2024 Holiday Gift Guide
Last year, I curated a shopping list filled with fun and practical kitchen gadgets designed for cooks of all skill levels and budgets. It was such a hit—and such a joy to create—that I decided to do it again this year!
Thanksgiving Croque Madame
I grew up surrounded by a massive extended family, and Thanksgiving was always the holiday where we proudly embraced making way too much food. It wasn’t just about feeding our family; we also welcomed the “stray cats”—a term of endearment for those who didn’t have anywhere else to go for the holidays but somehow found themselves drawn to our lively, boisterous gatherings. Like a gravitational pull, the more people in our orbit, the more likely others would be pulled in too. With an open-door policy, you could never predict who might show up, but one thing was certain: there was always plenty of food to go around.
Boom’s Glazed Doughnuts
There’s something truly special about keeping family traditions alive, especially in the form of recipes passed down through generations. One of my most cherished family recipes is my grandmother’s homemade doughnuts. While they require a bit of practice and patience, the end result is absolutely worth every minute. Imagine a golden, crispy exterior with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior—this isn’t just any doughnut, it’s a taste of family tradition.
Honeynut Squash Carbonara
I love using the sweet roasted flesh of honeynut squash with egg yolks, from Pete and Gerry’s eggs, for a luxurious, emulsified pasta sauce, butternut will work beautifully. The natural sweetness and richness from roasted squash help prevent carbonara from drying out, ensuring every strand of pasta is thoroughly coated in a creamy, flavorful sauce.
Crispy Rice & Kimchi Pancakes
I’ve known this since I was a kid learning how to make fried rice in my grandmother’s kitchen. The other day, I saw Carolina Gelen’s take on Ketchup Rice and thought it would be great to recreate a crispy Korean variation with kimchi and gochujang similar to a jeon but without the batter. It's quick to make, and its crispy golden exterior pairs perfectly with a sunny side up egg, making it a hearty meal for any time of day, especially breakfast.