I hate showing up to someone's house empty-handed, even when the hostess says, "Oh...just bring yourself." That's why I always have so much fun scoping out affordable hostess gifts for you all each year. While we can always grab a bottle…
Those of you who don’t celebrate may not know that before Christmas became the blockbuster that it is today, Chanukkah was a pretty quiet affair. And as hard as Chanukkah tries to keep up (at least in my house where we celebrate both hol…
Our house contains roughly six million LEGOs, from teeny tiny pieces that can't be seen until they are rattling inside the vacuum, to giant blocks the size of bricks. And yet, I'm coveting more bricks. At least when they're chocolate LEG…
Not that I need any excuse to eat chocolate, but I'm not a big candy bar eater. I do like a Justin's peanut butter cup when I can find one, but usually I stick with the fancy stuff. Halloween not withstanding. But now when I discover an …
First it was cupcakes , then Rice Krispies treats and donuts , too. Next up on my approved-dessert-trends roster: whoopie pies . Father's Day is the perfect excuse to get in on this trend and Batter & Cream , an online specialty whoopie …
I'm evidently going through an artisanal chocolate phase--though considering it's been a decade or so, not sure if that's actually a phase or a way of life. Either way, I love visiting small towns or scouring the web for outstanding loca…
I dare anyone to tell me that Mother's Day chocolates are cliché, especially if you're giving the kinds of gourmet chocolate that a mom might not buy for herself every day. (With all due respect to the good folks of Hershey.) I will happ…
The only downside to my newfound coffee geekery is that some mornings I just don't have time to grind, brew, and enjoy the amazing cup of coffee that I need so badly to function. Quick, crappy coffee just won't do anymore. But the substi…
Lent is over, Easter is here, and while the kids are swimming in jelly beans and Peeps, we think it's only fair that the adults get a little indulgence of their own. And that's where the Chocolate Jesus comes in. This is no ordinary choc…
As a college student in Boston, I remember the lines around the block for Steve's Ice Cream, the originator of Heath Bar Crunch and the first place I had ever heard of mix-ins which now...well, what gourmet ice cream brand doesn't offer …
As my family's Petronella Cottontail, I'm here to tell you that grown-ups like Easter treats, too. Gourmet Eater treats, ideall. My kids can keep the Peeps and cheap candy eggs nestled in plastic grass, while I stick with the fancy stuff…
In years past, we've strongly suggested that you bring chocolate covered matzah as a gift to your seder hosts. Why is this Passover different from all other Passovers? Because this time, I say you keep this Chocolate Buttercrunch Matzah …
They're bright green, they're pretty, and they're for grown-ups only, which makes these Absinthe Chocolate Cordials the perfect St. Patrick's Day treat for someone like me. If that mischievous leprechaun's going to pee green in my potty …
Let's not call us procrastinators. Let's just say...we're busy. Because we are. So we get it. if you're still looking for a last minute Valentine's Day gift for a special someone, here are a few ideas that go a little further than a hast…
At first I thought that Valentine’s Day on Friday was a good thing. What a fun way to kick off the weekend. But now I’m wondering when exactly I’m supposed to make treats for my kids? I guess I should have thought of that last weekend bu…
What I want for Valentine’s Day: LOVE! What my kids want for Valentine’s Day: CHOCOLATE! Okay, I want chocolate, too, but I like fancy chocolate . For the kids, I’ll be whipping up one of these super easy, homemade chocolate treats for V…
If there’s one time of year you’ll find me getting crafty with the kids , it’s around Valentine’s Day. But only under two conditions: 1) I get to sip wine while we craft and 2) the craft involves treats. These printables, crafts, and rec…
Love is in the air. Or is that the smell of Valentine’s Day pancakes from truly creative recipes? I can think of no better way to treat your family this Valentine’s Day (or the whole Valentine’s Day weekend) than to surprise them with a …
Homemade hot chocolate is not only better for you than those just-add-water packets, but it's also just as easy to make. Seriously. And it tastes way better, too. You're about to learn how to make luscious, homemade hot chocolate in 5 mi…
The big man is set to arrive in just less than 48 hours! Word from the North Pole is that if you leave Santa something extra tasty, he'll throw in a little extra something for mom. That — and having "leftovers" — is reason enough to make…
Are you hungry, Hunger Games fans? Don't be prim--just dig right into this gorgeous box of gourmet truffles from Vosges , inspired by the Capitol of Suzanne Collins's Hunger Games world. Opulence, trinkets, and accoutrements wait within.…
If you're like me, there's a bunch of people to whom you'd like to give a little something for the holidays, but they aren't quite up to the level of say, a cashmere sweater . I usually whip up some handmade holiday food gifts in the kit…
I love my peppermint mocha latte as much as the next girl, so it's a shame they're gone so fast that all I'm left with is a whipped cream mustache and fond memories. But when you combine the delicious scent of peppermint and cocoa with l…
It's no fun being that kid with food allergies who gets a chocolate Santa in your stocking, only to find your mom taking it away because there are no ingredients written on the foil. But it's probably worse being that mom. So we're happy…