Simply Splendid Gift Baskets Blog

As you may have seen me mention, Cracker Barrel is a sponsor of the Savvy Blogging dinner we are scheduled to host this Friday. I honestly cannot believe it’s here. We are ecstatic to have them partner with us because of, well, a little story I’m going to share with you :)

I have gone to two blog conferences now, and this next one will be my third.  Each time, I have driven with a great group of ladies.  Each time on our return trip home, guess where we stopped to eat?  Yes, Cracker Barrel. OK, that may seem like a no-brainer since our family typically stops at Cracker Barrel also on long trips, but here’s where the irony/fate comes in.

I believe it was our trip in July when we joked that “Hey, you never know, one day maybe Cracker Barrel will be sponsoring some blog thing we want to do and we can tell them this story.”  Well, it’s happened girls – Cracker Barrel is one of our sponsors! And, while our passengers have changed for each drive, the single person who has been on every trip has been Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom, who is also a co-founder of Savvy Blogging!  I thought that was interesting too.

OK, enough about my stories. Cracker Barrel has donated a great giveaway package for me to offer here at Mommy Snacks.net. They also sent one to our family, and you can see our pancake dinner with the boys’ help in the below story!  It just so happened that I had breakfast on the menu for dinner and I literally got the package that day – perfect timing!

The winner will receive everything as shown in the picture above.  I will say that my personal fave is the Wild Maine Blueberry Syrup. It has chunks of blueberries in it. WOW, is it good!

To enter in this giveaway, you have several forms of entry, which are:

Leave me a comment and tell me if you ever have breakfast for dinner?  What do you usually make?  Well, if anything I’m sure you’ve done cereal once or twice (if you’re like me) (-: I do include breakfast into our dinner plans during the week occasionally.  We aren’t (or I’m not) big weekend breakfast makers, since the boys have events to be at early. So, still having the big old fashioned breakfast during the week – and at night – works for us!

Subscribe to my feed here or daily email update here. Leave a separate comment to inform me that you have subscribed. And, of course, if you already subscribe definitely leave a comment for that too! Remember, all subscribers are eligible to win one of my monthly giveaways as well so you should subscribe anyway!

Share about this giveaway on the following sites and receive one entry for each. Drop a separate comment for each to let me know where you have shared it!

• Follow me on Twitter - just copy this message into your tweet
  Stop by @MommySnacks and enter the yummy basket of goodies courtesy of Cracker Barrel! http://bit.ly/cs6aNO
• Your Facebook Wall – just paste this message onto your personal Facebook Wall so your friends will see it.
  Stop by @MommySnacks and enter the yummy basket of goodies courtesy of Cracker Barrel! http://bit.ly/cs6aNO
• Personal Blog
• Message Board or Online Community (leave a separate comment/link for each place posted)

Good luck! I will be closing this giveaway on Monday @ 8p. I will choose the winner at random and contact you directly and update the Giveaway Page with the winner’s name.

* If you are reading via email or a feed, please visit Mommy Snacks.net directly to leave your comments to be entered in the giveaway! The giveaway will be listed in the right sidebar.

Bon Appétit Magazine December 2004 digest – The Holiday Issue
There’s a great cover photo of a Milk Chocolate Mousse Cake with Hazelnut Crunch Crust. As always, the Holiday issue comes with a tons of ads.
Note, for those who are sensitive to it, there is a perfume insert in this issue.
Contributors in this issue: Cookbook author and Chef Tom Valenti (Quest & ‘Cesca in NYC), author Mort Rosenblum, cookbook authors Miriyam & Phyllis Glazer, writer Adam Leith Gollner, cookbook author Elinor Klivans, prop stylist Nancy Micklin.

Starters – “Quick Bites from the World of Bon Appétit” by Hugh Garvey
A side bar suggests some other duos to leave for Santa besides the iconic milk & cookies.
There’s a brief listing of some A-list caterers-to-the-stars in case you want to party like Britney this year.
Three Questions for Beau Timken, owner of the first sake-only store in America called True Sake (San Francisco)
There’s a brief look at some restaurants in Boston’s South End.
There’s a step-by-step diagram showing how to open a champagne bottle quietly.
Hugh has a couple suggestions for party snacks: Marcona Almonds (www.tienda.com), Wild Mushroom Medley Stix (www.terrachips.com) & Wasabi Soy Nuts (www.lehivalleycountrystore.com)
GiftBooks for Cooks: Hugh gives 10 suggestions for books to wrap and put under the tree.

R.S.V.P. – Readers’ Favorite Restaurant Recipes
Recipes: “Glühwein”(spiced wine – from Debrosses in the Ritz Carlton - Berlin, Germany); “Cranberry Lattice Tart” & “Nutmeg Ice Cream” (Zuni Café – San Francisco); “Persian Lamb Shanks with Garlic and Eggplant” (Bha! Bha! – Naples, Florida); “Smoked Chicken, Corn and Black Bean Stew” (Aspen Mountain Club – Aspen, CO); “Pan-Seared Salmon with Fresh Clams and White Bean Ragout” (Olives – Washington, D.C.); “Cream of Cashew Soup” (Mathilda’s – Oxford, Maryland); “Caramel Soufflés” (Bastide – Los Angeles)

Entertaining Easy – “A Party Pops” by Sarah Tenaglia
Sarah offers some champagne and hors d’oeuvre combinations for your holiday get-together.
Recipes: “Kumquat Champagne Cocktail”, “Pomegranate-Ginger Champagne Cocktail”, “Ruby Champagne Cocktail”, “Pancetta Crisps with Goat Cheese and Pear”, “Crostini with Burrata Cheese, Pink Pepper and Arugula”, “Sesame Wonton Triangles with Smoked Salmon and Wasabi”

People and Places – “Sweet Legacy” by Martin Booe
In this essay, Martin recalls his Kentucky grandmother and her incredible Bourbon chocolates that started the family business. You can buy the candy online at www.rebeccaruth.com.

Kitchen Favorites – “The Joy of Cookies” by Elinor Klivans
Elinor offers six new recipes to bake and wrap and give for the holidays.
Recipes: “Iced Stars”, “White Chocolate and Peppermint Cookie Brittle”, “Triple-Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies”, “Chocolate-Covered Gingerbread Kids”, “Hazelnut Shortbread Cookies”, “Pecan Lace Sandwich Cookies with Orange Buttercream”

Kitchen Tools of the Trade – “Cookie Couture” by Dorie Greenspan
Dorie takes a look at new holiday presses, molds, cutters and paint to help dress up holiday favorites.

Personal Taste – “Fondue Memories” by Janet Taylor McCracken
Thanks to an exchange student from Switzerland, Janet has a 30-year fondue tradition during the holidays.
Recipes: “Porcini Fondue with Ham and Ciabatta”, “Joanne’s Apricot Bars”

Restaurants – Hot Seat – Restaurateur Alan Yau of Yauatcha – London

Restaurant Reporter – “Where to Go Now” by Tanya Wenman Steel
Las Vegas – Isla (Chef Rick Aco - Treasure Island); Fusia (Luxor-Mandalay Bay Mall); Cravings (The Mirage)
Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay) – Masala Kraft (Chef Hemant Oberoi); Indigo (Chef-Owner Rahul Akerkar); Konkan Café (Chef Ananda Solomon); Trishna
Minneapolis & St. Paul – Red (Chef Matt Kempf – Foshay Tower, Minneapolis); Corner Table (Chef-Owner Scott Pampuch – South Minneapolis); A Rebours (Chef Roger Johnsson – Hamm Building, St. Paul);
New York – Cru (Chef Shea Gallante); S Ninth (Chef Zak Pelaccio); Kittichai (Chef Ian Chalermkittichai – Sixty Thompson Hotel)
A side article discusses some Mexican Inns.

Restaurants – Going Out – “Bella Bologna” by Mort Rosenblum
Mort eats his way through the northern Italian city and is seduced by trattoria favorites and fresh ingredients.

At the Market – “Chestnuts” by Monica Parcell with recipes by Gordon Hamersley
Monica has some new suggestions for the classic holiday ingredient.
Recipes: “Chestnut Risotto with Butternut Squash”, “Striped Bass with Swiss Chard, Chestnuts and Pomegranate Vinaigrette”, Roast Pork Tenderloins with Balsamic-Chestnut Glaze”, “Chestnut-Caramel Ice Cream”
A small side article explains how to shell them.

Wine & Spirits – “The Holiday Spirits” by David Lansing
Different countries celebrate the holidays with different spirits. David has some suggestions on how to broaden your holiday horizons.
A Holiday Sampler:
Wild Sint Maarten Guavaberry Folk Liquer ($22) – Guavaberry flavored rum from St Martin, West Indies
Dow’s Crusted Port ($24) – Port from Portugal
Arak El Massaya ($25) – Aniseed-flavored, from the Middle East
Don César Pisco Puro ($27) – Brandy from Chile & Peru
Drambuie ($30) – Scotland
Xanath Crema de Vainilla ($30) – Veracruz, Mexico (it’s pronounced “sha-nath”)
Toschi Nocello ($35) – Walnut-flavored spirit from Italy
Père Magloire X. O. Calvados ($55) – apple brandy from Normandy

A side article shows a single-bottle wine steward from Pek Preservation Systems that will give you complete temperature control over one bottle (www.peksystems.com).
There’s a short blurb on an intensive 4-day “sommelier” class being held by the CIA in Napa Valley.

Tasting Panel Report – Top 5 All-American picks:
Chateau Ste. Michelle – Dr. Loosen 2003 Eroica Reisling, Columbia Valley ($20)
Stone Hill Winery - 2001 Port, Hermann ($20, 500 ml)
Domaine Carneros by Taittinger – 2001 Brut, Carneros ($24)
Van Duzer Vineyards – 2002 Pinot Noir, Dijon Blocks, Willamette Valley ($32)
Miner Family Vineyards – 2001 The Oracle, Napa Valley ($50)

Bon Vivant – “Great Gift Ideas for Every King of Cook on Your List” by Laurie Glenn Buckle and Kim Wong
www.Cuisipro.com makes a whisk with a weighted ball inside that’s supposed to add more air and make lighter egg whites - $16
www.chefsplanet.com offers a professional 8-inch knife (looks likes it’s all one piece – there’s a dimple on the side of the handle for your thumb) - $80
www.oxo.com Their mandoline is finally out - $70
www.timberland.com offers a Chef’s watch with a timer - $100 ($5 goes to charity)
www.alessi.com Form & Function in one conical “Todo” grater - $64
www.mariposa-gift.com A sphere-themed Mariposa server dish for sweets - $164
www.siliconezoneusa.com It’s a silicone muffin pan that will make flower-shaped cakes - $25
www.aftelier.com Chocolate perfume & body oil! –
www.kitschnglam.com offers a unique looking apron ($62) with a Jennifer Kaufman vintage cherry necklace ($95)
www.rosenthalusa.com Sleek, beautiful clear glass decanters - $50 each
www.fitzsu.com L’Atelier de Vin Discovery Kit (Wine Tasting kit in a box) - $124
A great looking lazy Susan made from the wood “plate” from the end of a wine cask - No maker is given, just a phone number - $90
www.redenvelope.com A monogrammed wine stopper - $40 for a set of two
www.cooking.com Norpro offers a chi-chi looking vertical roaster for the Beer Butt Chicken fan in your life - $25
www.newwestknifeworks.com It’s a handmade 4-piece steak knife set with wooden case - $225
Table Trendz has some great looking “curly-Q” skewers for the BBQ- $64 for a set of 4
www.kitchengrips.com has a keep-cool oven mitt - $20
www.isinorthamerica.com It’s a “Squid” silicone brush/baster that is in the shape of the body of a squid - $10
www.fitzsu.com Eva Solo Danish-designed 32-inch high BBQ grill (silver-ish) - $440 (tongs $40)
www.anfamily.com Gorgeous handcrafted Vietnamese Crustacean chopsticks based on a 1300 B.C design - $142
www.janemarvel.com A tote bag for the week’s produce - $120
Bring your own lunch: www.builtny.com offers a funky looking lunch bag with handle ($26) and www.avantro.com offers a sleek yellow thermos to go with it - $18
A Moroccan Tangine by Maison Midi - $85
www.suefisherking.com “Caroline” shawl that can be used as a wrap when on the road, or as a table covering when at home - $198
WOW! – A contemporary-looking glass toaster! www.esalton.com Designed by Russell Hobbs - $100
www.emilehenry.com An Emile Henry round casserole pot with cover - $64
www.momastore.com A beautiful but simple Jasper Morrison-designed coffeemaker from Rowenta - $150 (Couldn't find this on the web site)
www.sferrabros.com “Arabesque” napkins and tablecloth, red with a nice design - $65 for 4 napkins, $165 for the tablecloth
www.magenta-inc.com Simple but sturdy-looking (off-white?) mixing bowls with a small kitchen-related design on them - $70 for a set of three different sizes

“Comfort and Joy” by Tom Valenti with gorgeous photos by Mark Thomas
Tom offers an Italian-inspired menu for a dinner for 10 that’s casual yet refined, rustic yet chic with some favorite flavors and some luxuries, too.
Recipes: “Fontina Risotto Cakes with Fresh Chives”, “Lobster Pasta with Herbed Cream Sauce”, “Bacon-wrapped Beef Tenderloin with Herb Stuffing”, “Truffled Potato Gratin”, Roasted Baby Beets”, “Cranberry Granita”, “Walnut Sables”

“Sparkle and Style” by Jeanne Thiel Kelley, more great photos by Mark Thomas
Put out the best linens and silver and dress up for this dinner for 8.
Recipes: “Cumin-Roasted Potatoes with Caviar and Smoked Salmon”, “Bronze and Red Lettuce Salad with Serrano Ham and Goat Cheese Spirals”, “Muscovy Duck Breasts with Pomegranate-Wine Sauce”, “Toasted Israeli Couscous with Pine Nuts and Parsley”, “Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflower with Orange”, “Spiced Sugar Plum and Caramelized Tartlets with Calvados Cream”

“Morning Glory” by Kristine Kidd
The Photographer isn’t credited but the photos are, again, very nice.
It’s a do-ahead breakfast that’s ready when you are.
Recipes: “Caramel-Swirl Hot Chocolate”, “Vanilla-Maple French Toast with Warm Berry Preserves”, “Warm Berry Preserves”, “Rosemary and Mustard Breakfast Sausages”, “Citrus Salad with Ginger Yogurt”

“A Feast that Shines Bright” by Miriyam & Phyllis Glazer with wonderful photos by Pornchai Mittongtare
It’s a Hanukkah Celebration for 8 with exotic spices that will transform the dinner into a memorable one.
Recipes: “Cumin-Scented Beet Latkes”, “Gingered Carrot Latkes”, “Celery and Cilantro Relish”, “Apple, Green Onion and Jalapeño Salsa”, “Romaine and Arugula Salad with Toasted Seeds”, “Chicken with Olives, Caramelized Onions and Sage”, “Bulgur and Green Lentil Pilaf”, “Spiced Fritters with Maple-Vanilla Syrup”

“One Party Fits All” by Kristine Kidd., with great photos by Gary Moss
It’s a buffet for 25 for any occasion that may arise during the holidays. You make some of it, and buy the rest for convenience.
Recipes: “Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Mushrooms”, “Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Herb Bread”, “Fennel and Orange Salad”, “Dried Cherry and Ginger Cannoli”
A side article lists what you should buy instead of make yourself, including some sweets.
Another side article offers some suggestions for party wines under $15 for your buffet:
Rosemount Estate 2003 Cabernet-Merlot ($9)
Monte Antico 2001 Toscana ($10)
Veramonte 2004 Sauvignon Blanc ($10)
Mionetto NV “II” Prosecco ($11)

“Paris at Midnight” by Randi Danforth, great photos by France Ruffenach
Bon Appétit follows a couple as they celebrate the New Year in the City of Lights with a menu for 8.
Recipes: “Caviar and Dill Canapes”, “Truffle and Scallop Carpaccio”, “Foie Gras Tartlets with Vanilla-Scented Apples”, “Camembert with Greens and Truffle Oil”, “Chocolate and Dried-Fruit Phyllo Purses with Caramel-Cinnamon Sauce”, “Caramel-Cinnamon Sauce”

“The Gift of Chocolate” by Alice Medrich
The photos of the desserts will make you whimper with desire.
Recipes: “Bittersweet Chocolate-Citrus Tart with Jasmine Whipped Cream”, “Jasmine Whipped Cream”, “Candied Citrus Peel”, “White Chocolate Praline Ice Cream Terrine with Blackberry-Raspberry Sauce”, “Blackberry-Raspberry Sauce”, “Coconut-Chocolate Marjolaine”, “Milk Chocolate Mousse Cake with Hazelnut Crunch Crust” (Cover Recipe)

“Joyeux Montréal” by Rand Richards Cooper
Rand explores “Christmas Central” for an old-fashioned European holiday that’s not so far from home.
Recipe: “Potato Soup with Caramelized Vegetables”
A side article offers some hotel suggestions when in Montreal.

Fast Easy Fresh – Quick Dishes for Every-night cooking
Recipes: “Pear and Frangipane Crostata with Raspberry Vinegar Glaze”, “Campanelle Pasta with Burrata Cheese, Spinach, Lemon and Toasted Almonds”, “Mâche Salad with Blood Oranges, Pistachios and Pomegranate”, “Celery Root Risotto and Pesto”, “Miso-Glazed Black Cod on Sunflower Sprouts”, “Breakfast Polenta with Chorizo and Queso Fresco”

Too Busy to Cook? – Fast and Easy Favorites from Readers
From Jan Schroeder of Oregon: “Roast Lamb with Marionberry-Pecan Crust”, “Spiced Cranberry and Dried-Fruit Chutney”, “Brown Sugar-Chipotle Salmon with Honey-Berry Glaze”
From Lauren Beal of California: “Baked Apples with Cranberries, Raisins and Apricots”, “Linguine with Garlic Shrimp and Basil”

Feedback – End Page Q & A with Harry Connick, Jr.

This post has been edited by Toliver: 09 November 2004 - 04:36 PM