Welcome to the primary ever RecipeTin Vacation Reward Information! I feel you’ll discover some stunning gadgets on this checklist, and most are simple on the pockets. I hope you discover this convenient!
Be aware: there are NO affiliate hyperlinks and I’ve no affiliation with any of those manufacturers. These are all merchandise I reward and love.
The 2023 RecipeTin Vacation Reward Information
I accepted way back that I’m not “regular” and it appears that evidently extends to reward guides! So as an alternative of aspirational wish-list items, I’m sharing a listing of presents I’ve truly gifted in current occasions. Whereas some may appear somewhat uncommon, all these have been acquired with enthusiasm and/or emotional appreciation (these are the perfect!) and most usually are not that costly.
There aren’t any candles, no tea towels, no hand lotions, no $1,000 mohair throws.
So with out additional ado, I current to you the inaugural RecipeTin Vacation Reward Information!
⭐️ 2023 Vacation Reward Information ⭐️
1. Engraved Opinel Knife (~$20)
Coming in at #1 is a French pocket knife, the best-all-rounder reward! Learn beneath for why this takes out the highest spot!
Why it’s on the checklist – It’s a kind of items that show you don’t have to spend stacks to offer one thing significant that individuals genuinely love. It ticks numerous bins: distinct look, simple on the pockets (~$20), helpful (cheese platter, paring knife), a really well-known model in France and most significantly, everyone loves it.
Validation – JB and I just lately gave these as a thanks current to Help Cooks on the ultimate Good Meals & Wine Present in Brisbane. We personalised it by engraving their title on the blade, and the emotional thanks we acquired was the last word validation that that is an amazing reward for everybody, from strange foodies like me to skilled cooks like them!
The place to get it – On-line on the Opinel retailer or right here or right here. It’s additionally bought at Le Petit Marché, my favorite French deli which is positioned in Newport (Sydney Northern Seashores). Don’t neglect to personalise it by engraving the blade!
2. Mrs C’s Chilli Crisp ($25)
Coming in at second place – Mrs C’s Chilli Crisp, an extremely crunchy chilli paste made by an Australian family-run enterprise that you’ll actually placed on EVERYTHING! That is particular stuff that you must reserve just for a very powerful folks in your life – learn on for why.
Why it’s price gifting – As a result of it’s a extremely particular Chilli Crisp you possibly can’t get at any previous common grocery shops. A number of occasions crunchier with higher pure flavour (no synthetic MSG edge) that you just don’t discover in manufacturing facility mass-produced stuff. It’s superior to the world-wide favorite Lao Ganma (“Indignant Aunty”) which is my grocery retailer go-to model.
I eat it by the spoonful out of the jar, it’s that good. Attempt it as soon as, and also you’ll have to have this in your fridge for the remainder of your life! I even contemplated not together with this on the checklist – as a result of I’m apprehensive they’ll run out. I’m not kidding.
The place to get it – See right here for stockists round Australia however I order on-line. I get the Mrs C’s Apprentice Chilli Crisp (it’s gentle so you should utilize tons!) or the OG if you happen to prefer it fiery. Additionally they have a Christmas Cracker Particular with a number of jars (I nabbed a stack for Christmas presents). For these of you within the States, Momfuku’s Chili Crisp is an in depth second private favorite.
3. Lodge Forged Iron Pan (A$60/US$20)
The one merchandise on my Important Kitchenware Checklist that I’m together with on this reward information!
Why it’s on the checklist – As a result of it’s my most used cooking pan and I feel it’s distinctive worth for cash at ~$73 in comparison with the $200+ you’ll pay for premium non-stick pans, significantly given the Lodge will final for many years. It’s mainly indestructible – in contrast to non stick pans!
I find it irresistible as a result of it goes from the range to the oven (Mac & Cheese, steaks completed within the oven), it’s the one pan I take advantage of for prime warmth searing steaks, the excessive partitions make it appropriate for making saucy issues like Chilli Con Carne, and it’s naturally non-stick.
Get it – Lodge 26cm / 10.25″ Forged Iron Pan . Get it on-line like right here and right here and right here (Australian hyperlinks) and right here on Amazon US (discounted to $20 as of 23 November 2023). Be aware: Being a US product, it’s less expensive within the States. As for Australian made…. I’ve my eyes peeled. I”ve tried a number of however am nonetheless on the hunt!
4. The reward of charity – $15+
It is a nice concept for a present for somebody who doesn’t worth materials issues – a present of charity. Listed below are some that I’ve or am gifting this 12 months to organisations we now have connections with:
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One Meal – The Give Hub – Based mostly on the concept of a ‘reverse creation calendar’, members fill a field with non-perishable meals gadgets. The bins are then distributed to these in want by native registered charities and organisations. One Meal is the not-for-profit that distributions our RecipeTin Meals to these in want.
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Ronald McDonald Home – Reward Playing cards – RMCH affords lodging to the households of youngsters receiving lifesaving therapy on the Sydney Kids’s Hospital. The households are 100km+ from their group and assist programs, and usually the adults are unable to proceed working while their baby is present process therapy. Reward playing cards give them the flexibility to purchase groceries and buy presents for his or her household. Our group has particular connections with RMCH and has carried out volunteer work on web site together with actions with the kids and making dinner for the households.
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Two Good Co Christmas Cracker – The proceeds of those Christmas Crackers items a cooked meal to ladies and kids taking refuge in shelters right here in Sydney, Australia. I’ve lengthy since been an admirer of the founder Rob Caslick and the organisation he constructed to supply meals to and employment assist for girls in home violence shelters right here in my residence city. I additionally just lately contributed a recipe to their cookbook “Change the Course” which is now out there.
5. Cheese hamper (DIY $20+ or purchase)
Right here’s one that may cater to various budgets and is one thing I do typically: both a DIY mini cheeseboard platter, or a extra extravagant cheese hamper that I give as “company” thanks items to particular folks (which I solely get from Le Petit Marché, Sydney – they take on-line orders).
* See part beneath for what I put in my hampers, each DIY and bought.
DIY hampers
I significantly like placing collectively little DIY packs as a result of I intention to incorporate every little thing that somebody might want to make somewhat cheeseboard. If price range permits, I even embody the cheese board itself, like pictured above.
PURCHASED CHEESE HAMPERS
That is certainly one of my go-to work items that I give as thank yous, celebrations and many others. after I need to do one thing particular. I like doing edible items moderately than tangible issues that will properly simply find yourself on the thrift retailer!
The one place I buy cheese hampers is from a speciality French cheese retailer known as Le Petit Marché in Newport (Sydney northern seashores), as a result of I do know it’s actually good high quality and that’s the place I get my very own cheeses for particular events, and you may order on-line. I haven’t bought cheese hampers from different locations!
See beneath for my checklist of what I put in my hampers. The proprietor of Le Petit Marché, Benoit, could be very, very French and is aware of his stuff, so I all the time defer to him for the perfect cheese suggestions. Additionally wines (they’re good worth, and types you possibly can’t get at chain liquor shops).
You too can name Le Petit Marché on 02 9446 2626 and simply inform them you’d like a RecipeTin Hamper. Give Benoit a price range and he’ll know what to place in it, as a result of I’ve a particular order of precedence of what to make use of the price range for! Cheeses first, then crackers, then wine. Then every little thing else!
AUSTRALIAN MADE / DELIVERY HAMPERS
For regionally sourced, two of my favorite cheese makers in Tasmania are doing Christmas hampers – Pyengana Dairy and Bruny Island. They ship Australia-wide! I haven’t tried all of the merchandise in these Christmas hampers however I am keen on their cheeses (my favourites are listed beneath) and have ordered on-line (they arrived packed in ice!). Particularly, the Pyengana 1kg aged Cheddar Truckle pictured above makes an amazing assertion reward for cheese lovers!
As for wine? I’m presently mad for UMAMU Property in WA, particularly their Rose (good for summer time), JB extremely charges their 2018 Chardonnay (that is particular stuff), and the 2019 Property Sauvignon Blanc Semillon is great worth for high quality.
What I put within the cheese reward packs
So as of precedence of what I spend my price range on:
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Cheeses – One semi-hard cheese, one smooth and one blue cheese – see beneath for private favourites
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Crackers
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Wine is subsequent on my checklist. As a result of – cheese! And wine!
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Non-compulsory extras: olives, dried fruit (apricots are a favorite), nuts, chocolate
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Decrease down my checklist: quince paste and different candy spreads, pate, canned fish
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Fancy it up: a cheese board, Opinel no 8 knife (see high of publish)
Private favourites cheeses:
Listed below are a few of my favorite cheeses that I usually get. To be sincere, as a result of I supply my big day cheeses from Le Petit Marché, I typically attempt new cheeses however stick to the overall classes beneath. Brillat-Savarin is the one exception. I all the time, all the time get it!
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Comfortable – Mellow, brie-style cheeses: Brillat-Savarin (unimaginable richer and oozier than brie French cheese); Fromager d’Affinois (nice one which’s extensively out there at common grocery shops today), Woombye Ash Brie. Washed rind cheeses (extra smelly!): Tasmanian Bruny Island 1792 (it’s pungent!), taleggio, epoisses (additionally pungent!).
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Agency (semi-hard) – Comte 24-month aged, Pyengana Tasmanian cheddar (this cheese maker is a positive eating favorite) or different good classic cheddar, gruyere, manchego, high quality gouda, fontina, asiago.
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Blue – Blue bries, gorgonzola piccante (my most well-liked) or gorgonzola dolce (milder), roquefort, Saint Agur, Stilton, King Island Roaring Forties Blue, Riverine Blue.
6. RecipeTin pantry start-up equipment!
Right here’s an concept for somebody who’s beginning out on their cooking journey – a RecipeTin pantry start-up equipment! Reward a bundle of my 12 commonest spices used for 800+ recipes on this web site, or my 6 important Asian sauces to make over 45 of my favorite Asian recipes.
Asian necessities starter pack
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Gentle soy sauce
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Darkish soy sauce
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Chinese language cooking wine (Shaoxing wine)
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Oyster Sauce
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Hoisin Sauce
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Sesame Oil (toasted)
See right here for what to make with these spices.
Pantry start-up spice equipment
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Cumin
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Paprika (plain)
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Coriander (floor)
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Onion powder
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Garlic powder
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Oregano
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Cayenne pepper
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Chilli flakes / pink pepper flakes
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Thyme
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Curry powder
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Garam masala
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Cinnamon
See right here for what I take advantage of these for.
My present DIY spice rack
I’m sharing particulars of my spice rack as a result of I’ve acquired so many questions on it and I do know I might be thrilled if somebody made this for me!
I’ve 3 x these picket spice racks (A$20 every) from Bunnings every of which maintain 24 of those plastic jars from Kmart which match completely (now $1 every, they have been 50c after I received them 4 years in the past 🤯). I received the rack after I moved in to my present place 8 months in the past and it’s simply leaning towards the window – I can’t safe them as a result of I’m in a rental. Additionally, I would like them inside quick grabbing distance!
7. Meals items!
There’s nothing like do-it-yourself! I’ve a handful that I make each Christmas, 12 months after 12 months. See the checklist beneath!
So as of my most-made, listed here are the meals items I make 12 months after 12 months:
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Vacation popcorn – Candied popcorn with Christmassy flavours and nuts! Very simple on the pockets, whole vacation vibes, packages up properly, retains for ages and everyone loves it. Recipe right here. Basic caramel popcorn can also be excessive on the checklist.
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Cookie combine in a jar – Dump it in a bowl, add egg and butter and voilà! Cookies able to bake. 🙂 Recipe right here.
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Brownies – To be 100% sincere, I make brownies loads as a result of they’re a sure-fire hit with everybody and they’re so darn simple to make. Cool then refrigerate to agency up so you possibly can reduce neat squares. They’ll turn into melt-in-your-mouth fudgey once more at room temperature. Pile onto a plate, mud with icing sugar, wrap with cellophane, add a bow, reward! Recipe right here.
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Jar of ham glaze (FAST & CHEAP!) – Prepared to make use of! Simmer it per the recipe, then pour into jars, let it cool, then seal it up with ribbon. Brush and bake! My signature is that this Maple Ham Glaze and my traditional is the Brown Sugar Glaze. Each final for weeks within the fridge and might be frozen. You possibly can additionally print out the recipe and pop it within the envelope with the cardboard.
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Mini Christmas truffles! A brand new one coming to my web site subsequent week, it is a nice one as a result of the cake has an extended shelf life, it’s simple to make, and one batch makes 16 items so it’s a beautiful economical one which’s 100% on level for Christmas. 🙂 Preview in picture above.
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Candied bacon popcorn – Caramel Popcorn with candied bits of bacon. In very excessive demand in my household and circle of mates. I often spend a superb chunk of Christmas Eve making a triple batch! Not but revealed….I in all probability shouldn’t point out it. 😂
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Rocky street – A traditional one to reward! Endlessly versatile. I’ll slide a white Christmas model within the coming weeks. However, I sometimes make strange chocolate as a result of I discover many individuals discover white chocolate too candy.
Cookies don’t make my checklist as a result of…properly, shelf life! All that effort then they begin degrading after a few days. I’d moderately use my time on candied popcorn. 🙂
8. Important kitchenware
I haven’t included any of my important kitchenware on this checklist (apart from my Lodge which is a particular case) as a result of some gadgets are an funding (learn: expensive) and lots of of them are sensible however unglamorous. I really feel like most individuals could be moderately disenchanted in the event that they discovered a microplane underneath their Christmas tree! Whereas me – the 12 months I acquired a meat thermometer, I used to be thrilled. 😂
However, for the intense prepare dinner, there are some gift-worthy gadgets on this checklist starting from my most well-liked dutch ovens, my dream meals processor (and it isn’t even the most costly!!), my can’t-live-without meat thermometer and a complete host of completely un-sexy kitchen devices that appear completely boring however will change your life (like the one vegetable peeler I’ll ever have, and the perfect garlic press).
So, if you happen to’re searching for funding items, have a browse of the full checklist right here!
9. Bespoke gifting of “Dinner”
You already know I couldn’t do a present information with out together with my cookbook! However right here’s a suggestion to make it extra significant – customise it with ideas:
Reward the e book with tags marking your favorite recipes, or flag recipe ideas for the individual you might be gifting to. “Should make!” “You’ll LOVE this” “Freezer pleasant”. “Tremendous, tremendous speedy”. “Child authorized!”
And there you may have it! The very first RecipeTin vacation reward information.
I hope it gave you some inspiration and maybe some contemporary concepts for what to get your favorite folks for Christmas this 12 months! – Nagi x
Lifetime of Dozer
To this present day, that is the perfect Christmas current he acquired. Throw again to the occasions he would steal only one shoe (by no means each). And his favorite have been flip flops! So somebody splurged on the thrift retailer and gifted one to Dozer. 😂
