Obsession: Spread Holiday Cheer, Great Gifts for All

The Mod City Mom’s are taking a brief hiatus over the holidays. Before we saunter off to eat, drink, and be merry, we wanted to recommend some of our favorite websites to purchase gifts. Many are from previous obsession articles, others are newly discovered, but all are sure to satisfy that special someone in your life. Peace and joy to all of our readers over this holiday season!

Gifts of Wine
www.pelotoncellars.com
This small vineyard makes quality wines from lush soil in the Paso Robles wine region located in California. Order 4, 6, or 12 bottle shipments.

www.robertsinsky.com
Organic vineyard located in Napa delivering terrific wines, recipes, and cookbooks. Order a bottle or join the club.

Gifts of Yummy Eats
www.zingermans.com
Delicious deli and bakery food gifts including their famous Reuben sandwich making kit.

www.boccalone.com
Tasty salted pig parts…who wouldn’t like that? You will salivate just looking at their website. YUM!

www.loumalnatis.com
Chicago pizza delivered right to your door!

www.mrspeters.com
Smoked Fish…delish!

www.graeters.com
Irresistible, creamy ice cream since 1870 delivered and packed on dry ice. Perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth!

Gifts of Relaxation
www.smallflower.com
Unique herbal remedies, homeopathies, and natural bath and body care.

Gifts of Clothing, Accessories, and Textiles
www.sosillystuff.com
Darling, one-of-kind graphic shirts for the little ones.

www.heathceramics.com
Beautifully handcrafted tiles and tableware for the pottery enthusiast in your life.

www.twotreedesigns.com
Whimsical, practical, unique bags at mind blowing prices!

Gifts of Playfulness
www.littleotsu.com
Our favorite small press shop, delivering one-of-a-kind journals, zines, and prints.

www.mimoco.com/shop/mimobot-designer-usb-flash-drives/c-3po.html
How about a USB flash drive in the shape of Hello Kitty or C-3PO?

www.etsy.com/shop/pixelparty
Pins, cufflinks, and barrettes for the digital geek! Don't miss out on the Yoshi and Pacman-featured items!

www.breadandbadger.com/glassware/mustachepint.html
For the person who has everything but a mustache and a pint glass.

Obsession: Orange Chills Cocktail

Since Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, naturally our obsession is cocktails! Accompany your tricks with more than one, spooktacular treat!

Orange Chills Cocktail

1 part gin
1 part Cointreau
1 part orange juice
4 parts lemon-lime soda
Splash of grenadine
Ice
Orange slices
Yellow, black, or orange sugar

Coat rim of cocktail glass with orange juice; dip in sugar. Shake first six ingredients in cocktail shaker; pour into glass. Garnish with orange slice! Chilly!



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Obsession: Beautiful Baubles and Boxes Made from Nature

At a local art fair, I found Sandy James, artesian and “Of Nature” owner. Sandy takes pieces of nature and transforms them into jewelry and sculpture. She utilizes real leaves, acorns, and maple seeds (to name a few), dipping them into a copper patina bath. The end result is a collection of breathtaking earrings, barrettes, necklaces, and containers. Her creations are one-of-a-kind and truly stunning. Details: www.ofnature.com

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Obsession: Sunset Magazine's Apple Oven Cake

This month's Sunset Magazine (October 2009) featured a reader's Apple Oven Cake recipe. I've only had this magazine for a little over two weeks and I have already made this beauty three times. It's simple, fresh, delicious, and the perfect way to celebrate autumn's apples! I guarantee that you will be as obsessed as we are once you try it!

Apple Oven Cake

3 T butter
1/4 c packed light brown sugar
1/8 t cinnamon
1 sweet apple, peeled and sliced
3 large eggs
1/4 t salt
1/2 c flour
1/2 c milk
1 T fresh lemon juice
1 T powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Melt butter in a 12-inch ovenproof frying pan over high heat. Add brown sugar and cinnamon, swirling to combine. Add apple and cook until just starting to soften, about 3 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a blender, whirl together eggs, salt, flour, and milk. Pour egg mixture into pan and bake until puffed and brown, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with lemon juice and powdered sugar. Enjoy!

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Obsession: My Moments with My Publisher

After writing the Seth Peterson article, I realized that all of our digital photos were stored, unseen and untouched, on our server. Our Frank Lloyd Wright escapades not only included our memorable cottage get-away, but his Oak Park studio, both Taliesins, and Falling Water, just to name a few. Remembering these visits were fun, inspiring, and downright enjoyable, but, better yet, browsing this photographic journey shook me out of my complacency and spurred me to action!

Now, with online publishing, it’s easy and inexpensive to create a handsome, personalized photo album. For less than it would cost to develop your film, you can create a coffee table-style book of your very own. My favorite of the online services is My Publisher. After downloading trouble-free, intuitive software, create your own book starting from $12.00 and receive it at your doorstep a week later or share it with your friends online! My Publisher offers a quick and easy way to store your memories in one gloriously accessible package. Details: www.mypublisher.com

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Obsession: It's Pumpkin Ale Time

Another beautiful thing about autumn is that the cold, crispy air provides a perfect occasion to indulge in delicious, hoppy ales and creamy stouts.

One of my favorites is a spicy, slightly fruity Pumpkin Ale by California microbrewery, Buffalo Bill's. They were one of the first brewery’s to boldly enter into America’s microbrew phenomenon over 25 years ago. As one of the nation's oldest brewpubs, they continue to make terrific signature beers including their celebrated creamy Pumpkin Ale. Along with fall, this beer is precious and fleeting so pick it up today! Details: www.buffalobillsbrewery.com

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Obsession: Maira Kalman's Pursuit of Happiness

I fell in love with Maira Kalman through my son's bohemian library selections. Kalman's whimsical, colorful, and playful illustrations attracted him immediately and we soon found ourselves checking out each of the books in her series, thirsting to learn more about Max (a dog) and his dreams to become a celebrated poet in Paris. When Kalman later illustrated the most recent edition of Strunk and White's Elements of Style, it was then I realized that I was truly in love with this woman's work!

Most recently, Kalman has reinvented herself as one of The New York Time's resident bloggers. Her current series, And the Pursuit of Happiness, chronicles American democracy in the same, quirky fashion as her children's books. The last Friday of each month, learn about Benjamin Franklin, the Supreme Court, or American Soldiers. History lessons have never been so accessible or so much fun! Details: kalman.blogs.nytimes.com

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Obsession: Find Everything Merz Online

Merz Apothecary is a family owned European-style drugstore located on the north side of Chicago. With their herbal remedies, homeopathies, and natural bath and body care, they have been lifting spirits and relaxing their clientele for over a century. Recently, I found out they have a wonderful website that carries their full line of mostly European products. Their site is chock-full of aromatic candles, soaps, creams, and lip glosses—many brands that are unique to Merz. Their distinctive selections make one-of-a-kind gifts or a special treat for you (God knows we all could use a little R & R). The only component missing from ordering online is the fragrant aromas that float in the air when you arrive at the store. You'll have to pay a visit to the Windy City to experience that! Details: www.smallflower.com

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Obsession: Caramel Royalty

After our dear friends stayed for a visit, they sent us a royal thank you gift of King Caramels. Their life-long friend, Hedy Anderson, recently transformed herself from recognized handbag designer to queen of the kitchen. Her Vashon-made caramels are salt-kissed, buttery treats. Select the bag weight of your choice and order online to experience this rich indulgence, good enough for a king! Details: www.kingcaramel.com.

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Obsession: Summer Sake Peartini

It's hot, it's steamy, and there's nothing to cure the dog days of summer like an evening outside with great music, good friends, and a refreshing cocktail. This recipe is light, fruity, and delicious.

Sake Peartini

2 oz sake
2 oz pear juice
1 chunk crystallized ginger

Combine sake and pear juice in cocktail shaker with ice; shake vigorously. Pour into a festive glass; drop ginger into glass. Cheers to summer!

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Obsession: Cinema Under the Stars

Since moving, we've hungered for the old movie houses. The ones where you're greeted with a pipe organist, opening shorts sporting a marching hot dog reminding you to purchase a snack, an old-school candy selection, and, most importantly, a classic film. This year, we decided to stop reminiscing and start acting by hosting our own Cinema Under the Stars. After a quick e-mail invite and an afternoon making homemade carmel corn and a screen constructed out of a white sheet, we invited neighbors and schoolmates to join us at our pad for an outdoor movie. I can't think of a better way to spend time than sitting on a blanket under the stars, imbibing on fun snacks and drinks, and enjoying time with friends and the Marx Brothers.

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Obsession: Peloton Cellars

We recently discovered that old, family friends have their fingers in a wine venture, Peloton Cellars. After my in-laws had a reunion with these friends, they brought back a rich bounty of Peloton Cellar beauties.

Peloton Cellars, located in California's Paso Robles region, creates high quality wines at an affordable price. We were able to enjoy their full bounty, including a crisp and invigorating Sauvignon Blanc, deep and intense Cabernet Sauvignon, and a full-bodied Zinfandel.

Join their wine club, order individual bottles, or take adventage of their newly announced "Economic Stimulus Package" to stretch your wine-purchasing power a little further. Either way, it's easy to raise a glass to our new-found Peloton-obsession! Cheers! Details: www.pelotoncellars.com.


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Obsession: ReadyMade Online

I've been reading ReadyMade ever since it hit the shelves. Although I can sometimes be a little DIY challenged, ReadyMade has always been at the ready to inspire ideas and stir the senses for a little home-spun fun. Now, with ReadyMade online, it's easy to peruse their archives whenever and wherever the spirit leads. Whether you want to "eat it," "build it," or "sew it," ReadyMade online provides all the necessary "instructions for every day life." Details: www.readymade.com.

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Obsession: The Barbecue! Bible

My sister and her husband have been using Steven Raichlen's Barbecue Bible for years. So, when my mom bought my husband his own copy for his birthday, we were excited to get started. Raichlen's tome features beautifully colored pictures, helpful Q&As, and over 500 live-fire recipes for meat, seafood, veggies, and desserts. Also included are tips and tricks for making sides, sauces, and rubs. With the grill season fast approaching, The Barbecue! Bible will supply all your ideas for a summer of finger-lickin' el fresco dining.

Details: www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0761149430 and www.barbecuebible.com.

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Obsession: Prosciutto

I'll be the first to admit that I have an unhealthy love affair with Prosciutto, Italy's gift of porky-goodness. I've used this air-dried, salt-cured treat with veggies, fruit, or as a side to cheeses for years. But recently, I've become obsessed with it cooked, crunched, and crumbled on my side-dishes, eggs, soups, salads, or meats (chicken, fish, steak). (Well, quite frankly, almost anything I'm cooking.) Although this habit can be expensive, a little bit of Prosciutto delivers in a big way. Simply place 2-3 slices on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes, or, when cooled, the Prosciutto can be easily crumbled while still maintaining it's crunch. Warning: Once you've tried this taste sensation, it's a habit that may be hard to break.

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Obsession: Wine Spritzer Bliss

When my sister came to visit, we spent long afternoons basking in the sun, spinning tales, giggling like we were young again, and drinking white wine spritzers. Now, when I manage to squeeze in a little r & r, my mind immediately wanders to this devilishly refreshing aperitif. Simply fill your favorite white wine glass half way with ice; 2/3 full of your favorite, crispy white wine; a dash of sparkling water; and a few citrus rounds. Let your lazy afternoon party begin!

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Obsession: Last.fm Radio, A 21st Century Cure

Haven’t listened to new music since The Smiths during a college party? Tired of circulating the same old tunes from your iPod, or, heaven-forbid, your tape cassettes and vinyl? Sign-up for Last.fm. For free, you can become a member of an online music community. Every track you play helps inform your profile—the more informed your profile, the more Last.fm suggests great music that's custom-made to your taste. And, if you don't know the names of any of the hottest, new bands, go ahead and type in what you know. Soon, Last.fm will be suggesting fresh and innovative tunes that introduce you to all those new sounds you've been missing and craving. Details: www.last.fm

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Obsession: Tasty Salted Pig Parts

Back in December, we featured Boccalone in a short list of our favorite holiday merchants. But, like any true obsession, I can't stop talking, dreaming, and spreading the word about this tantalizing tidbit. Boccalone offers mail-order "tasty salted pig parts" that include a variety of cured, cooked, and fresh meats. When writing our Gastronomy article, my mouth started to water just thinking about accompanying my Grilled Gazpacho with some fresh-made Boccalone Italian Sausage. While you're at it, why not throw in some lardo or pancetta? What better way to celebrate the new grilling season? Details: www.boccalone.com.

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Obsession: Servin' Up Surfas

An LA staple since the 30s, Surfas has served the restaurant community and hard-core home cooks with restaurant-quality equipment, speciality food items, and hard-to-find ingredients. Not only does their website offer all of these incredible wonders to the home shopper, it also includes recipes, gift baskets, and an over-abundance of gourmet food finds. Details: www.surfasonline.com.

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Obsession: Gift Giving Reinvented

I don’t know about you, but I’ve become extremely bored when forced to shop for yet-another neighborhood kid’s birthday gift. It’s not that I don’t like celebrating, it’s just that buying one more typical marketing-backed toy has become a little redundant. Now that I’ve found Optical Toys, I’ve never been so excited to get the party started.

Just visiting the Optical Toys' website is a treat! They offer a series of old-fashioned flip books (e.g., Thomas Edison’s record of a sneeze), paper toy reproductions (“choose among 12 unique hairstyles for this elegant lady who desperately needs a full head of hair”), and a series of antique book remakes (think shadow books and movie scopes). Although you may still need to buy the hottest, new-fangled toy for your birthday recipient, next time, accompany your gift with an Optical Toys’ purchase and become the life of the party. Details: www.opticaltoys.com.

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