Gift Guide | Stocking Stuffers

Christmas is just a few days away, five to be exact — less if you're family starts to celebrate this weekend. Nick and I are hosting his entire family this weekend. Yes, we will have 11 people in our tiny one bedroom apartment. It's going to be fun, tight, loud and filling — because I am planning on cooking. We cannot wait!

Okay, back to the purpose of this post... As I sit wrapped up in my favorite cozy blanket and holiday music playing, I want to share with you a few excellent stocking suffers for the cook in your life:

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{click links above to go shopping}

1. Scalloped Cupcake Liners — what baker doesn't smile at a perfectly scalloped, yet simple cupcake liner? Honestly, I keep various liners around my kitchen because you never know when they can be put to use. I believe the simple ones are the best.

2. iPad Kitchen Screen Protector — Man, William Sonoma beat me to the punch. They created an excellent splatter-proof contraption for a well loved and used kitchen iPad. I know that I use my iPad for recipes, listening to music and checking emails while sauces simmer. But with this new screen protector, you can rest assured that pop of oil from the skillet isn't a dive bomber trying to ruin your evening and electronic cookbook.

3. Mini Bottle of Wine or Champagne — Christmas time is a season for family, friends and celebration. Why not sneak in a little bottle of fun?

4. Kitchen Soap — Every cook loves to have a nice soap sitting near the kitchen sink to wash away the various smells and vegetable peels from their hands. A moisturizing component is always a plus! Meyer's Basil is the perfect scent. Sniff, sniff...mmm! Did I mention it is eco-friendly?

5. Bottle Stoppers — These beautiful broach-topped wine bottle stoppers are the perfect little stocking stuffers. These toppers are to wine bottles, as a star is to a Christmas tree. Perfect I tell you!

6. Salt Cellar — This vintage inspired cellar is a star player on every kitchen counter. How do I know? Well, I've had this item on my counter for quite a few years now, and I love it! Easy access for a pinch of salt here and there.

There you have it folks, the best of the best! On a final note, if you haven't seen or haven't voted, please participate on the poll to the right ------>

Gift Guide for Cooks

Just a mere ten days until Christmas. Are you done with your shopping? I'm just waiting for a few items to arrive in the mail, but other than that, most of my gifts are wrapped and nestled under the tree.

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{Click these links to go shopping!}

Do you have a kitchen guru in your life and you are at a loss for what to get him or her? This list is compiled of some of my favorite kitchen items.

1. An excellent apron — To be honest, I don't wear many aprons, but I like the idea of them. Maybe that could be on my new years resolutions/goal list...to wear aprons more often when cooking. Does that count as a resolution? I resolve to wear aprons in 2013.

2. Over-the-sink wooden cutting board — This is a must-have item in my kitchen. Cutting on wood is so much better than any material. Come on people, plastic stinks. But more so, there is a place to clean your fresh fruits and veggies or use the colander as a waste receptacle. And finally, this board saves counter space while resting over an open sink. This is key, especially when you live in a small apartment like me!

3. Citrus squeezer — Look at all your recipes. How many call for freshly squeezed citrus? Um, hello...a lot! This kitchen gadget saves the pain of getting lemon juice in small cuts (gross, sorry) and extracts way more than pure human hands could possibly squeeze.

4. Garlic press — What can I say? Pure genius. Reducing the need to walk around with your hands smelling like you have a fistful of garlic cloves. Not to mention all the time you'll save, not mincing garlic cloves.

5. Adorable kitchen towels — In my kitchen, I always have a cute, decorative tea towel on the handle of my oven. Who wouldn't want this lovely, script-y, ray of sunshine, calendar towel?

6. Stove top espresso maker — This is always out in my kitchen and used frequently. Mmm, this maker quickly brews an extremely rich, full-flavored coffee on the stove top (obviously).

7. Cookbook stand — A stand, similar to this one is another item that is always out on the counter, displaying a delicious recipe along a beautiful photograph. Keep your recipe books propped open as well as free from splatters.

Well that about does it from the essential cooking holiday gift guide.

Do you have a special kitchen gadget you couldn't live without? Share, I am sure other readers would enjoy a few more ideas for their holiday shopping!