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12 Days of Edible Gifts: Stout Spice Bread

YumSugar — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:00:22 -0800

I've been longing to make my friends baked goods in some form other than Christmas cookies, and decided this stout spiced bread was different yet delicious.

I love the idea of individually sized breads, as well as the eco-friendly concept of reusing something disposable. To prevent sticking, remember to butter the canisters and let them cool slightly but not entirely before removing them from their cans. Your home will be filled with the aroma of sugar and spice - and your friends will all be indebted to you! To see the recipe, read more.

Stout Spice Bread
From Martha Stewart

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 1/4 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
1 1/4 cups unsulfured molasses
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs plus 1 large egg yolk
1 1/4 tablespoons finely grated orange zest
1 1/4 cups stout, such as Guinness, poured and settled
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting (optional)

Equipment: 4 clean 19-ounce soup cans (cannot be enamel-lined), free of sharp edges

Directions

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Using a pastry brush, generously butter the insides of four 19-ounce soup cans.
Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices; set aside. Put oil, molasses, brown sugar, eggs, yolk, zest, and stout in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium-low speed. Reduce speed to low; gradually add flour mixture.
Divide batter among cans, filling them no more than two-thirds full. Transfer to baking sheet. Bake until a cake tester comes out clean and breads are pulling away from sides. Cool in cans on wire rack 20 minutes; then unmold and let cool completely.
To package, return breads to clean cans. Dust with confectioners' sugar before serving, if desired. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days.

Makes 4 individual breads.

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YumSugar Gift Guide: Gourmet Gifts Under $25

YumSugar — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:00:40 -0800

If you're anything like me, you've got lots of shopping left to do, but little time and a limited budget to work with. That's why, to make both of our lives easier, I've compiled my favorite bargains for under $25.

My friend Jaime who loves the grill will be delighted by this classy oil brush and jar set; Katie, always more of a baker than a cook, can use this cookie press; and Steph, who lived in Europe and loves breakfast, will flip for this steel crepe pan.
For more gift ideas, browse the selection below and check out all the gift guides on HolidaySugar.

YumSugar Gift Guide: The Newlyweds

partysugar — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 10:30:57 -0800

Shopping for a couple who recently got married can be difficult because chances are, they've received a lot of kitchen gifts at their wedding. Look for original and creative gifts that wouldn't necessarily be on a registry. A couples cooking class allows them to learn something new together. A subscription to Food and Wine magazine will inspire them to get into the kitchen on a regular basis. Artisan, handcrafted chocolates are a welcome addition to an understocked pantry.

For more newlywed gift suggestions, browse below. To check out the gift guide bonanza, head to HolidaySugar.

YumSugar Gift Guide: The Party Girl

partysugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:16:29 -0800

Take note friends and family: These gifts are perfect for the ultimate party girl. I'm talking about the gal who hardly sleeps, is constantly in the process of planning a fabulous soirée, and considers party-hopping her favorite sport.

This gold crocodile wine caddy lets her transport bubbly in style. A pretty cocktail shaker and embellished martini glasses are ideal for mixing drinks at home. For a special splurge, give her a bottle of Cabo Wabo Uno tequila.

Check out the entire selection of party girl gifts below and head to HolidaySugar for more inspiring gift ideas.

YumSugar Gift Guide: Last Minute Gourmet Gifts

YumSugar — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 11:16:11 -0800

As much as we try to avoid it, last-minute shopping inevitably seems to be a part of every holiday season. This year, do yourself a favor: Ditch the stressful, crowded mall, and shop online instead.

Email your Internet-savvy foodie friend with the gift of a customizable Tastebook; set your wine-loving college roommate up with a Wine Enthusiast subscription. For the truly special oenophile, opt for Williams-Sonoma's new wine club - a gift to enjoy year-round.

For more gift ideas, browse the selection below and check out all the gift guides on HolidaySugar.

YumSugar Gift Guide: Cool Stuff for Dad

partysugar — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 10:01:11 -0800

I am super lucky to have a wonderful relationship with my dad. He enjoys cooking and loves to try new things making it easy to find gifts for him. If it's a little harder for you to shop for your dad, I've put together a list of gifts that any dad will love. To appeal to his adventurous side, stuff his stocking with gourmet proscuitto jerky. Make him feel like a top chef with his own set of expensive knives and wooden carrying case. When all else fails, bring him the top-shelf version of his favorite bottle of liquor. For a couple more ideas, scroll through the gifts below.

NapaStyle Prosciutto Jerky ($14.00)	Tanqueray Ten Gin ($24.99)
Books: World Atlas of Wine, by Hugh Johnson ($40.00)	Digital Alcohol Tester ($45)
Chock Full of Goodies Chalk Bin ($69)	Wusthof Ikon Knife Collections ($229.95)

YumSugar Gift Guide: Teens Who Cook

partysugar — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 11:01:11 -0800

When I was a teenager, I thought I was so cool when I cooked. I wasn't much of a chef, but I enjoyed any type of gift that encouraged me to expand my culinary knowledge. So if you know teens who love to cook, this holiday season give them a foodie gift that will enhance their skills and increase their affection towards food.

An herb garden is a fun idea for the teen who is obsessed with Alton Brown's Good Eats. Individual pizza plates will encourage the Italian teen to experiment with pizza dough. Splurge on a garnishing set for the foodie teen and watch as she gets fancy with lemon twists and butter curls. Scroll below for more ideas.

YumSugar Gift Guide: The Vegan Neighbor

YumSugar — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 11:47:34 -0800

If you're looking for a gift for a vegan pal but you're not really sure what the lifestyle entails, get some inspiration from our gift guide below.

This stylish, humorous nut cracker isn't just functional; it's also a conversation piece. Your pal can save prep time with this veggie chopper. And a soy milk maker is convenient and economical for anyone who loves the drink - not just vegans.

For more gift ideas, check out all the gift guides on HolidaySugar.

YumSugar Gift Guide: The Boss

partysugar — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 08:00:05 -0800

When selecting a gift for your boss, start by thinking about their interests. Take my boss for example; let's call her Nancy.

Nancy loves sandwiches, Frappuccinos, and New Orleans. Naturally, I'll get her gifts that coincide with these themes.

She'll enjoy a salami gift set from San Francisco's newest house cured deli, Boccalone. A Starbucks gift card will give her the daily luxury of delicious coffee. A meat t-shirt is conversation-provoking and daring.

For more ideas browse below, or head to HolidaySugar. Happy Holidays!

YumSugar Gift Guide: The Beginner Cook Co-Worker

YumSugar — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:15:43 -0800

Do you have a co-worker who also wants to learn how to cook? If so, encourage your teammate to cook more (and bring the best results into the office!). Start by drawing inspiration from Tyler Florence's top kitchen essentials.

According to TyFlo, your compadre needs a versatile pot. Next on the list should be an all-purpose cooking knife, with a sharpener thrown in to preserve its blade. Great Food Fast is a book that's simple to follow and produces tasty results.

Want more gift ideas? Browse the selection below or check out all the gift guides on HolidaySugar.