Continuing from yesterday lets play around with themes shall we?
If your friends are movie buffs, or never has time to see the latest summer action flick, the movie night basket is the one to make.
First, start with a fun popcorn bowl then, fill it with favorite movie treats and a few videos.
Maybe volunteer to babysit too…
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Over the years, and thanks in part to a faulty memory, I’ve developed a gift giving method that (swearing and swerving into the grocery parking lot) I call “The Grocery Store Gift Basket”.
It can be scaled up or down according to your budget, recipient, and of course whether you are in fact on your way over to the party, celebration, or wedding as we speak. (Though, I’ve never been that bad!)
(Yes. I have.)
Any mega-mart grocery store worth it’s salt has a wide selection that include cosmetics, housewares, clothing, floral or garden center, in addition to food.
Start with a pretty bowl and fill it with, a tea towel, a kitchen gadget or two, dried pasta, a loaf of french bread, and a nice jar of red or Alfredo sauce.
Next, peruse the magazine rack for a copy of a favorite foodie publication, or a cook book. Finally, trot out to the garden center and pick up a potted herb or flowers.
You can either place all your items in a pretty gift bag, or wrap it in tissue paper and tie it up with a bow.
Stay tuned for more ideas…
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Okay enough of the re-blogging stuff! I did throw in a few new recipes though.
I’d like you to meet Carol Gillott! She’s the painter, traveler and Francophile who writes the most superb blog Paris Breakfast
Carol bounces around Paris with her trusty camera and long-suffering mascot Bear, snapping pictures of shop windows and street fashion. If you want to know what’s going on in Paris, what to wear or are planning a trip there Paris Breakfast is the place to start.
Her paintings are fantastic, go check out her wonderful watercolors!
It’s always fun to read Carols adventures, especially when I recognize someplace she’s writing about. Makes me get the travel bug big time!
So go check out Paris Breakfast and have a macaroon or two while you’re there!
All pictures by Carol Gillott
More from the archives!
For those who have had a Brussels sprouts related childhood trauma, I’m here to help. Anything followed by “& Bacon” can’t be bad, now can it.
Brussels Sprouts & Bacon
1 lb. Brussels Sprouts (fresh)
1/2 pound thick sliced Bacon (about 10 rashers)
1/2 cup Dried Cranberry
Freshly ground pepper.
Slice a little of the stem end off each sprout, then thinly slice the sprout into strips with a knife or with the slicing attachment of your food processor.
Make ahead tip: Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning and into a zip top bag. Keep in the fridge for overnight.
Slice the bacon into small cubes, saute in a large fry pan over medium heat until bacon is crispy and most of the fat is rendered. Drain the bacon on paper towels, leaving the fat behind in the pan.
Toss the Brussels sprouts shreds with the bacon fat and cook until the sprouts are just softened and bright green, about 7-10 minutes. Sprinkle over the dried cranberries and reserved bacon. Serve hot.
Yet more from the archives…
More from the archives
Reblogging this Turkey Day tutorial from my archives….
This month I’d like you to meet is Sarah Carey. She’s the editor for Martha Stewart’s Everyday Food Magazine.
Sarah makes amazingly simple and easy to fix meals. Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking for new ideas or a novice needing basic knowledge, Sarah is your girl! She’s really improved dinner time around my house!
This week she’s featuring recipes for Thanksgiving. So, if you’re stuck about what to bring to your family gathering next week, check out her short fun videos.
Sculpture artist Daniel Wurtzel uses a shimmering piece of fabric and air currents to create this magical, mesmerizing sculpture of motion and air.
Kathleen Rear 