Maison Rustique

Thank you all for these wonderful ideas! I ordered some pretty bottles, but need to think about some nice jars and/or tins. 🙂 Will start working on a list of recipients and potential things to make so I can start planning and prepping. I'm so proud of myself for actually thinking about it now. I usually wait until mid-December and then realize there isn't time to do it.

I have decided to make some food gifts for the holiday this year and want to get started. I am thinking of flavored vinegars and oils, maybe some jams or spreads. Do any of you do this? What do you make? Tips? I've thought of various sorts of sauces and condiments, but not sure if that is overly ambitious. I'd love to hear from some of you who do this with more creative ideas than I've had so far. Thanks! P.S. For vinegars--just buy wine vinegars to start with or make my own???

I haven't paid much attention here in Kansas City, but in all other TJs I've shopped (California and Utah, anyway), the wraps have been cut in half and boxed. I usually only buy them when traveling, so don't pay attention when I'm shopping here.

I don't have the photo on this pc and can't find it on their website, but did find a blog post about it. Has anyone mentioned Popcorn in a Pickle? This stuff is insanely delicious. I had half the bag in the car on the way home. It appears to be seasonal, so I guess I need to go back soon to get more. Popcorn in a Pickle

I was so excited to get the hominy this time. I love it!!

I usuallly brown it first. Add whatever liquid and seasoning, seal it tightly in foil and roast at around 325 for however many hours it takes--depending on size of brisket.

Yeah, I made the mistake of buying a bag, too. Thankfully they are gone now. And I probably added 2 inches to my hips. I just can't resist sweet/salty.

Sadly, no repair cafes anywhere near my area.

And this is why our landfills are overflowing. It isn't practical to repair things anymore. I just ordered a new slow-cooker. One of the reviews said that the insert had broken and to replace it was going to cost as much as the entire slow-cooker cost. That's absurd! I can remember back when I was a kid. If a small appliance broke, you took it to a local repair shop and had it fixed. There are no places like that now. Even our vacuum cleaner stores have closed. 😞

Very cool. Thank you!!

I will definitely check out the artichoke hearts and the mango sauce. I could potentially see using the mango on grilled fish, chicken or pork.

These have become a staple in my pantry. I love them with pasta and sausage. Or, even mixed in with roasted potatoes or other veggies. Very versatile. The tomatoes, too.

I would gladly trade mine for yours! We have the worst cabinetry lay-out I have ever seen. In our corner area, the stove is next to it, so the cabinet doesn't make an L--just goes way long with no way to get back into the depths of it. I put stuff in there 10 years ago when we moved in and haven't seen it since. Then, we have another one that goes back over the sink, which is set in a corner. To get into that one, I literally have to climb up onto the counter to reach the top shelf. And no, I am not short. I could go on and on, but trust me on this. I'd rather have yours!

RG Hominy is the BEST!

The Butter Toffee Pretzels are officially an obsession of mine now. Butter Toffee Pretzels

What a great idea! I may need to see if I can do something like this, but am not sure the small design of our fireplace would work.

I am becoming addicted to this stuff. If I was making it, I'd put fewer cheese rockets. Way too many of them in the can I bought.

I do have arthritis and skinny handles do not work for me at all.

That is so cute, but I wouldn't dream of buying one until I unpack all my boxes of old cookbooks. It looks familiar enough to me that there is a very good chance I've already got a copy.

Oh, man! I hope mine still has it in a couple of weeks when I get back!

I can't believe the lines to get in!! 😮

Exactly! I am actually happy when my British friends tell me they made my corn pudding that they had at our house one Thanksgiving and always think of us when they have it. And the same for when I make my friend's Shepherd's Pie recipe. Brings me happy memories to remember when she made it for us when we were there for their daughter's wedding. Just like food, recipes are meant for sharing. JMHO P.S. I am not a big "recipe cook"but rather wing it as I go, using a recipe as a general guideline. It can be difficult for me to tell someone exactly how I made something when every time I make it, it is a little different.

Steak Pizzaiola as made by a friend's Sicilian mother. She wouldn't share the recipe and now she's gone.

😞

The most realistic ones I've seen are Luminara brand--various sizes/colors. But they are pricey. https://www.amazon.com/Luminara-Flameless-Halloween-Christmas-Wedding/dp/B01AI1A7JE/ref=sr_1_7?s=furniture&ie=UTF8&qid=1532182141&sr=1-7&keywords=luminara+flameless+candles