No. 1 : Quick Recipe
Three Delicious Holiday Gifts from the Kitchen
Spiced Roasted Nuts
- 3 Cups Raw Cashews
- 1 Tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Tsp Garam Masala
- 1 Tsp Sea Salt
Scatter the cashews on a sheet tray and slide into a 400F oven. Set your timer for seven minutes. After the timer has gone off – check to see if the cashews are lightly golden. If so, remove from the oven and drizzle, (or spray) with extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle with garam masala and sea salt. They will crisp up as they cool. Try this recipe with any kind of raw nut and your favorite spice or spice blend!
Refrigerator Tomato Jam
- 2 (15 oz) Cans Fire-Roasted Tomatoes
- 1 Jalapeño, Ribbed Seeded & Minced
- 1/2 Cup Turbinado or Raw Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Sherry Vinegar
- 1/2 Tsp Fine Sea Salt
In a medium sauté pan, combine the tomatoes with their juice, jalapeno, sugar, vinegar and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, lower to a simmer and cook and stir every once in a while, for about 30 minutes. When the jam is thick, mash any large chunks to make it a little smoother. Store in the fridge. Serve as a condiment for something meaty like a pork tenderloin or as a topping for goat cheese.
Cabernet Sauvignon Spice
- ¼ Tsp Allspice
- ¼ Tsp Fennel Seed
- 1/8 Tsp Mace
- ¼ Tsp Rubbed Sage
- ¼ Tsp Smoked Sea Salt
- ¼ Tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Mix all the ingredients together. Enjoy on steak, mushrooms or anything that you would accompany with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.
No. 2 : Kitchen Scoop
Everyone needs a little gift to bring cheer to a party! Here’s how to solve the dilemma of what to bring that’s unique and personal. When you gift these yummy recipes – make sure to include instructions or “how-tos”. For instance: “Place in the fridge” or “How to use this special gift from the kitchen.”
No. 3 : Get Creative
When making these gifts, double or triple the recipe and spread more cheer to friends and family. In addition, all three of these recipes can be made in advance, saving you time during the busiest time of the year.
No. 4 : Cheers!
Catena Cabernet Sauvignon
Mendoza Argentina
About $20.00
When you gift wine for the holidays, try to purchase one that is not the “usual” suspect. For instance, If your friends like pinot noir, try gifting a Beaujolais from France – made with the Gamay grape – super with the nuts or tomato jam. If you are gifting the Cabernet Spice, try giving a Cab from South America with it. A good wine store will have employees that will be able to help you find an alternative wine that your gift recipient will love.