2023 Vacation Reward Information | RecipeTin Eats

Welcome to the primary ever RecipeTin Vacation Reward Information! I believe you’ll discover some shocking gadgets on this listing, and most are simple on the pockets. I hope you discover this handy!

Be aware: there are not any affiliate hyperlinks and I’m not being paid nor do I’ve any affiliation with the featured manufacturers. These are all merchandise I present and use myself.

The 2023 RecipeTin Vacation Reward Information

I accepted way back that I’m not “regular” and evidently extends to present guides! So as a substitute of aspirational wish-list presents, I’m sharing a listing of presents I’ve really gifted in latest occasions. Whereas some might sound somewhat uncommon, all these have been acquired with enthusiasm and/or emotional appreciation (these are the perfect!) and most should 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 No. 8 Pocket 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 listing – It’s a kind of presents that show you don’t must spend stacks to offer one thing significant that folks genuinely love. It ticks quite a lot of packing containers: 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 Assist Cooks on the remaining Good Meals & Wine Present in Brisbane. We personalised it by engraving their identify on the blade, and the emotional thanks we acquired was the final word validation that that is an incredible present for everybody, from bizarre foodies like me to skilled cooks like them!

The place to get it – The Opinel Basic No. 8 pocket knife. On-line on the Opinel retailer (free engraving) or right here or right here (Australia). For the US: order from the Opinel web site (free engraving) or right here on Amazon. It’s additionally bought at Le Petit Marché, my favorite French deli which is positioned in Newport (Sydney Northern Seashores) and I’ve seen it in different residence shops. There are different sizes – smaller and bigger – however the No. 8 is the traditional measurement. Don’t overlook to personalise it by engraving the blade! I simply went to my native key cutter.

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’s best to reserve just for an important individuals in your life – learn on for why.

Why it’s value gifting – As a result of it’s a very particular Chilli Crisp you possibly can’t get at any outdated common grocery shops. A number of occasions 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 (“Indignant Aunty”) which is my grocery retailer go-to model.

I eat it by the spoonful out of the jar, it’s that good. Strive 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 listing – as a result of I’m nervous they are going to 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 should you prefer it fiery. In addition 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 Crunch is an in depth 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 listing – As a result of it’s my most used cooking pan and I believe 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 principally indestructible – not like non stick pans!

I adore it 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″ 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). 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 couple of however am nonetheless on the hunt!

4. The present of charity – $15+

It is a nice concept for a present for somebody who doesn’t worth materials issues – a present of charity. Listed here are some that I’ve or am gifting this 12 months to organisations we now have connections with:

• One Meal – The Give Hub – Primarily based on the concept of a ‘reverse creation calendar’, members fill a field with non-perishable meals gadgets. The packing containers are then distributed to these in want by means of native registered charities and organisations. One Meal is the not-for-profit that distributions our RecipeTin Meals to these in want.

• Ronald McDonald Home – Reward Playing cards – RMCH provides lodging to the households of youngsters receiving lifesaving therapy on the Sydney Kids’s Hospital. The households are 100km+ from their group and help techniques, and typically 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 performed volunteer work on web site together with actions with the youngsters and making dinner for the households.

• Two Good Co Christmas Cracker – The proceeds of those Christmas Crackers presents 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 help 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 accessible.

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 presents 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 significantly like placing collectively little DIY packs as a result of I intention to incorporate all the things that somebody might want to make somewhat cheeseboard. If finances permits, I even embody the cheese board itself, like pictured above.

PURCHASED CHEESE HAMPERS

That is considered one of my go-to work presents that I give as thank yous, celebrations and so forth. after I wish to do one thing particular. I like doing edible presents somewhat 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 under for my listing 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 at all times 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 may as well name Le Petit Marché on 02 9446 2626 and simply inform them you’d like a RecipeTin Hamper. Give Benoit a finances and he’ll know what to place in it, as a result of I’ve a selected order of precedence of what to make use of the finances for! Cheeses first, then crackers, then wine. Then all the things 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 an incredible assertion present for cheese lovers!

As for wine? I’m at present mad for UMAMU Property in WA, specifically their Rose (good for summer time), JB extremely charges their 2018 Chardonnay (that is particular stuff), and the 2019 Property Sauvignon Blanc Semillon is superb worth for high quality.

What I put within the cheese present packs

So as of precedence of what I spend my finances on:

1. Cheeses – One semi-hard cheese, one gentle and one blue cheese – see under for private favourites

2. Crackers

3. Wine is subsequent on my listing. As a result of – cheese! And wine!

4. Non-compulsory extras: olives, dried fruit (apricots are a favorite), nuts, chocolate

5. Decrease down my listing: quince paste and different candy spreads, pate, canned fish

6. Fancy it up: a cheese board, Opinel no 8 knife (see prime of publish)

Private favourites cheeses:

Listed here are a few of my favorite cheeses that I frequently get. To be sincere, as a result of I supply my big day cheeses from Le Petit Marché, I typically attempt new cheeses however persist with the final classes under. Brillat-Savarin is the one exception. I at all times, at all times get it!

• Mushy – Mellow, brie-style cheeses: Brillat-Savarin (unimaginable richer and oozier than brie French cheese); Fromager d’Affinois (nice one which’s extensively accessible at common grocery shops lately), Woombye Ash Brie. Washed rind cheeses (extra smelly!): Tasmanian Bruny Island 1792 (it’s pungent!), taleggio, epoisses (additionally pungent!).

• 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.

• 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

1. Mild soy sauce

2. Darkish soy sauce

3. Chinese language cooking wine (Shaoxing wine) 

4. Oyster Sauce

5. Hoisin Sauce

6. Sesame Oil (toasted)

See right here for what to make with these spices.

Pantry start-up spice equipment

1. Cumin

2. Paprika (plain)

3. Coriander (floor)

4. Onion powder

5. Garlic powder

6. Oregano

7. Cayenne pepper

8. Chilli flakes / purple pepper flakes

9. Thyme

10. Curry powder

11. Garam masala

12. 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’d 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 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 towards the window – I can’t safe them as a result of I’m in a rental. Additionally, I would like them inside fast grabbing distance!

7. Meals presents!

There’s nothing like home made! I’ve a handful that I make each Christmas, 12 months after 12 months. See the listing under!

So as of my most-made, listed below are the meals presents I make 12 months after 12 months:

1. 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 listing.

2. Cookie combine in a jar – Dump it in a bowl, add egg and butter and voilà! Cookies able to bake. 🙂 Recipe right here.

3. Brownies – To be 100% sincere, I make brownies rather a lot 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 lower neat squares. They’ll change 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.

4. 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 will be frozen. You may additionally print out the recipe and pop it within the envelope with the cardboard.

5. Mini Christmas desserts! 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 presents so it’s a stunning economical one which’s 100% on level for Christmas. 🙂 Preview in photograph above.

6. Candied bacon popcorn – Caramel Popcorn with candied bits of bacon. In very excessive demand in my household and circle of buddies. I normally spend a great chunk of Christmas Eve making a triple batch! Not but revealed….I in all probability shouldn’t point out it. 😂

7. Rocky street – A traditional one to present! Endlessly versatile. I’ll slide a white Christmas model within the coming weeks. However, I sometimes make bizarre chocolate as a result of I discover many individuals discover white chocolate too candy.

Cookies don’t make my listing as a result of…properly, shelf life! All that effort then they begin degrading after a few days. I’d somewhat use my time on candied popcorn. 🙂

8. Important kitchenware

I haven’t included any of my important kitchenware on this listing (aside from my Lodge which is a particular case) as a result of some gadgets are an funding (learn: dear) and plenty of of them are sensible however unglamorous. I really feel like most individuals could be somewhat disillusioned in the event that they discovered a microplane below their Christmas tree! Whereas me – the 12 months I acquired a meat thermometer, I used to be thrilled. 😂

However, for the intense cook dinner, there are some gift-worthy gadgets on this listing 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 totally 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, should you’re searching for funding items, have a browse of the full listing right here!

9. Bespoke gifting of “Dinner”

You recognize 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 particular person you might be gifting to. “Should make!” “You’ll LOVE this” “Freezer pleasant”. “Tremendous, tremendous speedy”. “Child authorised!”

And there you’ve it! The very first RecipeTin vacation present information.

I hope it gave you some inspiration and maybe some recent concepts for what to get your favorite individuals 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. 😂