Gourmet Goodies for Less: Play Along with Me!

This post is for the folks who would love to give the gift of food, but just don't have the time (or inclination) to hit the kitchen running. Last evening, I particpated in a private event where I conducted a gift giving workshop for over 100 ladies in attendance. Because I had eight specialty vendors in attendance, I was inspired to begin my holiday menu planning early and share a few gift giving tips with you today. The picture above is a snapshot of over 25 gourmet items that I was able to find at two local discount department stores in my area. Big Lots and Gabriel Brothers are currently stocking the shelves with goodies for the holiday! Everything you see came in at under $50 and purchased in less than one hour. How's that for saving time and money in the kitchen? Along with my usual baking, I will also give some pre-made mixes and specialty items to friends and relatives who are not afraid to put on the apron and whip up something on their own :) Take a good look at the items? Do any specific gift themes jump out at you??? Tell me what you see and how you would give some of the items in the picture! I case you can't see every item clearly, we have:

Gourmet Olive Oil and Vinegar

Double Chocolate Flavored Coffee

Gourmet Barbecue Sauces and Marinades

Gourmet Capers and Pesto

Champagne Mustard

Roasted Red and Yellow Peppers

Gourmet Chocolate Dipping Sauces

Mini Tuscan Flat Bread Crackers

Silicone Loaf Baking Pan

Aluminium Snowflake Bucket

Gourmet Salad Dressing

Italian Herbs

Mrs. Fields Gourmet Chocolates

By the way, the most expensive things were only $5 each...the coffee and Mrs. Fields Chocolates. How's that for a bargain? Can't wait to hear your ideas!

Gourmet Goodies for Less: Play Along with Me!

Beer Cheese Fondue

Beer and cheese...what's not to like? Following is a super simple recipe that I try to keep on hand for unexpected company or planned get together with friends...always a huge hit!

Ingredients:
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon of butter
4 tablespoons of whole milk or half and half
1 teaspoon of minced garlic (can be omitted)
1 cup of beer
1 tablespoon of flour
4 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese (optional)

Directions:
-Saute onion and garlic with butter in a medium saucepan until tender.
-Stir in beer and bring to a boil
-Reduce heat to medium-low
-Stir in cheeses and flour one handful at a time until melted, stirring constantly
-Stir in milk
*If the fondue is too thick, thin down with more beer (LOL!) or milk
Transfer to dipping bowl or fondue pot and enjoy with your favorite beer bread recipe, sourdough bread chunks or favorite dippers.

Make it a Gift: Fondue warmers with the little candle in the bottom are OK in a pinch, but can scorch your fondue if not careful. Below is an electric fondue pot that allows you to regulate the heat and keep the party going all night long without worry! Under $40 right now at Amazon.com!
Rival FD300D 3-Quart Fondue Pot

Beer Cheese Fondue

Coffee Ice Cream Topping

Submitted by my friend Barbara Hranilovich, here is a fast and delicious topping for your favorite ice cream, gelato or pound cake. I can't wait to try this. Sounds super yummy!

Barbara says..."Nice with coffee ice cream, on cake or on a big spoon. This makes just a little, but you can double, triple..."

2 T unsalted butter
2 T sugar
2 T brown sugar

Melt slowly over medium-low heat till smooth. Test by rubbing between your fingers. Remove from heat and add the following:

1 t vanilla
1 t instant coffee or espresso
2T half and half

Heat on low until smooth and thickened - about 2 minutes. Pour over you favorite sweet treat and enjoy!

Make it a Gift: Bring this recipe to your next dinner party along with a freshly baked pound cake and tub of your favorite coffee flavored ice cream. Traveling? Take along a pound of your favorite gourment coffee or chocolate covered coffee beans to round off the coffee theme. I love these sassy ice cream bowls that I found on Amazon:

Set of 4 Ice Cream Bowls

Currently $17.95!

Coffee Ice Cream Topping