Holiday Giveaway Results

I know you are all dying to know how the great Fire and Salt Holiday Giveaway 2009 turned out. The random number picker sat ready as all the comment numbers were placed face down on the table and shuffled around. The drawing started slowly but.......

every winner got a little happy dance after their number was drawn.

I have sent emails out to all the winners. I won't go through the entire list as it's a bit lengthy. However, I'm sure you would like to know who won the two most popular prize choices. The 12 quart Le Creuset Stockpot went to Katrina at glutenfreegidget and the Shun Ultimate Chopping Knife went to Kim at glutenfreegreenmommy. Now I just have to get everything shipped out. Thank you so much to everyone who stopped by to leave a comment and congratulations to all those who won.

Holiday Giveaway 2009 Update Part 3

The Fire and Salt Holiday Giveaway is coming to an end soon. If you haven't entered for a chance to win some great prizes yet, follow this link: Holiday Giveaway 2009. Remember to leave all entry comments on the original giveaway post.

Let's find out a little more about the remaining companies that have contributed to my giveaway.

Custom Choice Cereal was started by a couple students working on their MBA at the University of North Carolina. The idea is simple, the customer starts with a choice of base cereals. From there, the customer picks mix-in ingredients such as dried fruit, nuts, and seeds. The result is a custom blend of gluten free cereal. You can even create a name for your custom cereal mix. The cereal is blended and shipped directly to your door.

The Microplane story is an interesting one. Grace Manufacturing in Arkansas had 20 years of photochemical machining experience making parts for high-tech printers. In 1990, they experimented with making woodworking tools by etching holes in metal to make a rasp. In 1994, a hardware store owner's wife in Canada was making a dessert requiring orange zest. Frustrated by her dull grater, she ventured into the garage and retrieved her husband's Microplane woodworking tool. The Microplane Zester was born. Today, Microplane has a full line of woodworking, kitchen, and personal care products.

You made not have heard of Chef'n. You may even own one of their products and not know it. You see Chef'n is in the business of making kitchen tools and gadgets. We often think of kitchen tools in terms of their function (juicer, garlic press, spatula) rather than their brand. However, Chef'n products are cutting edge. For over 25 years this Seattle based company has created products with one simple mission in mind:"We want to make better tools so you can make better food." Chef'n currently holds over 250 product patents. One look at the Chef'n product line and you know you're not dealing with ordinary kitchen gadgets. Chef'n products are not only practical but they are vibrant, stylish, and designed to last.

Andrews McMeel Publishing began in 1970 as a small publishing company founded by Jim Andrews and John McMeel. Today, Andrews McMeel Publishing is a leading publisher of general nonfiction trade books, gift books and humor books, publishing as many as 300 new titles annually. Andrews McMeel Publishing has graciously donated a gluten free cookbook for my giveaway. The Gluten Free Everyday Cookbook was written by Chef Robert Landolphi. Chef Landolphi is a professional chef whose wife suffers from Celiac Disease. Gluten Free Everyday Cookbook is a great guide for aspiring gluten free cooks to make practical uncomplicated dishes to enjoy every day of the week. Follow this link to see two reviews I wrote about the cookbook a few months ago. Review part 1 and part 2.

Thanks again to all the great sponsors for my Holiday Giveaway. I encourage everyone to lend their support and business to these great companies. Remember, the giveaway ends Sunday night. Follow this link to enter before it's too late: Holiday Giveaway 2009

Holiday Giveaway 2009 Update Part 2

If you haven't checked out my Holiday Giveaway 2009, do it now! The giveaway ends this Sunday night. Please leave all comments for the giveaway on the original giveaway post. Follow the link above.

Let's talk about a few more companies that are supporting this great giveaway. I have received some great products that I'm really excited about sharing with you. The following three companies have a little extra special significance for me. All three are local to where I live. I believe that there are so many companies in our own communities that need our support to thrive, thus making our towns and cities stronger.

KAI USA is the parent company to several knife and cutlery brands such as Shun, Kershaw, and ZT knives. They are located in Tualatin, Oregon, just a short drive from my house. Shun knives, pronounced "Shoon," are known around the world for their strength, durability, and exceptional quality. You can read here about Shun's construction and comparison to German cutlery.

Laurel's Sweet Treats is a dedicated gluten free small business located in Tigard, Oregon. I first met the owner Laurel Hutton about 9 or 10 years ago when she was selling gluten free mixes and baked goods out of her home. Laurel was diagnosed with Celiac in 1995 and soon after began developing gluten free mixes to replace treats that she was no longer able to enjoy. Laurel has since moved the business out of her home and now sells her gluten free mixes online and in many local stores in the Portland area including New Seasons Market. Laurel also has a dedicated gluten free bakery at her shop in Tigard that bakes fresh cookies, cupcakes, and hamburger buns every Saturday.

Sea Salt Central is a Portland, Oregon based company specializing in retail and wholesale cooking and bath salts from around the world. Sea Salt Central carries over 250,000 pounds of salt ready to be shipped from their Portland location. Their mission is to bring the finest and healthiest sea salts from around the world and make them accessible and affordable for the average consumer. Please visit Sea Salt Central online and check out their impressive inventory.

I'll be back with profiles of the remaining companies participating in my giveaway. Don't forget to check out my original Holiday Giveaway post for a chance to win something great.

Holiday Giveaway 2009 Update

In my original Holiday Giveaway post I listed several companies that have generously donated products to help me share some good cheer with you. I want to take a moment to talk about some of the companies that are supporting my giveaway. If you have not yet entered for a chance to win some great prizes, please click on this link and follow the directions: Holiday Giveaway 2009. Please leave all comments for the giveaway on the original post.

I am excited to announce a late entry for my giveaway:
Le Creuset. Really, what more do I need to say? Anyone who has stepped foot into a kitchen has heard of Le Creuset. Le Creuset was founded in France in 1924 by two Belgian industrialists who together revolutionized enameled cast iron cookware. After production was disrupted by World War 2, Le Creuset picked up where they left off and haven't looked back. Le Creuset is truly a world class company, making extraordinary cookware. If you don't already own a piece of Le Creuset cookware, now is the time to change that.

In 1502 Christopher Columbus became the first European to discover chocolate. I'm pretty sure that a Guittard family member must have been on that expedition, that's how long they have been making incredible chocolates. The Guittard Chocolate Company is the oldest family owned and operated chocolate company in the US. In the 1850's Etienne Guittard made the journey from France to San Francisco. A few years later he started the Guittard Chocolate Company. Today, Etienne Guittard's descendants still own and operate the company and sell the E. Guittard line of chocolates as a tribute to the founder. Guittard's chocolates are rich, flavorful, and most importantly affordable without sacrificing exceptional quality. Please look for Guittard chocolate where you live or check them out online.

I will be back to profile a few more companies supporting the Fire and Salt Holiday Giveaway 2009. Please enter for a chance to win and please support these great companies. Thanks- Brian

Eggnog Milkshakes

The Holiday Food Fest this week is dedicated to cocktails, mocktails, and appetizers. I've been trying to think of a good drink to share but the more I thought about it the more I realize I don't drink many cocktails. Then about a week ago my family and I were at a little country diner not far from our house where they had eggnog milkshakes on the menu. My three year old daughter, who has never tried eggnog, was so excited that they had eggnog milkshakes. I must say they were very very good. By the way my daughter now calls the diner the "milkshake store" every time we drive by it. So today, I don't necessarily have some great recipe, just a little inspiration to keep the holiday vibes flowing around your house.
You know you want to try it. Just throw some eggnog and vanilla ice cream in a blender. It's so rich, creamy, and smooth. Enjoy!!!

Gluten Free Chex Mix

I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. We did not host Thanksgiving at our house this year which meant that we traveled to various relatives' homes in the area over the holiday weekend. Although it was busy, we had a great time with everyone. This week at the the Gluten Free Homemaker, the theme is party food. I'm sure everyone out there has made Chex mix before, right? I usually whip up a batch around this time every year. In the past I've had to use faux Chex cereal that was gluten free. Now that Chex have officially gone GF, I can use the real thing. The original recipe calls for a blend of rice, corn, and wheat Chex. I just add more rice and corn Chex to make up for omitting the wheat ones. I also use gluten free pretzels from Glutino, we buy them at Whole Foods. Chex mix is so versatile. If you like it a little spicy, add some chili powder, cayenne, or even a bit of smoked paprika would be a good addition. I stuck with the original recipe.
Chex Mix:
modified to be GF
1-1/2 cups mixed nuts
1-1/2 cups pretzels
4-1/2 cups Rice Chex
4-1/2 cups Corn Chex
6 Tbs butter (melted)
2 Tbs Worcestershire sauce (Lea & Perrins is GF)
3/4 tsp garlic powder
1-1/2 tsp seasoned salt (I used regular salt)
1/2 tsp onion powder
Baking Directions:
Spread on one or two baking pans and bake at 250 degrees F for 1 hour, turning every 20 minutes.
9 cups of cereal looks and sounds like a lot but trust me you'll be glad you made the full recipe. In a large bowl, gently mix together the cereal, nuts, and pretzels. In a small bowl, melt the butter, then add the remaining ingredients. Pour the butter/seasoning mix over the cereal a little at a time. Mix the cereal around to coat it as evenly as possible.
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Spread the Chex mix on to a large edged baking sheet, like a jelly roll pan. You may have to use two pans. Once the mix is spread out, I usually splash a little more Worcestershire sauce here and there on the mix for a little more flavor. Bake for 1 hour, turning the mix about every 20 minutes.
Chex mix is so good when it is warm and fresh out of the oven. After it cools, if there's any left, you can bag it up and take it to your party for everyone else to enjoy. Be on the look out next week, I've got a post coming soon that you won't want to miss.

Gluten Free Almond Toffee

The theme this week for the Holiday Food Fest is edible gifts. Click the Holiday Fest picture about to find other great treats.
A few years back one of my wife's friends started making toffee and other candies to sell online as a side business. My wife bought a small box of toffee and gave it to me as a gift. The toffee was so rich, buttery, and decadent. I immediately needed another fix. I begged and pleaded my wife to get her hands on some more of this deliciousness. I got one more small box before I realized that I had to take matters into my own hands. I found a great recipe for almond toffee that I can make whenever the mood strikes. The toffee is naturally gluten free. I wish that I could tell you it was butter, sugar, and fat free as well, but it's not. With the amount of butter in this stuff you will definitely want to share the guilt with some friends. Here we go;
Gluten Free Almond Toffee:
1-1/2 cups sliced almonds, divided
3 sticks of unsalted butter (Just close your eyes, it will be OK)
1-1/2 cups of granulated sugar
3/4 cup warm water
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp baking soda
8 ounces of good quality chocolate(any kind you like, Milk, Dark, etc.)
Start by toasting the almonds on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees F for 6-8 minutes. Set aside. Line a 9x13 sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside. Measure out the baking soda in a small dish and set aside. Also, now is a good time to get your chocolate measured out and ready.
Don't think too hard about it, just melt 3 sticks of butter in a medium size, heavy bottom pan over medium heat. You will need to use a candy thermometer, just make sure the thermometer is not touching the bottom of the pan. After the butter is melted, add the sugar, water, and salt.
At about 200 degrees the butter mixture will foam up and then subside. Just stir a few times while the mix is heating up.
When the mixture reaches 240 degrees F, stir in 3/4 of a cup of the toasted almonds. Now you need to stir constantly from here on out. Continue heating (and stirring) until the mixture reaches 295 degrees F. The temperature should rise at a moderate pace. If the temperature doesn't seem to be climbing, just increase the heat slowly. I usually start out at medium heat and end up at medium high by the end. Once the mixture reaches 295 degrees, remove from the heat and stir in the baking soda.
Immediately pour the toffee into the parchment lined pan that you prepped ahead of time. The toffee will have kind of a spongy texture, spread it out evenly in the pan. After spreading the toffee, put the chocolate on top to melt. Wait a couple minutes and then use the back of a spoon to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the toffee. (I used Guittard milk chocolate chips)
Next, take the remaining toasted almonds and place them in a ziploc bag. Roll them around to crush them up a bit. Sprinkle the crushed almonds on top of the chocolate. Let the toffee cool on the counter for 30 minutes then transfer to the refrigerator for at least an hour.
Remove from the refrigerator. Either break the toffee by hand or use a large knife to assist you. Go ahead, take a piece, or two, or three, then give some away. Don't you know how much butter is in there? Don't just stand there and eat it all. Enjoy!!!