Book Review: Kitchenability 101 - The College Student's Guide to Easy, Healthy, and Delicious Food

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You have spent the last decade or more trying to save money and prepare your child for college.  You have taken them shopping for the basic things that they will need to survive during their first year away from home.  But if you think that you have all of the bases covered, you need to check out Kitchenability 101:  The College Student's Guide to Easy, Healthy, and Delicious Food by Nisa Burns.

This book includes 65 easy, affordable, and healthy recipes designed with high school and college students in mind.  The book offers personal and practical advice to improve your student's abilities in the kitchen.  It helps students discover the satisfaction of cooking on a budget for themselves and for their friends.

Author Nisa Burns is a culinary graduate of the Art Institute of Virginia Beach and CEO of Kitchenability, Inc.  Her company was founded with the goal of giving students the confidence and skills to make easy, healthy, and delicious foods suited to their lifestyles.  Burns contends that if colleges had a mandatory introduction to cooking class, more students would become lifelong healthy eaters.

The book begins with a wealth of information devoted to setting up a basic, working kitchen designed for the students specific living accommodations.  Author Burns includes sections on dorm room essentials, must-have utensils, and basic pantry staples.  She also provides QR codes that point the reader to her instructional videos where she provides information from basic cooking techniques to shopping advice.  Here is one example of these videos:  how to cut an onion and stretching your budget by shopping at a farmer's market.  Kitchenability is divided into several chapters with a multitude of fundamental recipes that help students gain confidence as they develop their culinary skills.  

As part of our review, we prepared two dishes:  Creamy Hummus Dip and Bananas Foster.  The hummus was very easy to make.  Within 5 minutes we had fresh homemade hummus that tasted better than the brand that we usually buy at the store.  The author's suggestion of adding sun dried tomatoes to the mix would make this recipe even better.  This was a simple, fundamental recipe that can serve as a quick and easy snack or a building block for a more complex dish.  Next, we tried Bananas Foster another classic recipe that was easy and affordable to prepare. This dish has a long history and was first prepared back in the early 1950s at Brennan's Restaurant in New Orleans.  This was a great tasting, simple dessert that we put together in a matter of minutes.  Overall, Kitchenability 101 provides the essentials for college students to explore and develop their culinary skills.  In her debut effort, Author Nisa Burns has provided an outstanding collection of healthy, easy, economic, and fun recipes for students to explore.  We give Kitchenability 4 out of 5 stars.

Jackie Kennedy's Beef Stroganoff Recipe

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If you're looking for something to make for dinner on election night, we recommend this one direct from Camelot. You can fill up the slow cooker before you head out to the polls on Tuesday and by the time the election results begin to trickle in, you will be enjoying one of Jackie's best recipes.

From Holiday Slow Cooker by Jonnie Downing....

Was there anything this amazing woman wasn't good at?  Try the first lady's delicious beef stroganoff recipe and judge for yourself.  While this version is modified for the slow cooker, you'll still need to do some prep work.  It's worth it.

Ingredients:
2 pounds top sirloin, trimmed of fat and cut into 2-inch strips
1/4 tspn salt
1/4 tspn pepper
1/4 cup grated yellow onion 
1 1/2 cups sliced baby portabello mushrooms
2 cups beef broth
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tspn onion powder
egg noodles, for serving
1/2 cup sour cream

Preparation:

1. Spray the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray.
2. Season the beef strips with the salt and pepper and place in the slow cooker.
3. Lightly saute the onions. 
4. Add the onion, mushrooms, broth, tomato paste, and onion powder.  Cover and cook on low for 10 hours, until the beef is tender.
5. Shortly before serving time, cook the noodles according to the package directions.  While they are cooking, mix the sour cream into the meat mixture in the slow cooker.  Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, as needed.
6. Serve the hot stroganoff over the noodles. 

Russia  [ print this recipe for Jackie Kennedy's Beef Stroganoff ]

Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe

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Mexican Wedding Cookies are both sweet and savory and are always one of the many types of cookies that we bake before the Christmas Holiday Season.  Many countries have similar types of cookies and they are known around the World by different names.  Most people agree, however, that whatever you call them they are extremely easy to make.  The dough can be prepared a day or two in advance and can be refrigerated until the time that you are ready to bake.

Ingredients:
1/4 tspn Kosher salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup shortening
5 tbsp butter
1/2 tspn vanilla extract
3 1/4 cups winter flour (or all-purpose flour)
1 1/4 cups finely chopped pecan pieces or ground sunflower seeds

Preparation:

1. Using a mixer cream together the sugar, salt, shortening, butter, and vanilla.
2. Add the dry ingredients and mix together.
3. Form dough into a 1 and 1/2 inch diameter log.  Wrap the log in wax paper and refrigerate for at least an hour.
4. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Cut the log into 1/4 inch disks.
6. Place the disks on a lightly greased baking sheet and place on the upper rack of the oven.  Bake for 7 to 8 minutes until the just start to brown on the edges.
7. Let the cookies cool completely and then roll the cookies in a small bowl of confectioner's sugar.
8. Store the Mexican Wedding Cookies in an airtight container.

Mexico  [ print this recipe for Mexican Wedding Cookies ]

Æbleskiver Recipe

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Æbleskivers are a Danish breakfast delicacy.  Æbleskiver literally means apple slice in Danish, but this dish has evolved to include a multitude of different flavor combinations from sweet including various sugars and fruits to savory with different types of cheeses and meats. 

Recommended Equipment:
stand mixer
Æbleskiver pan (We bought a used cast iron pan on Ebay, you can also buy them new from Aunt Else's Æbleskivers)
chop stick or knitting needle

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups flour
1 1/4 tspn baking soda
1/2 tspn Kosher salt
3/4 tspn baking powder
2 eggs separated
2 cups buttermilk
1 tbsp vegetable oil + oil to grease  the Æbleskiver pan

Preparation:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, Kosher salt, and baking powder).
2. Separate the eggs.  Set the egg yolks aside.  Using a stand mixer, whip the egg whites until they become fluffy.
3. Gradually mix the dry ingredients in with the egg whites.
4. Mix in the egg yolks, buttermilk, and vegetable oil.
5. Prepare all of the ingredients that you plan to add to the Æbleskivers in advance.  We used diced apple and garnished them with confectioner's sugar and maple syrup.
6. Heat the Æbleskiver pan over medium heat (gas stoves work the best with heavy cast iron pans).
7. Add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to each well in the pan.
8. When the pan is hot, fill each well 3/4 full with the Æbleskiver batter.  Then place a small amount of diced apples (or whatever filling that you want to use) in the center of each well.
9. Using a chop stick or knitting needle, slowly turn the Æbleskiver 1/4 length.  After this side cooks, turn the Æbleskiver another 1/4 turn.  Repeat until all sides of the Æbleskiver are cooked.  The Æbleskiver is done when the chop stick can be inserted into the Æbleskiver and it comes out clean.
10. Remove the Æbleskivers from the pan and dust with confectioner's sugar and top with your choice of fruit, syrup, whipped cream, or other topping.  Serve them hot!

 Denmark  [ print this recipe for Æbleskivers ]

Planter's NUT-rition Energy Mix-Berry Nut and Chocolate Milk Cupcakes with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting

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Living the Gourmet is pleased to introduce Planter's NUTrition Berry Mix Peanut Butter.  Justwhen you thought peanut butter couldn't get any better, our friends at Planter’s roll out a new and deliciousproduct.  Once again, Living the Gourmet was given the opportunity to test out NUTrition Berry Mix, which takes peanut butter to a wholenew level, with a wholesome blend of cranberries and chopped peanuts in a thickroasted peanut butter. 
Planet’s Berry Mix NUTrition is made with adults in mind.  Nutrition dense with 5 essential vitamins andminerals backed by 6 grams of protein, Planet’s Berry Mix is an excellent source ofenergy. 
The next time you need to make a pantryrun for peanut butter, make sure to pick up NUTrition!
Now for Chocolate Milk Cupcakes with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting!

Ingredients:
1 cup flour 1 cup sugar1 tsp. baking powder¼ tsp. salt4 tablespoons butter1 egg1 tsp. vanilla½ cup chocolate milk
Preheat Oven 350 degrees:
In a medium size bowl sift together the flour, baking powderand the salt and set aside.
Using an electric mixer cream together the vanilla and thebutter until creamy, gradually add the sugar to this mixture whilecreaming.  Add the egg and continue tomix.
Gradually add the chocolate milk and flour mixturealternating, while continuing to blend.
Place in cup cake holders or well buttered cupcake tins.
Bake 20-25 minutes or until toothpick test comes outclean.  Baking time also depends on thesize of the cupcakes.
~ Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting ~
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons butter½ cup creamy peanut butter1 cup confectioner’s sugar2 tablespoons milk
With an electric mixer cream the butter and peanut butteruntil smooth and creamy.
Add the confectioner’s sugar and continue to cream with themixer.  Add the milk and continue tocream until light and fluffy.
Frost the cupcakes after they have cooled.
These cupcakes are light and fluffy and irresistible.
Enjoy with Love,
Catherinexo

Bourbon Slush Recipe

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Bourbon slushes are a tradition in our family. On Christmas Eve, there is always a big batch on hand as the family gathers. By midnight, the slushes are always completely finished off.

This is a great drink to have on hand throughout the year, however. You can store these in the freezer for months. When guests stop by, you will always have a great drink to serve.

Ingredients:
3 12 oz. cans of lemonade concentrate
5 cups orange juice
2 16 oz. bottles of 7Up
1 fifth of Bourbon whiskey

Preparation:

1. Mix together all of the ingredients.
2. Put in the freezer for at least 24 hours.
3. When you are ready to serve, chip the slush and add to a glass using a large metal spoon.
4. Garnish with a Maraschino cherry.

United States

Mary's Promenade on the Peninsula 5K - Rollings Hills Estates

To contact us Click HERE


A few Sundays ago (October 14, 2012), I woke up and looked at my Google calendar. Earlier, I noted that a local 5K was happening, but never signed up. That morning, I decided to just do it!

The race is called Mary's Promenade on the Peninsula 5K Run/Walk to benefit the YWCA Harbor Area & South Bay, and the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation (MDF). Mary's family lovingly spoke of her, and I believe gathering so many people together to honor and raise funds in a tremendous effort. I hope they raised a lot of money for services and research!

Palos Verdes, Palos Verdes Estates, and Rolling Hills are hills in the South Bay area of Los Angeles. Amazing views of the ocean as well as the city below. It is a lovely place to live with horse trails, and top ranked schools...and top real estate prices. For sure I'll never be able to live there, but it is great place to visit. :) For this race, the Rolling Hills were freaking LITERAL. As a "beginning" runner (um, for the last three years), I found the course really tough. Seems like the whole thing was kinda uphill!

My time was turtle slow, but I finished, and that's what counts!

P.S. If you want to start running/jogging, I love the Get Running App from Splendid Things (available for iPhone and Android). I wrote about it here. I don't work for them or get anything for this recommendation. I just really like this app - I used it a few years ago, and just recently used it again to get myself back into running. My friends have also used it and found it really encouraging and helpful!

Pumpkin Pie (with Trader Joe's Shelf Stable Whipping Cream)

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Pumpkin Pie
Happy Thanksgiving! I still can't believe it's already Thanksgiving and the whole holiday season. Has this year been flying by? I think it's on overdrive or something.

Here is a simple Pumpkin Pie recipe. It's adapted from the Libby recipe on the can, but I used some brown sugar and extra yolk.

I topped it with this new Trader Joe's product. It is ultra pasteurized whipping cream. You can keep it on the shelf until you need it (refrigerate for at least 6 hours before use). It contains cream and carrageenan so it's been prepared for shelf stable-ness (sure, that's a word). I whipped it by hand at Friendsgiving (with some super fine sugar and vanilla), and it takes longer to whip than regular cream. The Kitchn has this review of the $1.29 product...I'm definitely going to keep some in the fridge in case I run out of regular cream.

Recipe:
Pie Crust (for one 9" pie crust)
1 1/4 c all-purpose flour
1/4 t salt
1 t sugar
4 ounces/1 stick butter
3 to 4 T ice water

Using your fingers, quickly cut in butter until the mixture has the consistency of wet sand. Add water until dough just holds together. How much water you use can depend on the humidity in the air. Form into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. Then roll out as needed for your pie.

Pie:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons Trader Joe's Pumpkin Spice
2 large eggs
1 egg yolk
1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin puree (NOT the pumpkin pie mix)
1 can (12 fl. oz.) evaporated milk
1 unbaked 9-inch (4-cup volume) deep-dish pie shell

Prep: Preheat oven to 425° F oven.
1. Combine sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger and cloves in small bowl.
2. In a large bowl, whisk eggs together.
3. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture into large bowl with eggs.
4. Gradually stir in evaporated milk.
5. Pour mixture into unbaked pie shell. Put pie on a cookie sheet for easy transport into oven.
6. Bake in preheated 425° F oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350° F; bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean.
7. Cool on wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate.
8. Top with whipped cream before serving.

The Food Librarian's Gift Ideas 2012

To contact us Click HERE
Season's Greetings! Seriously can't believe it is December 1st already. Haven't started my holiday shopping yet...have you? Anyway, here are some things that I own and can't live without, or can't wait to explore that someone in your life may want. I can't guarantee that this will be the most awesome gift for your friends and family...but it may give you an idea for things to buy For Yourself. :) Remember to treat yourself this holiday season too!

It's a pretty random list... here goes (click on links for Amazon pages - full disclosure: I'm part of the Amazon affiliate program and get pennies if you happen to purchase items from this link...and I end up buying more cookbooks! Ah, the circle of life :)

\Cookbooks - For the Baker of all levels:
Baking: From My Home to Yours by Dorie Greenspan
If you've followed my blog, you know this book is a huge part! I was part of the Tuesdays with Dorie group and we baked our way through this book. I consider it a classic, and perfect for both the beginning baker and expert. Dorie Greenspan is amazing...she has very good instructions and wonderful flavor combos. This collage is just a few of the things I made from the book!

Some of the recipes from Dorie's book: Baking: From My Home to Yours

For the more advanced baker: Bouchon Bakery - This new book by Bouchon Bakery is beautiful. I haven't baked anything from it, but can't wait. Fortunately, Bouchon had a pop-up bakery in Beverly Hills (now they have a permanent bakery) and I went on my 40th birthday for delicious cookies and signature bouchon "cork" brownies. Everything is in weights and they have a chapter about throwing out your measuring cups. Woo hoo...speaking my language.
A few more books that I use a lot:
The Art and Soul of Baking - This is a great book with lots of instruction and easy to make recipe. It's by Sur la Table and pastry chef Cindy Mushet. Some of the items I've made include Orange Chocolate Chip muffins, Nectarine Upside-Down muffins, and Chocolate Chip Toffee scones.

Flour: Spectacular Recipes from Boston's Flour Bakery + Cafe - Oh man, I love this bakery and this book. Joanne Chang has some detailed instructions and very delicious recipes. The yellow cake is worth buying this book alone. And the lemon ginger scones? Please. Just add it to your cart already.

Sarabeth's Bakery: From My Hands to Yours - This book came out in 2010 and I find myself reading it often. Sarabeth Levine has her bakery in New York...and until I get myself there, I'll just have to bake up a lot of yummy desserts from her book. 
Mochi: recipes from savory to sweet! by JustJenn Fujikawa ($12.50). My friend JustJenn has this great recipe book of all mochi related recipes! From Savory to Sweet! Get your mochi on this holiday season. JustJenn is so creative and makes awesome recipes - you'll really enjoy this book!
Salter 3003 Aquatronic Glass Electronic Kitchen Scale (about $40)
Speaking of scales, I've had this one for a few years and love it. It easily switches from grams to ounces, and  has large numbers. Weighing ingredients is much faster and saves washing dishes. Luckily, more cookbooks are published with weights, as well as food sections of newspapers like the Los Angeles Times.

Portable Speaker  ($15-20 Available in Blue, Black, Red and Silver)When I bake, I love listening to audiobooks. However, I'd rather not have headphones in my ears (have you caught the cords on a drawer and have them yanked from your ears? Totally sucks). This cute little plug-in speaker does the trick. My colleague uses it with her iPad to watch movies in bed, and another friend uses it in her car. It charges via USB on your computer, and the charge lasts awhile.

Roku HD Streaming Player
Do you have Netflix streaming, Amazon Prime or watch Amazon videos or Hulu? This really small Roku box lets you stream videos via WiFi. It's way cool. Most of my friends have an XBox or Blueray player that will stream videos to their TV, but I don't have those fun things. This box works great, and takes very little space. Before I got it, I bought a DVD player with streaming from Costco. It wasn't set up for Amazon Video so I would have to open a browser, use a little remote without a keyboard and it didn't work great. The Roku has it set up to work with the major streaming players so you don't go crazy.

P.S. Thanks to my twitter buddy Erica @epeureka for helping me find the remote too! I tweeted, "If I were my Roku remote, where would I be?" and she said, "Couch cushion crack." Score! (And I found some lose change too).
They have a bunch of different types of Roku... but I really love it for streaming. It's amazing that something so small can deliver my favorite shows! :)
For the runner:
While I'm hardly a big time runner, here are a few things I wear while running so I'm not hit by a car. Because that would suck. Big time.


Road ID Engraved Emergency Contact Wristband ($20) - I run with my phone and dog. But if something happens, my phone has a pattern lock, and my dog doesn't talk. So I have a pink Road ID that can talk for me should that ever happen. This would make a very valuable gift to anyone who exercises or even just walks the dog.Road ID - Reflective Ankle Bands (Pair) ($10)



Traveler stuff:
This is a great bag. It is called the Patagonia MLC or Maximum Legal Carry-On bag. It has a zillion zippered pouches and can be carried like a brief case or worn like a messenger bag or backpack. My friend Sumi has taken hers all over the world, and well, I've taken mine to San Francisco and the east coast. It's perfect for probably up to 4 days, if you don't have too many shoes. It's $160 but I think it's going to last many years and miles.

Donations:
Of course, the best gift is giving to others. Consider a donation to your friend's favorite charity - service organizations, libraries, museums, zoos, and so many worthy causes!

Updated: See part 2 of my gift list here. 

Merry Christmas 2012

To contact us Click HERE

Wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas! I hope it is filled with lots of laughs, family and hella food.
- xo, Mary the  Food Librarian and Cidney the Girl Dog


Dear Friends of the Food Librarian, I know Mary writes about me all the time and takes endless instagram photos on the beach, but can you believe this year's costume? It was a few sizes too small and had to be stretched over my head (luckily I have small ears). Then they put antlers on me too. Oh, the things I do for a daily walk and occasional run to the beach. :) I wish you and your furry friends a great holiday season!
- xo, Cidney the Girl Dog

Mary's Promenade on the Peninsula 5K - Rollings Hills Estates

To contact us Click HERE


A few Sundays ago (October 14, 2012), I woke up and looked at my Google calendar. Earlier, I noted that a local 5K was happening, but never signed up. That morning, I decided to just do it!

The race is called Mary's Promenade on the Peninsula 5K Run/Walk to benefit the YWCA Harbor Area & South Bay, and the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation (MDF). Mary's family lovingly spoke of her, and I believe gathering so many people together to honor and raise funds in a tremendous effort. I hope they raised a lot of money for services and research!

Palos Verdes, Palos Verdes Estates, and Rolling Hills are hills in the South Bay area of Los Angeles. Amazing views of the ocean as well as the city below. It is a lovely place to live with horse trails, and top ranked schools...and top real estate prices. For sure I'll never be able to live there, but it is great place to visit. :) For this race, the Rolling Hills were freaking LITERAL. As a "beginning" runner (um, for the last three years), I found the course really tough. Seems like the whole thing was kinda uphill!

My time was turtle slow, but I finished, and that's what counts!

P.S. If you want to start running/jogging, I love the Get Running App from Splendid Things (available for iPhone and Android). I wrote about it here. I don't work for them or get anything for this recommendation. I just really like this app - I used it a few years ago, and just recently used it again to get myself back into running. My friends have also used it and found it really encouraging and helpful!

Pumpkin Pie (with Trader Joe's Shelf Stable Whipping Cream)

To contact us Click HERE
Pumpkin Pie
Happy Thanksgiving! I still can't believe it's already Thanksgiving and the whole holiday season. Has this year been flying by? I think it's on overdrive or something.

Here is a simple Pumpkin Pie recipe. It's adapted from the Libby recipe on the can, but I used some brown sugar and extra yolk.

I topped it with this new Trader Joe's product. It is ultra pasteurized whipping cream. You can keep it on the shelf until you need it (refrigerate for at least 6 hours before use). It contains cream and carrageenan so it's been prepared for shelf stable-ness (sure, that's a word). I whipped it by hand at Friendsgiving (with some super fine sugar and vanilla), and it takes longer to whip than regular cream. The Kitchn has this review of the $1.29 product...I'm definitely going to keep some in the fridge in case I run out of regular cream.

Recipe:
Pie Crust (for one 9" pie crust)
1 1/4 c all-purpose flour
1/4 t salt
1 t sugar
4 ounces/1 stick butter
3 to 4 T ice water

Using your fingers, quickly cut in butter until the mixture has the consistency of wet sand. Add water until dough just holds together. How much water you use can depend on the humidity in the air. Form into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. Then roll out as needed for your pie.

Pie:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons Trader Joe's Pumpkin Spice
2 large eggs
1 egg yolk
1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin puree (NOT the pumpkin pie mix)
1 can (12 fl. oz.) evaporated milk
1 unbaked 9-inch (4-cup volume) deep-dish pie shell

Prep: Preheat oven to 425° F oven.
1. Combine sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger and cloves in small bowl.
2. In a large bowl, whisk eggs together.
3. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture into large bowl with eggs.
4. Gradually stir in evaporated milk.
5. Pour mixture into unbaked pie shell. Put pie on a cookie sheet for easy transport into oven.
6. Bake in preheated 425° F oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350° F; bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean.
7. Cool on wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate.
8. Top with whipped cream before serving.

The Food Librarian's Gift Ideas 2012

To contact us Click HERE
Season's Greetings! Seriously can't believe it is December 1st already. Haven't started my holiday shopping yet...have you? Anyway, here are some things that I own and can't live without, or can't wait to explore that someone in your life may want. I can't guarantee that this will be the most awesome gift for your friends and family...but it may give you an idea for things to buy For Yourself. :) Remember to treat yourself this holiday season too!

It's a pretty random list... here goes (click on links for Amazon pages - full disclosure: I'm part of the Amazon affiliate program and get pennies if you happen to purchase items from this link...and I end up buying more cookbooks! Ah, the circle of life :)

\Cookbooks - For the Baker of all levels:
Baking: From My Home to Yours by Dorie Greenspan
If you've followed my blog, you know this book is a huge part! I was part of the Tuesdays with Dorie group and we baked our way through this book. I consider it a classic, and perfect for both the beginning baker and expert. Dorie Greenspan is amazing...she has very good instructions and wonderful flavor combos. This collage is just a few of the things I made from the book!

Some of the recipes from Dorie's book: Baking: From My Home to Yours

For the more advanced baker: Bouchon Bakery - This new book by Bouchon Bakery is beautiful. I haven't baked anything from it, but can't wait. Fortunately, Bouchon had a pop-up bakery in Beverly Hills (now they have a permanent bakery) and I went on my 40th birthday for delicious cookies and signature bouchon "cork" brownies. Everything is in weights and they have a chapter about throwing out your measuring cups. Woo hoo...speaking my language.
A few more books that I use a lot:
The Art and Soul of Baking - This is a great book with lots of instruction and easy to make recipe. It's by Sur la Table and pastry chef Cindy Mushet. Some of the items I've made include Orange Chocolate Chip muffins, Nectarine Upside-Down muffins, and Chocolate Chip Toffee scones.

Flour: Spectacular Recipes from Boston's Flour Bakery + Cafe - Oh man, I love this bakery and this book. Joanne Chang has some detailed instructions and very delicious recipes. The yellow cake is worth buying this book alone. And the lemon ginger scones? Please. Just add it to your cart already.

Sarabeth's Bakery: From My Hands to Yours - This book came out in 2010 and I find myself reading it often. Sarabeth Levine has her bakery in New York...and until I get myself there, I'll just have to bake up a lot of yummy desserts from her book. 
Mochi: recipes from savory to sweet! by JustJenn Fujikawa ($12.50). My friend JustJenn has this great recipe book of all mochi related recipes! From Savory to Sweet! Get your mochi on this holiday season. JustJenn is so creative and makes awesome recipes - you'll really enjoy this book!
Salter 3003 Aquatronic Glass Electronic Kitchen Scale (about $40)
Speaking of scales, I've had this one for a few years and love it. It easily switches from grams to ounces, and  has large numbers. Weighing ingredients is much faster and saves washing dishes. Luckily, more cookbooks are published with weights, as well as food sections of newspapers like the Los Angeles Times.

Portable Speaker  ($15-20 Available in Blue, Black, Red and Silver)When I bake, I love listening to audiobooks. However, I'd rather not have headphones in my ears (have you caught the cords on a drawer and have them yanked from your ears? Totally sucks). This cute little plug-in speaker does the trick. My colleague uses it with her iPad to watch movies in bed, and another friend uses it in her car. It charges via USB on your computer, and the charge lasts awhile.

Roku HD Streaming Player
Do you have Netflix streaming, Amazon Prime or watch Amazon videos or Hulu? This really small Roku box lets you stream videos via WiFi. It's way cool. Most of my friends have an XBox or Blueray player that will stream videos to their TV, but I don't have those fun things. This box works great, and takes very little space. Before I got it, I bought a DVD player with streaming from Costco. It wasn't set up for Amazon Video so I would have to open a browser, use a little remote without a keyboard and it didn't work great. The Roku has it set up to work with the major streaming players so you don't go crazy.

P.S. Thanks to my twitter buddy Erica @epeureka for helping me find the remote too! I tweeted, "If I were my Roku remote, where would I be?" and she said, "Couch cushion crack." Score! (And I found some lose change too).
They have a bunch of different types of Roku... but I really love it for streaming. It's amazing that something so small can deliver my favorite shows! :)
For the runner:
While I'm hardly a big time runner, here are a few things I wear while running so I'm not hit by a car. Because that would suck. Big time.


Road ID Engraved Emergency Contact Wristband ($20) - I run with my phone and dog. But if something happens, my phone has a pattern lock, and my dog doesn't talk. So I have a pink Road ID that can talk for me should that ever happen. This would make a very valuable gift to anyone who exercises or even just walks the dog.Road ID - Reflective Ankle Bands (Pair) ($10)



Traveler stuff:
This is a great bag. It is called the Patagonia MLC or Maximum Legal Carry-On bag. It has a zillion zippered pouches and can be carried like a brief case or worn like a messenger bag or backpack. My friend Sumi has taken hers all over the world, and well, I've taken mine to San Francisco and the east coast. It's perfect for probably up to 4 days, if you don't have too many shoes. It's $160 but I think it's going to last many years and miles.

Donations:
Of course, the best gift is giving to others. Consider a donation to your friend's favorite charity - service organizations, libraries, museums, zoos, and so many worthy causes!

Updated: See part 2 of my gift list here.