Holiday gift guide for foodies and the home

The holidays are here and New Year is near, so be sure to check out this food entertainment holiday gift guide for foodies and the home! Many people are traveling this week and weekend to visit loved ones. Whether you’re flying or hopping on the subway, motion sickness can put a huge damper on the trip, especially if you have to face loved ones whom you’ve been waiting all year to see. No matter where you’re traveling to, Dramamine (available for both adults and children two years and up) will help make motion sickness a thing of the past. It’s the number one over-the-counter product for the treatment of motion sickness, helps prevent and relieve nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness.

A hostess gift will be sure to make someone feel appreciated. Of course, always gift something special to mom and dad, so they will think of you every time they use it. When in doubt as to what to gift, a present for the home is always a good option, because loved ones will thank you for helping to make the house more clean, comfortable and cozy. Besides, mom and dad are probably making a list of must-have items for the home, so your gift will be most appreciated (and very likely to be most envied).

Whether you’re looking for healthy snacks for the kids on a family road trip, or you’re gifting something special to a chocoholic, inspiring home brewer or chef, or someone who likes to keep clean and neat — below are some great gift ideas to win their hearts.

Annie B’s chocolate and chocolate raspberry were chosen by Oprah Winfrey for her list of Favorite Things! Choose from all natural, handcrafted, old fashioned caramels and must-have gifts from B.T. McElrath Chocolatier. It’s perfect to snack on while on a family road trip, and the Signature Gift Tote will make the hostess so happy that he or she may even keep it for herself to snack on, after everyone leaves.

AVIÓN RESERVA 44 from Tequila Avión, is the “World’s Best Tasting Tequila” that will be sure to please! It’s the smoothest, most superior Extra Añejo tequila that the most demanding tequila connoisseurs and single malt scotch drinkers will fully appreciate. Created using a proprietary ultra-slow filtration method, Reserva 44 is aged for 43 months. The tequila is then aged an additional month in a specially selected barrel, which subtly refines the liquid and creates a deeper more complex flavor. Reserva 44 then is hand poured into a beautiful crystal decanter and individually hand signed by Avión founder, Ken Austin. For Holiday 2016, exclusively through Reservebar.com, you can customize any Avión varietal, including Reserva44, with a meaningful message, name or seasonal salutation. Give them the ultra-premium tequila that defines a new standard of quality and taste in a bottle that that they can cherish for a lifetime. Also, Tequila Avión is the small batch, ultra-premium tequila created by founder, Ken Austin and produced with the Lopez family, a fifth generation agave grower. Avion begins with the finest handpicked Blue Weber agave found in the highest regions of Jalisco, Mexico. It was voted ‘Best Tasting Unaged White Spirit’ and ‘Best Tasting Tequila’ at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Tequila Avion’s distinct flavors are achieved through a combination of slow roasting Avion Agave at low temperatures for 3 days to protect the natural flavors and a proprietary ultra-slow filtration process that creates an unusually smooth taste profile. Tequila Avion is available in Silver, Reposado, Anejo, Espresso Liqueur, in addition to Avion Reserva 44.

Dove Chocolates isn’t just silky, smooth and decadent, but it’s also an end product of a journey beginning thousands of miles away. Guided by artisans passionate about making the finest chocolate, each step of the journey requires incredible attention to detail to create the signature flavor of DOVE Chocolate – from hand selecting cacao beans for quality and flavor in Cote d’Ivoire, to a delicate roasting process rooted in European heritage. Mars Chocolate North America released three videos highlighting the transformation from bean to bar. For example, did you know that four to five cacao beans go into each DOVE Chocolate? That’s right — each bean has been tested twice for quality and flavor. Bean to Bar Journey consists of three digital video series by Ivorian-born Chef Morou Ouattara, executive chef and owner of Kora Restaurant. The video series will continue in 2017 as Chef Morou travels to Cote d’Ivoire to learn how DOVE Chocolate ensures responsible sourcing for cocoa beans. He will interact directly with the farmers and witness how DOVE Chocolate empowers local communities. The first three videos of the series include:

• The Tale Behind the Taste introduces Chef Morou, as he learns the signature flavor profile of DOVE Chocolate from Lisa Schroeder, an Expert Taster at Mars Chocolate North America: https://youtu.be/5Qn9pu9jnvM
• Roast: It’s all About the Bean presents Barry Glazier, DOVE Chocolate Master Craftsman, as he shares with Chef Morou how DOVE Chocolate uses traditional European roasting techniques: https://youtu.be/sjL0E7qKIyE
• The Art of Process shows Chef Morou learns from Glazier how the distinctive DOVE Chocolate artisan bean-to-bar process creates the world’s best silky smooth chocolate: https://youtu.be/vTjV5Ejhd1k

illy Coffee Extra Dark Roast launched recently this fall, just in time for the holidays. It’s a must-try especially for those who love illy’s blend of 100% Arabica. The aroma and flavor is very well balanced, bolder, more intense and more rich than most premium coffees. One taste and your guests will be mesmerized by the notes of toasted bread, caramel and a finish of dark chocolate. It is available in illy’s pressurized cans optimized to ensure freshness, ground ideally for at-home filter, drip and French Press preparation such as Bodum coffee makers, as well as, K-Cup pods.

Jack’s Gourmet makes lean and healthy sausages, bbq pulled beef brisket, facon (tastes like bacon but made with premium quality beef and spices) and pastrami that taste so good, that all your guests will want to come back for more every occasion. Their products are gluten-free, msg-free and free of fillers, and incredibly delicious. For those looking for crowd pleasing recipes, mouth watering appetizers, sandwiches, dips and offers various holiday dinner parties and tailgate parties, be sure to check out Jack’s Gourmet recipe booklet here! There so many savory dishes to make, such as: Bratwurst Sliders, Chorizo Tacos, Facon Wrapped Chicken Breast, Fettuccine with Hot Sausage Ragout,Lasagna with Jack’s Sweet Italian Sausage, Spicy Italian Salami Crostini, and many more mouth watering food ideas.

Jarlsberg Cheese rolled out the red carpet recently this fall, in honor of their 60th anniversary with a Hollywood inspired program about the starring dish called The Jarlsberg Food Angle. For all those who have never been glued to a film and wondered what they were eating, Jarlsberg Cheese brought the food right from the big screen to your dining room table. This program featured online videos and The Jarlsberg® Food Angle cookbook, which features 10 recipes from classic movies that you can easily prepare at home. In addition, Jarlsberg also celebrates the holidays and their 60th anniversary with renowned NYC Aquavit Chef Emma Bengtsson, the second female chef in the U.S. to run a two-star kitchen and the first ever Swedish female chef to do so. There is a Jarlsberg Cheese perfect for any palate, and what better time to enjoy this beloved classic than during the holidays and New Year? Whether it’s for a festive party or a family dinner, Jarlsberg Cheese offers naturally gluten free cheese for a yummy and satisfying snack while on the go, and for holiday meals. For special Jalsberg Cheese recipies created by renowned Chef Emma Bengtsson, visit here.

Shari’s Berries offers decadent chocolate covered strawberries. The sweetness and bitterness of dark chocolate and the tartness of the strawberries make it such a delightful treat. Shari’s Berries’ sweet and fresh strawberries are covered in creamy, fine rich chocolate. It’s a sinfully delicious and healthy treat for yourself and any lucky recipient. Dietary fiber can be found in the strawberries and antioxidants in chocolate, especially dark chocolate. Share’s Berries chocolate dipped strawberries come in a variety of flavors to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth: milk, white chocolates, and some are topped with chocolate chips, Oreo cookies, nuts and more.

Stoneridge Orchards dried fruits are not only healthy and nutritious snacks but they also make the best holiday breads, cookies and brownies! Stoneridge Orchards offers delicious all natural, organic, wholesome dried fruits: blueberries, cherries, cranberries and strawberries — all dipped in dark chocolate! These treats are wonderful as a mid-day energy boost, or to serve as snacks  when you have guests over. They’ll love these guilt-free goodies, because they’re all natural, do not contain artificial colors or flavors, no hydrogenated oils, no sulfites and are kosher-dairy certified. Whether you want to make healthy chocolate barks, nutritious granola bars, or bake holiday breads, cookies and muffins, Stoneridge Orchards’ mouth watering recipes can be found here.

AUS–ION, Australia’s #1-selling brand of cookware is a hard-working, single form low carbon steel that is half the weight of cast iron with all the same properties. This line of cookware will never need replacing and functions like bulkier cast iron, and is able to stand up to the wear-and-tear that a professional kitchen dishes out. What’s unique about this pan is that it’s like cast iron.  The famous French thick steel chef pans, as well as cast iron, are used in all the best restaurants because they heat so evenly, brown foods, and for their ability to build a healthy, natural nonstick surface through seasoning. Chefs destroy synthetic coated pans within months. This cooks similar to cast iron, but with less weight. This plan is ideal for all those who love to cook with French steel pans, without the rivets holding the traditional skinny strip steel handles. It’s handles are more comfortable and cooler to handle.

Bentology Bento Lunch Box Kits make wonderful gifts for every family with young children, because they’re great for trips and a must-have for school! These healthy portioned bento boxes are not only creative and cute, but they also come in a wide variety of colorful insulated lunch bags. Bentology’s insulated lunch bags are offered in seven different prints and styles including a colorful kitty, blue and green camouflage, solid night and more. Each insulated bag is equipped with multiple convenient compartments as well as a water bottle holder on the side for additional storage. The insulated lining is easy to clean and the netted compartment is perfect to store utensils, napkins or even a cool pack. Bentology also offers insulated sleeves in the Kitty and Camo prints as well as the solid night color. Each sleeve is equipped with a secure buckle which can be attached to a backpack or bag for easy storage.

BUNN 10-cup Programmable Coffee Brewer has been seen in American cafes and restaurants for 60 years. BUNN home coffee makers are famous for café-quality coffee from a dripless, clean-pour spout. This BUNN home brewer is SCAA (Specialty Coffee Association of America ) certified like the commercial version, so it always deliver optimal flavor extraction and a full carafe of exceptional-tasting coffee in just minutes. It’s compact (not bulky at all), and the exclusive brewing process heats water to ideal Golden Cup brewing temperature between 197.6˚F and 204.8˚F. This coffee brewer ensures ideal contact time between heated water and coffee grounds of approximately 5 to 10 minutes, and you can make as little as 2 to as much as 10 cups of coffee. The metal compartment holding the hot water is great, because it’s ready to use for the next pot of coffee. For those who prefer to grind fresh coffee beans and appreciate a heat and release concept, then this coffee maker is for you. Soonest the the water heats up, the coffee flows quickly to ensure an amazing and satisfying cup of coffee in just a few minutes. For all those who want a restaurant grade coffee brewer, that makes a great cup of coffee every time, doesn’t take up a lot of space, simple and not too fancy, doesn’t have sophisticated contraptions or gismo driven, then the BUNN 10-cup Programmable Coffee Brewer is it.

Gourmia offers the most innovative kitchen countertop appliances (ie., WiFi/IoT models) ideal for all those who want to make healthy and delicious meals all year long. It’s not just for chefs — Gourmia is ideal for everyone who would like to prepare gourmet meals every week and not just on special occasions. What’s great about Gourmia products is the range in price starting under $50, which is no excuse for anyone who cooks at home not to be able to prepare easy healthy and yummy meals. My favorite are the Electric Digital Air Fryer, which makes fried chicken, french fries without all the grease, and Pizza Maker Oven, makes delicious homemade pizza in minutes! Gourmia’s offers are huge, so there is something (or a few) for all, such as: Bread & Cake Makers, Coffee & Espresso Makers, Coffee & Tea Makers, Tea Machines & Kettles, CoffeeGrinders, Milk Frothers, Ice Cream Makers, Juicers & Blenders, Sous Vide for preparing meat, poultry and seafood, Vacuum Sealers so food can stay fresh for a long time, and so much more.

Hamilton Beach has been around for more than a century, so for those who want a name that families can trust, then Hamilton will deliver. It offers everything your loved ones need such: air purifiers, blenders, coffeemakers, fryers, kettles, juicers, mixers, ovens, popcorn makers, indoor grills, electric knives, steamers. My favorite is Hamilton Beach’s Dual Sandwich Maker and the 3-in-1 Multi Grill for indoor cooking. Both of these are a must for busy parents and college kids who live on campus, because they are very easy to clean (simply put them in the dishwasher) and guarantees a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner in minutes.

• Dual Breakfast Sandwich Maker is a savior for busy parents with lots of hungry kids to feed. While you get the kids (and yourself) ready for school, it’s still possible to make fresh breakfast sandwiches that the entire family can grab and go. It’s so easy to use. Simply layer your favorite bread along with anything your growing tummy desires: egg, cheese, ham, sausages, tomatoes. The built-in digital timer will let you know in a few minutes when it’s ready so you can make another couple of sandwiches.
• 3-in-1Multi Grill makes it possible to have a juicy burger that you’re mouth has been watering over since the July 4th bbq party! This wonderful indoor grill also makes a convenient griddle and bacon cooker, thanks to its nonstick cooking surface. After using this to cook crispy bacon (the unique kickstand tilts up to drain out grease), you’ll never go back to the frying pan which always result messy splatter. When done, just stick the cooking plates in the dishwasher, so it’s ready for your next meal.

KitchenAid Waffle Baker is the best Belgian Waffle baker anyone can ask for, because it makes two perfect Belgian Waffles in less than five minutes. Belgian Waffles are nice and deep and hold lots of fruits, chocolate chips, maple syrup, powdered sugar and any other mouth watering toppings. This is ideal for those who want Belgium Waffles that are served in restaurants and hotels for breakfast or lunch at home. It’s also great for baking extra waffles to freeze, so it’s ready to toast in the morning for the kids before school. For a healthier alternative, try making flourless waffle by substituting the flour with ground up oatmeal and banana. The KitchenAid Waffle Baker makes incredibly delicious (or even more yummy because you made it with love) flourless waffles, which have fiber so it’s both yummy and healthy for the entire family to enjoy. This is a win-win for your tummy and scale. It’s made of a CermaShield coating on the nonstick surface, which prevents scratches and is very easy to clean (simply wipe clean). Although heavy, its space-saving design enables easy storage.

Lands’ End is renowned for its women’s, men’s and kids’ outerwear, swimwear, canvas, boots, shoes and bags for more than 50 years! Did you know that it also offers an amazing selection for home entertaining? That’s right — Lands’ End makes home entertaining fun and hassle-free to invite your friends and family over for potluck dinners and cocktail parties throughout the year. There’s so much to choose from such as table linens, glassware, serveware and gift sets (food and candy) at affordable prices. For those who want to be more fancy with their linen cocktail napkins, placemats and tablecloths, Lands’ End offers the option to personalize by adding monogram, embroidery, heat stamp or engraving on many items . In addition, Lands’ End clothing is now more stylish than ever before, so it’s not just casual clothing any more. Here’s an added plus — Lands’ End even has clothing, beds and fun treats for pets!

Nespresso is the creme de la creme of coffee and highly regarded by “coffeeophiles” worldwide for over 40 years. Celebs, such as George Clooney, who loves Nespresso coffee and the espresso machine so much, that he’s in Nespresso’s commercials. It costs about triple the price of other coffees, but Nespresso’s worth it, because the coffee aroma is always great, no matter how long you store the capsules. Thanks to Nespresso, it’s possible to enjoy a perfect cup of coffee and espresso right in the comfort of home. Even many five star restaurants in the states and Italy (home of luxury coffee) serve Nespresso coffee. To experience the best of what Nespresso has in store for the holidays, explore its holiday collection here. Also, try the Three Limited Edition OriginalLine Variations inspired by rich Viennese coffee houses: Sachertorte, Apfelstrudel, Linzer Torte. For hundreds of years, Vienna has been serving coffee on an elegant silver platter. Now Nespresso is offering the splendor of Vienna with the taste of some of its most famous pastries to create three delicious OriginalLine, which have an intensity level of six on Nespresso’s intensity scale of one to twelve.

• Nespresso Cafecito de Cuba coffee launched recently this summer and is also a must try! It tastes incredibly rich with powerful and delightful smoky notes of wood and tobacco leaves. With a dense velvety texture, it is best enjoyed as a traditional short ristretto and is brewed using the Nespresso’s Original Line range of machines. Cafecito de Cuba can also be enjoyed as a traditional Cubano recipe, where raw cane sugar is added to the first drops of coffee. For those who enjoy their coffee with milk, the profile of Cafecito de Cuba transforms beautifully. With just a dash, the rich and intense roasted character of the coffee remains, so the result is a delicious nutty flavor.

Shark Ninja offers innovative kitchen appliances and vacuums at amazing prices. Infact, Shark Ninja actually makes it fun to clean and cook healthy meals at home, because they operate fast and deliver quality results. This year Ninja came out with three latest must-have kitchen products for brewing coffee, food blending and food preparation, while Shark introduced two of its latest vacuums for floor to ceiling cleaning and hard floor cleaning.
Ninja Coffee Bar System.

• New Ninja Coffee Bar, one of Sophia Vergara’s favorite kitchen appliances, offers a coffee house experience at home at an amazing price point that you can’t get anywhere else. This stylish coffee bar will look great on any kitchen counter, and it provides integrated frother, six brew sizes and five brew types. It also includes the Ninja exclusive Café Forte, which amplifies the natural subtle flavors of coffee, for a delicious and satisfying coffee experience right in the comfort of home. The Ninja Coffee Bar System can make hot and ice coffee that’s never watered down, speciality coffee such as frozen blended coffee drinks, lattes, cappuccinos and more. For a list of creative and delicious coffee recipes, visit here.
• Nutri Ninja Nutri Bowl DUO creates a fusion of foods with nutrients from fruits, vegetables by breaking down fruits and vegetables to unlock their full potential. This is done with the Nutrient Fusion that quickly brings fresh, healthy ingredients together for flavorful, nutritious meals, snacks, and desserts. For busy parents who are always rushing to get the kids ready in the morning for school, the Nutri Ninja Nutri Bowl DUO can be programmed to whip up a healthy breakfast while you’re dressing up the kids. For easy mouth watering recipes, visit here.
• Nutri Ninja Ninja BlendMAX Duo is Ninja’s most powerful blender. It’s great for whipping up with healthy drink or smoothing containing vitamins and nutrients from fruits and vegetables. This is ideal for those who want a quick and healthy drink before the gym or work. For simple, healthy and yummy recipes, visit here.
• Shark Rocket Complete is a must-have for every household, because this super lightweight upright vacuum (8-10 lbs, depending on the specific model) can perform floor to ceiling cleaning to get rid of dirt and stuck-on dust. Its Triple Particle Cleaning system has a new dual brush-roll system that automatically transitions from floors to carpets. Its two brush rolls can pick up large small particles and even stuck on particles on all types of floors and carpets.
• Shark Genius Hard Floor Cleaning System is an All-In-One Custom Steam Cleaning and Sanitization* System. This is a must-have for pet owners, because it’s also very lightweight (approximately 5 lbs), effectively cleans and sanitizes floors. The Genius mop head instantly snaps on and off, without you having to bend down. After use, simply put it in the washing machine. Cleaning up after pets and kids is now easier and quicker than ever, thanks to the Shark Genius Hard Floor Cleaning System!

  

The Uuni Pizza Oven makes the most authentic and delicious wood-fired flavors to create mouth watering meals anytime and anywhere. It’s the perfect gift for foodies or to get yourself and make loved ones a meal they’ll never forget. Whether it’s the perfect Gorgonzola, pear and prosciutto sourdough pizza, wood-fired fish, awesome steaks, dough balls, roast veggies or baked camembert (think gooey, hot melted cheese) — Uuni wood-fired ovens are a unique, fun, sociable and easy way to cook. It’s a top quality portable wood-fired pizza oven with very easy to understand instructions. The Uuni heats up fast with wood pellets, so you don’t have to wait too long for to prepare your favorite meals. At only $299, it’s very inexpensive compared to full size wood fired pizza ovens which can cost as much as $5,000 to $10,000.

Bevs Lim also contributes to Thrive Global and Huffington Post.