Food Lover Gifts Under $25

If you're trying to get a jump on your holiday shopping like me (what do you mean Christmas is 15 days away), I thought I'd offer you some ideas for your food-loving friends and family.  Whether they prefer fancy, gourmet gifts or a 6-pack of beer... there's something here for everyone.  Or just me.  Me.  Buy all of this for me (come on, they're affordable presents).  

Owl Mugs $5-$10

Growler $15

Copper Cook's Tools $12

Santa Tea Towel $10

Cheese Markers $24

California Bowl $8

Kitchen Print $15

Porcelain Pitcher $14

Cocktail Decanter $15

Happy Gifting!

Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Pretzels

I am not a very crafty mom.  Thank god for preschool and art and messy paint and clay because that does not happen at home.  The craftiest I get is with, surprise surprise, making treats!  Luckily, Jack loves to help.  However, I am a baker by nature because it's a slow process and allows you to clean as you go, so there's a certain amount of "control" I have to let go of when I let a little one in the kitchen.  Sprinkles?  Just, breathe, and, clean, later, Siri.  These Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Pretzels were a really fun, delicious and MESSY project to do with Jack : )   

I got the idea from my friend's Instagram, who happens to be the co-host of the Minneapolis based Twin Cities Live (check out the show and website for more holiday treat ideas).  Jack had a blast doing everything himself, with the exception of melting the chocolate (which I did in the microwave for 30 second intervals until smooth).  Tip: buy a few bags of pretzels if you're going to make a lot, because many in the bag were broken (I used this brand).  Simply spread a small amount of peanut butter on the flat side of each pretzel, add another on top to make a sandwich (flat side to flat side).  Dip in melted chocolate, use a spoon to add sprinkles, and place finished product on parchment paper to harden... 

(actual recipe here)   

Butternut Squash Pizza with Brown Butter Base

Well, hello there pizza with three different kinds of cheese and brown butter instead of sauce.  Hello.  Want to be friends?  Want to climb into my belly?  What's that you say?  You're already in my belly?  LOLOLOLOL you're so silly, pizza, STOP TALKING OR I'LL EAT YOU AGAIN.

That's right, I'm having a conversation with a photo of a pizza I made and devoured last night.  A reader sent me the recipe and really people, feel free to send more like this.  All the flavors of the season - butternut squash, sage, cheese (what?) - with a nutty brown butter base.  It was so good.  I purchased pizza dough from a local pizzeria and used a cookie sheet because I do not have a pizza pan or stone.  It worked just fine, even if I did burn the crust a bit.  Make this!  And then talk to your food like I do.  

Click here for recipe.