I have a great Giveaway that will begin TOMORROW, so check back! YOU just might be the lucky winner. This giveaway will be a perfect kitchen companion to have around the holidays! Intrigued? GOOD!
November 11, 2009
Rethinking Holidays: Revolution Gift Idea #5
Rethinking Holidays
I have so many more gift ideas to share, and seemingly not enough weeks to post them before the big end-of-December Holiday Bonanza. Perhaps starting next week I'll do 2 posts a week, just to get more ideas out there (especially for those of you who are productive enough to be starting your gifts NOW. Very smart people).
This is a new twist on an old standard gift idea. There is nothing complicated about it (here is a break to those of you who are less-than-crafty), and the labor of this gift can be done pretty far in advance. The cost on this gift can be pretty economical, especially if you take a week to scope out the best sales at several of your local grocery stores.
Revolution Gift Idea #4:
Frozen Cookie Dough
Huh? I'm sure you may be scratching your head over this gift, but hear me out. The idea for this gift (which I do intend to make and give this Christmas) was born last Christmas. Each December, I get (and let's be honest here) a butt-load of cookies. I mean, A LOT. I do appreciate the gift of cookies (please do not read this as "Never Give Steph Cookies Again," because I would grieve their absence in my belly), but I am usually inundated with so many, that I often have to give them away (Ug) or (GASP!) throw them away because they've gone stale (SACRILEGE!). During the week-long After-Christmas Binge of Gluttony (December 26 - January 2), wherein I have dinner upon dinner and party after party and cookie after cookie, I. Am. Stuffed. To the gills (read: gain 10 pounds in an impossibly short amount of time). It is in the beginning of January, when things die down (read: I fit into my pants again), that I begin to lament the lack of cookies. I had the thought, "If only I could space the cookies out, so I could enjoy them in more reasonable portion sizes and for longer."
AH HA!
What a gift it would be to give people the gift of Frozen Cookie Dough! It can be stored in the freezer throughout the holidays, when cookies are a constant presence, and ready for use when the holidays are over (but our cravings are not). They are also a great gift for those who might be having Holiday Parties (or even Superbowl Parties in January), giving them them a break from having to whip up a dessert, because it is already made! The other great part to this gift is that you can make the dough a few weeks ahead of time and freeze it (instead of feverishly slopping around your kitchen 2 nights before Christmas, killing yourself to make 20 batches of cookies. Which unfortunately will probably be thrown away because they go stale. Oh the sadness).
Over the past few months, I've taken to regularly freezing cookie dough. I didn't even know this was something one could do. It was not until reading about it on my friend's blog, Cooking With A Plan, that I was introduced to the idea. Ali (the blog's author) writes a great post about HOW to freeze lots of different foods. Check it out if it is a new idea to you.
I've really enjoyed having Cookie Dough on hand. Sometimes, I just want a cookie. Now, instead of having to put all the ingredients together (leaving me with, say, 60 semi-unwanted cookies), it is already in my freezer. I just have to take one ball of dough out, plop it on a sheet, and bake it. This fixes the problem of having 5 dozen cookies on your hand when all you needed was a few (which also cuts down on the temptation of "having to eat them before they go bad." Don't lie. You know you do it too). When we have friends drop in, I can easily take out some frozen cookie doughs and throw them in the oven, allowing me not to have to be holed up in the kitchen while everyone is chatting and having fun.
Now, the gift part....
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Supplies
- Ingredients for 3 or more different cookie recipes (for example: Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Spice, and Ricotta Cheese). Most recipes will yield 3-6 dozen cookies, if not more.
- 1 package of Gallon-Sized Freezer Ziplock Bags (If you are feeling festive, get the decorated/colored Holiday ones). Double them up, so each bag is double bagged for extra-freshness.
- Large Cookie Sheets (for Flash Freezing)
- Temporary space in your freezer
- (Optional) Styrofoam Cooler (found at most grocery stores for under $5. Insulated Grocery Bags [$3 or less] would work as well). This is for transporting or presenting the gift, unless you have a more creative way!
Instructions
1) Make the 3 (or more) different batches of cookie dough. Take the first batch, and roll into dough balls and place on cookie sheet, as you normally would to bake them. Since they will NOT be baked, you can put them as close as you can (without them touching). Place the filled cookie sheet into the freezer for 15-30 minutes. Once the balls of dough are hardened, transfer them into the double-bagged Ziplock Freezer Bags. Write the type of dough ("Chocolate Chip"), the date made, and the date to use by (to be safe, I'd say give them a 2-month freezer life). Continue until all the dough is used.
2) For the gift, I would bag the cookies by the ONE dozen. So, for a 5-dozen Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe, you will have 5 double-bagged Ziplocks, each filled with 12 Chocolate Chips. That way, you can stretch the gift between several people. If you make 3 separate types of dough, give each person 1 dozen of each (or 2 dozen if that doesn't seem like enough).
3) To present the gift, neatly decorate the styrofoam cooler (or insulated grocery bag) to your liking. Fill the cooler with some ice, and place the dough inside. For most doughs, I put the instructions:
Preheat oven to 350ยบ. Place frozen dough onto cookie sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden.
Feel free to adjust the baking instructions to different types of cookies!
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It may be simple, but this can be a truly thoughtful gift. Think of those who entertain a lot, have a bunch of kids running in and out of the house, or someone who is not able to bake for themselves. Having tasty pre-made dough, ready for the oven, could be a real treat to lots of people! I'd also imagine that many will be grateful for less Cookie Inundation around the holidays, but many future desserts to look forward to :)
Are you beginning to work on your holiday gifts? Have you come across some Revolution Gift ideas? Please continue to send them my way! Around mid-December, I'd like to post every idea that comes across my inbox! moderndaydonnareed@gmail.com
Check back next week for Revolution Gift Idea #6!
November 9, 2009
Simple Supper Monday - Volume 34
This recipe comes from my friend, Kirsten. She found this soup recipe online a year or so ago, and it has become a staple in her house. Seeing as I am looking for more soup recipes to fill my kitchen with, I greatly appreciate (and can't wait to try) this recipe!
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Simple Supper Monday
- 1 1/2 pound boneless chicken -- cooked and shredded
- 1 can whole tomatoes (15-oz.)
- 1 can enchilada sauce (10-oz.)
- 1 medium onion -- chopped
- 1 can chopped green chilies (4-oz.)
- 1 clove garlic -- minced
- 2 cups water
- 1 can chicken broth (14 1/2-oz.)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 package frozen corn (10-oz.)
- 1 tablespoon dried chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese -- (garnish)
Directions:
In CROCK-POT Slow Cooker, combine shredded chicken, whole tomatoes, enchilada sauce, onion, green chilies and garlic. Add water, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper and bay leaf. Stir in corn and cilantro. Cover and cook on LOW 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH 3 to 4 hours.
Remove and discard bay leaf.
Preheat oven to 400F. Lightly brush both sides or tortilla with vegetable oil.
Cut tortillas into 2 1/2 x 1/2-inch strips. Spread tortilla strips onto baking sheet. Bake, turning occasionally, until crisp, 5 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle tortilla strips and grated Parmesan cheese over soup. Serve immediately.
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Wow. Now that it is typed out, I am hungry for this recipe! I guess It'll have to go on the menu this week :)
As the darkness comes earlier and the nights become colder, I am on the prowl for more Soup and Stew recipes. Do you have one in your repetoire? Send it my way!
moderndaydonnareed@gmail.com
November 6, 2009
This Weekend - November 7 - At the West Chester Growers Market!
I apologize for my (blogging) absence. The past few weeks have been filled with my sister's wedding, packing, moving, unpacking, and being sick. Now that November has arrived, my life is slowly returning back to normal.
This also means HEADING BACK TO THE MARKET! There are only 4 weeks left of the regular season, and I can't imagine missing a single one! Luckily, there will be WINTER MARKETS on the 3rd Saturday of every month, December through April, to satiate our Market hunger between regular seasons! As with the regular season, Winter Markets will be set up in the parking lot on Church and Chestnut Streets. YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SO MUCH has been happening in my absence, and this weekend is no different!
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Here are some reasons to head over to the corner of Church and Chestnut Streets tomorrow morning:
1) THANKSGIVING. Menu planning starts NOW, and every vendor has something to offer your holiday meal. To continue reading, CLICK HERE...
November 5, 2009
True Life Stay-At-Home Confessional...
....Even though I received it 3 years ago at my bridal shower, for various reasons (including, but not limited to, lack of counter space and sheer intimidation by it's size and weight), I only just tonight used my Kitchen Aide Stand Mixer for the first time...
...FOR THE FIRST TIME...
...EVER...
...IN 3 YEARS...
Don't judge me...
And don't tell Ina Garten...
November 4, 2009
Rethinking Holidays: Revolution Gift Idea #4
Rethinking Holidays
This is a part 2 to the last Revolution Gift Idea, Gift Idea #3: Quality Time. In the previous Gift Idea post, I discussed the idea of giving the gift of quality time: spending time with people you love. This could mean setting up a weekly date night with your spouse, a weekly running date with your best pal, a monthly game night with family friends, or a recurring visit over dessert with a family member. For some, it was a strange idea to wrap their minds around: not having a tangible gift to give. And what if you just didn't have the time, during the season of your life, to give that Quality Time?
This brings me to this week's gift:
Revolution Gift Idea #4:
Quality Time, (Part II)
This is a gift I have given to several people in my life the past few years. It does require spending some money (but this CAN be done inexpensively). It also requires some thinking and creativity on your part, but does NOT require craftiness (unless you want it to).
While it is great to give the gift of yourself/quality time, as explained in the Part I, sometimes, the greater gift is giving people the gift of quality time WITH THEMSELVES (or their families). In the craziness of life (or the crush of the economy), some people don't give themselves the time to relax by themselves or spend quality time with their families. Some just can't afford it.
What better way to celebrate the season than to give people the ability to...CELEBRATE? This can be done in tons of ways, and can accommodate 1 person/single people, a couple or a family. It's really flexible and LOTS of fun.
An example of Quality Time Part II taken from my own life: I have several families in my life with small children. One year I just could NOT think of something to give them. I was daunted, at the time, by the thought of buying each person in those families an individual gift. Yet, I did not want to be impersonal by just getting any old gift card. Thus the idea of the Family Night gift basket was born.
In a wicker basket, I compiled the following items: A small gift card to a fast-food eating establishment (such as McDonalds or Pizza Hut), a boxed brownie mix, 2 or 3 bags of popcorn and a small gift card to a video rental store (such as Blockbuster). The gift cards were just enough to get them a take-out dinner for one night and to rent 1 movie. So, essentially, I was giving them dinner, dessert and a movie (with snacks). I wrote a small letter explaining that these items were to be used together to create a Family Night. Every one in the family HAD to be present to complete the Night.
The following year, I did a similar gift basket, but gifted a Family Game Night. I included the dinner gift card, a bagged cookie mix, snacks and a board game that everyone in the family could play together.
It was a small gesture, and an inexpensive one at that. But you are equipping people to make memories with the ones they love. That is thoughtful and heartfelt!
(NOTE: this is one of the few exceptions to my feelings toward using "impersonal" gift cards. I wanted to clarify, because I know I have spoken pretty harshly on the use of gift cards. I think this is one way to make a gift card PERSONAL (which is what we are aiming for). This gift requires thought and creativity. Find solace that while it does involve gift cards, you are not mindlessly going to any store and picking one up. The GC is a smaller part of a larger gift. In it's complete form, all the pieces work together to form something special. ALSO - sometimes, a gift card in and of itself IS personal when given to someone who cannot otherwise treat themselves [example: wants to buy new clothes and cannot afford to, so you give them a gift card to Gap]. Hear me say it: gift cards aren't evil - but should be atleast THOUGHTFUL and as personal as possible. End Note.)
The possibilities are endless, if you let your mind be adventurous. Here are a few more ideas (some of which I have used, others I am excited to create!!):
1. Christmas Morning Breakfast Basket: For an individual, couple or family. Fill a wicker basket with any combination of bagels, cream cheese, pancake mix, fruit, jams and jellies, scones, donuts, teas, coffee and a bottle or carton of juice. If you can drop off the gift to the recipient(s) the day before Christmas (or whichever holiday you are celebrating), throw in a package of bacon or sausage and eggs.
2. Spa Day: This is best for an individual. Give the gift of relaxation by giving your friend a spa gift certificate. Whether you can only afford to cover a haircut or you can spoil your friend with a day of beauty, it will be a thoughtful gift for someone who never gets to treat themselves!
3. Adventure Day: For an individual, couple or family. Do you have people in your life who like to live adventurously? Grab a gift card to the local rock climbing gym or an outdoor store (such as EMS) that rents canoes and kayaks. Couple this with a certificate to a nearby pizzeria for a day of fun and food!
4. Dinner and a Movie: Great for a couple (but also works for individuals and families). Simple and classic. Gift cards to a local movie theater and a nearby restaurant. Locally, there is an AMC across from a Carrabba's. Another movie theatre is localted in the same center as a Chiles. This is especially good for people who don't have the money to treat themselves, or for parents who never take time to go out withOUT the kids!
5. Healthy Minds and Bodies: Give the gift of health! Many of the local fitness centers give gift cards. Others may have never been approached, and would happily take on the idea if asked. Whether it be the local YMCA or an individually-owned studio (such as Love 2 Be Fit in Chester Springs, PA), give the gift of a 3-month membership. If that is a daunting financial commitment, give a small gift card that will enable them to start the process of applying. For families with small children, consider giving the gift of a membership to a Mommy and Me or a Gymboree class. To turn this into a gift basket, buy some inexpensive weights, work out videos, a pilates ball, resistance bands, etc.
I'm sure there are plenty more, and I'd be happy to hear (AND POST) your suggestions! What Gifts of Quality Time ideas do YOU have?
Check back next Wednesday for Revolution Gift Idea #5!
November 3, 2009
Local Flavor: Love 2 Be Fit upcoming event!
I have posted about the hot new fitness studio in Chester Springs, PA called Love 2 Be Fit. I was checking out their website for updated schedules, and an upcoming event caught my eye. It is a few weeks away, but since Thanksgiving is coming up, I wanted to get the info out to you so you can be sure to put it on your calendar!
On THANKSGIVING DAY, November 26, Love 2 Be Fit will be holding a Zumba Turkey-Thon! There will be one 1-1/2 hour special holiday Zumba celebration. Sign up in the studio or through email on their contact page. The info page says bring a friend or family member for FREE! 10 person minimum for the session (and all other sessions are cancelled for the holidays).
This sounds like SO MUCH FUN! And what better way to start a day of gluttony than with a healthy, calorie burning ZUMBA FEST?!?
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