Cooking In Stilettos...
Friday, December 26, 2008 Gadget Alert: Cuisinart Convection Bread Maker


For the holidays, I received gift cards to one of my fave stores - Williams Sonoma. Love that spot. Well, I was deciding what to purchase with an eye on a Ruffoni gratin pan, I saw this Cuisinart Convection Bread Maker and I was sold.
Erin over at Erin Cooks talked about her success with her bread machine often. And, after issuing me a pizza challenge earlier this year, I'm about to take her up on the quest in time for the soiree on Wednesday evening.

Let's see how this gadget works out - or if it will be collecting dust with the rice cooker and other gadgets that I just *had* to have.

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Posted by Lys :: 10:17 PM :: 5 comments

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Tuesday, December 16, 2008 Open Your Heart To Menu For Hope V


Remember that track, "Don't They Know It's Christmas." Well, as you well know, many people don't have the luxury to enjoy all the abundance we all have. We have health and family and friends. We have a roof over our heads, heat, electricity and food in the pantry. We have love - most of all.

So, I wanted to take a brief break from all things holiday shopping, decorating, etc. to bring attention to a cause that just is amazing: Chef Pim's Menu of Hope V. Last year wonderful people like you raised over $90,000 for the UN World Food Program. This year Menu of Hope is raising funds again for the World Food Program which supports the school lunch and farming program in Lesotho, Africa. As of today, they've already raised over $7,200.

Let's talk about how this plays out. The prizes this year are beyond fabulous. $10 gets you a virtual raffle ticket as you choose which prize you want to go for, whether it's a cookbook hot off the press, fabulous food and wines, tours of various culinary meccas and even seats to an Iron Chef taping. How cool is THAT?!?!

Cooking In Stilettos is also joining in the mix. We have donated something that might make you click twice... we're offering not only a $50 gift card to the culinary mecca, Sur La Table but also an autographed copy of Latin Evolution by Jose Garces. It's listed as Prize UE33 Take a look at the Regional Prizes HERE.

East Coast Coordinator extraordinare, Jaden over at Steamy Kitchen, gives you some of the Details and FAQ as well.

Ready to donate? OK - here's how it goes:

  1. Choose a prize or prizes of your choice from our Menu for Hope at http://chezpim.com

  2. Go to the donation site at http://www.firstgiving.com/menuforhope5 and make a donation.

  3. Each $10 you donate will give you one raffle ticket toward a prize of your choice. Please specify which prize you'd like in the 'Personal Message' section in the donation form when confirming your donation. You must write-in how many tickets per prize, and please use the prize code.For example, a donation of $50 can be 2 tickets for EU01 and 3 tickets for EU02. Please write 2xEU01, 3xEU02

  4. If your company matches your charity donation, please check the box and fill in the information so we could claim the corporate match.

  5. Please allow us to see your email address so that we could contact you in case you win. Your email address will not be shared with anyone.

Thank you for making this holiday season one to remember...

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Posted by Lys :: 9:07 PM :: 2 comments

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Thursday, December 11, 2008 Gift Idea for the Techie Chef: Pandigital 15" Kitchen Technology Center


I immediately saw this and had to look all while shaking my head going "ARUUUU?" Here is the 15" Kitchen Technology Center from Pandigital. Check out the write up from the Bed, Bath & Beyond website.

Whether viewing a digital cookbook, using it as a
digital photo frame, listening to music, or viewing high definition TV, you'll
get a crystal clear image from this technology center. A touch screen allows you
to flip pages of your loaded files with just a finger. The 1 GB of internal
memory holds up to 3000 digital images, and lets you transfer, store and
playback photos, video and music. The built-in 5-in-1 card reader is compatible
with most digital memory cards. Mini USB and standard USB 2.0 high speed ports
allow you to connect and transfer files directly from a digital camera or PC.
Supports JPEG images, digital video and MP3 music files and features thumbnail
picture view, zoom, rotation and slide show with transitional effects. Includes
interchangeable face plates to adapt to your decor, a mounting kit, wireless
adapter, a remote, AC adapter and USB cable.
Granted it's a little rich for my blood at $399.99 as I'd probably much rather get another Ruffoni copper pot (or two at that price!) and save the counter space. However, if you know someone that really wants to digitize their kitchen, check it out HERE.

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Posted by Lys :: 6:09 AM :: 1 comments

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Wednesday, December 10, 2008 Gift Alert: Williams Sonoma Kitchen Icon Ornaments..

Last year, I started collecting some "Kitchen Check SpellingOrnaments" for my tree - namely the copper ornaments from Williams Sonoma along with some Starbucks ornaments.

I'm planning on putting a LITTLE tree up on my breakfast bar counter in the kitchen. Well, Williams Sonoma added to the mix this year their set of Kitchen Icon Ornaments which replicate some favorite brands i.e. the Le Creuset dutch oven, a Bundt cake mold, a Dualit toaster and a Bialetti Espresso Maker.

And, for the entire set of all 4 ornaments, it's only $19.95. If you have a chef on your gift list (or even for yourself), you might want to add that to your cart.

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Posted by Lys :: 6:15 PM :: 4 comments

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Tuesday, December 9, 2008 Bookmark This: Kitchen Essentials: 10 Techniques Every Cook Should Know..

Now - don't roll your eyes and go "Ugh, do I HAVE to". It's always good to get a refresher now and then, right? Just indulge me a sec, please.

The SFGate ran a great article called "Kitchen Essentials: 10 Techniques Every Cook Should Know" and not only do they provide sound advice and tips, but also great photos and videos for you to refer to.

Check it out HERE.

Thanks to TheKitchn for alerting a gal!

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Posted by Lys :: 1:17 PM :: 1 comments

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Gift Alert: Sur La Table's Tangine Gift Set...


Have someone on your gift list that is a bit more "adventuresome" when it comes to cooking or trying new cuisines? What about this Sur La Table Tangine Gift Set.
Here not only do you get a top quality 13" terra cotta tangine, but you also get Moroccan Couscous, Preserved Lemons AND the Tagine: Spicy Stews from Morocco cookbook by Ghillie Basan

All of the above is only $44.96. Now wouldn't that be a gift that keeps on giving...

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Posted by Lys :: 1:13 PM :: 0 comments

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Monday, December 8, 2008 And The Antonios Contest Winners Are...

*drum roll please*

Per Random.org's random generator, it chose numbers 10 and 8 for the winning commenters. That means that Lesli of Pretty Random Thoughts and Shopaholic D of The Chic Life are going to have some lovely candy confection goodies from Antonios in Philadelphia's Italian Market to enjoy this holiday season!

Congrats ladies!!

Stay tuned... there's another fab giveaway coming at the end of the week ;)

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Posted by Lys :: 8:23 AM :: 3 comments

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Gift Alert: Holiday Wreath with Copper Molds... and More...

I am a Facebook junkie, I know. That's not up for debate. Anywhoo - last night, Pretty Random Thoughts' Lesli posted something about getting a wreath that really wasn't her favorite. So, when I was perusing around Sur La Table looking for that hostess apron I adore along with a couple other things, I saw that they had some wreaths on sale.

My favorite above all is the Holiday Wreath with Copper Molds. It's on sale and is just so festive. I adore all things copper so you combine that with something very "holiday", it's on.




Check out their other wreaths, centerpieces and foliage. Some other faves are:




and the




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Posted by Lys :: 7:32 AM :: 0 comments

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Sunday, December 7, 2008 Gift Alert: Nordstrom's 'Flavors' Cookbook...

Do you have a cookbook aficionado on your gift list and are wary to buy any cookbooks in case they "might have them"? Even better, are they a fashionista and loves all things Nordys?



Well, here is the gift that they wouldn't expect.



Nordstrom has a cookbook called "Flavors" by their executive chef, Michael Northern, and has recipes from their popular cafes. During my Philadelphia trip when Reese, Meowmix and I had lunch in the Nordstrom Cafe, I flipped through the pages and immediately added it to my Santa list. The recipes are top notch, the photography is amazing and it's written for the home cook.



Check it out here and, of course, you can get cash back.

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Posted by Lys :: 3:38 PM :: 0 comments

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Contest Reminder: Goodies From Antonios...

Just a Reminder - today is the last day to leave a comment to win some goodies from Antonios in Philadelphia's Italian Market. Head over to this post and enter!

Good Luck!

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Posted by Lys :: 12:51 PM :: 0 comments

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Saturday, December 6, 2008 Gift Alert: Williams-Sonoma Peppermint Bark..

Tis the season of holiday parties and tis the season for great gifts for the hostess. One thing that they'll always adore is Peppermint Bark and when it comes to quality, you don't get much better than Williams-Sonoma.

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Posted by Lys :: 10:02 PM :: 2 comments

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Thursday, December 4, 2008 Gift Idea: NapaStyle's Panini Grill

If you don't have a Panini Grill, seriously - what are you waiting for. You can do soooo much on there besides just the standard panini. Just think George Foreman grill, but better, ya know?

Anywhoo - during the holidays, I'm going to spotlight one great foodie gift per day for that culinary diva (or divo) on your shopping list (or you - you must gift yourself during the holiday season too - it's in the holiday rulebook!)

Spotlight today - Napastyle's Panini Grill. I get the Napastyle catalog and I mull through it page by page, wishing I had endless funds to entertain because, when it comes to class and style, seriously - Michael Chiarello has it. And he's spotlighting a deal of the day starting off today with this Panini Grill. When it comes to NapaStyle, you know it's quality. This guy is no joke and he's not going to be like certain peeps who just slap their name on something to get that endorsement check. He sells it in his stores, uses it in his kitchen and stands behind his products that he sells.

I have a panini grill and, in the interest of full disclosure, I spent a pretty penny on it. However, if I saw this deal and I needed a grill - you know I'd be purchasing that so quick my head would spin. $78 to $38.

Happy Shopping!

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Posted by Lys :: 8:10 PM :: 1 comments

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Wednesday, December 3, 2008 Apron Chic...

I don't know about you, but I'm really starting to like the new apron styles that I've seen out and about. There's something about a snazzy apron that makes a gal channel that inner domestic diva and have fun in the kitchen, you know.

Check out some of the styles I noticed around the web:

Check out this B&W Ritz pattern




Shop Suey has not only some stellar handbags, but also aprons. Check out this Festive Santa one for the holiday




And then this optic blossom print is also very chic




WishingFish.com has this adorable fall themed Pumpkin Cupcakes apron




Sur La Table has this divine Hostess Apron (which I'm soooo snatching up with cash back too!)




and this ONYX Apron (can you tell I love B&W aprons?)







Williams-Sonoma has the 12 Days of Christmas aprons



And this one, while it's a tad rich for my wallet, love it gorgeous creation from Heavenly Hostess!



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Posted by Lys :: 6:27 PM :: 5 comments

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Tuesday, December 2, 2008 Cash Back: A Refresher Course For The Holidays... (Cross Post)

(Note: I originally posted this on my personal blog but since I know you culinary wizards might need some extra oomph in your stockings that you can spend at all things Williams Sonoma , etc., hopefully this can help you!)

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Well, the holidays are upon us and I've been requested to give a little refresher course in all things cash back and coupons to help you get a little extra something in your stockings.

As y'all know, I do most of my shopping online. I detest the malls during the holidays and, for those that know me, that's tough to hear. I have no patience in bad customer service, annoying customers or crowds. I'd rather mill about enjoying the sights and sounds rather than worry about that "perfect" gift. SO - without further adieu - this is how your gal shops.

First of all, I have to have a game plan. For example, let's use my mother (sorry Mom and NO this is not your Xmas gift - just an example!)

Over Thanksgiving, she disclosed to me that she has been using bargain spices from Big Lots! Now, should I decide to cure her of this bad habit (because I'm a foodie snob), I know I'd need to replenish her spice cabinet with spices from one of my favorite culinary stores, Dean & Deluca. My theory is if the Barefoot Contessa uses it, then the product HAS to be top notch. Good vanilla and all!

First step: Research to see if there are any coupons on RetailMeNot.com, CouponCabin.com or UltimateCoupons.com . If there are, make note of the codes and maximize them for the ultimate savings.

Second Step: Research to see who has the highest cash back through EVRewards.com (sometimes you get good coupons on here as well).

Third Step: Select your cash back portal to use. I only use four sites: Fat Wallet, Ebates, Mr. Rebates or CashBaq . There are others, but I've had the best luck with those four and, personally, I use Mr. Rebates and Ebates the most.

Fourth Step:Find the item you are looking for, purchase and viola! You will get cash back, ultimate savings and a nice little somethin' somethin' for you in March because it takes about 90 days for the available funds to be posted.

So to recap: the Cash Back sites to bookmark/sign up at are:

Happy Shopping!

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Posted by Lys :: 8:20 PM :: 1 comments

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