Recently, I was sent some good, free stuff that would be perfect for making your holiday entertaining easier and tastier.
Beemster Cheese--The Beemster Dutch gourmet cheeses I was sent were nutty and full-flavored, especially the extra-aged variety. If you like robust, assertive, medium-hard cheeses, these are for you. They were delicious as a snack with crackers, and even better with wine. Highly recommend for a fun addition to your holiday appetizer menu.
Cost to you: prices vary, around $15-$17 per pound.
Cost to me: FREE
Président Brie Log--I was sent three of Président's new brie logs to try just before Thanksgiving. I have to say, these are brilliant. For those who are not a fan of brie rind, the outside of the log is just lightly coated so you can stop digging brie out of the wedge at parties and leaving the floppy rind behind for the rest of us! The other nice thing about brie in a log is that it slices up nicely and is the perfect shape for topping water crackers or rounds of baguette. Another winner.
Cost to you: (couldn't find a price online, let me know if you can.)
Cost to me: FREE
The foodloop lace--More brilliance abounds. I use twine for trussing chickens and for holding stuffed boneless legs of lamb or pork tenderloins together, but no more. This handy-dandy gadget is my go-to trusser and holder now. It's 15 inches of silicone and is heat- and food-safe. There are tons of way to use this tool--just use your imagination! This would make a great stocking stuffer for anyone who loves to cook!
Cost to you: set of four runs about $10
Cost to me: FREE
Stonemill Kitchens dips--Artichoke. Parmesan. Dip. Need I say more? I received a sampler of four different Stonemills Kitchens dips just before Thanksgiving and they've been a hit at potlucks ever since. I brought to Thanksgiving and served one as an appetizer at our Thanksgiving a couple of days later. They make great football snacks along with plain bagel or pretzel crisps, and best of all they can be served warm or cold. One thing I like about these dips is you can see the ingredients in them--there are shreds of parmesan, big chunks of artichoke hearts, spinach leaves, peppers. They're in there because you can see them and they look fresh and tasty. I'm partial to the spicy Three Cheese Peperoncini flavor. (Click the link and download a $1 coupon!)
Cost to you: $3-$4 each
Cost to me: FREE
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