Intro
There are several of you, I’m sure, that say “a gift guide on December 13?! I’ve been done with my holiday shopping for weeks!” But I’m hoping there a few of you out there that are like me and you still have plenty of shopping to do. If you’re a newsletter subscriber you received this a few days ago but I thought I would still share it here with all of you.
Gabe and I have compiled a few of our favorite things from 2017, and a few things we both have on our lists.
Above all else, have a lovely holiday season filled with joy, delight, and plenty of delicious things.
For the Cookbook Lover
These are some of the food books that inspired me most this year.
2. Market Cooking – David Tanis
3. Nigel Slater’s Christmas Chronicles
4. The Little Library Cookbook – for the book and food lover
Gifts for Food Lovers
Okay, okay, yes the price tag is steep on these bad boys but when creating this list I’m thinking of the things that have brought me joy over the last year and these definitely fit that category.
These are the pans I use at the shop and each time I grab them from the shelf to cook with I have a smile on my face. They are stunning and perform beautifully.
8.Tutto Calabria Hot Long Chili Peppers
These little peppers pack a delightful punch. Slightly pickled and quite spicy that add heat and intensity to pretty much everything I’m cooking these days. They are my secret weapon in the kitchen right now.
Locally you can find these on the retail shelves at The Pantry in Ballard or find them online.
I may be biased as this company was started by my two brothers who I adore but I also think their coffee is really incredible. In fact, when you come eat at the shop this is what we will be serving.
They are new so I don’t think they have online purchasing available quite yet but I carry their beans in my shop here in Seattle.
10. Plantation 5 Rum – Barbados
Rated 99pts by me. This just might be my favorite spirit. I mean the bottle is wrapped in straw so you know it’s good. It brags a delightfully golden honey color with notes of awesomeness on the tongue. I’ve compared it to other more aged and expensive rums and keep coming back to Plantation 5. Affordable in price yet perfect for sipping by itself. And as rum is the new scotch, go get yourself a bottle… and invite me over. – Gabe
11. Wild Lummi Island Pink Salmon
Yes, there are occasions where I get in the kitchen and get my man-apron dirty. I don’t keep my cool in the kitchen very well so having local (caught up near where Ashley was born and raised) sustainable salmon in the pantry is a great thing to have. I threw together a quick slaw for some fish tacos that were easy to make and even 2 of the 3 kids enjoyed for dinner. – Gabe
12.Weak Knees Gochujang Sriracha
We have a thing for hot sauce in our family and this one has currently replaced ALL of them in my book. There’s a slight fermented funk and plenty of that craveable heat. We’ll be carrying it in our own shop soon but you can’t wait that long.
I look forward to this produce delivery every week and I feel so great knowing that I’m saving less-than-perfect produce from the compost pile. With fresh produce on hand and a few pantry staples I have save myself from many dreaded grocery store trips.
Even in the Winter I am cooking outside as much as I possible can. These pans are lighter than traditional cast iron and yet sturdy enough to handle long braises with flames lapping at its sides. Of course they work indoors as well.
Pretty Things
15. Svensk Sommarang No. 2 Candle from Anders Shop
My home (and now the shop) feels naked without this candle.
When form & function come together it’s a beautiful thing. Ashley and I visited London a few years ago and when I found myself with an afternoon alone I explored the city going from coffee shop to coffee shop (my favorites at that time were Prufrock & Workshop in case you find yourself in London looking for a nice cup). At some point, I wasn’t quite ready for the pub but was still out and about so I stopped in a shop that I luckily happened upon for some education on an english cup of tea. I walked in to Postcard Teas and admitted, in my thick american accent, that I really had no idea what it looks like to enjoy a proper cup of tea. They obliged and I was inspired. I left with a few tins of loose leaf and a small Japanese made glass teapot that was aimed at getting me started enjoying a decent cup of tea back in Seattle. Now if you know me, you’ll know that coffee is my mainstay, but certainly this year, enduring a stomach ulcer (ugh!) I’ve leaned more heavily on tea to get me through the day. And until very recently, this teapot has seen me through. Sad to say, a child, who will remain anonymous, seemed to have broken my little teapot. So this vessel has made it’s way onto my personal holiday list. My favorite part is watching the leaves dance as you pour. I usually stop and watch with enjoyment as my hot water choreographs a flashmob of tea leaves bouncing in concentric circles. Quite lovely.
Several people on my list will be getting Noonday for Christmas. Their products are gorgeous but the heart behind the brand is what I love the most. Since the company began they have helped thousands of people around the world by creating jobs with living wages through the production of their products. They are currently working with over 4,400 artisans in 12 countries.
I own many of their pieces but this bag is currently on my Christmas list.
Practical Things
I’m always trying to do a better job of staying properly hydrated but I do find water to be so boring. Bubbles make everything more exciting and this saves us from drowning our recycling container in La Croix cans.
It’s the only way I’m able to read anything these days. I know, I know, that’s quite sad but really audiobooks also perk up long car rides and help motivate me to get out and walk. Trevor Noah’s book, Born a Crime, was an absolute brilliant audio book (he reads it himself and his voices are amazing!) and Brené Brown’s, Braving the Wilderness was also a favorite from the year.
20. Saddleback Leather Co. Bifold Walletsa
This simple little beauty just gets better with age. I’ve had mine going on 8 years so I’ve still got 92 years left on my 100 year warranty. (Seriously, what other product that you use daily comes with a 100-year warranty!?) They’re slogan is “They’ll fight over it when you’re dead” And they say that every one of their products ‘it built for you to break in for the next guy.’ As someone who values practicality and nostalgia, I ask myself, what will my kids fight over when I’m gone? Surely not my ever burdensome collection of hard drives, but perhaps my growing stockpile of art supplies, a watch or two, my 40 year old Filson cruiser, and maybe my simple old leather wallet with its natural patina from years of supporting my backside. – Gabe
never too late! We love the bushwick condiments too and I’m getting that wallet for Hugh. Merry Christmas, you guys!
I hope Hugh doesnt see that comment
I saw the gift guides in November and thought it was way too early! My daughter’s birthday is December 3rd, so I can’t think of Christmas until after it’s over. Thanks for the inspiration.
This is an awesome gift guide, I’ve read a couple of different ones throughout the week, but yours is really nice! Thanks for sharing!
thank you for all of these, cookbooks work well for me as gifts to friends and the hot peppers for me, love the heat, and already have an audible subscription, great list!
Awww… just saw your gift guide!! Thanks so much for sharing the candle! 🙂
Hello, This is an awesome gift guide, I’ve read a couple of different ones throughout the week, but yours is really nice! Thanks for sharing!general store
My daughter’s birthday is December 3rd, so I can’t think of Christmas until after it’s over. Thanks for the inspiration.
This cookbooks work well for me as gifts to friends and the hot peppers for me, love the heat, and already have an audible subscription, great list