolates so I highly recommend that you all buy a Ghirardelli Chocolate Gift Basket for a wedding present and also buy some for yourself,,,,since you are already on the site. What’s even better is that since the bride will probably be on a diet, and the grooms to for a gay wedding (except for the bears) since you have to keep your size to fit into your tuxes or dresses, you can easily stop by and say, wow look how nice that is then jump in and have some of theirs. Ohh ya, I am that tacky that I would try to eat a chocolate gift basket that I bought for someone else. Chocolate is my favorite addiction which is why when I buy chocolate gifts I always order one for myself too so I leave their chocolate gift basket alone. Click the image to the left to go to the Ghirardelli website where you can find all of their fabulous Ghirardelli Chocolate wedding gifts and gift baskets.

Cookie Surprises Cookie Gifts

So what I love about the site Cookie Surprises is that instead of having a traditional cookie bouquet or cookie gift basket, they hand wrap each cookie individually and you can choose separates. Because you can choose cookie separates, you can easily do a hand wrapped gift box with two grooms cookies or a hand wrapped gift box with two brides cookies. You can then choose rainbows, stars, frogs or any other type of cookie to go in the box or if you want to keep it simple just the two cookies. Cookie Surprises offers a ton of varieties since you get to choose which cookies go in which gift baskets and can customize them for any occasion.

Deluxe Appetizer Plate Gift Basket – $ 76.95
Here is a great assortment to serve in an appetizer platter or as part of a tapas menu.

We begin with Italian Hot Cherry Peppers stuffed with tuna, anchovies, capers and parsley in wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. We include a bottle of Spanish olive mix. Next, we add heirloom Cannellini beans from the province of Lucca (Cannellini di Lucca) which are cooked until tender and then flavored with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and sage. Tuscan White Bean Appetizer is delicious as an instant antipasto or side dish. We can’t think of many things that pair as beautifully with the bean appetizer as a fine grade tuna such as the Tonnino Ventresca brand which we also include. An out of the ordinary gourmet treat can be found in the whole Cipolline Onions is Balsamic. Last, but not least, we include a bag of Castellana Italian Traditional Crostini. Castellana is a family run bakery in Apullia, Italy.

We place everything in a reusable, wooden shaker style hatbox to present as a memorable gift only for the very special.

Microbrewery Kit – $ 99.99
The Coopers Brewery Microbrewery Kit is the world’s best selling beer making kit for good reason. It is designed to give you everything you need to brew 6 gallons of your own high quality, completely natural, great tasting beer every time.

Organic Celebration Fruit Basket – $ 99.95
From springtime blossoms to autumn’s harvest, The Fruit Company’s delectable organic fruit celebrates nature’s abundance.

Gourmet Pasta Sampler Gift Basket – $ 67.95
We believe pasta is one of the most versatile food products available. With all of its shape variations and the myriad of sauce combinations, the possiblilities are practically endless.

Our Gourmet Pasta Sampler offers some familiar and some quite unique pasta cuts to enjoy. We begin with Croxetti, pasta discs in the shape of coins each stamped with a stalk of wheat. They are wonderful with substantial sauces such as pesto or walnut sauce.

Next we offer Troffiette. This thin, tight twist shaped pasta has the appearance of being hand rolled and then “pinched” at each end. It is commonly served with basil pesto or walnut pesto since its twisted shape holds these sauces nicely.

Trofiette is also delicious when served with fresh seasonal vegetables like green beans or spinach served with pancetta or potatoes in a rich meat based broth. Try trofiette with butter and fresh herbs served with a meaty fish or with shellfish.

Gnocchi are similar to potato dumplings. They are elegant served with a butter-sage sauce, and rustic and homey with a tomato based sauce.

Farro is an excellent grain which is a precursor of wheat and much easier to digest. It has a bit of a nutty flavor but works well with most sauce preparations. We offer two cuts of Farro pasta—Rigatini and Pizzichi.

We complete our selection with two small cuts of pasta which work well with soups as well as salads—Orzo, which is very similar to rice, and Fregola Sarda which is a bit like a large grain couscous.

The entire pasta collection is presented in a beribboned gift box and suits any gift- giving occasion.

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March 25, 2010

Gourmet Mushrooms, Truffles and Food Wedding Gifts

Filed under: Wedding Gift, food, wedding vendors — Tags: cyber cucina, food, food gifts, wedding gift ideas, wedding gifts — rollerbladerdc @ 3:17 am

Mixed Mushroom Appetizer
Price: 17.95

This is an absolutely fabulous and amazing mix of mushrooms.

The mixed mushroom appetizer is made of Porcini, Muschio, Champignon and Chiodini mushrooms which all come blended in an extra virgin olive oil with salt and a bit of wine vinegar. This sounds absolutely fabulous and amazing. The problem is that if for some reason I bought this for myself I would end up eating it out of the jar instead of actually preparing it for a meal or appetizer.

Each jar of our Mixed Mushroom Appetizer contains 280g (9.88oz)

Tartufata-Mushroom, Olive, Truffle Condiment and Sauce
Price: 28.95Tartufata-Mushroom, Olive, Truffle Condiment and Sauce by Tentazioni is produced in Italy’s unspoiled Marche region renowned for truffles. Tentazioni Tartufata is a versatile condiment and sauce ready to use as is or diluted in chicken stock, olive oil or cream.

As a condiment, add to pasta, rice, egg dishes, cutlets, chicken breasts, scaloppine, or on warm crostini as an excellent appetizer. Use also as a stuffing for meat, or as a filling for ravioli and tortellini.

Each jar of Tartufata contains 5.71oz. or 160grams.

White Truffle Sauce
Price: 34.50In addition to the White Truffle and the Bianchetto Truffle, this sauce also contains truffle stock, butter, and Reggiano Parmigianno Cheese. Suggested uses are with pasta, fish, cheese fondue, risotto, or crostini.

Like I said, I’m completely obsessed with white and black truffles and white truffle sauces. Although I haven’t ever tried this one yet I haven’t found one that I didn’t like yet. Also, because it is from Cyber Cucina I feel good about recommending them to you all. I had a friend that worked with them and completely trust his opinions so I am sure this white truffle sauce will be just as fabulous and amazing as their balsamic vinaigrette.

Each jar of Tentazioni White Truffle Sauce contains 5.71oz. or 160 grams.

Organic White Truffle Savory Seasoning By da Rosario
Price: 23.95da Rosario products are the first and only 100% USDA certified organic truffle products on the U.S. market, and have already gained a cult following from chefs and gourmet retailers nationwide for their affordability and pure truffle flavor.

Do I even need to say anything else about this white truffle savory seasonings? It looks amazing, sounds delicious and can probably be mixed into a million different dishes.

Made with White Truffles from Umbria (If you saw Alice in Wonderland you could completely make the joke Um from Umbria lol), this seasoning adds a new dimension to backed potatoes, egg dishes, even popcorn!

Each jar of da Rosario Organic White Truffle Savory Seasoning contains 3 oz.

Organic White Truffle Flavored Olive Oil By da Rosario (1.76 Fluid Ounces)
Price: 15.95With the price of truffles reaching as high as $4000.00 per pound in 2008, they are certainly out of reach for the majority of chefs and home cook alike. But good quality truffle products such as oils can offer an excellent alternative at a very reasonable price.

Mix this into a fettucini and cream sauce. try it with a scallop and fettucini noodle or even infuse it into a mushroom ravioli and hunny you will be loving your pasta even more than you ever knew you could. I would definitely use this for my pastas but you can use this truffle oil for however you would like and with whatever dishes you would like. Truffle oils are amazing since they can be used for a million different purposes and meals and if you buy this you have to share with us how you used it and how it was.

da Rosario products are the first and only 100% USDA certified organic truffle products on the U.S. market, and have already gained a cult following from chefs and gourmet retailers nationwide for their affordability and pure truffle flavor.

Organic White Truffle Flavored Olive Oil elevates everyday dishes to gourmet status. Just a drizzle, can change the entire character of risotto, potato dishes, eggs, or any number of “ordinary” offferings.

One bottle of da Rosario Organic White Truffle Flavored Olive Oil contains 1.76 fl.oz.or 50ml.

Organic White Truffle Flavored Olive Oil By da Rosario (8 Fluid Ounces)
Price: 29.95With the price of truffles reaching as high as $4000.00 per pound in 2008, they are certainly out of reach for the majority of chefs and home cook alike. But good quality truffle products such as oils can offer an excellent alternative at a very reasonable price.

One bottle of da Rosario Organic White Truffle Flavored Olive Oil contains 8 fl.oz. or 237ml.

Organic Black Truffle Flavored Olive Oil By da Rosario (1.76 Fluid Ounces)
Price: 12.95With the price of truffles reaching as high as $4000.00 per pound in 2008, they are certainly out of reach for the majority of chefs and home cook alike. But good quality truffle products such as oils can offer an excellent alternative at a very reasonable price. While the White Truffles generally command the higher prices, the Black Truffles are not exactly second rate– just a bit more available. There is a difference in taste and aroma, but that is a matter of personal taste.

Black truffles are amazing. I cannot say how much I love these and that I crave them with everything. If you really want something absolutely amazing then you have to buy a bottle of black truffle infused oil for your meals. They taste great with everything but use it sparingly since they are very strong.

Organic Black Truffle Flavored Olive Oil elevates everyday dishes to gourmet status. Just a drizzle, can change the entire character of risotto, potato dishes, eggs, or any number of “ordinary” offferings.

One bottle of da Rosario Organic Black Truffle Flavored Olive Oil contains 1.76 fl.oz or 50 ml.

Organic Black Truffle Flavored Olive Oil By da Rosario (8 Fluid Ounces)
Price: 24.95With the price of truffles reaching as high as $4000.00 per pound in 2008, they are certainly out of reach for the majority of chefs and home cook alike. But good quality truffle products such as oils can offer an excellent alternative at a very reasonable price. While the White Truffles generally command the higher prices, the Black Truffles are not exactly second rate– just a bit more available. There is a difference in taste and aroma, but that is a matter of personal taste.

da Rosario’s creator, Rosario Safina, has been the driving force behind the popularization of truffles over the past 20 years. In 2002, Safina published the first book in the U.S. dedicated to this luxury item, “Truffles: Ultimate Luxury, Everyday Pleasure,” establishing him as the noted authority on the subject. Safina has appeared and been featured in numerous outlets including Martha Stewart Living, CNN, Fine Living, Emeril Live, Good Morning America, and The New Yorker.

One bottle of da Rosario Organic Black Truffle Flavored Olive Oil contains 8 fl.oz or 237ml.

Organic Porcini Mushroom Flavored Extra Virgin Olive Oil By da Rosario (1.76 Fluid Ounces)
Price: 11.95Porcini (little piglets) Mushrooms or Boletus edulis, are highly prized as an ingredient in various foods. They are superior to most other boletes in flavor and in texture—which is the reason they generally command a higher retail price. The flavor is described as nutty and slightly meaty, with a smooth, creamy texture. This mushroom has a distinctive aroma reminiscent of sourdough.

da Rosario products are 100% USDA certified organic products. While da Rosario’s creator Rosario Safina is most noted for his expertise on truffles, he applies the same care and precision to his entire line.

Like truffles, porcini are a luxious addition to pasta, risotto, soups, and in many other dishes. They are a feature of many cuisines worldwide.

Each bottle of da Rosario’s Organic Porcini Flavored Extra Virgin Olive Oil contains 1.76 fl.oz. or 50ml.

I have been cooking a lot lately and one thing I have been using more and more are mushrooms. I think it started because I’ve fallen in love with truffles and Italian cooking.

Most mushrooms are completely tasteless, but when you get into some of the more expensive ones like the shitake mushrooms and portebellas, you can really start to work with their textures and infuse them with some incredible flavors and prepare them in a million different ways.

One thing I have started doing is marinating portabellas for 48 hours and then grilling them using an italian marinade with some taragon and other flavors and then I spray them with (well more like I pour a lite coating) olive oil and then pepper them and slice them and serve them on a salad and with my shitake mushrooms I cook them right in the sauce I am preparing.

Not only does it seem like the shitake mushrooms suck up all of the flavors of the sauce, but they give this amazing texture that really brings out the meat and other vegetables in the meal I am preparing.

Anyways, I haven’t mentioned this one gourmet foods gift shop that I used to love and my friend used to be partnered with and so when I went looking for food tonight and because my mushrooms have only been marinating for 24 hours, I decided to look around for prepared mushrooms, gourmet mushrooms and mushroom infused oils like a truffle mushroom oil for you to use to really flavor your meals. I love white and black truffle mushroom oils and if you have tasted a pasta prepared correctly with one you will completely never go back to having pasta without a truffle oil on it again. They are expensive but they are completely worth it and if you buy a mushroom truffle oil for someone for their wedding they will definitely thank you when they finally use it.

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March 5, 2010

Cookie of the Month Club. Cookie Bouquets Cookie Gifts

Filed under: food — Tags: Cookie Gifts, cookie of the month club, cookiesurprises.com, food, food gifts, gifts — rollerbladerdc @ 11:43 pm

Ok, this is completely one of those posts that is all about getting revenge or a passive agreesive gift that you give to that person that you really don’t like that much but also have to be civil with. You know, one of those people that you see and you give back handed compliment too like “Ohh honey, how are you? You look fabulous and I love those new pants, they really cover up some of the weight you gained” or “Wow, hunny what makeup are you wearing, I can barely see your acne scars anymore”.

Anyways, a little less viscous and much more mature way to accomplish the back handed compliment is to completely screw over someone’s diet, especially if they lack willpower. Can you tell a theme with all this dieting and dieting posts and my need for some serious junk food and soon. LOL, I have become seriously catty lately lol and need some junk food or drinks. Maybe that is why these posts have been even more rambling than normal. Anyways, onto the post, if you need a gift to give someone and you want to do it with a back handed compliment, why not go after the person’s figure?

When you’re a kid, food and candy or cookie gifts are a great thing. You can burn off the calories fast and at that point you still have a metabolism so there is no worry about gaining weight, for the most part at least. When you’re an adult, you still want to eat the same things, but unfortunately your body cannot handle it or process it as well as when you were a kid so if the goal is to get the person fat and still not look like a jerk when giving the gift, the perfect thing to do is a cookie bouquet or cookie gift basket.

Now if you really want to have an impact and make sure the gift lasts and lasts, then you need to go one step further with the gift. Why tempt the person once when you can get them and their waistline every single month. Go for the whole waistline and replace buttons with elastic. Give them a cookie bouquet cookie of the month club membership from CookieSurprises.com.

Not only are the Cookie of the Month Club Cookie Bouquet Gifts completely irresistible, but they are seriously cute and instead of everyone thinking how rude it was of you to destroy the person’s waistline, they’ll be thinking of how thoughtful and cool the unique Cookie Bouquet Gifts and Cookie of the Month Club Gift you gave is. Not only is it the perfect passive agressive gift that keeps the person eating bad food month after month, but you can rest assured that no one will be any wiser to the true intentions behind the gift. And just so you’re not wondering where this came from, I got a gift like this recently and am livid…see I don’t normally think about being passive aggressive with gift giving. The intent from the person who gave it to me wasn’t like this post, but that is the way I see it as I’m trying to diet right now so even though they didn’t mean to do something wrong, hey I need to learn some self control lol.

Cookie of the Month Club Gifts are an awesome gift idea and I completely love the idea of giving them for a birthday present, an anniversary or to help keep that special someone off his or her diet. CookieSurprises.com offers Cookie of the Month Cookie Bouquet gifts in 3, 6, 9 month and 1 year increments, so pick how much you want to screw with your “friend” and go for it.

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November 27, 2009

Hanukah Cookies, Menorah Cookie Gifts, Chanukah Cookie Gifts

Filed under: food — Tags: chanukah cookies, food, food gifts, hanukah cookies, menorah shaped cookies — rollerbladerdc @ 10:40 pm

Holiday Cookies – Religious Cookies – $ 4.95
Beautifully and hand decorated Jewish Chanukah Menorah cookie! These hand wrapped and hand packages Chanukah Cookie Gifts are not only fabulous looking and tasting, but they also come in gorgeous hand wrapped tissue paper or bags and packed by hand so the presentation is fabulous. Also, these Chanukah Cookie Gifts are a great suprise gift to give since Hanukah cookie gifts are something that most people don’t ever think to give. The sizes of our cookies these Menorah Shaped Cookies are generous and measure between 3.2”w x 3.4”h minimum, and 5”w x 5”h maximum, with a thickness of 0.3”. Each cookie has a net weight around 2 oz.

So one thing I fell in love with, even though it isn’t wedding related are these seriously cute menorah cookies for Hanukah. Not only are these Hanukah and Menorah Shaped Cookies an amazingly fabulous and seriously fun surprise gift to give to all of your Jewish friends and Jewish family members for the holidays, but because these Chanukah cookies will be a surprise, and if you are Jewish you know that we all love to eat a ton of food, they will also be an amazing gift to get to give for the Hanukah.

I love these Hanukah Cookie Gifts and the best part is that when you order Hanukah Cookie Gifts by clicking the link by the picture above, you know the luckily gentile that will be getting these fun Menorah Shaped Cookies will love them since Cookie Surprises hand wraps each of their Menorah Shaped Cookies and packages each one in the cookie bouquet by hand so they not only look and taste great when they arrive, but the presentation is perfect for even the most criticizing Jewish Mother. Make your Jewish Mother say Oy Vey this Hanukah with these gorgeous Menorah Shaped Cookie Gifts. Not only will she love them, but she will love you even more and maybe even lay off the guilt for a while this Hanukah. Well maybe not but at least you’ll get a few minutes without her asking why you never call while she eats the cookies so it is a definite win win for everyone.

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