Have a wonderful holiday from your friends at Seduction Meals. May it be filled with love, laughter and wonderfully seductive food and drink to be share with your loved ones.

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Here are a few cool gift ideas to use as stocking stuffers your foodie:

Bag of Coal - $7.95
Whether your foodie has been naughty or nice, he or she will get a kick out of finding this bag of licorice candy in their stocking.  Contains molasses, corn syrup, wheat flour, sugar, corn starch, palm oil, licorice extract, natural flavors, salt and other ingredients. Comes is a this cool stitched felt bag. Made in USA
The iPad Wall Mount and Chef Sleeves - $11

What good are those bajillion recipe apps if you can't easily look at them while you're cooking? The iPad Wall Mount and Chef Sleeves is an inexpensive, practical gift for your foodie. Includes a set of 25 sleeves to protect from ingredients and sticky fingers--but it's still 100 percent touch sensitive.

True Fabrications Double Hinged Corkscrew - $7.99
Keeping it simple: If you desire convenience and style in one package, this product was made just for you. This double hinged corkscrew is constructed from fine wood and stainless steel, making it not your ordinary hinged wine bottle opener. The Teflon coated worm reduces friction when uncorking, thereby improving its efficacy. A unique design on a functional classic

Orrefors Carat New York Wine Stopper- $51.69
A super sexy stocking stuffer, Orrefors Carat Wine Stoppers fit all types of bottles and their modern design language is perfect for any elegant table.
Happy Holidays!

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Our first post in this series - Finding the perfect holiday gifts for your Foodie- Presentation is Everything, features creative gift ideas that will provide for striking presentations such as serving trays, food molds, presentation rings and super sexy napkin holders. Next we will present a few gift ideas that are essential tools of the trade.

Foodie Truth #2: Nothing makes our lives easier then having the right tools in the kitchen.

Wusthof Gourmet 7-Piece Knife Set with Block - $129.95
Everyone knows that a true foodie will always need, love and cherish their knife set. This handsome set contains just about every kitchen knife you'll ever need.

This set includes an 8-inch cook's knife, a 3-1/2-inch parer, an 8-inch serrated bread knife, and a 4-1/2-inch utility knife, which is an efficient slicer for a wide range of cutting tasks. In addition, the set comes with shears, a 9-inch steel for sharpening, and a nine-slot solid oak block for storage.

Wusthof 8pcsteak 8-Piece Stainless-Steel Steak Knife Set with Wooden Gift Box - $79.95

For steak lovers everywhere, having the right knife to indulge in your favorite meal is essential. As beautiful as they are functional, the steak knives in this eight-piece set beg for an elegant dinner of tenderloin steak or grilled lamb chops.

Mauviel® Copper 8-Piece Cookware Set - $939

After the perfect knife collection has been amassed, having professional-quality pots and pans are essential for your favorite foodie. Here we have a beautiful collection created my Mauviel.  Recognized as the leader in fine French copper cookware since 1830, Mauviel is prized by professional chefs for its even heating and fast response to temperature changes.

This beautiful, professional-quality set bonds a thick, extremely conductive layer of the highest-quality copper to a layer of non-reactive stainless steel for the ideal cooking surface. The copper eliminates hotspots and provides precise temperature control; the stainless steel is safe for acidic foods and easy to clean. Riveted stainless handles stay cool and comfortable in the hand without need for hot pads.

13.5" La Tienda Paella Pan - $95 & Essential Paella Ingredients - $65

Is your foodie a specialist? There are dumpling divas, gluten-free advocates, Mexican masters and baking goddesses. If your foodie loves Spanish fare, they will love laTienda.com. Here is one of my favorites found on the site--everything you need to perfect the art of whipping up a paella fiesta. The ideal paella has a crispy, caramelized, toasted bottom (socorat). Flavors are formed at the bottom of the pan, so the paella pan is designed so that a thin layer of the rice is cooked close to the surface. The large cooking surface allows the rice to cook evenly maximizing flavor.
This copper paella pan is gorgeous - on your table, or displayed on your kitchen wall. With brass-plated handles, it adds a touch of elegance when serving paella. However, more than elegance, copper produces the finest paellas.

Add a gift of the Essential Paella Ingredients for 2 or 3 perfect paellas.  Here are the premium ingredients to create the perfect paella! They really do make a difference - from flavor absorbing Bomba rice, to smoky paprika from La Vera, these ingredients elevate a normal paella to a remarkably authentic one. And there is enough here to make two or three paellas, depending on how big they are of course! (Pan Not Included)

Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 7-1/4-Quart Round French Ovens by Le Creuset - $274.28

Beautiful enough for the table yet durable enough to outlive its lifetime limited warranty, this 7-1/4-quart round French oven blends a large capacity with a stovetop-friendly size that makes it easier to work among crowded burners while preparing classics like coq au vin or beef bourguignon, and everyday favorites like pot roast.

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Don't fret about what to get your loved one this holiday season if they are what is known as a "foodie". You already know they live for the latest and greatest experiences in the world of food. We put together a list of gift ideas sure to please. But first, what exactly is a foodie and how do they differ from gourmets?

According to Wikipedia: Foodie is an informal term for a particular class of aficionado of food and drink. The word was coined in 1981 by Paul Levy and Ann Barr, who used it in the title of their 1984 book The Official Foodie Handbook.

Although the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, foodies differ from gourmets in that gourmets are epicures of refined taste, whereas foodies are amateurs who simply love food for consumption, study, preparation, and news-- and in many cases have become bloggers. Gourmets simply want to eat the best food, whereas foodies want to learn everything about food, both the best and the ordinary, and about the science, industry, and personalities surrounding food.

So with that in mind, here is the first of a three part series of GREAT GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUR FOODIE. Let's start with a foodies devotion to PRESENTATION.

FOODIE TRUTH #1: PRESENTATION IS EVERYTHING
You know how your foodie loves to show his or her creative side with a perfectly plated dish. Let's face it, presentation "IS" everything. We are treated to the most creative presentations in our favorite restaurants and a foodie brings that inspiration to their home-cooked meals. Here are three wonderful gift ideas to keep that passion alive:

A 17 Piece Hors D'Oevres Set / $55.00
For a sensual dining experience this gift boasts everything you need for elegant appetizer service,  and this 17-piece set is affordable and chic. Featuring spoons, trays and shooters, the uses are endless. The carrying tray is 15.25" x 11.25" and the kit includes: 4 ceramic spoons, 4 square glass tidbit trays, 4 glass shooters, 4 stainless steel spoons, 1 slate tray with handles.

Presentation Rings by Curtis Stone - $49.99
Curtis Stone graciously shares a big trick of the trade! Did you know that you can take super, simple ingredients and turn them into a dish that looks like it had a team of chefs working on it for hours simply by using a stacking technique? The 'Showtime' set includes four stainless steel rings and a chrome tamper to hold the stack firmly in place. Use them to turn something simple into something that looks amazing. They can also be used to set desserts or as pastry cutters.


Diane Von Furstenberg "Powerstone" Round Tray / $70, will dress any table setting in fashionable style.  The singular style of DVF is captured in these unique handmade trays. Stamped on metal, the faceted Powerstone form easily shares the table with similarly strong shapes. Size: 11.75" x 11.75" x 0.75" made by hand of brass with oil rubbed finish.



Your foodie will have napkins ready for your special meal, so here are two stylish gift ideas to enhance our lovable foodies' table setting: Michael Aram "Lemonwood" Cocktail Napkin Holder / $59.00.
The Lemonwood Collection takes its inspiration from the intricacies of form and texture found in foliage from around the world. By interpreting plant forms in cast metal, Aram presents work, which is evocative of a natural environment transformed and redefined. And what is more romantic than a rose?

And we also have the Nambé "Pebble" Napkin Holder for $85.00

This ingenious and elegant Pebble Napkin Holder cradles napkins on a gently curved metal alloy bed, while the accompanying polished pebble reins in errant napkins and keeps the aesthetic sleek.

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I just found this recipe from an online press release and had to share it. Growing up my mom would always bake the sweet-treat of choice for me and my siblings on our birthday. My choice was always German chocolate cake. So each and every variation I find, I always want to try, such as this beautiful creation for Mini German Chocolate Cakes or this recipe by Alison Ladman for her variation made into cookies.

A purely American invention, German chocolate cake starts with a sweet chocolate cake, then is filled with a caramel-coconut-pecan concoction. We transformed this luscious cake into sandwich cookies. Starting with a sweet and soft chocolate cookie, we filled it with a gooey coconut filling and rolled the sides in toasted pecans. Be sure to use the coconut mixture while it is still slightly warm so that it is easier to spread.

GERMAN CHOCOLATE SANDWICH COOKIES

Makes 2 dozen cookies

For the cookies:

• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 2 cups packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup milk

For the filling:

• Two 14-ounce cans sweetened condensed milk
• 3 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup finely chopped toasted pecans

Directions:

1. Heat the oven to 350 F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
3. In a second large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium-high to beat together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, scraping the bowl after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.
4. Add half of the flour mixture, stirring to combine. Add the milk, scraping the bowl to ensure even mixing. Add the second half of the flour mixture, again scraping the bowl.
5. Working in batches, drop the dough by the tablespoonful onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between each for spreading. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until slightly firm to the touch. Allow to cool on the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough.
6. Meanwhile, make the filling. In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk and the coconut. Heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture starts to pull away from the pan and will hold a line when you drag your spoon through it, 8 to 10 minutes. Allow to cool slightly.
7. Place the pecans in a shallow bowl or pie pan. Spread a spoonful of the coconut mixture onto the flat side of 1 cooled cookie. Top with another cookie, flat side down, to form a sandwich. Roll the edges of the sandwich cookie in the chopped pecans.
8. Store in an airtight container between sheets of waxed paper.

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Bond 45 is located in the heart of Times Square New York and features authentic home-style Italian steaks, pasta and seafood, all beautifully cooked to perfection.  A wonderful choice for pre-theater dining, business meals, or family visits to the big apple; the menu boasts an array of selections to satisfy most dining desires: from simple to gourmet there are Italian dishes for meat lovers, fish lovers, vegetarians and seductive pasta creations--all sure to please.

If you have been to Bond 45, I'd love to hear about your experience. 
Address: 154 West 45th Street, NYC /  (212) 869-4545

For all the years that I've lived in New York City, I finally have added Bond 45 to my list of "been there, done that" and can happily say " I look forward to doing it again soon".  I was fortunate to embark upon this experience with a fellow Italian friend who likes to sample and share each dish family style (just like me), so happily I was able to taste more dishes-- each one better than the next.

We started with a plate of roasted red beets, a plate of fried baby artichokes, and a delicious bottle of Italian red wine. This was followed by a beautifully prepared pasta dish: Cramigna & Fennel Sausage which is a bowl of fresh curly pasta, tomato and pecorino cheese topped with crumpled sausage meat. Next we selected the fish of the day (something that is highly recommended), in this case a filet of sole simply pan fried in white wine and lemon--it truly was the best filet of sole I've had in a long time. Done to perfection, only my mother's version is better.  We ended the meal with a splendid tiramisu.

I did not have my camera with me, so I am sharing some of the photos you will find on their web site. I think this presents a good sense of the dishes that come out of the kitchen at Bond 45. It truly is authentic Italian fare; very close to what I've experienced in Italy and with my Italian side of the family's home-cooked meals.

 

 

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This is what I call my "healthily indulgent soup", says Sally James, using macadamias rather than cream to bring a delicious rich creaminess. Just a touch of nutty texture, and the sweetness of macadamias and apples. If you can find the Australian nuts, all the better, as the nut from its native terroir has a more subtle soft crunch!

Pumpkin, Ginger and Toasted Macadamia Soup
Recipe Courtesy of Sally James
Photography by Horticulture Australia Limited
Serves 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/3 cup roughly chopped raw macadamia nuts
• 1 small white onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 cups diced pumpkin or squash
• 1 apple, peeled and chopped
• 3 cups chicken stock
• Roasted macadamias, to garnish

Directions
1. Heat oil in a heavy based large saucepan, add the macadamias, onion and ginger, and saute over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until golden.

2. Add the pumpkin (or squash) and apple and cook 1-2 minutes further, then pour in the stock. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes or until pumpkin is soft.

3. Tip off some of the liquid, and reserve, then puree the remainder using an immersion blender or in a blender until smooth and creamy.  Add more of the cooking liquid to bring to desired consistency.

Reheat and serve in bowls scattered with extra macadamias.

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With bold, seductive colors of fiery red, orange and yellow, this combination of citrus and sweet beets can't be beat. The citrus acidity brings out the sweetness in the beets, making this a wonderful salad any time of year. You can also complement this salad by topping it with crumbled blue cheese and fresh cracked pepper.

Roasted Beets with Herb Citrus Dressing
Recipe courtesy of Jill Nussinow, MS, RD, The Veggie Queen
Serves 4 as a side dish or salad

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds red, gold or Chioggia beets, or a combination
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup water
• salt and pepper
• Juice of 1 orange Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley and basil or cilantro

Directions

• Preheat oven to 450°F.
• Trim the tops off the beets but leave the tails. Rub the beets with a little oil.
• Place beets in an oven safe baking dish or pan with the 1/4 cup water. Cover and put in the oven.
• Test for doneness by inserting a sharp knife after 30 minutes. You should be able to smoothly insert the knife. They may take up to 1 hour to cook, depending on their size.
• When they are done, let them cool a bit, then peel them and cut them either into rounds, half-rounds or chunks.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Combine the dressing ingredients - the orange juice through parsley. Dress the beets.
• Serve warm or chilled. You can also serve this over greens as a salad.

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