Is it Last Minute Already?

Photo from Amazon.com

Whether it's "last minute" yet or not depends on your personality...do you thrive in malls teeming with shoppers? Or do you prefer making a list and checking it off in the warmth of your own home, where you can control the soundtrack?

You still have a few days left to order Christmas gifts and get Amazon free shipping, though Chanukah is a little earlier, starting on the 21st.

There are some deals to be had. Case in point: the Silpat, pictured above. People love these things. Usually around $20, they're on special for $10 right now. Or, gift yourself a few of these, and use for homemade treats (praline? yes!) to give away (or keep!) We've added a link to it in our Amazon widget below, along with other kitchen goodies we know and love.

While you're at it, please support the publishing industry. We're struggling a little around here. A few recommendations: All About Braising by Molly Stevens. Throw in a Lodge Enameled Dutch Oven for an amazing gift! And if someone you know doesn't already own Marc Meyer's brunch book, do them a favor and get it for them. If you'd rather order from Barnes & Noble, enter code D9E4E3T for 10% off until Dec 18th.

More gifts addendum!
While we're at it, how about a set of pretty measuring spoons with a handwritten cookbook of your favorite recipes? Or a silicone whisk to prevent scraping enamel cookware. We just received these gorgeous pepper and salt mills and we LOVE them.

Flub: Fresh Fettuccine with Figs and Gorgonzola

This one wasn't quite the winner I had hoped. In my daydreams, I envisioned a sharp blue cheese bite, countered by the sweetness of tender figs. But maybe last night I didn't have the emotional energy to give this dish the love it needed. The concept is a good one, but the balance of cheese-to-bechamel was off, so the gorgonzola flavor didn't come through enough. Try it yourself—add more cheese.

The fresh fettuccine from Hudson Valley Farmhouse at the Union Square market was delicate and perfect. I will make my own pasta one day, but this is the best I've found for now.

Hey, look, a deal:
Free Saveur (and other) Digital Magazine Subscriptions!
Digital magazine company Zinio is offering free digital subscriptions through this site. Reading online is a little slow, but come on, don't look a gift digital magazine subscription in the mouth...And Saveur's photographs are gorgeous.