What's on your Christmas list this year? [Archive]

Robyn1007

11-13-2007, 09:01 PM

I've gotten my biggest gift, my ski pass (long story, not happy with my team :rolleyes: ). But, still on the list are:

Foodsaver
Spider (kitchen type)
Le Creuset 6.75 qt oval
Ramekins
Cookbooks
Ski boots
Digital Scale
Digital meat thermometer
Silicone Bundt pan

colleency

11-13-2007, 10:43 PM

Hey Robyn, I've got spiders in my kitchen. We usually take them outside in a jar, but I could pop one in an envelope, instead. :D

Robyn1007

11-13-2007, 10:45 PM

Hey Robyn, I've got spiders in my kitchen. We usually take them outside in a jar, but I could pop one in an envelope, instead. :D

Why don't you ask Doug to bring it back to me, he'll be in your office tomorrow. :D Did you hear that they're officially closing Lake Forest as of January 31st?

colleency

11-13-2007, 10:49 PM

Wow! I had no idea.

Robyn1007

11-13-2007, 10:54 PM

Wow! I had no idea.

It's kind of been brewing for awhile and I wasn't at all surprised. We want to focus Life Sciences in Denver and Entertainment in LA. We're hoping to keep all personnel but waiting to see how that shakes out. JD and that group needs their own offices for security stuff with DoD. I'm guessing they'll make the official announcement while Doug is in LA this week.

Sorry for the hijack! :o

colleency

11-13-2007, 11:07 PM

Golly!

So...what is a kitchen spider?

jmarie

11-14-2007, 05:00 AM

So...what is a kitchen spider?

I wondered that, as well, is it this?

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/4182R8K37GL._AA280_.jpg

KimK

11-14-2007, 05:51 AM

Nothing. I don't want or need any more STUFF! I just want to spend time with family and enjoy my week off of work over Christmas (my employer closes that week every year).

Chefzhat

11-14-2007, 06:01 AM

I'm with Kim, there's nothing on my list either. I'm really enjoying my newfound "christmas spirit". I wasn't into the season at all last year - this year I can barely wait to decorate!

**waving at Kim****

Robyn1007

11-14-2007, 06:57 AM

I wondered that, as well, is it this?

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/4182R8K37GL._AA280_.jpg

Yep, that's it.

raka1214

11-14-2007, 10:55 AM

DH and I are hoping that our child that we are adopting will be with us this year - if so, there is nothing on my list except whatever he wants.

Even if he isn't able to be with us - there's nothing I want but him at this stage.

testkitchen45

11-14-2007, 11:15 AM

But, still on the list are:

Foodsaver
Spider (kitchen type)
Le Creuset 6.75 qt oval
Ramekins
Cookbooks
Ski boots
Digital Scale
Digital meat thermometer
Silicone Bundt pan

You had me going with that spider. I thought of the pioneer-days spider, which was a footed thingamabobber that would go down into a campfire so that you could set your pot on top of it. Just figured you were getting all 1800s on us. ;)

Are you near a LeC outlet? If you're on their Preferred Customer list, they're about to have some good sales. What cookbooks do you want?

Here's what I'm hoping for:
Panini press (maybe Cuisinart Griddler)
Silicone rolling pin from SLT
Dorie Greenspan's Baking: From My Home to Yours
Anyone ever used a linzer-cookie set? The cookies look so pretty.

See a theme going here? With all the cooking I'm doing, many other hobbies have fallen by the wayside. There's just not enough time.

SweetTooth, what's on your list?

SusanMac

11-14-2007, 11:37 AM

Raka - that is really sweet! That would be an awesome present.

I have nothing on my list either. DH & I are remodeling and have decided to only do minor, inexpensive stockings this year. While I love shopping for him, I'm really glad we're doing that this year.

Robyn & Colleency - Is this a company reorg thread or a Christmas thread??! ;-) I see the spider on FoodTV all the time, but I'm not convinced I would use it much.

erin elizabeth

11-14-2007, 11:42 AM

I've made linzer cookies--my mom got me the set from King Arthur one year--a long process, but everyone was duly impressed :)

Here's mine so far--
bamboo cutting board
flannel sheets
iTunes gift card
Miles Davis' Steamin' and Workin'
pjs and slippers
metal measuring cups and spoons
stationery
water glasses (maybe polka dots from Crate and Barrel)
Zingerman's Z Club membership :D :p :cool:

Gecko

11-14-2007, 11:47 AM

I have tried to be good all year so hopefully I am on the Nice List ;) :D. I am hoping for:

a video Ipod (so that I am no longer forced to watch CNN or Fox at the gym repeatedly)
Another silpat, or two
some nice dark chocolates

By birthday is close to Christmas and I have been hinting that I would like a Le Creuset French oven - I have been following all of the recent threads and now I really can't make up my mind which one I want :rolleyes:

KimKelly

11-14-2007, 11:49 AM

My 11 y/o and I were driving the other day and he said Daddy never really know what to get me. I pointed to the silver porche next to us and told him that would work!!!:D

In all seriousness, I really don't need anything.... we just got a new computer and I told my husband that we could count that as Christmas this year. It's so much fun to get things for the kids now, they are at such fun ages and they are SO excited! (11 and 8). I just got my daughter the Hannah Montana stage! She went to the HM concert last week and life is all Hannah Montana right now. She will be thrilled....

Kim

leightx

11-14-2007, 12:02 PM

DH and I want a GPS / radio (he'll use it when he's hunting, and our whole family can use it geocaching). We're looking at the Garmin Rino 530 HCx (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KFRSG4/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I167XTUJG9F846&colid=3NJ56GUIF2KG5).

On my wishlist:

Breadmaker (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FZZ0VE/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2CK24HVKR9SBM&colid=3NJ56GUIF2KG5)(never had one!)
Cuisinart Griddler
Table Topics (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FFET52/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I282WFCFJR7RFS&colid=3NJ56GUIF2KG5)(recommended on Xmas gift thread)
Settlers of Catan (http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/ref=gno_listpop_wi/105-6903027-6127634) (also recommended on gift thread!)
The Omnivores Dilemma
new tripod and ball head
Gorillapod (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KFRSG4/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I167XTUJG9F846&colid=3NJ56GUIF2KG5)

testkitchen45

11-14-2007, 12:06 PM

On my wishlist:

Cuisinart Griddler

Leigh, any thoughts on the Griddler vs. the Griddler Express? I found lots of iffy opinions on the Griddler (problematic), but so far so good on the Express.

Gotta help Santa where we can . . . ;)

Oh--you said you want a Garmin? My DH has a Garmin (don't know the model #), and we love it! It speaks in a female voice (you can change that), so I named it Rachel after the replicant in Blade Runner. :D

crackers

11-14-2007, 12:27 PM

ErinM

11-14-2007, 01:47 PM

Hmmm...I want:

The knitpicks Options knitting needle set
Yarn for upcoming projects
Possibly Netter's Anatomy flashcards
An "A" in Biochemistry
A Year in Vegetarian Kitchen
Moosewood Simple Suppers

Lauren

11-14-2007, 05:58 PM

testkitchen45 - I have the Griddler and love it! I really like how it has the two sets of plates and they're easy to switch, clean, etc. My teenage boys make their own panini's!

On my holiday list? New light fixtures! We moved into our house two years ago and still have the builder's colonial crap. I told DH we're getting new light fixtures! :p

leightx

11-14-2007, 06:36 PM

Oops - fixed my Garmin link! Thanks! :o We actually have another Garmin that lives in the Expedition (while we pretend to be a tank :p ). And we've been pretty happy with that one so far - it's a Nuvi 660. Luckily, DH was able to expense it since he travels extensively for work.

Testkitchen - I looked at your Griddler Express link, but I can't figure out the difference! Do you know? Is it the knobs on teh front? Does the express have temp control? I know there are a LOT of good reviews on the GR-4 (regular griddler). Costco has that model (they call it the Gourmet I think) for $90...

kwormann

11-14-2007, 06:58 PM

No kitchen stuff - just a larger suitcase and an FM transmitter for my mp3.

HealthyinMN

11-14-2007, 07:48 PM

Leigh, any thoughts on the Griddler vs. the Griddler Express? I found lots of iffy opinions on the Griddler (problematic), but so far so good on the Express.

Have you done a search here? There are lots of us who have the Griddler and think it is great! I love mine.

testkitchen45

11-14-2007, 08:13 PM

HealthyinMN and Leightx, I've searched this BB on the Griddler vs. Griddler Express, and I did see that many people here love the Griddler. Very little info on the Express, though. It's Amazon that got me worried about the Griddler; several people said the slanty flat plates made their eggs flow right into the drip cup, or that the top plate didn't get as hot as the bottom plate. And I was a little skeptical also b/c I've never heard of nonsticks that can go into the d/w. So, any & all info welcome!

Leigh, I didn't post a link to the Express, but it's just a panini grill (ridged plates only, for panini, meats, veggies); fixed plates (nonremovable); lots cheaper. I wondered about the capacity of the Griddler vs. a two-burner griddle for pancakes, & about whether the Amazon slams of the Griddler were worth considering. CI's highest-rated panini grill is by Krups, but it's $80 to the Express' $50. Here's the Express:

329

Here's an Amazon link if you're really motivated:

http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-GR-2-Griddler-Express-Contact/dp/B000CPZXGY

BTW, Kwormann, no kitchen stuff??? ;) :D You feeling OK? :p

Robyn1007

11-14-2007, 08:23 PM

TK, I know about the sale at Le Creuset as I got the preferred customer mailing and pass two every time I go skiing but I think the point of a Christmas list is not to buy it for myself. My money this season will be going toward gifts for family, not gifts for myself, of which, I've bought plenty of late. I am wanting The Bread Bible and Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything Vegetarian for cookbooks.

mgs

11-14-2007, 08:25 PM

oh man, I didn't think I wanted anything then the Sur La Table catalogue arrived today.......

a medium sized food processor
silpat rolling pin thingy
more meausuring cups
decent jammies
wooden salad bowl. I have been on the search for the perfect wooden salad bowl for years - like the kind my parents had that we ate salad out of every night for most of my life. Wish Mom could remember where she got it and/or what it was made of!

leightx

11-14-2007, 08:54 PM

Sorry Testkitchen - I meant to say your thread, not link! I checked out the express on amazon too. I think I'm going to stick with the regular one, because I do want the flat griddle part. We use our large griddle a ton, but the nonstick coating is coming off, and I'd like to replace it with the Griddler to save room in the cabinets. I'd get rid of my Foreman grill too...which I love.

I don't understand why the slanty egg drip thing is an issue - wouldn't people be laying it flat to fry eggs? You can't really cook eggs on the grill plates, right? Or is the flat part not really flat? My griddle slopes a little too, so bacon grease runs off. It's not a big issue for eggs as long as you don't crack them right near the edge...

testkitchen45

11-15-2007, 04:44 PM

Leigh, etc, my big question for paninis is the Le Creuset set (grill with panini press, both heated on separate heat sources) vs. an electric countertop one (Griddler, Express, Krups, or whatever). :confused:

I do like the all-in-one aspect of the Griddler (and if this BB loves it, it must be OK . . . ! :D ).

dearamy

11-15-2007, 07:10 PM

Most of the time, I never ask for anything for Christmas, but this year, I actually have three items on my list:

Ping Pong Table
In-drawer spice rack
Listography: Your Life in Lists (kind of a guided journal)

barbara-cook

11-16-2007, 02:41 PM

I'm always the tough one to buy for, but I do have a wish list started this year. So far there are only a few things on it, but hopefully I'll add enough to it so that my family can pick some things from it.

Cookbooks - King Arthur Flour Whole Grain Baking
- Local Bread
- More Bread Machine Magic

Clothes from LL Bean
New Kitchen (ha - we haven't finished the bathroom yet!)

I'd like to get a GPS for my husband so that we don't have any more navigation blow ups while traveling (happens every time!)....but that would have to be on HIS list!

Robyn1007

11-16-2007, 02:47 PM

Barbara, REI has a Garmin GPS on sale through November 25th...;)

pointerhaven

11-17-2007, 04:42 AM

I .too have nothing on my list. I really do not want anything. I need another blazer and some sweaters, but that's all. I'm getting DH those leg saving mats for the kitchen, three of them for each work station, usually I get him some other cooking items, but he really needs nothing and I usually like to get some additional dinner ware, but really, isn't 6 sets enough? If I really got what I wanted it would be a buyer for our business and a new house in Ft. Myers FL!!!! LOL!!! and then maybe another puppy!!!

greysangel

11-17-2007, 05:25 AM

a house in New Orleans :D

cumulus

11-17-2007, 12:59 PM

Hmmm...I want:

An "A" in Biochemistry

How much does that cost!?!? :eek: :p

Mimeea

11-18-2007, 08:31 AM

I'm hoping to catch up on some pleasure reading during my break in January. Of course, my book wish list contains 2 major themes- foodie related and non!

The Art of Eating by MFK Fisher
The United States of Arugula by David Kamp
The Omnivore's Dilemna by Michael Pollan
King Arthur's Whole Grain Baking Cookbook

Once Upon a Quincienera by Julia Alvarez
Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Translated Woman: Crossing the Border with Esperanza's Story by Ruth Behar

If anyone has any other suggestions, let me know! I always find myself overwhelmed at the bookstore...

ErinM

11-18-2007, 08:41 AM

How much does that cost!?!? :eek: :p

Not sure. My darn quizzes have been a nice downward trend all semester. :rolleyes: mainly due to stupid mistakes. However, the last one is a total rebound, and I'm pretty sure I scored 100...but then so will have most of the rest of the class because he basically told us exactly what we'd need to do on the quiz beforehand.

The A is probably very possible, I just freak out easily about these things. :o

Natasha

11-18-2007, 03:15 PM

We're always very low key on gift giving in my family/entourage, and I've had a year filled with some wonderful travel and a few other indulgences, so we're going to keep it even lower key this year. So really, anything I receive is gravy. :)

That being said, I wouldn't say no if someone offered me this MEC thermal hoodie (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=253437430 2873233&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442621833&bmUID=1195423535327)

(DH has the men's version and insists I need one for myself - he just loves it for cold weather running and riding. I spend a lot of time doing outdoor activities too, so can sort of justify this even though I already have a whack of gear... right? ;))

and I just love the Dog Days Calendar (http://www.artforeverydayonline.com/catalog.cfm?page=dog_days_calendar) from a small vendor in Maine.

I first found the 2006 calendar in a little shop outside of Boston, and DH got me the 2007 one. I love putting the new print in the frame every month, and also like the fact that there is no year on the prints - just the month - so you can save and reuse them in time.

That's it -- really I'm just so excited about the time off and being able to spend time with DH (and pup), family, and friends. Bring it on!

Natasha

kima

11-18-2007, 03:43 PM

BlueMoose

11-18-2007, 04:05 PM

The only thing I can think of are a pair of Mammoth Crocs. They look so cozy!

helene

11-27-2007, 11:37 AM

I'd love a GPS, but I'm still trying to decide which one! Will be doing a little research and checking them out.

Leigh - The link to your Garmin doesn't seem to be working properly....perhaps you'd want to double check it. :)

I love my Garmin. Can't live without the GPS. We moved from Nova Scotia to Vancouver Island and this was so much help.

Hope you get one.

helene

11-27-2007, 11:43 AM

That is a very cool hoodie Nat. :)

We have a MEC here in Victoria now which is heaven!

Their prices are so reasonable too.
I am going to check tht hoodie out next time I am downtown.

Hope Santa brings it to you. :)

It's a really nice store. I visited the other day. I could buy everything from MEC. Hope Nat gets her hoodie.

LiaHuber

11-27-2007, 11:55 AM

A cashmere robe and a GPS (I have a HORRIBLE sense of direction!). And a couple of new knives and the All-Clad Chef's pan. :-)

Gracie

11-27-2007, 12:56 PM

80 degree weather in Florida for the band trip between Christmas and New Years. :cool:

And the Seinfeld Complete Series box set of DVDs with the coffee table book, etc.

Loren

JustPeachy

11-27-2007, 01:00 PM

Uggs - Classic Crochet Tall Boots - I've never liked the things but I looove these!!! :D

DeeK

11-27-2007, 01:18 PM

80 degree weather in Florida for the band trip between Christmas and New Years. :cool:

Loren

I think you may have a real good chance of getting what you wish for this year. ;) It has been unseasonably warm lately.

tamawrite

11-29-2007, 07:28 AM

So I can't figure out from the photo...what exactly does a kitchen spider do? :confused:

On my list this year:

Stuff for endurance riding, including:
Equine heart rate monitor
Natural sponge (for cooling the horse with creek water)
Reflective ankle bands (for the horse)
Leg holster for cell phone (so the phone is on me, not the horse, if I fall off!)
Half chaps
Go the Distance (book)
GPS (so I know where I am when I'm lost ;) )
Cooler (type of horse blanket for keeping sweaty horses warm while they dry)
Saddle bags
Rump rug (for the horse)
Hay nets
Large water jugs (for hauling horse water to rides where it isn't provided)
EZ boots (for the horse)
Riding tights
egads, I could go on and on! :rolleyes:

For the kitchen:
Year in a Vegetarian Kitchen
How to Cook Everything Vegetarian
silpat

Other:
Photo frames for my office
Website design software
Graphic designer service to create a logo for my farm
New oar & blade to replace the one I lost in Grand Canyon

Don't want much, do I? :o

testkitchen45

11-29-2007, 07:47 AM

On my list this year:

Rump rug (for the horse)

Glad you cleared that up. :D ;)

All I want is cooking stuff, pretty much. DH asked me this morning, "don't you want anything less, I don't know, utilitarian?" :) So I can go have some fun at the Christmas store, looking at Dickens Village stuff . . . cool! Works for me!

Robyn1007

11-29-2007, 07:49 AM

So I can't figure out from the photo...what exactly does a kitchen spider do? :confused:

It allows you to easily get food out of liquid so if your blanching fruits or veggies or frying (although I almost never fry) easily with very little liquid following.

testkitchen45

11-29-2007, 07:53 AM

It allows you to easily get food out of liquid so if your blanching fruits or veggies or frying (although I almost never fry) easily with very little liquid following.

I'm looking for something like that, but can't find it anywhere--the kind I want is a stainless-steel skimmer, where it's a screened, colander-like smaller mesh (not the bigger holes of the Joyce Chen spider), for making stock and for removing blanched veggies. I have one already, but it always seems that when I've used it, I'm cooking other things over a few days where the one I need is in the dishwasher--it'd be nice to have a spare. Have you seen one like that somewhere? I think All-Clad makes exactly what I want, but it's too expensive.

avariell

11-29-2007, 08:01 AM

I'm looking for something like that, but can't find it anywhere--the kind I want is a stainless-steel skimmer, where it's a screened, colander-like smaller mesh (not the bigger holes of the Joyce Chen spider), for making stock and for removing blanched veggies. I have one already, but it always seems that when I've used it, I'm cooking other things over a few days where the one I need is in the dishwasher--it'd be nice to have a spare. Have you seen one like that somewhere? I think All-Clad makes exactly what I want, but it's too expensive.

kitchen stores definitely carry what you are looking for - i would be shocked if bed, bath & beyond or sur la table couldn't help you out.

robyn- i own a spider or two and it is probably one of my top 3 most used utensils. half the time when i am making pasta, i don't even bother with a colander - i just skim it out with my spider. it is fantastic! (and very inexpensive at asian groceries)

Robyn1007

11-29-2007, 08:02 AM

I'm looking for something like that, but can't find it anywhere--the kind I want is a stainless-steel skimmer, where it's a screened, colander-like smaller mesh (not the bigger holes of the Joyce Chen spider), for making stock and for removing blanched veggies. I have one already, but it always seems that when I've used it, I'm cooking other things over a few days where the one I need is in the dishwasher--it'd be nice to have a spare. Have you seen one like that somewhere? I think All-Clad makes exactly what I want, but it's too expensive.

Like the one on the left here? I have one (that's to big for what I want) from Sur La Table.

http://images.surlatable.com/surlatable/images/en_US//local/products/detail/PC506664.jpg

Robyn1007

11-29-2007, 08:04 AM

Or this one, also from Sur La Table

http://images.surlatable.com/surlatable/images/en_US//local/products/detail/5321.jpg

tamawrite

11-29-2007, 08:10 AM

It allows you to easily get food out of liquid so if your blanching fruits or veggies or frying (although I almost never fry) easily with very little liquid following.

Ahhhh, thanks, Robyn! :)

LOL about the rump rug, testkitchen! :D It's a blanket that attaches to the back of a saddle and covers just the horse's hindquarters so the large muscles don't cramp up during chilly-day workouts.

hollysmom

11-29-2007, 02:59 PM

I'd like a new camera, but Scott needs absolute direction of what to buy and where - or he won't get the best price.

My best gift would be for someone to take my kids for a weekend so I could get the house reorganized. Not sure how to wrap that.

SSM

Robyn1007

11-29-2007, 03:25 PM

testkitchen45

11-29-2007, 04:39 PM

I've made linzer cookies--my mom got me the set from King Arthur one year--a long process, but everyone was duly impressed :)

I would like those linzer sets. Are they pretty easy to use? Did you use the KA recipe (with the nut flour), or another recipe? Mostly, are they worth the effort?:)

bobmark226

11-29-2007, 06:32 PM

My big gift is always from Tony, and he's always lost and begging for wish lists so he can just click and send and I can sit home and receive. :) There's very little I want or need being the shopper that I am, but I finally told him what I wanted and he's happy to do it.

Off my kitchen there is a small room that separates the converted garage apartment where he's been living while his house is built. In that room there is a pantry closet, and there is also a large freestanding cabinet that matches the kitchen cabinet that the previous owners had standing in the dining area. It was awkward and bizarre there, so I moved it into the room to hide and store canned goods and snackies.

Are you still with me??? :)

I told him I wanted to have Container Store put in open ventilated shelving, floor to ceiling (Elfa), so I could throw the damned thing out and have something more sensible that I don't have to dig and dig way back into and could also give the rather small kitchen cabinets some relief, move all my breadstuffs, wine, soda bottles onto, etc., etc. He was thrilled with the idea, and I guess we'll get to measuring this weekend, which is actually the weekend he moves into the new home.

I can't think of anything I want more, and I suspect that in my situation, most of you would be very happy to do likewise.

Bob

avariell

11-29-2007, 08:15 PM

man i wish i could ask for a pantry for christmas (or shelves in a room or something vaguely pantryish :)). that sounds like heaven. i am very envious bob.

colleency

11-30-2007, 01:04 AM

80 degree weather in Florida for the band trip between Christmas and New Years. :cool:

And the Seinfeld Complete Series box set of DVDs with the coffee table book, etc.

Loren

I hope you have better weather than you had in California!

For myself, I'd like DH to give me new art for my costume webpage redesign.

helene

11-30-2007, 11:23 AM

I already received

-an Ipod from DH

-mom called and said that when I will be visited in Quebec she arrange
for a massage. (I need that treat)

-I would like the Planet Earth DVD

-Saha cookbook (http://www.amazon.com/Saha-Chefs-Journey-Through-Lebanon/dp/0794604900/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196446802&sr=8-1)

Natasha

11-30-2007, 04:55 PM

Guess what, Maureen and Helene - I now have the hoodie from MEC, in Sugar Plum. :) Your good wishes paid off! ;) DH picked it up today as he was in the vicinity of a bricks and mortar MEC (it's no longer available online). (This is not my Christmas gift from him, though - he says he bought something else months ago. Guess I'll have to wait and see what it is!)

Happy weekend to all!
Natasha

hollysmom

11-30-2007, 05:07 PM

Ah, man, I'd do it happily if I were closer. Wanna send them to Colorado for a weekend? ;)

Don't tempt me - they both know how to ski. and I have airline benefits.

SSM

Robyn1007

11-30-2007, 05:11 PM

Don't tempt me - they both know how to ski. and I have airline benefits.

SSM

Hehe. If I didn't have coaching responsibilities from now until the end of March I'd say send 'em.

helene

11-30-2007, 05:24 PM