It’s that time of the year again: time to shop ’til you drop, to enjoy all the hot drinks you can handle, and to cherish the moments spent with your loved ones around the Christmas tree 🙂 I am delighted to share with you my holiday gift guide, a beloved editorial tradition. Below you have some of my personal favorite products this year. I hope this guide will provide useful information, as you contemplate buying gifts this holiday season.
Happy shopping 🙂
1. CATEGORY: Housewares
- Gourmia air fryer
This year marked my return to editorial coverage of The Inspired Home Show (you can read my review here). This was the highlight of my spring and an amazing opportunity to check out a variety of items, from tableware and cutlery to bath, cleaning and home organization, from seasonal decor to home appliances and camping necessities. One of the brands I thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting to was Gourmia, who sent me their consumer favorite, award-winning air fryer to review.
This Gourmia air fryer can cook food for up to 8 people, and you can monitor food at a glance thanks to its window and interior light. Its 12 One-Touch Cooking Presets cover popular functions: Air Fry, Fries, Wings, Bacon, Seafood, Vegetables, Bake, Roast, Broil, Dehydrate, Reheat, and Keep Warm. Stress-free cooking and cleaning are easy to accomplish with this air fryer, which requires minimal maintenance and ensures delicious results with up to 80% less fat.
You can check out my extensive review of this appliance here, and you can shop Gourmia air fryers here.
- DUKA
“The history of the DUKA company began in 1920, when Hjalmar Blomkvist opened his first shop with glass, porcelain and kitchen utensils in the Swedish city of Linköping (…) The turning point in the history of the company was 1962, when the former company of Hjalmar Blomkvist merged with 16 other shops selling glass and porcelain, and together they created the DUKA chain.”
DUKA makes exceptional quality items, from tableware to baking pans, and from kitchen storage to aromatherapy. Their baking pans provide consistent heat distribution, resulting in evenly baked desserts with a golden crust. The pans are also resistant to warping or scratching, and their non-stick surface ensures the easy release of cakes ️and tarts.
You can check out my extensive review of DUKA here.
- Bobby Flay by GreenPan ️Cutlery Collection
Earlier this fall, world-renowned chef, TV host, restaurateur, and author Bobby Flay partnered with GreenPan to create a range of innovative kitchenware, characterized by professional performance and reliability. I received the cutlery set for review, and I haven’t stopped raving about it ever since 🙂
What I love about Bobby Flay by GreenPan 13-Piece Cutlery Collection:
✅The knives are lightweight and balanced, and have been crafted for daily use
✅They are sharp!
✅The ergonomic design ensures you have total control over your cuts
✅The flowing Damascus pattern on the premium stainless steel blades is stunning
✅The set stores in a gorgeous acacia wood knife block
Featured here is one of the sandwiches I made with freshly baked sourdough, goat cheese, lilac honey, strawberries, grapes, peanuts, and mint. I used the Bobby Flay by GreenPan bread knife to slice the bread, the paring knife to spread the goat cheese and to slice the fruits, and the chef’s knife to chop the peanuts.
I was impressed with the sharpness & lightness of the knives and the precision of the cuts, which made prepping the ingredients for this sandwich a breeze. Functional and stylish, this set is a wonderful addition to my kitchen, providing excellent support to my day-to-day cooking.
2. CATEGORY: Cookbooks
- Slow
“Slow cooking is one of my favorite ways to cook: it’s simple, stress-free and allows you to get on with other things safe in the knowledge that slowly, slowly the stovetop or oven is doing its job. Stews and sauces bubble on the stovetop, a roast cooks in the oven with herbs gently infusing the meat, breads and cakes bake, all filling the house with mouth-watering smells and creating that special warmth that nothing else can” – Gennaro Contaldo
In the introduction to his latest cookbook, Slow, renowned Italian chef Gennaro Contaldo focuses on the happiness provided by slow cooking, and on the magical moments that unfold in the kitchen. He invites readers to take time to celebrate the art of Italian slow cooking with hearty, flavorful dishes that bring comfort and ease to the dinner table.
Slow takes the hard work out of meal times to streamline supper preparation; this is food worth waiting for, while you enjoy the convenience of your slow cooker or oven doing all the heavy lifting. With plenty of options to suit the thrifty home cook, this collection features timeless Italian classics like Roast Leg of Lamb with Baby Onions, Rich Tyrolean Beef Goulash, Lasagna, and Meringue with Zabaglione Cream and Custard.
I used Chef Contaldo’s recipe to make my first panettone.
It was a labor of love, and I didn’t finish in one day, so I left the dough in the fridge overnight. Slowing down helped me to appreciate the recipe even more, as I indulged in the perfumed yeasty layers of flavor in this quintessential holiday treat. The plentiful raisins, citrus, eggs, and butter coalescing in the panettone worked their magic as I stopped, looked around, and cherished the goodness of each and every moment.
A wonderful recipe and a brilliant cookbook from one of the world’s most influential chefs!
- 30 Breads to Bake Before You Die
As a big fan of homebaked bread and a recent sourdough bread aficionada, I was super excited to discover Allyson Reedy’s 30 Breads to Bake before You Die, a collection of bread recipes from expert bakers, including Duff Goldman, Maurizio Leo, Joanne Chang (Flour Bakery), and Zingerman’s Bakehouse.
The recipes, tips, and tricks in 30 Breads to Bake Before You Die come from renowned dough workers who have put in the hours of kneading, proofing, stretching, folding, and baking to perfect these recipes, all in the oh-so-noble name of good bread.
I had been meaning to make beer bread for a long time, and when I saw Kimberlee Ho‘s recipe featured in the book, I knew it was a sign for me to start this new bread baking adventure 🙂 I appreciated the straightforward recipe and instructions, and my family and I loved the amazing flavor and softness of the bread – as Kimberlee describes it, “hearty and slightly sweet, with just a tinge of lager, only carbier.”
This collection of recipes provides convenience and versatility, and it is a wonderful time-saver for busy moms like me. Amazing concept and book!
3. CATEGORY: Edible gifts
- Schär
For over a century, Schär has dedicated itself to enhancing the well-being of individuals with unique dietary needs. Schär USA, Inc. serves the celiac, gluten-sensitive, and IBS communities, with a diverse product range spanning from bread, cookies, candy, and crackers to frozen items, including puff pastry dough and croissants.
Schär has crafted two amazing gluten-free products for the holiday season: panettone and speculoos cookies.
The panettone comes from Italy. It has a perfectly soft gluten-free sourdough base, and it is packed with raisin and citrus flavors.
Meanwhile, the speculoos are made in Germany. They have a delicious spice profile and an enjoyable crispy texture.
Schär’s holiday products convey festive flavors with no sacrifice of taste or texture, and they are perfect to enjoy on their own or with a cup of frothy yummilicious coffee. The perfect sip on cold winter afternoons!
You are welcome to check out my review of Schär’s Gluten Free Table Crackers, which can be found here.
- The Golden Steer
Have you ever dined at The Golden Steer? The most iconic steakhouse in Las Vegas, with legendary patrons like Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and Muhammad Ali, has been serving The Best Steaks on Earth™ for over 66 years. But, the legacy of The Golden Steer goes beyond the spectacular meats served in the restaurant. You can also order a variety of their products – such as seasoning blends, compound butters, and steak boxes – to create magic in your own kitchen.
Earlier this fall I had the chance to use The Golden Steer’s Outlaw Rub spice blend in a German potato salad (Kartoffelsalat). A warm salad with a spicylicious twist? Yes, please!
Little did I know when I started researching German potato salads that this topic is so vast, and that there are so many regional variations. I learned a lot from several sources, especially from Anja Our Gabled Home, who has published blog posts and YouTube videos on the topic.
You can shop The Golden Steer’s fantastic spice blends here.
- Ponti
I am delighted to include Ponti in my holiday gift guide again this year for one simple reason: I love, love, love their products 🙂
A purveyor of gastronomic excellence rooted in a centuries-old tradition, Ponti reasserts itself in a world of change, blending experience and innovation seamlessly thanks to its outstanding commitment to quality.
I love salads, and I usually enjoy them as a main meal, with sourdough bread. I also make a lot of salads during the holiday season, and I serve them as appetizers. I recently used Ponti’s balsamic glaze in the salad featured below, with roasted sweet potatoes, avocado, cherry tomatoes, pomegranate, air-fried mozzarella pieces, and mint. We have been growing cherry tomatoes and mint indoors, and I just loved that I could use them in this salad 🙂
You are welcome to check out my detailed review of Ponti as well as an exclusive interview with their representatives here. My 2023 holiday gift guide where I mention Ponti can be found here.
- Lakrids by Bülow
Lakrids by Bülow‘s story started when Chef Johan Bülow decided to make high quality licorice – a Scandinavian favorite treat – and to share it with the world. From small humble beginnings to present-day accomplishments (culminating with the Passionfruit Chocolate-Coated Licorice winning the award for the most innovative new product in the Gourmet/Premium Candy category at the Sweets & Snacks Expo), Lakrids by Bülow has a fascinating story, and the product is unmatched in terms of flavor, uniqueness, and sustainability.
I first came across Lakrids by Bülow at this year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo, held in Indianapolis (you can check out my comprehensive review of the Expo here)
The perfectly tuned mélange of passion fruit, chocolate and liquorice was like nothing I have tasted before! The milky aroma that welcomes you as you open the jar is beautifully complemented by the delicate tartness of the freeze-dried passion fruit and the palate-pleasing earthy liquorice, a delightfully satisfying constellation of harmonious elements. Such an amazing treat!
- Philters Ruhm
Philters is a non-alcoholic spirits brand offering full-flavored, alcohol-free alternatives infused with adaptogens and nootropics, designed to enhance social experiences and support mental clarity. According to its creator, Philters amplifies the best aspects of social drinking – connection, joy, and shared experiences – without the negative effects of alcohol.
Philters is available in four flavors: Jynn, Mezkahl, Ruhm, and Wiski.
I am a big fan of rum, which I use to infuse extra flavors in desserts such as Bananas Foster and pastry cream for éclairs. I thought Philters Ruhm did an excellent job replicating the taste and aroma of rum, while staying true to its non-alcoholic philosophy. The healing blend of anise, cinnamon, ginger, Tulsi, Siberian Ginseng, Ashwagandha, passionflower, cloves, and fenugreek, has been a joy to uncover and to explore.
I have been using Ruhm as a coffee syrup, and the resulting flavor has been magical:
With Dry January and National Mocktail Week (the second week of January) right around the corner, now is the perfect time to explore Philters’ innovative alcohol-free alternatives.
4. CATEGORY: Skincare
- Good Molecules
Good Molecules is a science-backed skincare brand based in San Francisco and Nashville, who earlier this year sent me a bundle of skincare items to test, based on my current skin concerns.
Good Molecules products go through a high number of tests before entering the market, and are backed by a 60-day satisfaction guarantee. The company reps recommend giving the products a chance to work by maintaining at least 2 weeks to a month of regular use, discontinuing use if irritation occurs.
I tested the products I was sent during the summer months, as we traveled to New Orleans. The almost unbearable humidity I encountered in Louisiana did not affect the performance of the items I was testing, which did well by keeping my skin hydrated and blemish-free. My favorites were the Lightweight Daily Moisturizer (formulated with avocado oil, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid) and the Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel (rich in yerba mate extract). My skin was soft and supple without being shiny or greasy, which I thought was remarkable considering the environmental factors.
In the US, Good Molecules products can be purchased from their website, as well as from Beautylish and Ulta.
*For additional sources of inspiration, you are welcome to check out my previous holiday gift guides and seasonal recommendations, which I published here, here, here, here, here and here.
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