Archive for the ‘gourmet cheese’ tag
Pair the Recipient With the Gift
Please stop besmirching the good name of my favorite gift category–edible gifts. Quit sending the boxes filled with processed cheese spreads that are mostly chemicals and the unidentifiable tubes labeled as some sort of sausage. Extend the protest to include those tree killing enormous boxes that contain a couple apples or pears. Those of us who live in the north can get apples and pears with real flavor every fall.
Despite my heretical words, above, I love good food gifts. I enjoy giving them, but I enjoy receiving them even more. However, when you send me something, please make it the same quality I give those on my gift list. There is a difference, you know, between true quality and the convenience of buying from one of those ugly mall kiosks. Food gifts deserve at least as much careful thought as that after-shave you bought your dad year after year in your childhood–oops, not a good example, perhaps.
Instead of that big brand name box of gelatinous cheese spreads from the mall, consider a assortment of genuine artisan cheese from some cheesemaker who actually understands what cheese is and what it can be. Let’s keep the goats and cows happily employed instead of just putting more chemicals in our food. Speaking of myself, and I’ll bet you, too, I would much rather have a small amount of a real cheese instead of an overpriced huge box of the fake stuff.
A wine gift basket will be a perfect gift for the appropriate recipient. Do remember though that this gift is not suited for everyone. Like millions of other people, I haven’t had anything alcoholic in years, because I seem to be unable to handle it. While my sister would be properly grateful for a wine basket, I would not. Whereas I know how to chug and pour again, she actually knows how to slowly savor each sip.
We all have a special friend or a dear relative who has moved away. Think about a present of a gift certificate for live lobsters or even lobster dinners. Indeed, after you read this article, I hope you feel friendly toward me, because that is a gift that I would enjoy!
While I made fun of fruit gift baskets earlier, there actually are places where you can order a basket of gourmet fruit–the kinds of fruit that I can’t find in my own back yard. This is a terrific gift for someone who is a fitness fanatic or anyone who appreciates the simple beauty that is fruit.
See? If you give a little thought to a food gift, stay out of the long lines at the mall kiosks, and hasten the journey of the boxes filled with fake cheese to the garbage bin, which is where they are going to end up if you send them to me. Spend an evening with me, shopping from my home office, using the Internet for all my food gift shopping. Just remember that you’ll have to bring your own wine, but I’ll supply the real cheese.
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A Unmarried Man’s Perfect Gift
You know that guy in your life who never seems lucky in love or in life, in general. Certainly you have such a friend; it seems that all of us do.
The gift recommendation that I’m about to make for him is rather expensive, so be prepared. I assure you, though, that you will discover it’s a very good investment on your part. Maybe it’s your son, or nephew, or uncle or your roommate who just refuses to leave.
Try giving him a truly romantic dinner without having to leave the house or apartment. Hopefully he’ll be able to find some date with whom to share it. Let’s face it, nothing sweeps a potential partner off his or her feet quite like a private, romantic, home made dinner. I really do have a particular friend in mind as I write this, and he needs all the help I can give him, and I’m sure your similar friend does, too. You may need to be very specific when you give him your gift and the instructions to go with it. Remind him to light candles, choose the music for him and suggest he pick up his dirty socks.
Start with a gift of a gourmet cheese for the beginning course If he is capable of slicing a couple pears or apples, suggest that as well. He can serve this course as a finger food or at the dining table as the formal beginning of the meal.
The second course should be a fine, gourmet lobster dinner a different seafood dinner or perhaps a combination of steak and lobster. Since this man needs so much help, you will want to be certain that the lobster is as fresh as possible.
Tell him to cap off the evening with a magnificent, gourmet turtle cheesecake. Or, if he does not like chocolate, then select the more traditional New York cheesecake, decorated with a sprig of fresh mint.
If he drinks alcoholic beverages, do not trust him to choose the wine for the dinner. Lobster is sufficiently robust that it is perfectly safe to offer a bold wine. He might consider a Burgundy or Merlot, although if he is not very adventurous, then perhaps a Chardonnay would be better for him.
Now, sit back and wait for the inevitably coming wedding invitation. If it doesn’t arrive within six months, just find another friend. That will be much easier.
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A Unmarried Man’s Ideal Present
We all have at least one friend who is completely worthless in the kitchen. Actually, if you don’t have a friend like that, read on, because I have enough friends who meet that description to share at least one of mine with you.
I probably should tell you in advance that you better be very fond of this friend, because the gift idea that I’m going to offer is a bit on the costly side, although worth every penny. Perhaps that nameless man is your roommate, your cousin or even your own son who you can seem to get to move out of your house, even after you paid for four years of college.
Try giving him a truly romantic dinner without having to leave the house or apartment. Hopefully he’ll be able to find an appropriate date with whom to share it. Let’s face it, nothing sweeps a potential partner off his or her feet quite like a private, romantic, home made dinner. I really do have a particular friend of mine in mind as I write this, and he needs all the help that I can provide, and I’m sure your similar friend does, too. You may need to be very specific when you give him your gift and the instructions to go with it. Remind him to light candles, choose the music for him and suggest he pick up his dirty socks.
He can begin the evening with the first part of your present, a fine gourmet cheese for the beginning course If he is capable of slicing a couple pears or apples, suggest that as well. This course can actually be a nice appetizer, before they are actually seated at the dining table.
For the main course, present him with a certificate for a fine lobster dinner a different seafood dinner or perhaps a combination of steak and lobster. As noted, this guy needs plenty of help, so the fresher the lobster the better.
End the evening with a delicious, turtle cheesecake. Or, if he does not like chocolate, then select the more traditional New York cheesecake, decorated with a sprig of fresh mint.
You might also recommend a fine wine, if he consumes alcoholic beverages. Lobster is sufficiently robust that it is perfectly safe to offer a bold wine. He might consider a Burgundy or Merlot, although if he is not very adventurous, then perhaps a Chardonnay would be better for him.
Now, sit back and wait for the inevitable wedding invitation. If it doesn’t arrive within six months, just find another friend. That will be much easier.
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The Devil Is in Those Shopping Center Stands
Please stop giving my favorite gift category a bad name. Join the revolution by refusing to ship those disgusting collections of unidentifiable cylinders claimed to be sausage and the awkward containers of processed cheese spreads. Quit giving away those fruit baskets that are cushioned with tissue paper in an ugly box that takes up all that space in my recycle bin. I can find apples and pears that are just as good in my local super market.
You see, I love food gifts. I love giving them and receiving them. But when I send a food gift, it is given with thought and is always high quality; please return the favor. There is a difference, you know, between true quality and the convenience of buying from one of those ugly mall kiosks. Food gifts deserve at least as much careful thought as that after-shave you bought your dad year after year in your childhood–oops, not a good example, perhaps.
Instead of the mostly chemical box from the mall stand, think about a selection of genuine artisan cheese from some cheesemaker who actually understands what cheese is and what it can be. Let’s keep the goats and cows happily employed instead of just putting more chemicals in our food. Speaking of myself, and I’ll bet you, too, I would much rather have a small amount of a real cheese instead of an overpriced huge box of the fake stuff.
A wine gift basket will be a perfect gift for the appropriate recipient. Just be sure that the person to whom you send it appreciates a good wine. Like millions of other people, I haven’t had anything alcoholic in years, because I seem to be unable to handle it. I prefer not to be tempted, especially during the holidays, but my sister would be an ideal recipient. Whereas I know how to chug and pour again, she actually knows how to slowly savor each sip.
We all have a special friend or a dear relative who has moved away. Think about a present of a gift certificate for live lobsters or even lobster dinners. Indeed, after you read this article, I hope you feel friendly toward me, because that is a gift that I would enjoy!
While I made fun of fruit gift baskets earlier, there actually are places where you can order a basket of gourmet fruit–fruit that does not grown in my back yard. This is a terrific gift for someone who is a fitness fanatic or anyone who appreciates the simple beauty that is fruit.
I hope you understand… If you give a food gift the thought that it deserves, stay out of the long lines at the mall kiosks, and hasten the journey of the boxes filled with fake cheese to the garbage bin, which is where they are going to end up if you send them to me. Spend an evening with me, shopping from my home office, using the Internet for all my food gift shopping. Just remember that you’ll have to bring your own wine, but I’ll supply the real cheese.
Mail this postPopularity: 2% [?]
Carefully Pair the Person With the Present
Please stop giving my favorite gift category a bad reputation. Quit sending the boxes filled with processed cheese spreads that are mostly chemicals and the unidentifiable tubes labeled as some sort of sausage. Extend the protest to include those tree killing enormous boxes that contain a couple apples or pears. I can find apples and pears that are just as good in my local super market.
You see, I love food gifts. I enjoy giving them, but I enjoy receiving them even more. But when I send a food gift, it is given with thought and is always high quality; please return the favor. Oh, and by the way, high quality is not the same as easy to buy from a temporary, seasonal kiosk in the mall. Food gifts deserve at least as much careful thought as that after-shave you bought your dad year after year in your childhood–oops, not a good example, perhaps.
Instead of that big brand name box of gelatinous cheese spreads from the mall, consider a assortment of gourmet cheeses from some cheesemaker who actually understands what cheese is and what it can be. Let’s keep the goats and cows happily employed instead of just putting more chemicals in our food. Speaking of myself, and I’ll bet you, too, I would much rather have a small amount of a real cheese instead of an overpriced huge box of the fake stuff.
A beautiful wine gift basket will be a perfect gift for the appropriate recipient. Just be sure that the person to whom you send it appreciates a good wine. You see, I haven’t had a drink in years, because I’m an alcoholic. While my sister would be properly grateful for a wine basket, I would not. She knows how to sip and savor; I remember only how to gulp and refill.
We all have a special friend or a dear relative who has moved away. Consider a gift of live lobsters or a couple complete lobster dinners. Indeed, after you read this article, I hope you feel friendly toward me, because that is a gift that I would enjoy!
I made light of fruit gift baskets a while ago, but, if you take the time, you can find a basket of gourmet fruit–the kinds of fruit that I can’t find in my own back yard. This can be a truly thoughtful gift for someone who is into fitness or who has started the sort of logical diet that allows the consumption of fruit.
See? If you give a food gift the thought that it deserves, stay out of the long lines at the mall kiosks, and hasten the journey of the boxes filled with fake cheese to the garbage bin, which is where they are going to end up if you send them to me. Spend an evening with me, shopping from my home office, using the Internet for all my food gift shopping. Just remember that you’ll have to bring your own wine, but I’ll supply the real cheese.
Mail this postPopularity: 2% [?]