Hostess with the Mostess gifts and a Giveaway!

We love hosting people at our place and if you follow me on Twitter you’re bound to know what we’re eating and drinking any given day! Now that the Little Monkey is here we still love entertaining at home (she sleeps and we party! Win.Win right?) but we also ensure that we attend parties and gatherings with her. The reason is that we want her to be acclimated to meeting new people and being comfortable in ‘foreign’ situations. As much as I love receiving gifts, I love gifting as well! There’s so many cute and reasonably priced options when it comes to taking a little ‘ Thank You’ for your host and hostess. Along with a couple bottles of wine or beer I like to take something fun and delicious. So this holiday season as you party hop perhaps one of my Hostess with the Mostess gifts will inspire and tag along with you! We’ve got two great giveaways for our Canadian readers (sorry international peeps!) … Good luck!

Aged Balsamic Vinegar : This 25 Year Barrel-Aged balsamic vinegar from Williams and Sonoma is a long time favourite in our household. I love that it has a smooth intense flavour and is so versatile. It’s the magic ingredient in my Bruschetta recipe! I’ve been told that it’s crafted from the pure wine must (unfermented grape juice) of white Trebbiano grapes, which is then aged in oak barrels according to time-honored techniques. Whatever these guys do it’s totally worth the $45 ! Best part is that it looks like a bottle of wine! What a lovely surprise for a host and hostess!

Apple Cider Vinegar : Sure you can buy any old type of Cider vinegar but this Extra Old one from Gingras that we discovered on our Montreal trip is such a cute gift! This vinegar has been matured in French Oak for up to 12 years and any discerning Scotch drinker is sure to appreciate the shape of this fine bottle. At $12 it’s quite the bargain! It’s a bit hard to find but you can buy it online from the comfort of your home!  From cocktail to salads to mains this little beauty adds a “je ne sais quoi” that will have your host and hostess thanking you for the introduction for months to come!

Spices : Everyone loves spices and is often stuck in a routine using the same old spices year in and year out. Why not add a little pizzazz to your host’s kitchen by picking up something from Epicure Selections, a Canadian, family owned and women led food company that takes pride in offering a versatile selection of items that helps us cook up a meal with no fuss! Pop corn spices to pasta sauces this online shop has tons on offer to fit any budget. Lucky for you Spice and the City has provided a cute gift set comprising of a cookie cutter and a jar of Gingerbread spice to one lucky reader! Enter to win through the rafflecopter below.

Party Dipper : This is by far one of my favest gifts! Not only will you be bringing a delicious appetizer for the party, you will also be leaving behind a great party dipper and food warmer!  From fondues to spinach and artichoke dips this little gem is a great addition to any party. Despite being tiny, this warmer has a removable ceramic dish that makes heating, cooking and cleaning super easy! I love roasting nuts in the winter and what better way to take some warm nuts to a gathering of loved ones! Priced at $15 you can afford to leave this behind at many a party. You’ll be first on the guest list just because of this little fella!! The good folks at Hamilton Beach have given a Party Dipper Food Warmer for one of my lucky readers! Hey that’s two giveaways just in time for the holidays! Enter through the Rafflecopter below!

Homemade love : My regular readers and Twitter followers know that I’m always trying out new recipes and the holiday season is just the perfect excuse for me! The folks at California Walnut recently sent me some delicious …wait for it… yes! Walnuts! They had some delicious recipes they shared with me and the roasted California Walnuts caught my attention because they’re so easy to make. Even I who cannot follow recipes was able to easily follow them.. with a baby on the hip (not that I’m encouraging being around hot ovens with a baby!). The Cajun-Spiced California Walnuts (To make 4 cups, mix two egg whites with a tablespoon of garlic salt, 2 teaspoons each of Cayenne, paprika, dried basil, oregano and thyme; stir in walnuts and coat thoroughly. Spread these marinated walnuts on large baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 15 to 18 minutes or until dry and crisp. Cool thoroughly before serving or jarring!) and Sweet and Spicy Walnuts are going to join me as I make my rounds this festive season! The California Walnut website has tons of information and recipes so be sure to check them out for inspiration! From jars to pouches, there’s plenty of options to carry these nuts around. So go ahead and get creative with your nuts! By the way, as you can see… the Little Monkey loved the bows and the walnuts.. yes even the spicy ones! She’s cray cray I tell ya! 

Disclaimer : I have received the prize pack from Hamilton Beach Canada and Epicure Selections/Spice and the City for free, no other compensation was received and the opinions are my own. The contest is only open to those living in Canada. A winner will be chosen from all eligible entries on December 18th and items will be shipped the same day! I can’t guarantee you’ll get it before Christmas but I will try my best!

a Rafflecopter giveaway