The Taste Journey Holiday Gift Guide and a recipe for immunity boosting rice that we are making on repeat.
It’s full on November and I say throw away your ideas of what the “perfect Thanksgiving” looks like and don’t let all the endless emails about mashed potatoes, pies and turkeys make you feel overwhelmed with the rapid approach of this American holiday. Our world has had a LOT going on lately and Thanksgiving is going to look different this year for many of us. Instead of celebrating with a huge gathering, spending days in the kitchen to prepare a meal that is over within minutes, have a simple meal only including your very favorite foods. I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that my kids don’t even like turkey or mashed potatoes. Maybe it has something to do with growing up in Japan? Last year we were gratefully eating Paella in Barcelona on Thanksgiving and the year before that indulging with pasta in Milan. I really am missing travel right about now! This year could be the Thanksgiving to re-introduce turkey, but only if we share the meal with extended family. If it’s just the five of us I think we may pretend we are in Asia and make our favorite curry for dinner. However different, however small, celebrate what is possible with gratitude and food that makes you happy!
In the meantime, let’s think forward to holiday gifting (especially if your Canadian and Thanksgiving is already long behind you!). The word on the street is that the mail service is going to be a bit overwhelmed this year so the earlier you check off your list the better. And, the more time you have to eat holiday cookies, snuggle by the fire with your favorite hot toddy and watch holiday movies!
Here is the 2020 Taste Journey Holiday Gift Guide to get you started.
Click the links to our 25 favorite globally inspired, artisanal, locally made, food or travel inspired gifts. Kind of like a gift “advent” where you click to see what is behind the door!
1. For the person who likes to travel the world through chocolate (and maybe had to cancel a 2020 trip to Italy?).
2. A cup a day all through December isn't exactly the same as a trip across the pond but is thoughtful and calming. Perfect inspiration to start planning a future trip!
3. Send a little taste of Korea, Japan and Thailand with this real deal, Asian cuisine sampler pack so your foodie friends (vegan and gluten free) quarantine night in feels special.
4.& 5. For the home chef or mixologist the gift of growing from inside. Two of our favorites to keep things green during the winters in Chicago.
6. Chocolate chip cookie lover?
7. A perfect little gift or stocking stuffer for the chronic hand washer- which these days is everyone!
8. For all your road trippers this is essential for phone navigation.
9. Travel sized stocking stuffer with European flair (this is hands down one of our favorite Italian souvenirs).
10. For the designated travel photo taker and a perfect gift card idea if you’re short on time.
11. A travel book for when timing is everything.
12. For the margarita lover that thinks everything tastes better spicy.
13. Who doesn’t love popcorn? Hand crafted in Asheville, NC with flavors that will impress every age.
14. Organic farm lover. Located in Brentwood, CA, we love this farm’s organic fruit, baked goods and pantry items. Oh, and they deliver insanely good hand crafted ice cream sandwiches!
15. Send some Aloha! Their nut butters are unique and addictive, guava butter, Hawaiian pepper jam…it’s all a treat.
16. Share the power of baking. Gift someone a class from the ultimate baking resource. If you’re not in Vermont or Washington you can now do the classes virtually!
17. This cookbook has a Hebrew title that translates to “Everything is Awesome”. A perfect inspiration to cook into the new year.
18.&19. Who doesn’t love a cheese board? We have two favorite options: the more traditional Wisconsin award winner and the artisan cheese of Vermont.
20. Team wanderlust. A book to help plan the next adventure.
21. Taste like Buttah…an unexpected yet decadent gift.
22. For the road trip or the plane trip. Our favorite carry on for when we can “carry on” again!
23. Olive oil from Puglia in artisan made (ceramic artists create by hand about 3 jars per hour) reusable jars. The Italian oil you wish someone would gift YOU!
24. Made from all-natural ingredients sourced directly from local, organic Midwestern farmers this Cranberry Gin is a favorite hostess gift. Mix with a splash of prosecco and you instantly have a holiday cocktail!
25. Share a little taste of the south with friends and family. This Tennessee farm has been on our destination wish list for quite some time. We can vouch for the quality of their farmstead pickles, preserves and pantry items. Their collections make a special gift.
I’ll leave you with a recipe:
I’m betting we will all need some extra nurturing over the next couple months as we take on the holiday season along with what will hopefully soon be the end of a national pandemic. So, I want to share with you one of our favorite recipes for a simple, comfort food rice dish that has immunity boosting properties because it contains turmeric. It’s vegetarian but could always be served with an additional protein if you choose. It’s great with salmon or shrimp.
CREAMY COCONUT COMFORT RICE
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked white jasmine rice (I cook in my rice cooker or you can make it even easier and buy frozen bags at Trader Joes!)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 shallots, finely diced
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 cup shelled edamame (no need to thaw if frozen)
2 cups baby spinach
1 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
1/2 tsp sea salt, more to taste
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 (14 oz) can full fat coconut milk
Instructions::
Prep the ingredients. Cook rice, dice shallots and mince garlic.
Heat a large pan with high sides over medium heat.
Pour in the olive oil, then slightly reduce heat and stir in the shallot and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds (be careful not to burn), then stir in edamame, spinach, and all of the seasonings. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Reduce heat and pour in coconut milk. Stir and allow to simmer with the vegetables for 5 minutes. Turn off heat, and stir in rice once it is done cooking. Serve!
Hope you find comfort in this recipe and that your inspired to be creative this holiday season with your expectations and your gifting.