It’s getting scarily close to Christmas and I still have some last minute shopping to do. Some people are sooo difficult to buy for – but it shouldn’t have to be that way! I mean, who doesn’t like eating? So, technically any foodie related item should suit just about everyone. If they don’t cook – well now they will have too and maybe your gift will be what inspires them to attempt to make a rich tagine rather than slop a chop and some veg on a plate!!!! Maybe they will see the light in making a fresh spice mix rather than getting a Masterfoods ‘authentic’ mix!!! I have made a list of 10 foodie gift ideas (all of which I want) so I hope some of these help!

Happy shopping!!!!

1. Maggie Beers ‘Maggies Harvest’ Cook book RRP $125 – Available in book stores and on her website http://www.maggiebeer.com.au/home/

2. Cuisinart Ice cream maker – it comes in different colours and makes yoghurts and sorbets as well – perfect for summer RRP $119 – http://www.cuisinart.com.au/prodList.asp?idCategory=6

3. Nespresso Coffee Makers – I’m in love with the beige colour – so 1950′s. RRP $369 http://www.nespresso.com/#/au/en/coffee_machines/selecteur_gamme/machines-citiz

4. Emile Henry Tagine RRP 260 but $143 at Peters of Kensington – http://www.petersofkensington.com.au/Product/ProductInfo.aspx?id=1621951&cid=585

5.Mortar and Pestle – they never seem big enough! 20cm RRP $69.95 @ Wheel and Barrow – https://secure.wheelandbarrow.com.au/onlinestore/home.php?cat=402

6. Cook book holder – Wheel and Barrow have a nice Oak one for RRP $49.95 – https://secure.wheelandbarrow.com.au/onlinestore/product.php?productid=98667&cat=384&page=2

7. Spirit House Voucher (Brisbane) – Can be used for the cooking school, restaurant or cooking school shop – https://www.spirithouse.com.au/vouchers.php

 OR for Adelaide – Sticky Rice Cooking School Voucher – https://stickyricecookingschool.com.au/vouchers.php

8. Napkin rings – Gold Beaded  -festive without being tacky and can use them all year round RRP $6.95 each- https://secure.wheelandbarrow.com.au/onlinestore/product.php?productid=98603&cat=422&page=1

9. Mini Le Creuset – perfect for cooking side dishes without having to get out your giant version – RRP $21.95 now $17.95 – http://www.ledomaine.com.au/le-creuset-stoneware-mini-cocottes-Cherry-Red-0-25L

10. Cheese board set – magnetic – perfect for picnics RRP $59.95 – https://secure.wheelandbarrow.com.au/onlinestore/product.php?productid=46182&cat=431&page=1

Merry Christmas

xx

Coz

I’m not sure how often dinner parties get blogged about but they should. I love dinner parties but don’t host them much anymore due to my current uninspiring kitchen which is the blame for my lack of energy to cook anything half decent anymore.  One day when I own a house I will have a nice kitchen and  I will make a comeback but for now I can only dream…

Dinner parties can be fun as you can go as crazy or as causal as you like. There could be dinner party competitions like My Kitchen Rules or a dinner party cook off  where you all cook a dish and see who wins (some friends discussed this once and we still have not got around to this major event…) or if you’re not competitive just take turns having friends over..that would be the less stressful thing to do!

My friend Teneille has set the standard for dinner parties. Last weekend, My Pies Rock and I went to Peregian Beach for her Japanese dinner party.  Teneille is the queen of Japanese and has all the goods to set the scene from her amazingly sharp Sushi knife to her gyoza maker. I had no idea Gyoza makers existed and it made me sick when I remembered the 120 dumplings I made by hand one night with crummy mangled edges.

In terms of styling, Donna Hay could learn a few lessons from this party.

What’s a Japanese dinner party without a sushi table? To add to the authenticity,  Teneille cut off the legs of her dining room table so it is now the ultimate Japanese, or Thai style dinner table. Dedication people. It is a really nice touch and if you have a spare table lying around that you don’t use anymore I highly recommend it.

Create menus for your guests. Teneille had her  7 course feast inscribed  on hand made menu’s and on the flip side translated it into Japanese. Impressive and simple.

 
 
This had to be the most inspiring home cooked meal I have ever eaten. If you put that little bit of effort in you will have your friends bewildered for months with your mad dinner party skills. Now all I need is a kitchen so I can repay the meal.

In fact wouldn’t it be cool if we could start our own Coz She Likes To Eat – My Dinner Party Rocks competition?! Maybe we can get a panel of judges… Who’s next?

Teneille’s dinner party star rating out of 5

 Service  

 
 
Ambience

 
 
Location

Food