Since some of my recent posts have taken a philosophical approach, I decided this one should be a bit more lighthearted. I am a gift giver. Always have been, always will be. I take pleasure in finding the perfect something for the perfect someone. Hopefully, you've all received something from me that you find laughable, love able or at least memorable. Before I get to my "these are a few of my favorite things" gift ideas, I do want to vent, just a bit.
After our wedding we received car loads of really amazing gifts. Physical, tangible "things." No doubt, "things" that we will use for years to come. But, of all these "things" the ones that stand out in my mind include those given (or made!) by family members; the ones that incorporated our wedding details; or, those that were passed down from previous generations. These "things" aren't just "things", they are gifted memories, stories and traditions. As a gift giver myself, "things" are great. Really nice. I order lots of "things" for myself all the time. But, "things" don't last forever. "Things" can be place holders for missing things (i.e. emotions, feelings, etc.) I'm not advocating that we stop giving "things" - in fact, this evening I'm picking up a "thing" for the soon-to-be Mrs. Senger's bachelorette party NEXT WEEKEND. What I am saying is that things have different meaning to different people. For me...
DryBar blowout on a random Friday night = $50
Husband telling you "You look really handsome* tonight for our date!" = $100
Dinner conversation with your best friend and person you love most in this world (Mr. Cuddles) = priceless
*Yes, at times Mr. Cuddles tells me I'm handsome vs. hot. And, yes, it makes me laugh every time.
Lately, these are a few of my favorite - gift giving - things:
Him
Magnetic collar stays - Mr. Cuddles swears by them.
Maui Jim - Must have. Particularly the polarized. Added bonus: they will repair, or replace, any damages.
Her
Birchbox - So fun to get monthly special deliveries.
Cheese knives - Cute or classic.
Hostess with the mostess - Great Balls of Ice.
Stationery - Because thank you notes are under rated. And, a plug for our wedding calligrapher.
Shorties (kids)
Asleep/awake signs - Love these! But, Kerri Lee has many other precious baby gifts.
Chewbeads - More so for Mom, but great for the whole family. I saw a sweet (sort of like the "bless her heart" kind of sweet) Dad wearing one around the Dupont Circle farmers market the other weekend. #2014dadoftheyear.
Personalized - Nursery art.
S'mores - Just in time for fall around a fire pit. Hershey's S'mores kit and Rome Industries Picnic Forks.
Two Coconuts - More great baby gifts but also adorable backpacks and tutus for toddlers.
Them (both)
Club W - Perfect for the wine lover in your life.
HISY - Bluetooth, hands free camera remote.
UP - For all you fitness fanatics.
Mark and Graham - Make marvelous gifts (like that M and G usage!?).
Sea + Cane - Cabernet Sauvignon Caramels. I was super upset when I ordered these as part of my Mom's birthday gift and they were backordered...for four weeks!
Wireless speaker - Totally travel worthy.
F O U R C H E E S E P I Z Z A
Okay, I'll fess up, this is another Ree Drummond recipe. While several of her recipes tend to be "fully loaded" (a.k.a. fat filled), I have been able to find good substitutions for most. Most need not apply here because, well, pizza is pizza.
One might say that Mr. Cuddles could be classified as a birthday cake, donut, dessert connoisseur. I, on the other hand - much to my dismay - am a bagel or baguette expert. I could skip dessert every day for the rest of my existence, but deprive me of the occasional toasted everything bagel (with light cream cheese, tomato, red onion and possibly a fried egg) and we're done. I mean finished (Sorry, Mr. Cuddles! I know, I know...Pies and cakes are done, people are finished. Pies and cakes are done, people are finished). Needless to say, pizza falls on my "must have" list.
You'll need
Pizza dough
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
Pizza sauce
1 to 2 tablespoons EVOO
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped finely
1/2 cup chicken broth
Three 15-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
Salt and pepper to taste
Pinch sugar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
8 to 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped
Pizza toppings
2 tablespoons EVOO
Salt and pepper to taste
One 3.5-ounce jar pesto
12 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced thin
4 ounces fontina, grated
4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano
Tomato basil salad
1/4 cup EVOO
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 pint red cherry tomatoes, halved lengthwise
1 pint yellow or mixed cherry tomatoes, halved lengthwise
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
16 fresh basil leaves, diced, plus more if needed
Salt and pepper to taste
How-to
Doughs and dont's: Sprinkle active dry yeast over 1 1/2 cups of warm--not lukewarm--water.
In a mixer with a paddle attachment, combine flour and salt. With mixer on low speed, drizzle in EVOO and mix. Pour in yeast mixture and mix until combined.
Coat a separate mixing bowl with a light drizzle of olive oil and dump in the dough. Form a ball and toss to coat dough ball in EVOO. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and allow to rise for at least an hour, or up to 3 or 4 days refrigerated.
Sauce: Heat a tablespoon or so of EVOO in hot pan over medium-high heat. Throw in garlic and chopped onions and stir. Cook until the onions are soft. Add chicken broth, whisking to deglaze the bottom of the pan. Cook until the liquid reduces by half then add crushed tomatoes and stir. Add salt and pepper to taste and pinch of sugar. Add oregano and basil last. Reduce to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 500 degrees F. To make two pizzas, separate dough ball and roll one portion as thinly as possible. Place on baking sheet. Drizzle EVOO and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pour pesto on dough and spread evenly. You could also try a caramelized onion or spread of your choice in lieu of pesto. Sprinkle with mozzarella, fontina, Pecorino Romano and crumbled goat cheese. Bake about 12 to 15 minutes.
While the pizzas are baking, heat EVOO over medium-high heat in a small skillet. Add garlic and stir until it softens a bit. Pour into mixing bowl and allow to cool slightly. Add tomatoes, balsamic, basil and some salt and pepper to the bowl. Toss and taste, and add more basil and salt if needed.
Once pizza is finished, top with tomato mixture and serve!
~
Sorry! Skipping Seasonal Serving section this week.
Cakes' Commentary
Consider trading certain "things" for conversation, camaraderie, compassion and companionship. These things are everlasting.
Comments for Cakes? Please submit comments, feedback, questions, or things you'd like to see posted!
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