*products were received to facilitate a feature in our gift guide.  All opinions are my own

One of my favorite ways to cook now is on cast iron.  It works so well when cooking all sorts of food and there is no worry about chemicals seeping into our food.  Anolon has great cast iron products that I highly recommend using in your own kitchen.  My new go-to cookware is the Anolon Vesta Cast Iron Dutch Oven.  It holds five quarts of food, so it works great for parties and large families.  In addition to cooking food to perfection, the cobalt blue finish makes me happy to look at!  This would make a great gift for anyone who spends a lot of time preparing meals or entertaining.

 

Family dinners make up a great part of the holidays.  Gathering together over a home cooked meal, there really is nothing like it.  I love this Emile Henry chicken baker to create the centerpiece to a delicious and hearty winter meal.  As with all of Emile Henry’s products, this is a high quality, durable piece that you will get tons of use out of over the years! Dinner is a simple production (no need to baste with the cover on) and it turns out as though you have been slaving over dinner for hours!)

 

 

 

While there are some days we really can take the time to create a big meal, let’s face it, most nights during the holiday season is jam-packed with lots of things we have to do.  How often do you find yourself realizing that you didn’t actually make a dinner plan?  No worries with this  Vacu Vin instant marinator.  Simply put your meat and marinade in this vacuum sealed container and flavor is speedily infused into the meat.  I love making fajitas with this marinator, as it simplifies my life so much!  This is a must have for everyone!

 

 

 

 

Looking for a great selection of delicious desserts to prepare for the holidays or just to give to someone that loves to cook and bake?  Look no further than the great compilation of recipes from Cake Boss!  From dinners to dessert, these books will have you covered!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now that you have a list of goodies to create, you are going to need the perfect materials to bake them on!  This five piece Circulon Symmetry bakeware set has you covered! Cookies, cakes, and breads will be a breeze to create on this two later premium non-stick system with hi-low grooves.  It is definitely a kitchen essential for the holidays!

 

 

Entertaining or know someone that loves to?  A great hostess gift are these beautiful handmade glass stir swizzle sticks. Created by one of my favorites, JHillsGlassArt from Etsy. (Be sure to check out our gifts for women page for more from them!)  Great for coffee or hot chocolate, each piece is unique and absolutely stunning!  It is a great conversation piece!  Pair it with some holiday hot chocolate and you have a totally fun and unusual gift that will be sure to shine!