Flavor Buffet: 12/24/2020
Hello! Merry Christmas Eve.
Welcome to the special edition of Flavor Buffet - a whole day early - on this crisp day-before-Christmas. It’s a beautiful morning here, but we are well-aware of the deluge scheduled for tomorrow (on-brand for the year, eh?). Therefore, I want to share this holiday Buffet today, to brighten spirits and bring some cheer to an otherwise very different year.
With plenty of articles to read, a lot of recipes, and even some excellent last-minute gift ideas, this holiday Buffet is here to help you relax and enjoy. Because even if we can’t celebrate as usual this time around, I still think it’s important to find joy in other ways. Now, let’s get to the (special edition) Flavor Buffet!
READ
Check out this profile of Guy Fieri who is a really good guy in the food world.
A roundup of great lines written by celebrities for their 2020 Grub Street Diet.
A whole host of gift guides if you’re still finalizing your shopping. It’s totally fine.
This home tour is fantastic - I love the design in every room; especially the guest room wallpaper.
Speaking of homes, this edible modern cookie house is the snazziest I’ve ever seen.
Looking for a chocolate bar during your next grocery run? Check this out.
Bon Appetit’s most popular pasta recipes of 2020. I need to make all of these.
COOK
For the record, I love this recipe finder tool from epicurious.
Here’s an idea: salted butter candy cane bagels. Need. Now.
Cold weather must: smoky potato and kale soup. Yum!
A dinner that feels fancier than it is (perfect for a holiday meal this year): shrimp with herby white beans and tomatoes.
Who wouldn’t want peanut rice noodles with pork and collared greens?
Your family would love this roasted cauliflower with Parmesan-Panko crumble.
Cauliflower-carrot cheesy tots - a healthier alternative to the potato ones that still taste delicious.
A potential Christmas Day baking project: Pan-Banging Ginger Molasses Cookies.
DINE IN - AT HOME!
As I have mentioned each week, it is extra-important right now to support the restaurant industry in any way possible. Ordering takeout, buying a gift card, dining at the restaurant (if safe to do so), it all counts. Here are my dining guides (called Bar Bites), to help you find a great spot to support this holiday season.
Bar Bites Beyond (NYC, Maine, and Las Vegas)
SHOP
Honestly, feeling healthy is possibly the greatest gift of all this year. However, everyone loves a present so here are some last-minute ideas… I cannot guarantee shipping whatsoever, but it’s always the thought that counts! Who cares if it’s a day (or more) late? ;)
First and foremost, the Gluten Free Mollie D 2020 Holiday Gift Guide is filled with items I own and highly recommend. Cookbooks, kitchen tools, skincare products, home decor, style, and my favorite charities; it has it all.
Now, for a few more ideas I’ve found at varying price points…
Pure Silk Skinny Hair Ties, Holiday Set - these are the best hair ties.
Draper Blue Light Filtering Glasses - a useful gift for the New Year!
Pineapple Collaborative The Olive Oil - I’ve heard great things about this product.
Denim Tie Dye Socks by Lucky Honey - love this small business and their socks are excellent.
Eda Sneaker by Freda Salvador - I’ve heard rave reviews of this brand and this sneaker looks great.
The Hand Cream Duo by Necessaire - Perfect for our dry, dry hands. Give one and have one for yourself. Or give both!
Leather Coasters by Cuyana - A thoughtful gift that can be monogrammed. Useful and pretty!
Tory Burch Printed Face Mask - I have listed these before, but worth including again. Extremely comfortable and they go with every outfit!
Fornasetti Small Cocktail Scented Candle - This is a very fancy candle, but what a great gift.
Augustinus Bader The Tandem 2-Piece Rich Cream Set - For someone who loves an ultra-luxe moisturizer.
Sol Angeles Coastline Waves Pullover - Because loungewear isn’t going away any time soon. These pullovers are some of the softest out there.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year.
