Monday, January 25, 2010

My Foodie Valentine

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, finding great gifts for the foodie may require some creativity. Boxes of chocolates and roses are wonderful traditional gifts, but there are many great products on the market that may "curry" you more favor with your foodie valentine.

BUILT NY offers a beautiful red fishnet wine tote available for one bottle or two. Borrowing from neoprene, the wet suit material, this stylish tote is stain-resistant and hand-washable. At only $15 for a one-bottle version and $18 for a two-bottle version, why not purchase one and include your favorite bottle of wine. This is a great unisex gift and ensures that the packaging is minimal and green.
Add a fresh spin on the flowers and chocolates. Dean and Deluca offers this box of 12 chocolate-covered strawberries adorned with white, milk and dark chocolate for US $120. Order early to ensure your shipment arrives by the big day. Edible Arrangements also includes a wonderful fruit-filled arrangement penned the Valentine's Day Berry Chocolate Bouquet filled with fresh strawberries, chocolate-covered strawberries, grapes, cantaloupe, and pineapple. Arrangements range from $69-$129 plus a nominal delivery fee if you choose to have it delivered.

There are many great appliances available in Valentine's Day-inspired colors including the Kitchen Aid line of stand mixers. Empire Red, White and Komen Pink (in honor of breast cancer research) colors are available for US $299.95 at Williams-Sonoma. For the French Cookware fan, why not consider a dutch oven or baker from Le Creuset in Red?

For the tea lover, why not give the gift of Red Tea? Rooibos teas are native to South Africa and are grown exclusively near the Cape of Good Hope. Rooibos teas are caffeine free and Adagio Teas has a wonderful sampler for US $11. For the coffee lover, this Bodum french press in red is as beautiful as it is functional. Hand-washable, it retails for US $40 and is available at Sur La Table.

Have fun with fondue with the All-Clad stainless fondue pot with ceramic insert. This set is perfect for use with cheese, chocolate and oils which are perfect compliments to breads, fruits and even meats. The ceramic insert is dishwasher safe. The set retails for US $149.95.

Need more gift ideas? E-mail me at cooklikejackie@gmail.com.