The following “CHEW THIS!” column originally appeared in “The Courier-Times” and / or “The Shelbyville News”. Check their websites for further information.
It is that time of year again where “Last Minute” signs are appearing everywhere and let me guess, you are still not done Holiday shopping? Well, I am here to help with some of my favorite things of the year that will be perfect for last minute Holiday gift giving. Let me show you some favorites!
1. “Be Ready When the Luck Happens” By: Ina Garten. $17.00 If you are a Ina Garten fan, or even if not, you will love this book. I highly recommend it. It traces her life journey from start to where she is in her life currently. So many quotes and life lessons in this book. Very inspiring! Grab your highlighter and be prepared to make a lot of notes and learn a lot about her life and yours.
2. “Martha, The Cookbook” By: Martha Stewart. $20.00 This cookbook reads like a cookbook and yet also a memoir. A look back at Martha and her incredible journey. This is her 100th book to go to print! How remarkable is that?
3. Large Chicken Breast Shredder Tool. $22.99 This tool makes shredding chicken a breeze! Rotisserie chicken from the store or chicken that you have cooked yourself, this is not only a great timesaver but a great conversation piece too. Plus, the clean up is a total breeze!
4. Sur La Table, Kitchen Essentials 10 piece titanium ceramic non-stick cookware. $139.97 This pots and pans set will be the only one you will want to use in the years to come. It will last forever and comes with a guarantee. So many people do not want to “ask” for cookware for Christmas but it is literally something that people can use every day all year long. This is the best set.
5. KitchenClouds Kitchen Mat for Anti Fatigue. 29.99 This is the perfect gift for people who are always in the kitchen and always on their feet. It takes pressure off the legs and the back and makes being in the kitchen even more enjoyable!
6. Swedish Dish Clothes – 10 pack. $12.99 These are great to have around the kitchen to use in place of paper towels. You take these, use them over and over and throw them in the washer! Reusable and helps with the planet!
7. Oven Thermometer. $10.00 No matter the brand, no matter the size or price range, everyone needs an oven thermometer to make sure the temperature you are thinking you are cooking or baking at, really is the temperature of the inside of the oven.
8. Cambom Bacon Grease Container with fine mesh strainer, 1.3 L. $21.99 This is the perfect gift for the cook who has everything. A bacon grease container that is actually made to hold bacon grease, comes with a fine mesh stainer and looks a lot better than an old coffee can.
9. Angry Mama Microwave Cleaner. $7.99 This cute little blonde figure literally cleans your microwave for you. Fill her up with water, turn on your microwave and she steams her way to a full clean microwave. All you have to do is go over the surfaces with a damp towel or sponge.
10. Fanion Cordless Kitchen Prep Onion Fan. $8.99 Turn this little fan on while you cut onions and you are guaranteed not to cry! It is the cutest little gift for the person who has everything.
All of these items can be found on Amazon and will be here guaranteed by Christmas.
Ask and Answer: It would not be a “CHEW THIS!” column without a recipe and many of you are writing to me with questions on quick, fast, simple and yet delicious last minute candy. I have the perfect recipe! In a bowl add in a package of chocolate chips. Any flavor. You could even use peanut butter chips if you want. Add in a can of sweetened condensed milk and 1 tablespoon of butter. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Remove and stir well. Microwave on high another 30 seconds. Remove and stir well. Pour this mixture into a greased 8×8-inch of 9×9-inch pan and allow to cool at room temperature. You have just made instant fudge! Decorate the top as how you see fit with walnuts, chopped cherries, powdered sugar or nothing at all. Enjoy!