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Table Talk: December 3

Edible gifts and cookbooks

By Kim O'Donnel
November 30, 2009

Now is the time to get cooking on edible gifts. This week on Table Talk, Kim O’Donnel offers advice and suggestions for making homemade food presents (and in the meantime, here are eight ideas to get you started.).

Cookbook (and food books) that make good gifts are also on the menu.

marinated olives
Get advice on making edible gifts.

Bring your links and suggestions too.

The discussion took place right here, on Thursday, December 3, at 10 a.m. PT, 1 p.m. ET.

Kim, a trained chef and longtime food journalist, brings ideas, tips, and recipes to her weekly chats. Join us most Thursdays!

 Table Talk with Kim O'Donnel - Dec. 3, 2009(12/03/2009) 
9:48
Kim ODonnel: 
Ahoy! Welcome to December. It's hard to believe it's tinsel time all over again. Hanukkah begins next Friday night, Dec. 11, and Christmas is just 3 weeks from tomorrow. Gifts are the topic du jour -- edible, drinkable, DIY, kitchen-y...it's all fair game.
Thursday December 3, 2009 9:48 Kim ODonnel
10:02
Kim ODonnel: 
Hear ye, hear ye! It's the giving season, y'all. It always seems to sneak up on us, no? Today's chat is all about how to cater to the cooks in your life or turning your gifts into edible treats made from the comfort of your own kitchen. Would love to hear your thoughts, your tricks & of course, anything else inbetween. All aboard!
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:02 Kim ODonnel
10:02
[Comment From Roberta Roberta : ] 
Hi Kim - my house is overflowing with squash - pumpkins and delicata mostly. Are there any gifts you can suggest making with squash?
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:02 Roberta
10:03
Kim ODonnel: 
What about pumpkin bread, Roberta? You could bake, freeze, then wrap when your'e ready to give.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:03 Kim ODonnel
10:03
[Comment From alisoncsmith alisoncsmith : ] 
Kim, other than the standard "bar cookies ship best" rule, are there any other rules of thumb for baking cookies for later - for giving or - ahem - for saving ;-)
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:03 alisoncsmith
10:04
Kim ODonnel: 
Hey Alison, check out this helpful guide from Allrecipes on mailing cookies: http://allrecipes.com/HowTo/Mailing-Cookies/Detail.aspx

it's a keeper.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:04 Kim ODonnel
10:04
[Comment From redweather redweather : ] 
i am thinking of buying "Crust and Crumb" by Reinhart for a friend who is baking obsessively - any thoughts?
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:04 redweather
10:04
[Comment From Fran Fran : ] 
I think cookies keep better in a tin rather than anything plastic or cardboard.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:04 Fran
10:05
Kim ODonnel: 
Redweather, I don't have that title, but do you have any info on the friend -- what kind of baking he/she likes to do, skill level, etc?
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:05 Kim ODonnel
10:05
[Comment From Roberta Roberta : ] 
Maybe I should just lacquer them and present as door stops?
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:05 Roberta
10:06
Kim ODonnel: 
Hahah. Although delicata are wonderful roasted -- and cook up in just 25 minutes if you slice into rings.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:06 Kim ODonnel
10:06
[Comment From alisoncsmith alisoncsmith : ] 
thanks kim, that helped - and i'd like to know more about how long cookies really keep...
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:06 alisoncsmith
10:07
Kim ODonnel: 
I think Fran's point of keeping cookies in a tin is a good one -- I've noticed too that they keep longer this way. I think freezing is also a good idea.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:07 Kim ODonnel
10:07
[Comment From Roberta Roberta : ] 
Biscotti has always worked well for me to ship for gifts - very sturdy and lots of fun flavor combinations.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:07 Roberta
10:08
Kim ODonnel: 
Biscotti are great edible gifts, and they're terrific for when guests pop in during the season.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:08 Kim ODonnel
10:08
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
Roberta - Do you know anyone who'd appreciate a homemade pie for a gift? My non-baking sister requests (and gets) an apple pie made to my grandmother's recipe each year for Christmas.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:08 Linear Girl
10:08
[Comment From redweather redweather : ] 
my Crust and Crumb friend is baking almost daily right now, and is posting updates on facebook - bread, cookies, pies, biscuits, etc.... he lives too far away for me to eat any of it!
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:08 redweather
10:09
Kim ODonnel: 
Wow! Reinhart is a great resource. Rose Levey Beranbaum has also just come out with a new book. And so has James Peterson with a tome on baking.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:09 Kim ODonnel
10:09
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
I like to freeze cookies unbaked rather than baking then freezing. I freeze them on a cookie sheet then store in freezer bags. That way I can have as many (or few) fresh cookies on demand.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:09 Linear Girl
10:10
Mark Douglas: 
Redweather... on a related note Culinate announced yesterday that they would be donating all of their December revenues from both Amazon and Powell's books to Food Banks. Please consider using our link(s) if you do find a book, or other gift you are thinking of buying online this month. Read "Books for food" to learn more about how you can help out...every little bit helps.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:10 Mark Douglas
10:10
Kim ODonnel: 
Do you have a big freezer, Linear?
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:10 Kim ODonnel
10:10
Kim ODonnel: 
Oh yeah! Thanks for the reminder, Mark. I wrote about it here yesterday:
http://trueslant.com/kimodonnel/2009/12/02/holiday-shopping-that-does-good/
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:10 Kim ODonnel
10:12
Kim ODonnel: 
Speaking of which, I'm collecting other do-gooding ideas during the giving season.
Just heard that Allrecipes is baking a batch of cookies every day til the 25th & is accepting nominations for soldiers overseas to receive a batch. Nice idea.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:12 Kim ODonnel
10:12
[Comment From alisoncsmith alisoncsmith : ] 
great idea linear - might try it w/ some, but like kim mentions, freezer space is at a premium. you shoulda seen us juggling at thanksgiving to get the ice cream maker bowl (alton brown's chocolate recipe w/ nutella added at the end) in there next to the whole heads of cabbage (for christmas stuffed cabbage - the leaves are easier to manage/wrap if frozen, then thawed)
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:12 alisoncsmith
10:12
[Comment From redweather redweather : ] 
mark, i'm so glad you said that! will do!
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:12 redweather
10:13
[Comment From Roberta Roberta : ] 
Linear Girl - I probably have a few friends who aren't bakers and would appreciate a pie. I'd love someone to bake me a pie!
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:13 Roberta
10:13
[Comment From maukgirl maukgirl : ] 
I would love to store cookies in tins or give them away, but I can't seem to find empty tins
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:13 maukgirl
10:13
Mark Douglas: 
I saw that Kim... thanks... wouldn't it be cool if we could get more sites trying this as well?  Our little bit is nice (selfish me), but I would love to see others follow suit.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:13 Mark Douglas
10:13
Kim ODonnel: 
Maukgirl, I've had good luck at places like Container Store for tins. Other thoughts on tin sources, folks?
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:13 Kim ODonnel
10:14
Kim ODonnel: 
Mark, yes would be great to encourage more sites to join this effort. Hmm. We should put our heads together...
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:14 Kim ODonnel
10:14
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
I do. We bought a separate freezer when I had to pick up 6 whole lambs from the butcher and it was going to be a month or so before I got them to the other family members who were sharing them. It's now my goal to keep it full with meat, veg from the garden last summer and various baked goods, mostly bread and cookies. I'm not there yet, but it's pretty satisfying to cook one day and get to eat the fruits of my labors for a long time.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:14 Linear Girl
10:14
[Comment From Roberta Roberta : ] 
Michaels usually has tins for cookies.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:14 Roberta
10:14
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
To clarify - the baking sheet is only in the freezer until the dough is frozen. Then the frozen cookies are removed and placed in bags.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:14 Linear Girl
10:15
Kim ODonnel: 
good to know, Linear. thanks for the tip!
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:15 Kim ODonnel
10:16
Kim ODonnel: 
What's on your gift wish list this year? Share with the class.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:16 Kim ODonnel
10:16
Kim ODonnel: 
Here's an early question from lizka, who couldn't make the chat:
Not sure I'll make it to the chat, but I always read after, if it comes to that. I'm interested in making this cranberry sauce (WP recipie) with my left over fresh cranberries, but I want to make it to have with sweet potatoes and so I want to cut the sugar as far back as possible so that the cranberry sauce gives more tart than sweet to off-set the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes. I would appreciate thoughts on how much sugar I could/should cut out. Thanks a bunch! Lizka

Ingredients:

  • • 2/3 cup sugar
  • • 3/4 cup dry red wine
  • • 1/2 cinnamon stick (optional)
  • • 12 ounces package cranberries (about 3 cups)
  • • 2 long strips tangerine, clementine or orange zest (optional)

Directions:

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, wine and, if desired, cinnamon and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the wine has reduced slightly, about 4 minutes. Add the cranberries and, if desired, the zest. Simmer until the cranberries soften and the sauce thickens, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the heat; remove and discard the cinnamon and/or the zest, if using. Set aside to cool for at least several minutes and up to several hours. Serve warm or at room temperature. (Do not refrigerate; the flavor is muted by the cold.)
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:16 Kim ODonnel
10:18
Kim ODonnel: 
you might be able to reduce sugar to 1/2 cup, but what about trying good quality maple sugar instead? I always feel like I get more sweetened bang for my buck.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:18 Kim ODonnel
10:18
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
I want a pasta maker. Nothing fancy, just something to let me roll it out and maybe cut it. I've not really messed with homemade pasta yet and I'm itching to try it.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:18 Linear Girl
10:18
Mark Douglas: 

It was not on my list, but I got some great homemade chocolate from a friend who took a base chocolate and made her own special spicy mexican chocolate bites using cinnamon and chiles... yummy!

Thursday December 3, 2009 10:18 Mark Douglas
10:18
Kim ODonnel: 
Linear, better you than me. Homemade pasta is one thing I can't seem to master , no mattter how hard I try!
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:18 Kim ODonnel
10:19
[Comment From Roberta Roberta : ] 
I'd welcome Le Crueset anything and vintage Pyrex serving bowls.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:19 Roberta
10:19
[Comment From redweather redweather : ] 
my boss always gives giftcards and candy etc to the staff in little tins from tea that he saves all year as he drinks his tea.... i think it's really cute.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:19 redweather
10:20
Kim ODonnel: 
that's a sweet idea, redweather. recycling too! How many of you are making gifts this year?
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:20 Kim ODonnel
10:20
Kim C.: 

Hi Kim! I'm making crackers for the neighbors and boxing them with a wedge of cheese. The crackers will come from our current crackers story and the cheese will be from Steve's, my favorite cheese shop.

Thursday December 3, 2009 10:20 Kim C.
10:21
[Comment From maukgirl maukgirl : ] 
found a recipe for red velvet black and white cookies that I'm going to try; also making sugar cookies, snickerdoodles and flourless PB cookies
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:21 maukgirl
10:21
Kim ODonnel: 
Maukgirl, I'd like a full report on those cookies. Flourless PB, huh? Do tell.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:21 Kim ODonnel
10:22
Kim ODonnel: 
Kim, I love the idea of homemade crackers. That's the spirit I'm talkin' bout!
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:22 Kim ODonnel
10:22
[Comment From Roberta Roberta : ] 
Mexican chocolate is great - we have a place here that makes a mexican mocha which is a little spicy...delicious!
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:22 Roberta
10:22
Kim ODonnel: 
Ooh, Roberta, where do you live?
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:22 Kim ODonnel
10:23
[Comment From Roberta Roberta : ] 
I like to pair homemade jam or preserves with something I get at a local craft fair like a wooden board or spreader or ceramic mug. Supports the local artisans too!
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:23 Roberta
10:23
[Comment From Roberta Roberta : ] 
Kim, I'm in Vancouver, BC Canada and its not raining today! Hooray!
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:23 Roberta
10:24
Kim ODonnel: 
Yes, that is cause for celebration. I'm typing to y'all from Arkansas, where the weather has gotten quite chilly. Ahem.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:24 Kim ODonnel
10:24
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
Does anybody know of a gluten-free cracker recipe? I love the idea and I'm getting my sister a cheese-of-the-month subscription but she avoids gluten.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:24 Linear Girl
10:25
Kim ODonnel: 
LInear, I wish Jeanne was online with us today. She's a GF gal. i'll be sure to email her, as I think she's got a GF cracker recipe.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:25 Kim ODonnel
10:27
Kim C.: 

Another idea I'm loving is Clemoncello, kind of like Limoncello only with clementines and other citrus. I notice that it has to age for three-four weeks though, so I'd better get busy.

Thursday December 3, 2009 10:27 Kim C.
10:27
Kim ODonnel: 
Oh man. Kim! Clemoncello is a brilliant idea.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:27 Kim ODonnel
10:28
Kim ODonnel: 
I have been so busy in my writing cave I haven't gotten hip to all these cool projects. Typically, I make candy. Like peppermint patties & chocolate bark.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:28 Kim ODonnel
10:29
Kim ODonnel: 
Been wondering if folks are feeling the pinch of this year's economy & are changing spending habits this year when it comes to gifts. Any insights?
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:29 Kim ODonnel
10:29
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
Office gift ideas - my guy is a mechanic and for the Christmas party we bring gifts. One year we gave pumpkin bread and a roll of duct tape to each person, last year it was biscotti and super glue. I'm out of ideas for something new this year. I was thinking maybe peanut brittle (peppermint patties and chocolate bark sound great, too) but I can't think of the practical piece. Any suggestions?
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:29 Linear Girl
10:30
Kim ODonnel: 
chocolate bark is REALLY easy. I highly recommend. What about mini flash lights? tape measure?
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:30 Kim ODonnel
10:30
[Comment From Erin Erin : ] 
I've started making spiced nuts (Kim, you know the recipe I'm talking about) and putting them in half pint containers for my kids' teachers. Home-made, nutritious, can be made a bit in advance... I second the suggestion that biscotti travels the best, but I make my mother's chocolate chip and almond cookie each and every Christmas to send to my Dad and to my brother. A slice of our past. Of course, with (adult) family so far-flung, edible gifts are great. I also send them local delicacies like our friends' gosh-darned-good maple syrup and some baking mixes from a local farm.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:30 Erin
10:31
Kim ODonnel: 
Hey Erin! Do you have any shipping tips to share?
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:31 Kim ODonnel
10:31
[Comment From Erin Erin : ] 
Linear Girl: peanut brittle and pliers. You know, to get the stuff out of your teeth, after eating! :)
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:31 Erin
10:32
Kim ODonnel: 
Kim C, I'm trying to remember -- for Dec 10 chat, we said snacks, apps & drinks, correct?
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:32 Kim ODonnel
10:32
[Comment From Fran Fran : ] 
maukgirl - Michaels might have them. The last ones I bought I found at Gracious Home in NYC.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:32 Fran
10:32
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
Hee hee. Pliers. Love it.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:32 Linear Girl
10:34
Kim ODonnel: 
The other I'd love to know is this: In the heat of the season, what do you do to take care of yourself? Any great rituals -- edible or not -- that help you slow down and enjoy this time of year?
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:34 Kim ODonnel
10:35
[Comment From Erin Erin : ] 
Shipping tips for cookies: I definitely recommend a tin for cookies, because it ends up being a container within a container. I've found tins at Target, Wal-Mart, and at our grocery store. The cookies I make are chunky, so I place a layer of wax paper to line the tin and between each layer of cookies, including over the top. Then I partially inflate a ziploc bag and put it under the tin lid, put the lid on (adjust air-level accordingly) and gently shake the container. Any shifting will require either more air or a re-evaluation of the packing. Pack the tin into a box, and shake the box to make sure the tin isn't shifting. Usually everything makes it from PA to CA without too much damage!
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:35 Erin
10:36
Kim ODonnel: 
GREAT tips, Erin. I'm going to clip this & use in a future blog post, with props to you.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:36 Kim ODonnel
10:36
[Comment From Fran Fran : ] 
Recently, we gave our neighbor a jar of tomato chunky puree that we canned this summer. She loved it. She used it to make a pasta sauce which even her husband, not a tomato person, loved. Home canned tomatoes taste so much better than anything commercial.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:36 Fran
10:36
Kim ODonnel: 
Nice, Fran! At Canning Across America, we've been talking lots about canned goods make delightful gifts. Cheers.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:36 Kim ODonnel
10:37
[Comment From Erin Erin : ] 
To take care of myself (this year), I am not missing my morning workouts. Crucial. Oh, and plenty of kitschy holiday music and dancing in the kitchen!
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:37 Erin
10:37
Kim ODonnel: 
Exercise is so important at this time of the year. It gets us out of our heads, it allows us fresh air, it helps maintain that waistline...
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:37 Kim ODonnel
10:38
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
I love this time of year. I generally enjoy all the prep and nice attitudes. As I heard Nigella Lawson say on NPR the other morning, she likes to entertain several times a week during the holidays because people are predisposed to have a good time. I wouldn't go that far, but that's the attitude I try to cultivate. Do what you enjoy and when it stops being fun, it's time to do something else.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:38 Linear Girl
10:38
Kim C.: 
Here's a GF cracker recipe for Linear Girl, from Terry Walter's wonderful book Clean Food:

Toasted Sesame Nori Crisps

3 sheets toasted nori
1/2 cup canola oil
Cayenne
1/2 cup brown rice syrup
1 1/2 cup sesame seeds
Spice of choice (nutmeg, cinnamon, etc.)
Sea salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Stack nori sheets, cut into 2-inch strips, stack again, and cut in half. Cover cookie sheet with parchment paper, and lay individual strips of nori side by side on paper. In small bowl whisk together oil, syrup, and a pinch of cayenne.

Using a pastry brush, generously coat the top of each piece of nori with syrup mixture. Oil and syrup tend to separate, so continue to mix as you work. When all nori pieces are coated, sprinkle with sesame seeds, spice of choice and salt. Toast in oven 5-7 minutes — keep a close eye as they burn easily. When seeds are light brown, remove from oven and set aside to cool until nori is firm enough to handle. Flip nori pieces, brush with syrup mixture, sprinkle with sesame seeds, seasoning, and salt. Return to the oven for another 5-7 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely. Repeat until all ingredients are used up.

Store in airtight container.

I haven't tried it, but maybe I will tonight!
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:38 Kim C.
10:39
Kim ODonnel: 
Awesome! Thanks, Kim C.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:39 Kim ODonnel
10:39
[Comment From redweather redweather : ] 
i make december chiropracter's appointments months in advance. somehow the holiday season stress all goes straight to my back and neck.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:39 redweather
10:40
Kim ODonnel: 
Redweather, I hear you! I'm all for more time on the yoga mat and getting on a massage table as need be. Here's for making time for self-care!
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:40 Kim ODonnel
10:40
[Comment From redweather redweather : ] 
Erin - that's wonderful to send your mother's recipe to people who will really appreciate it. i remember when i was little, i used to make my grandfather, now gone, a huge tin of buckeyes every year, and he used to freeze them, and eat them in the most miserly way, to make them last as long as possible. i remember thinking that it was "too much work" to make them every year, but now i'm so glad i did.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:40 redweather
10:40
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
Thanks Kim! Those will be right up her alley.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:40 Linear Girl
10:41
[Comment From maukgirl maukgirl : ] 
here's the link to the flourless pb cookies
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:41 maukgirl
10:41
[Comment From maukgirl maukgirl : ] 
http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2009/04/flourless-peanut-butter-cookies/
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:41 maukgirl
10:41
Kim ODonnel: 
Thank you, Maukgirl!
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:41 Kim ODonnel
10:41
[Comment From GirlScoutMom GirlScoutMom : ] 
We find tins at JoAnn Fabrics, usually at 50% off. The only way to pack cookies! We also use muffin papers to hold the different ones within the tin.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:41 GirlScoutMom
10:41
Kim ODonnel: 
More great cooking packing tips. I am getting inspired...
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:41 Kim ODonnel
10:44
Kim ODonnel: 
Linear, I like the spontaneity that the season can inspire. Friends dropping in just because, impromptu dinners. Ooh! And we can't forget the solstice. Dec. 21, right?
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:44 Kim ODonnel
10:44
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
Yes, recipes as gifts! One of my favorite gifts from my sister when she was in college (and therefore poor) was three of my favorite recipes from aunts and a grandmother handwritten on pretty stationary and laminated. She also started decorating her tree with cookie cutters and other shiney small household objects. I always suggest this to people starting out on their own.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:44 Linear Girl
10:45
Kim ODonnel: 
I really like this idea. It's simple, it's meaningful, it's inexpensive, it's practical. I've heard someone talk about printing up greeting cards that double as recipes...
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:45 Kim ODonnel
10:47
Kim ODonnel: 
Yes, solstice is Dec. 21, 2 weeks from Monday.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:47 Kim ODonnel
10:47
[Comment From GirlScoutMom GirlScoutMom : ] 
We give the recipies (with a picture to help identify) with our cookies. So many people have allergies. I'd rather not kill anyone with my cookies!
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:47 GirlScoutMom
10:47
Kim ODonnel: 
On the flip side, if they love the cookies, they can recreate and spread even more joy. Nice idea.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:47 Kim ODonnel
10:48
[Comment From Roberta Roberta : ] 
People love getting recipes that they know work - sorting through hundreds of recipes online is only fun if you have the time for trial and error.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:48 Roberta
10:48
Kim ODonnel: 
As someone in the throes of recipe testing for my cookbook, you're preaching to the choir, Roberta!
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:48 Kim ODonnel
10:48
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
Thanks for sharing the flourless PB cookies. Also GF and therefore great to bring for the holidays. And yes, I love the Solstice, too. It makes me feel in touch with the universe.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:48 Linear Girl
10:50
Kim ODonnel: 
It may be the darkest day of the year, but it also means that lighter days are ahead. I love the yin-yang of it all. We'll have to cobble up some solstice fete-ing ideas in time...
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:50 Kim ODonnel
10:50
[Comment From GirlScoutMom GirlScoutMom : ] 
Absolutely! What if you loved those new cookies and couldn't eat them again until next year! Or my kids weren't going to be in your class again.:-D
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:50 GirlScoutMom
10:51
Kim ODonnel: 
As we near the end of 2009, what have you learned this year? Any new kitchen tricks or insights? A new way to do something? A new gadget or tool that's changed your life?
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:51 Kim ODonnel
10:51
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
I'm pretty sure solstice lends itself to the drinks and snacks chat, but maybe that's just me.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:51 Linear Girl
10:51
Kim ODonnel: 
Yes indeed, Linear!
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:51 Kim ODonnel
10:52
[Comment From redweather redweather : ] 
i learned to disable my apartment's smoke detector BEFORE i start cooking.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:52 redweather
10:52
Kim ODonnel: 
I've learned how I need to be more consistent about my diet to stay healthy...
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:52 Kim ODonnel
10:52
[Comment From Erin Erin : ] 
redweather wins.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:52 Erin
10:52
[Comment From maukgirl maukgirl : ] 
we started buying meat from a local farm, and now even when we need more than our monthly share we go to a market or WF/local butcher as a last resort. We've made huge changes in the types of food we eat this year
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:52 maukgirl
10:52
Kim C.: 

I learned that recipes are only half the story; the rest comes in practice, practice, and more practice.

Thursday December 3, 2009 10:52 Kim C.
10:52
Kim ODonnel: 
Maukgirl, where do you live?
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:52 Kim ODonnel
10:53
Kim ODonnel: 
I've also learned how much I love and appreciate smoked paprika.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:53 Kim ODonnel
10:53
[Comment From redweather redweather : ] 
haha..... i'm also working hard to eat through my groceries and let less go to waste, but i still have a long way to go in that attempt
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:53 redweather
10:53
[Comment From Fran Fran : ] 
If anyone has Maida Heatter's Book of Great Cookies, Fruitcake Icebox Cookies are a real sleeper. They're a butter cookie with glacee fruit (or use high quality dried fruit) and pecans. People love these partly because they turn out so pretty. The fruit looks like stained glass.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:53 Fran
10:54
[Comment From Roberta Roberta : ] 
I bought one of those peelers that juliennes. I julienne everything now! It really makes salads prettier and more fun to eat.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:54 Roberta
10:54
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
I've learned that if the kids get to assemble the food at the table you can get them to eat almost anything.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:54 Linear Girl
10:54
Kim ODonnel: 
Right -- and no need to dumb down the food!
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:54 Kim ODonnel
10:54
[Comment From Erin Erin : ] 
I love my market. Getting to know the farmers in 2008 made 2009 so much more fun!
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:54 Erin
10:54
[Comment From Roberta Roberta : ] 
Yes, preventing food going to waste is something we need to work on here too. I just read that something like 40% of the food we produce goes to waste.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:54 Roberta
10:55
Kim ODonnel: 
Maybe some of you will join me in an Eating Down the Fridge Challenge in January? I'm doing these week-long adventures every quarter.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:55 Kim ODonnel
10:55
[Comment From maukgirl maukgirl : ] 
We live in Chicago. I've met a lot of lovely farmers. I also am working on my MBA and got a chance to take a class focusing on Sustainable Values which was great
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:55 maukgirl
10:56
[Comment From redweather redweather : ] 
my boyfriend tested for allergies to spinach, flax seed, sesame, yeast, and various other staples in my pantry, and i went vegetarian last november, so i've had to learn a lot of new recipies and substitutions, and to embrace experimentation. not my strong suit.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:56 redweather
10:56
Kim ODonnel: 
Wow, big year for you, redweather. I've learned that I really only crave meat about 1x/ week.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:56 Kim ODonnel
10:56
[Comment From redweather redweather : ] 
Roberta- exactly! i read something similar, so i am trying to keep the waste at bay, and what i don't eat goes to my worm bin!
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:56 redweather
10:57
[Comment From GirlScoutMom GirlScoutMom : ] 
I've made more attempts to eat down the fridge & pantry. I used to live miles from stores and still tend to stockpile, even though the supermarket is only a mile away. I think I've cut the bills and we eat more interesting stuff.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:57 GirlScoutMom
10:57
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
I'm working on preventing waste, too. The extra freezer helps there, but so does taking an existential approach to cooking. Sort of the "What have I got, what can make without going to the store?" approach. It's helped me use stuff that I might otherwise have wasted.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:57 Linear Girl
10:58
[Comment From M M : ] 
Kim, thanks to your posting at WaPo a few years ago, I am giving spiced nuts this year. A local store had 1# bags on sale, basically 2 for 1. They were salted, and your recipe calls for unsalted but I knew from a previous experiment that I could make it work. Put thenuts into a fine-mesh sieve, SHAKE, SHAKE, SHAKE to get rid of lots of salt (the sieve sort of gently abrades them) then a very light rinse before they go into the oven to roast. Then I cut the salt in the recipe by a smidge. They turned out great. Packing them in recycled jars (pickle, peanut butter, etc) decorated with Christmas fabric scraps that were on the "use or donate" stack.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:58 M
10:58
Kim ODonnel: 
Cool! That recipe from Union Square Cafe is quite the hit. And look how industrious you are. Way to go!
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:58 Kim ODonnel
10:59
[Comment From redweather redweather : ] 
this chat has been a great place for me to learn an lean on others and enjoy the romance of food while i change my ways in the kitchen. thanks so much!
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:59 redweather
10:59
Kim ODonnel: 
Yay! Thanks for the warm thoughts, redweather.
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:59 Kim ODonnel
10:59
[Comment From Erin Erin : ] 
2010 is going to be the year of "I don't mind if you don't want to eat it, but I am not making anything else for dinner." That will help me plan meals and my grocery trips more efficiently!
Thursday December 3, 2009 10:59 Erin
11:00
Kim ODonnel: 
HA! Erin, great way to begin the year. How are the kids now? Anyone old enuf to help cook?
Thursday December 3, 2009 11:00 Kim ODonnel
11:00
[Comment From redweather redweather : ] 
yes Linear Girl - "what do we have in the fridge?" has become my answer to "what do you want for dinner?" my answer used to be "PASTA!"
Thursday December 3, 2009 11:00 redweather
11:01
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
Yes, just chatting with others here helps keep me motivated to cook when I feel like ordering pizza. Of course, I've been making a lot of pizzas at home . . .
Thursday December 3, 2009 11:01 Linear Girl
11:01
[Comment From Erin Erin : ] 
Two of the kids are old enough to help bake... we will be making a bunch of sugar cookies this month, and I can't wait to get started on that! They also like to rip/tear so... salads! kale! woohoo!
Thursday December 3, 2009 11:01 Erin
11:02
Kim ODonnel: 
Baby steps, Erin. Sounds like progress to me. And We're out of time! Thanks again for a scrumptious conversation. Let's meet again this time next week, shall we? I think we're set to talk snacks, apps & drinks for the holidays. We'll keep you posted. Meanwhile, take good care & remember to breathe! all best.
Thursday December 3, 2009 11:02 Kim ODonnel
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1. by Stephanie on Nov 30, 2009 at 3:07 PM PST

Wow, the article inspired me to make my gifts this year. I had never even thought of doing a preserve with clementines. Thanks for all your wonderful knowledge, you are such a great resource to me!

2. by Lizka on Dec 4, 2009 at 7:56 AM PST

Great chat - love the ideas for packing edibles for shipping! Thanks for posting my question and the answer.

3. by ruth_117 on Dec 4, 2009 at 8:59 AM PST

Is there a link to the spiced nuts recipe? I know a couple of friends would really like that.

4. by Kim O'Donnel on Dec 4, 2009 at 9:39 AM PST

Ruth_117,
Spiced Nuts, coming right up:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/mighty-appetite/2007/12/going_nuts_this_season.html

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Table Talk

Kim O’Donnel is a trained chef, nationally recognized online food personality, and a 15-year journalist. She is a food blogger for True/Slant and is working on a cookbook, The Meat Lover’s Meatless Cookbook to be published in September 2010.

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