Hickory Farms Giftboxes

I have fond memories of having a Hickory Farms Beef Summer Sausage growing up at Christmas time.  My mom often bought them and we snacked on one while having our Christmas festivities.  When presented the opportunity to try out a give box I couldn’t wait to share one with my family. 

We received the Beef and Turkey Hearty Hickory Gift Box.  It had both a beef and turkey summer sausage, cheeses and mustards along with a few strawberry hard candies.  This is definitely a gift any family would enjoy.  It is also a good entertaining box for a small gathering like a game night.  I really enjoyed the cranberry mustard and even though my husband didn’t think he would like it there were no complaints from him as he continued to dip into the jar.

So if you are looking for a usable gift why not check out Hickory Farms.  This is a gift that surely won’t be returned or unappreciated.

 “I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Hickory Farms and received a signature gift box from Hickory Farms to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Gifts Cooks Love and MPM

gifts cooks love Gifts Cooks Love and MPMAs a cook and food lover one of the best gifts I can give or receive is that pertaining to food.  Gifts Cooks Love Gifts Cooks Love and MPM by Diane Morgan is going to be a great gift on it’s own but may be just the item you are looking for to help you give some frugal gifts from the kitchen.  While many recipe books offer gift ideas not all are going to give you the details and wondrous pictures that Gifts Cooks Love provides.  Between the covers you will find gifts that are canned, dried, baked and smoked.  Some of the ideas are common while others are extraordinary and bound to show someone you really care a lot.  To top it off Diane gives you plenty of packaging ideas as presentation is half of the gift.  One of my favorites is the Mexican Drinking Chocolate.  Seriously a warm drink and a book are great on a winter evening.

Mexican Drinking Chocolate

Irresistible, especially on a cold winter’s day, this hot chocolate drink is deeply rich, vanilla-perfumed, and chilecharged— an ideal gift for friends who ski, snowboard, or ice skate. You make the decadent base, pour it into jars, and refrigerate until it sets like a firm ganache. Tie the decorative jars with ribbon and attach a recipe card. Spooned from the jar into a warm mug, the chocolate is stirred with hot or steamed milk for an indulgent, après-ski treat by the fire—a cozy, delicious gift.

Ingredients for Mexican Drinking Chocolate

1¼ pounds (20 ounces) bittersweet chocolate (61 to 66 percent cacao), finely chopped

2¼ cups heavy (whipping) cream

2 soft, plump whole vanilla beans, split and scraped

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground chipotle chile powder

¼ cup light corn syrup

½ teaspoon almond extract

Implements

Four (½-Pint) Decorative Glass Jars with Tight-Fitting Lids, Kitchen Scale, Cutting Board, Chef’s Knife, Large Heatproof Glass or Stainless-Steel Bowl, Measuring Cups and Spoons, Paring Knife, Medium Saucepan, Silicone Spatula

Instructions for making Mexican Drinking Chocolate

  1.  Wash the jars, including the lids, in hot, soapy water and dry thoroughly. Alternatively, run the jars through the regular cycle of your dishwasher; wash the lids by hand.
  2. Place the chocolate in a large heatproof bowl. Set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan over low heat, bring the cream, vanilla beans (seeds and pods), cinnamon, and chipotle chile to a boil, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat. Using a silicone spatula, press the vanilla pods against the side of the pan to remove any remaining seeds and cream. Discard the pods.
  4. Immediately pour the cream mixture over the chocolate, stirring constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Add the corn syrup and almond extract, stirring until incorporated.
  5. Pour the chocolate ganache into the prepared jars, dividing it evenly and leaving ½ inch headspace. Wipe the rims clean and secure the lids. Label and refrigerate.

Onto my menu plan for the week.  As Christmas draws nearer it seems things keep getting busier.  Eating well gets more important as the goodies pile on.

Monday:  Grilled Chicken, Bacon & Swiss Burgers with Green Beans

Tuesday:  Broccoli Cheese Soup & Ham Sandwiches

Wednesday:  Pizza

Thursday:  Enchiladas with Spanish Rice

Friday: Chicken and Bowtie Pasta Primavera

Saturday: We will be eating out with friends

Sunday:  Meatloaf and veggies

A PDF of Gifts Cooks Love was provided for review purposes by RM Public Relations.

Dunkin Donuts Does Holiday Coffee Flavors

I am not a huge coffee girl but I do like a latte every now and then.  The new holiday flavors are great and include: Vanilla Nut, Pumpkin Spice, and Mocha Mint.  I am in love with the Mocha Mint and I really enjoy the Pumpkin Spice.  I can drink the Vanilla Nut but it is my least favorite of the holiday flavors. 

What I really enjoy is the flavors are not bitter like some coffees.  The house smells wonderful as they brew and the kids think I am on a mission to make them a treat.  It is kind of fun to tell them sorry this is a mom treat instead.

The 11 oz bag is a perfect gift size as well.  You could easily pair it off with a set of mugs and some snacks for a usable Christmas gift.  Or if you have a holiday brunch make sure to serve some flavored coffee to spoil your guests.  Either way I am sure you can find a way to enjoy one of the holiday flavors from Dunkin Donuts.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Smuckers and received necessary products to facilitate my review. In addition, I received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Menu Plan Monday: November 8

We are aiming to be a little healthier this week.  It won’t be long and the holidays will be here.  My goal is to lose a little or maintain until the first of the year.

 Monday:  Chicken Tostadas with Bean & Corn Salad

Tuesday: Cheeseburger on Rye with Lemon Broccoli

Wednesdy: Roast Beef

Thursday: Oriental Noodles with Beef

Friday: Fish

Saturday: Leftovers

Sunday: Ham and Taters

Menu Plan Monday: October 25

mealplanmonday v1 Menu Plan Monday: October 25I am running a little behind today due to the fact that I arrived home from Chicago about 2:00 this morning.  I haven’t had much attention today when I have been awake.

Monday:  Pizza

Tuesday: Stuffed Potato Bar

Wednesday: Ham Steak and Veggies

Thursday: Biscuits & Gravy

Friday: Leftovers

Saturday:  Enchiladas

Sunday: Chops