Posts for November 30th 2012

Holiday

The Most Delicious — and Disastrous — Holiday Movie Food Scenes

There are certain scenes in holiday movies that make your mouth water with longing and other ones that compel you to push your plate away.

There are certain scenes in holiday movies that make your mouth water with longing and other ones that compel you to push your plate away. From full Christmas breakfasts complete with sausage and muffins to deflated turkeys bone dry from overcooking, take a look at the most delicious — and disastrous — food scenes from our favorite holiday flicks.

gift guide

Fresh Gift Ideas For Coffee Lovers (Mostly) Under $50

If there's one thing people are serious about, it's their morning brew.

If there's one thing people are serious about, it's their morning brew. Whether you're scouring the web for the best thing to give the java lover in your life or you're the coffee lover looking to add some fresh gift ideas to your wish list, click through these coffee-related gifts. Bonus: almost all of these are under $50.

Holiday

The Gingersnap: A 3-Ingredient Cocktail That Packs a Punch

With a dainty name like the gingersnap, one might assume that this cocktail is best reserved for ladies' night, but think again.

With a dainty name like the gingersnap, one might assume that this cocktail is best reserved for ladies' night, but think again. Smooth and spicy, this warming wintery tipple manages to steer clear of syrupy-sweet territory thanks to a heavy-handed dose of bitters and is an all-around crowd-pleaser, perfect for sipping throughout the holiday season.

If you need further convincing, it's one of those rare-gem restaurant recipes (an adaptation from a cocktail served at Momofuku Ko) that neither requires obscure ingredients nor intimidating technique. All in all, a win. So what are you waiting for? Get shaking stirring!

Keep reading for the simple three-ingredient recipe.

Food News

Link Time: 9 Amazing American Whiskeys

Nine amazing American whiskeys to try — Grub Street New York See where McDonald's delivers — Delish Grant Achatz's Next restaurant will focus on a vegan menu in 2013 — Zagat David Chang brings the quote of the week — Eater Baking with eggnog: you should try it — HuffPost Taste 10 signs you're in a good restaurant — Amateur Gourmet How to get into every restaurant in town — Refinery29

gift guide

Colorful Kitchen Tools Under $25 For Everyone on Your List

Whether a beginner or a professional, every cook could use a little help in the kitchen, and handy tools are essential for that.

Whether a beginner or a professional, every cook could use a little help in the kitchen, and handy tools are essential for that. From pinch grips to timers to jar scrapers, we've gathered items that every cook will love to get this holiday season. The bonus: they all bring a welcome pop of color to the kitchen, and all cost less than $25. Cheap gifts that make culinary lives easier and more stylish? We suspect you'll want to pick up a few for yourself, too.

Cooking Basics

Why You Should Invest in an Oven Thermometer

Gas and electric, manual or digital, there are thousands of ovens out there — and each has its own idea of what 350ºF is.

Gas and electric, manual or digital, there are thousands of ovens out there — and each has its own idea of what 350ºF is. Even if you think you've set your oven to the correct temperature, chances are your oven reading isn't accurate.

The easy way to check your oven's true temperature is by investing in a simple oven thermometer. Basic ones will only set you back $10, but will provide you with an exact reading of your oven's temperature. Another added bonus of the oven thermometer: you can check to see when your oven is done pre-heating so temperature-sensitive items aren't going in too early.

Do you own an oven thermometer?

recipes

The Only Pecan Pie You'll Ever Want to Make

During the holiday season, there's no question as to what pie my family will be making: bourbon pecan pie.

During the holiday season, there's no question as to what pie my family will be making: bourbon pecan pie.

Imagine crème brulée taking an excursion to the dirty South. The glimmering top of the pie is a caramel shell that clings to the pecan pieces. With a few taps of a spoon, the shell cracks and yields to a fluffy custard. It's only when you hit the crust that you're reminded this is, in fact, a pie, and it will compel you to say a quick thank you to the universe that butter exists in the world.

Just remember to follow this very important rule: avoid eating the pie directly from the pie dish, or you'll find yourself unintentionally dipping into half a pie. No one is ever sure how it happens so fast, but consider yourself warned. To slow down the consumption rate, take the time to pull out plates like a civilized member of society, cut small slivers, and invite several friends over to help you share this sweet burden.

Are you ready to bake the only pecan pie recipe you'll ever want to make?

gift guide

Get on (Cheese) Board With These Holiday Serving Plates

Cheese. It's always a party favorite, so it's safe to say that a good cheese board can go a long way, even as a holiday present.

Cheese. It's always a party favorite, so it's safe to say that a good cheese board can go a long way, even as a holiday present. And they're great to gift before the holiday season heats up to any friend who loves to host. Shop some of our picks that stand out both for presentation and for function.

savory sights

Savory Sight: Mini Strawberry Cupcakes

This weekend, try baking up some strawberry cupcakes from Emily Bibb for an afternoon pick-me-up.

This weekend, try baking up some strawberry cupcakes from Emily Bibb for an afternoon pick-me-up.


Mini strawberry cupcakes are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth without over indulging. Using a combination of vanilla and strawberry cake and reversing the the colors with pink and white buttercream frosting makes a fun treat for any occasion.

For the whole story (and the recipe), check out her blog, and then be sure to share your food photos through our Savory Sights community group or by starting your own blog. If you're on Instagram, chime in on the conversation with the hashtag #savorysight.