I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas – or other holiday break – with your families. I got quite a few very thoughtful gifts, including a lovely Le Creuset Canister (in Cobalt) that I plan to use as a flour container in the kitchen, a huge bunch of fresh, fragrant vanilla beans, a popover pan and a number of specialty baking stocking stuffers, from Guittard chocolate to a bag of demerara sugar. There are a couple of other things that I’ll have to mention later as I test them out.
One of my most interesting gifts was a set of vintage spice canisters. One – the ground ginger pictured above – still had some spice in it, while the other were mostly empty. I wouldn’t try using the remaining spice for any reason, but primarily because it smelled dusty and the metal tins are not exactly the most secure little containers I’ve ever seen (and ground spices lose potency over time). I love the look of the tins, however, and am planning to put them up on a little display shelf in the kitchen – just to spice up the look of the place.
What was in your stocking? Any favorite gifts for the kitchen or new treats to try out?
Scott at Realepicurean
December 26, 2008Hope you had a good Christmas.
In my stocking this year was a Tagine, bought by my Wife – no doubt inspired by Nigella Christmas, which was on the TV recently.
I’m sure it’ll make for some interesting photos on my blog!
Carole R.
December 26, 2008On the first night of Chnukah I got a 7-quart Viking Professional Mixer, on the second night of Chanukah I got an extra bowl for the mixer, on the third night of Chanukah I got the pouring shield for the mixer and I am anxiously waiting to see what the remaining nights bring.
Liz J in Central Illinois
December 26, 2008I got an Ove Glove from my Dad! He knew I had been wanting one, and had just not gotten around to getting myself one. So, he took care of that for me! I’ve already tried it out, and really like it!
Sophia
December 27, 2008i got a few baking things too. i got three cookbooks and a cookie scoop.
The Food Hunter
December 30, 2008I love those vintage spice canisters. I got a bunch of cool kitchen tools.
BeckyO.
December 31, 2008oooh i love these canisters!
i was so happy to get a large madeleine pan and some very cool cookbooks for baking.
Leah
December 31, 2008Nice baking goodies for Christmas Nic, lucky you.
My mixer broke down the week before Christmas and I had a wedding cake job on 29th December (which required baking 13 cakes!) I was so worried that I would have to buy a new mixer a few days before Christmas but I was all set to borrow one from a friend and try and get a new one in the sales….then my parents surprised me with one on Boxing Day! It’s the 800w Kenwood Chef with the liquidiser, etc. It’s twice as powerful as my old one but one bugbear is that the bowl has no handle, what’s up with that??
Almost baking related…I got 3 t-shirts, a bag and gloves from http://www.johnnycupcakes.com along with tons of other goodies. I’m spoilt rotten. Score!
sprite
January 2, 2009How funny… I’m pretty sure my mother is still using some spices in tins that look just like that…
Plume
January 3, 2009I got a square japanese frying pan to make the rolled omelette for sushi!