Welcome to the primary ever RecipeTin Vacation Reward Information! I feel you’ll discover some shocking gadgets on this checklist, and most are simple on the pockets. I hope you discover this handy!
The 2023 RecipeTin Vacation Reward Information
I accepted way back that I’m not “regular” and it appears that evidently extends to present guides! So as an alternative of aspirational wish-list items, I’m sharing an inventory of presents I’ve truly gifted in current instances. Whereas some may appear slightly uncommon, all these have been acquired with enthusiasm and/or emotional appreciation (these are the very best!) and most usually are not that costly.
There are not 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 present! Learn under for why this takes out the highest spot!
Why it’s on the checklist – It’s a type of items that show you don’t must spend stacks to provide one thing significant that individuals genuinely love. It ticks lots of containers: distinct look, simple on the pockets (~$20), helpful (cheese platter, paring knife), a really well-known model in France and most significantly, all people loves it.
Validation – JB and I lately gave these as a thanks current to Assist Cooks on the last Good Meals & Wine Present in Brisbane. We personalised it by engraving their identify on the blade, and the emotional thanks we acquired was the last word validation that that is a fantastic present 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 situated 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 it is best to reserve just for crucial individuals in your life – learn on for why.
Why it’s price gifting – As a result of it’s a extremely particular Chilli Crisp you’ll be able to’t get at any previous common grocery shops. A number of instances crunchier with higher pure flavour (no synthetic MSG edge) that you simply don’t discover in manufacturing facility mass-produced stuff. It’s superior to the world-wide favorite Lao Ganma (“Offended 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 must 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 nervous they may 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 heaps!) or the OG for those who 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 a detailed second private favorite.
3. Lodge Solid Iron Pan (A$60/US$20)
The one merchandise on my Important Kitchenware Listing that I’m together with on this present 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, notably given the Lodge will final for many years. It’s mainly indestructible – not like 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 top 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″ Solid 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). Observe: 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 present of charity – $15+
This can be a nice thought 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 thought of a ‘reverse introduction calendar’, individuals fill a field with non-perishable meals gadgets. The containers 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 presents lodging to the households of kids receiving lifesaving therapy on the Sydney Youngsters’s Hospital. The households are 100km+ from their neighborhood and assist techniques, and generally the adults are unable to proceed working while their little one is present process therapy. Reward playing cards give them the flexibility to purchase groceries and buy presents for his or her household. Our crew has particular connections with RMCH and has achieved volunteer work on website together with actions with the youngsters 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 girls and youngsters 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 ladies in home violence shelters right here in my residence city. I additionally lately contributed a recipe to their cookbook “Change the Course” which is now obtainable.
5. Cheese hamper (DIY $20+ or purchase)
Right here’s one that may cater to various budgets and is one thing I do usually: both a DIY mini cheeseboard platter, or a extra extravagant cheese hamper that I give as “company” thanks items to particular individuals (which I solely get from Le Petit Marché, Sydney – they take on-line orders).
* See part under for what I put in my hampers, each DIY and bought.
DIY hampers
I notably like placing collectively little DIY packs as a result of I intention to incorporate every part that somebody might want to make slightly cheeseboard. If funds 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 so on. after I wish to do one thing particular. I like doing edible items reasonably than tangible issues which will nicely simply find yourself on the thrift retailer!
The one place I buy cheese hampers is from a speciality French cheese retailer referred to 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 under for my checklist of what I put in my hampers. The proprietor of Le Petit Marché, Benoit, may be very, very French and is aware of his stuff, so I all the time defer to him for the very best cheese suggestions. Additionally wines (they’re good worth, and types you’ll be able to’t get at chain liquor shops).
You can too name Le Petit Marché on 02 9446 2626 and simply inform them you’d like a RecipeTin Hamper. Give Benoit a funds 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 funds for! Cheeses first, then crackers, then wine. Then every part 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 like their cheeses (my favourites are listed under) and have ordered on-line (they arrived packed in ice!). Specifically, the Pyengana 1kg aged Cheddar Truckle pictured above makes a fantastic assertion present for cheese lovers!
As for wine? I’m at the moment mad for Umamu Property in WA, specifically their Rose (excellent for summer season), 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 present packs
So as of precedence of what I spend my funds on:
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Cheeses – One semi-hard cheese, one comfortable and one blue cheese – see under 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-obligatory 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 put up)
Private favourites cheeses:
Listed below are a few of my favorite cheeses that I repeatedly get. To be sincere, as a result of I supply my big day cheeses from Le Petit Marché, I usually attempt new cheeses however persist with the final classes under. Brillat-Savarin is the one exception. I all the time, all the time get it!
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Tender – Mellow, brie-style cheeses: Brillat-Savarin (unbelievable richer and oozier than brie French cheese); Fromager d’Aaffinois (nice one which’s extensively obtainable at common grocery shops as of late), Woombye Ash Brie. Washed rind cheeses (extra pungent!): 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 high quality 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 package!
Right here’s an thought for somebody who’s beginning out on their cooking journey – a RecipeTin pantry start-up package! Reward a bundle of my 12 most typical 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 package
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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 had been 50c after I bought them 4 years in the past 🤯). I bought the rack after I moved in to my present place 8 months in the past and it’s simply leaning in opposition to 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 home made! I’ve a handful that I make each Christmas, 12 months after 12 months. See the checklist under!
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 all people 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 voila! Cookies able to bake. 🙂 Recipe right here.
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Brownies – To be 100% sincere, I make brownies quite a bit 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’ll be able to lower neat squares. They’ll develop 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, present! Recipe right here.
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Jar of ham glaze (FAST & CHEAP!) – Prepared to make use of! Ssimmer 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 basic is the Brown Sugar Glaze. Each final for weeks within the fridge and might be frozen. You 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 stunning economical one which’s 100% on level for Christmas. 🙂 Preview:
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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 very good chunk of Christmas Eve making a triple batch! Not but printed….I most likely shouldn’t point out it! 😂
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Rocky street – A basic one to present! Endlessly versatile. I’ll slide a white Christmas model within the coming weeks. However to be sincere, I usually make strange chocolate as a result of it’s a agency favorite inside my circles!
Cookies don’t make my checklist as a result of…nicely, shelf life! All that effort then they begin degrading after a few days. I’d reasonably 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 plenty of of them are sensible however unglamorous. I really feel like most individuals could be reasonably dissatisfied in the event that they discovered a microplane beneath their Christmas tree! Whereas me – the 12 months I acquired I acquired a meat thermometer, I used to be thrilled. 😂
However, for the intense cook 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 costliest!!), my can’t-live-without meat thermometer and an entire host of totally un-sexy kitchen devices that appear completely boring however will change your life (like the one vegetable peeler I’ll ever have, and a microplane!)
So, for those who’re searching for funding items, have a browse of the full checklist right here!
9. Bespoke gifting of “Dinner”
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 solutions:
Reward the ebook with tags marking your favorite recipes, or flag recipe solutions for the particular person you’re gifting to. “Should make!” “You’ll LOVE this” “Freezer pleasant”. “Tremendous, tremendous speedy”. “Child authorised!”
And there you might have it! The very first RecipeTin vacation present information.
I hope it gave you some inspiration and maybe some contemporary concepts for what to get your favorite individuals for Christmas this 12 months! – Nagi x
Lifetime of Dozer
To at the present time, that is the very best Christmas current he acquired. Throw again to the instances he would steal only one shoe (by no means each). And his favorite had been flip flops! So somebody splurged on the thrift retailer and gifted one to Dozer. 😂
