Happy Holidays!

As seems to be the case every year, the holiday season has snuck up on me this year. There seems to be so much to do; so many gifts to buy, and friends to visit, and so little time to get it all done!

We are pleased to present, again this year, our Holiday Gift Giving Guide, a weekly look at some of our favourite holiday gift ideas to suit all budgets. Subscribers to our E-newsletter will automatically receive this year’s guides in their inbox, and our picks from this year as well as other years can be found on our website, along with our favourite holiday recipes.

In this issue we feature some fun kitchen toys that are ideal for getting the kids involved in the kitchen while they’re on Christmas vacation from school, as well as some impressive new espresso machines from Nespresso and the Krups electric frother.

While this can be a stressful season, I remind you to keep in mind the true meaning of the holidays, and to spend some time with those you love.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Gift Giving Guide #1
Gift Giving Guide #2

In this Issue

• Culinary Events and News
• Did you know?
• Nespresso Gourmet Coffee Machines
• Fun Kitchen Toys
• Hot Chocolate

Culinary Events and News

December 3, 11 am - 3 pm
Wüsthof and Swiss Diamond product demo. Bring a piece of silver, and have it cleaned for free with our German Universal stone!

December 10, 11 am - 3 pm
Trudeau product demonstration. See the wine aerator pourer in action!

Congratulations To:
Wendy L., the November winner of a Bamix immersion blender.

Win a Gingerbread House
Purchase a raffle ticket in store for your chance to win a large gingerbread house, valued at $150.00. All money raised will be donated to Family Transition Place.

December Subscriber Draw
All subscribers to our electronic newsletter in December will be entered in a draw to win a Trudeau electric wok, valued at $129.99

Subscribe to Secrets from our Kitchen

Did you know?

• Tourtière is the traditional Christmas Eve or Réveillon fare that is served when the family returns from Midnight Mass.
• Plum pudding dates back to 1670 when it was made from meat broth, chopped cows tongues, raisins, fruit juice, wine and spices. The word “plum” refers to the swelling of the raisins when cooked.
• According to Statistics Canada, there are over 5.9 million litres of eggnog sold each year in Canada, with virtually all sales occurring during November & December.
• In Great Britain and other countries such as Ireland, mince pies are seen as a favourite treat of Father Christmas. Mince pies are a British festive sweet pastry, filled with a preserve typically containing apple, dried fruits (such as raisins and sultanas) and spices.

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Nespresso Gourmet Coffee Machines

Introducing Nespresso, the sleek, modern and reliable line of gourmet espresso machines from Nestlé. Made in Switzerland, Nespresso machines utilize the latest technologies that make having an espresso or cappuccino as easy as pressing a button!

The modern styling and compact design of these machines mean they look great sitting on your countertop, without sacrificing valuable work space.

Nespresso machines brew high quality Arabica coffee, sealed in air tight capsules to ensure freshness.

Choose from 16 available varieties that can be purchased online at a cost of less than $.70 per cup. Your order is delivered to your door within 48 hours. Additional attachments, including an automatic milk frother, are available to customize your machine to suit your needs.

Available in six colours, the Nespresso machines will impress coffee connoisseurs and everyday java drinkers alike. All units come with a one year manufacturer’s warranty.

Starting at $199.00

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Fun Kitchen Toys

Head Chefs

Head Chefs is an exciting line of colourful
kids cooking tools that are sure to inspire
creativity in the kitchen for kids of all ages.
Each vibrantly coloured Head Chefs tool
features bendable arms and legs, suction cup
feet and a soft silicone body.

Starting at $8.99

Safe Grip Personal Pizza Pan

This 8 inch personal sized pizza pan from Head Chefs is the perfect way to allow the young ones to experiment creating their own pizza masterpiece. The even warming surface ensures even and thorough cooking, while the silicone rim and handles protect little hands from burns when it’s hot out of the oven.

$14.99 each

Warm and dry on the go!

These fun and colourful portable tumblers feature a top that seals when closed, preventing any leaking. Combined with double wall insulation, the leak proof seal means you can store a warm drink in your backpack or purse without worrying about it leaking or getting cold!

$10.99 each

Henckels Kids Flatware Set

Bring the class and quality of Henckels flatware to the kids’ table this holiday season. This four piece flatware set is made specially for small hands, with fun enbossed designs on the handles.

Regular $25.00
Sale Price: 19.99 (Until Dec. 31, 2011)

Krups Electric Milk Frother

The Krups XL 2000 electric milk frother is an answer to the prayers of cappuccino, latte and hot chocolate lovers around the world.

Simply plug and froth. It works similarly to an electric kettle, with a patented heating element that makes perfectly frothed milk every time.

The unit’s three automatic recipes - cappuccino, latte and hot milk - allow you to bring your milk to the perfect temperature and consistency depending on the drink you would like to enjoy.

The XL200 is the perfect indulgent gift for any lover of hot drinks, to help them get through the long, cold winter months!

$129.99

Super Easy Classic Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

• 50 grams of your favourite chocolate chopped.
  (You could use a 50g chocolate bar; milk or dark)
• 2 cups of milk

Using the Krups electric frother, heat milk on “hot milk” setting. In a bowl, pour hot milk over chopped chocolate, whisking until chocolate has dissolved, or desired consistency is achieved. To make on stove top, heat milk and chocolate together over medium heat, or until chocolate is dissolved and desired temperature is achieved. Top with whipped cream and serve with favourite Holiday baked goods!

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