Gourmet Gifts

by Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady

There is always a gourmet indulgence in any price range. A single, superlative truffle expresses an appreciation for the best.

The $10 Gourmet 

In these economic times, we all want to save on our grocery bill, but not compromise taste or quality. Celebrity chef Ken Kostick has the answer with The $10 Gourmet, a cookbook that offers a host of recipes for delicious and easy-to-make restaurant quality dishes that each cost under $10 for two people.

Learn to make restaurant quality dishes such as Garlic Tilapia with Fennel and Tarragon or Lamb Chops with Pears right in your own home! All of Ken’s recipes in the The $10 Gourmet can me made in three simple steps, and in under $10. Ken also show’s you how to stock your pantry with the essential ingredients in under $50, or how to host a fabulous dinner party for just under $30.

This book is exactly what everyone needs as people are wanting to save money by not eating out and getting back in the kitchen to create hearty meals!

Peppermint Sandwich Cookies

I was invited to sample the gourmet delicacies and prepared holiday meals at Central Market in Dallas, Texas. I took home a goodie bag and inside their was an innocent looking package of Peppermint Sandwich Cookies from Long Grove Confections Company.

www.centralmarket.com

HobNob at parties at a surprisingly affordable price 

HobNob Wines -- whose mantra is ‘at the center of it all,’ is a new easy-to-drink wine that personifies a festive social style.  HobNob comes in five popular varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon (new!), Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Shiraz – choose your favorite and bring it along to the holiday party.  The HobMob (as the group of wines is called) has its own must-have “Guide to Social Mastery” --  from the coolest new bands to dating dos & don’ts, how to roast a friend and find the best vintage deals.   Everything you need to know to be a party hit.  Available nationwide.  Price: $10.99 for a 750ml bottle.  www.hobnobwines.com

HobNob Pinot Noir

Impress your guests by pairing this medium-bodied, smooth and rich Pinot Noir with a roast turkey. This wine will also pair well if serving a ham.

HobNob Chardonnay

The HobNob Chardonnay is as crisp as a Granny-Smith apple and sure to crowd-please when paired with potatoes, gravy and all flavors of the meal.

HobNob Cabernet Sauvignon

The Cabernet Sauvignon, with an aroma of spices and woodsy notes with vanilla tannins, pairs perfectly with a rich, chocolate dessert.

Lady Bug Chocolate Truffles

Xan Confections has created a new product – their LadybuG Truffles – for the holidays. These are huge, dome-shaped truffles  that rival Joseph Schmidt’s truffles and use fine ingredients and are, most importantly, delicious! My favorite flavors are the raspberry truffle and the English toffee truffle.

http://www.xanconfections.com/traditional_chocolates/ladybug_truffles/index.php

The perfect gift from the Mozarella Cheese Company

Absolutely the perfect gift...The recipient will dive right in and begin feasting on a smoked mozzarella and a mini wheel of mild chile caciotta. Complete with little squares of mini-toasts and a sharp little stainless steel knife.

1 wheel ancho chile caciotta
1 smoked scamorza
1 package mini toasts
1 knife

Price: $ 67 shipping included 

www.mozarellacompany.com

Madelyn Miller is a travel and food writer who likes all her gifts to be chocolate or caramel. Read her stories on www.travellady.com, www.carladynews.com, www.yogayaya.com, www.chocolateatlas.com, www.cocktailatlas.com, www.teaAtlas.com, www.coffeeatlas.com and she plans more delicious websites in the future.