AA Gifts & Baskets Idea Blog

Archive for July, 2011

For cheesecake lovers, there can never be too many types of the sweet and creamy dessert to choose from. Americans love their NY style gourmet cheesecake plain with no toppings. In St. Louis, cheesecakes have an extra layer of fluffy cake on top of them. And Philadelphia cheesecakes are whipped, light and topped with berries. But what kind of cheesecakes do other countries enjoy?

The cheesecake actually originated in ancient Rome and Greece. Even before formal writing could record a recipe, cheesecakes were being baked. We know this because historians have found remains of cheesecake molds in ancient ruins back as far as 2000BC.

Today, most countries have their own version of the cheesecake. In Germany, the cake is not as sweet and, in fact, is not baked at all. It consists of quark cheese and cream. In Canada, maple syrup is the main differentiation.

French bakers use Neufchatel cheese to make a more gelatinous and sweet cake. The Italians make a pie that’s called grano which is a rice, ricotta, marscapone cheese and candied fruit chunks. Try cheese cakes from around the world as often as you can in restaurants and specialty shops. They’re a treat for the tastebuds.

Try making an Italian cheesecake and you just may fall in love with it. It’s traditionally eaten at Easter by Italians. Or, make a French cake using Neufchatel cheese from the grocery store.

Italian Ricotta Cheesecake

Cooks.com

3/4 c. all-purpose flour

1/3 c. butter, softened

2 tbsp. sugar

1/8 tsp. salt

FILLING:

1 1/2 lb. ricotta cheese, well drained

1/2 c. granulated sugar

3 tbsp. flour

3 eggs

1 tsp. grated orange peel

1 tsp. vanilla

1/4 tsp. salt

2 tbsp. golden raisins

2 tbsp. finely minced candied citron

2 tbsp. chopped blanched almonds

2 tbsp. powdered sugar

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

For Pastry: Mix all ingredients until blended, press evenly in bottom of ungreased 9-inch spring form pan. Bake in 475 degree oven for 5 minutes.

For Filling: Beat ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, flour, eggs, orange peel, vanilla and salt in large mixer bowl on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 4 minutes. Stir in raisins, citron and almonds. Pour into pastry-lined pan.

Bake in 350 degree oven until center is set and top is golden brown, 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours. Cool. Refrigerate 12-24 hours. Remove outer rim of pan. Mix powdered sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over cheesecake. Makes 12-16 servings.

Neufchatel Cheesecake

Thriftyfun.com

Ingredients

9 whole sheets low-fat cinnamon graham crackers, finely ground

2 Tbsp. + 1 1/2 cups sugar

2 Tbsp. butter, melted

4 packages. Neufchatel cream cheese, at room temperature

1 egg + 2 egg whites

1 container reduced-fat sour cream

2 Tbsp. cornstarch

1 tsp. vanilla, extract

1 tsp. grated lemon zest

Canned cherry pie filling, optional

Directions

Position racks in center of lower third of oven. Place roasting pan on lower rack; fill halfway with water. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Coat spring form pan with cooking spray. Combine crumbs with 2 Tbsp. sugar; stir in butter and 1 Tbsp. water. Press into bottom of pan. At medium high speed, beat cream cheese and remaining sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg and whites, then sour cream, cornstarch, vanilla and zest. Pour into crust.

Bake on center rack 1 hour or until center jiggles slightly when pan is shaken. Turn oven off. Let stand in oven with door closed 30 minutes. Run knife around edge. Cool. Refrigerate at least 8 hours. If desired, top with filling.

Want more cheesecake recipes? Try some of these:

• Fruit Smoothies No-Bake Cheesecake
• Layered Strawberry Cheesecake Bowl

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Gift baskets could possibly be the perfect gift for just about anyone on your list.  When you need to get a gift for someone you don’t know well, a gift basket comes to the rescue.  When you want to provide a variety of little treats for a friend, a basket full of goodies is always welcome.  And when you’re shopping on a budget, yet again the gift basket comes to the rescue. You can always customize gift baskets based on the recipient’s tastes and interests, but if you need a good all-purpose basket, here are the top ten foods used to make them.

Baked goods. Cookies and brownies are almost universally loved. There are times, though, when you want to avoid indulgent treats like these, such as when you know the recipient is on a restricted diet and cannot have sugar.  In general, though, cookie gift baskets are great because even if the recipient is cutting back on sweets, her family, coworkers, or friends will certainly be willing to share!

Nuts. Anything from a simple package of peanuts to exotic, and beautiful, brazil nuts can be used for a gift basket. Pistachios, macadamias, almonds, and walnuts are all excellent choices.  There are endless varieties of mixed nuts in the stores, especially around the holidays, and you can also order more unusual gourmet nuts online.

Cheeses. Cheddar, camembert, chevre (or goat cheese), blue cheese, brie, Swiss, and other cheeses are nearly always a favorite.  From a simple basket with pepperoni and cheddar to a gourmet basket with herbed chevre and wine, cheese is an excellent accompaniment to a wide variety of foods. You can also find organic, kosher, and reduced fat cheeses to suit your recipient’s tastes. A cheese knife and cutting board make thoughtful additions to this gift basket.

Crackers or Bread. If you are giving the delicious gift of cheese, you need to give something to enjoy with it! Light water, cracked wheat, organic, or flavored crackers are a great idea. Bagel crisps or pita chips may also be a nice touch.  If you like, get a small loaf of artisan bread.

Meats (Sausages). Another popular food item for gift baskets is meats, in the form of sausages, which do not spoil. Summer sausages are a great idea because they slice easily and can be eaten with the cheese you so thoughtfully gave. Pepperoni is another good choice.  For something a little different, try jerky. It can be beef, but you can also find more exotic varieties online, including elk, bore, alligator, caribou, moose, and venison.

Wine. Try finding a bottle of your local wine to put into a basket with cheeses and other treats.  Wine doesn’t have to be expensive; in fact, there are several excellent brands to be had at your grocery store.  When we think of wine, we usually think of California, but several states have high quality vineyards.  Vermont’s cold climate, for instance, produces more sweet grapes, which can be found in wines like Vermont Ice. Try something a bit unusual for your wine gift basket.

Fruit. Fruit is safe. Fill a basket with bright oranges and multi-colored apples and oranges to make a luxurious fruit gift basket.  Choose fruits that have a bit of longevity in them! Bananas, for instance, can quickly become overripe. You can fill in the gaps with cheeses, chocolates, or other goodies.

Teas, Coffee, Hot Cocoa. Another safe bet. A basket with delightful flavored coffees, teas, or hot cocoas will be appreciated, especially if you are giving a gift in the winter.  Again, try something a bit different. For instance, you could buy several loose teas and a tea ball to filter it. All your recipient has to do is put the tea in the ball, close it, and submerse it in water for wonderful tea.  .

Pasta or Soups. Dry pastas and soups can be great for a gift basket. Make a colorful bean soup mix, for instance, and put it in a jar. Simply tie a ribbon around it and write the instructions for making the soup. You can then fill around it with cheeses or other foods that convey the same sense of warmth as soup. You could also put different types of colored pasta into your basket, with great tomato sauce, extra virgin olive oil, and a small bottle of red wine. You can even put this into a colander to make your Italian gift basket even more practical and special.

Organic Foods. Organic gift baskets are growing in popularity and are perfect, especially for the health-conscious people on your shopping list. Fill a basket with organic cheeses, wines, beers, cookies, chips, dips, sauces, and pastas.

Gift baskets are wonderful for any occasion because they are so versatile. You don’t have to buy a pre-made basket; try making your own. You may save money, and you’ll certainly create a more beautiful, personalized gift basket.

Speaking of Italian... is Biscotti an Italian Cookie or Cake?

Millions of people give and receive gift cards every year.  They are perfect for everyone and virtually any situation.  It allows the recipient to choose the gift they would like best.  It can be perfect for those hard-to-shop-for people – as well as those hard-to-shop-for occasions. Like when you want to buy your spouse something sexy to wear but don’t dare guess her size!  A gift card helps solve these gift-giving problems, but they can be a bit impersonal. That is why it is such a great idea to make your own gift card box with which to present them. A party gift card box can either be the box in which you put the card to be received or a box that is set out at a birthday, wedding, or other party to receive cards.  Either way, they are easy to make!

Let’s look at card boxes that you can make with which to present your gift card.  There are any number of ways to do this, including buying little boxes.  But let’s make our own using old greeting cards.  All of us have a collection of cards, especially Christmas cards, that we don’t know what to do with. Instead of putting them in the recycling, put them to use.

If there is writing in the card, glue a piece of paper over it to cover it.  Next, cut the greeting card in half on the fold.  You’ll start by working on the top of the box.  Using one of the card halves, measure and trim 1/8 inch off one of the long sides and one of the short sides.  You do this to ensure that the top of the box is just a bit smaller than the bottom so they will fit together perfectly.

Next, use a ruler to measure an inch around each side.  Draw a very light line to mark it, and then score it.  You can do this by running an empty ball point pen over the lines.  The goal is not to cut it but to make it foldable.  Repeat this with the other half of the card (but don’t trim it!).

Flip the card so you’re looking at the shorter end.  You will have two little squares where the scored lines intersect.  Cut these squares out to make the flaps for the box.  Put a dab of glue or double-sided tape on the little flaps and then secure them to the sides of the box.  You now have one half of your box done.  Do the same thing on the other half of the card to complete the second half of your box.

You can play with the dimensions of the box, if you want.  This example is perfect for gift cards, but with a little tweaking, you can make a great box for little candies or other small birthday gifts.

A gift card box that is used at a party provides guests with a receptacle for their cards and gift cards.  First, find a box with a lid that will suit your needs (depending on the number of guests).  Cut a rectangular hole in the box.  It should be big enough to allow a visitor to slip a card or gift card in.  Remember, cards often have something inside of them, so make the slit is large enough!

Buy appropriate wrapping paper or make your own with brown paper and some imagination.  Lay your wrapping paper down on the table, right side facing the table, and put the box in the middle.  Roll up some tape and put it on the bottom and sides of the box.  Begin by pulling the paper up, and smoothing wrinkles as you go.  At the top, tuck the paper into the box.  You can cut slits in the paper so it lies very smoothly and seamlessly.  Tape inside to secure the paper.  Next, cover the lid. Cut small slits in the paper to accommodate for the card slot and then tape it securely underneath the lid. Now you can decorate your card box any way you like or leave it plain with the wrapping paper.  These are perfect for both gift cards and greeting cards.

Homemade party gift card boxes help you transform an ordinary present into an extraordinarily thoughtful one.

Not a gift card giver? Try some of these ideas:

• Cheap Gourmet Gift Ideas
• Handmade Baby Gift Ideas
• Tea Gift Basket Ideas

Remember when everyone owned a fondue pot? That was back in the days of the 1970's when no party was complete without a cheese or chocolate fondue. Couples would get four or five fondue pots as wedding gifts. Well, guess what? The fondue is back and it’s even more popular than it ever was. Why not throw a chocolate fondue dessert party?

If you’re lucky enough to visit New York City or live nearby, you’ll find a restaurant called La Fondue. They serve nothing but fondues of every type. And the most popular are the chocolate fondues. Each table that orders one gets a steaming Sterno-lit fondue pot, skewers and bits of cake, strawberries, and banana bread to dip. What could possibly be more fun to eat?

You can include a fondue at your next party. You really should have a fondue pot. You can get them for about $20 online or in discount stores. The reason you need one is because the little burner that comes with it keeps the fondue melted at the perfect temperature. No scorching or burning. And you’ll have all the right skewers and the pot is the exact right size for dipping and making gourmet desserts.

If you’ve never had a fondue pot before, it’s simple. You toss in the chocolate and the other ingredients and you light the burner. That’s it. When it’s melted, you dip. Leave the flame on and enjoy dipping until it’s all gone.

Extraordinary (and Simple) Chocolate Fondue Recipe

Extremechocolate.com

16 ounces dark, sweet or semi-sweet chocolate

1 1/2 cups light cream

1 tsp. Vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Break chocolate squares into smaller pieces and drop them into the fondue pot.

2. Add cream (which will prevent the chocolate from going lumpy) and stir gently but constantly until the chocolate is melted and smooth.

3. Add vanilla extract, and stir it in.

4. Use a fondue fork to spear the fruit, then dip it in the chocolate. Enjoy!

For some other variations on a basic chocolate fondue recipe, add:

• Some chopped gourmet nuts: pecans, almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts all work well.
• A tablespoon of instant coffee granules or cappuccino
• Your favorite syrup flavor

Chocolate Fondue Recipe

Simplyrecipes.com

INGREDIENTS

• 12 ounces of dark chocolate (chips or roughly chopped if from a block)
• 8 ounces of heavy cream
• A pinch of salt
• Dippables such as strawberries, banana pieces cut into 1-inch chunks, dried apricots, candied ginger, apple pieces

1) Warm the cream over moderate heat until tiny bubbles show and begins to lightly and slowly boil. Add the chocolate and whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.

2) Immediately transfer to a fondue pot heated at low or with a low flame, or serve straight from the pot.

3) Arrange the dippables on a platter or plates around the chocolate pot. Use a fondue fork, bamboo skewer, seafood fork, or salad fork to dip the fruit pieces and other dippables into the hot melted cream chocolate mixture. Eat immediately.

If the fondue begins to feel a little stiff, add a tablespoon of heavy cream and stir. It will help it go a little longer. Eventually, it will cook down though and you may need to start a new pot.

Variations

Add a tablespoon or two of Bailey's Irish Cream to the chocolate. Other liquors such as Grand Marnier, Amaretto, or Kirsch are equally yummy.

Add a 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and ancho chili pepper for a nice Mexican Chocolate.

The contents of a vanilla pod or some vanilla extract are always a decadent touch to chocolate.

A good pinch of espresso powder can do wonders!

Orange zest or grapefruit zest is nice way to create a slightly fruity chocolate.

A few tablespoons of Torani flavoring syrups (the kind used for coffee or Italian sodas) can add a nice dimension of flavor as well.

White chocolate is always a nice change, and spiked with a little liquor or citrus zest becomes heavenly.

Steeping the cream for an hour beforehand and while heating it can add a nice subtle flavor, lemongrass for white chocolate or a bag of Earl Grey tea for dark chocolate are particularly stylish and contemporary.

Want more chocolate dessert ideas? Try this article on White Chocolate: Cookies, Cakes, And More Desserts.