Wednesday, February 6, 2019

How to Make Dessert for Two

When a craving overtakes you, sometimes you have to satisfy it. We get it. You can’t stop dreaming of rich, fudgy brownies cradling crystals of fleur de sel; moist pound cake bursting with lemon sunshine, caressed by a dollop of fresh whipped cream and crowned by glittering berries; or smooth, yet intense, hazelnut gelato, so sultry on the tongue you wish it would never end. These sweet, decadent, and sometimes forbidden foods are salacious in and of themselves, whether it’s Valentine’s Day or not. You can swap in healthier ingredients, which helps, but the real trick is to make this dessert an exclusive, one-night-only engagement for you and your plus-one.

Christina Lane knows how to make that magic happen. She wrote the cookbook “Sweet & Simple: Dessert for Two” to share her favorite desserts in the easiest recipes possible that make enough for only two people, so there are no leftovers to tempt you in the morning.

Sweet & Simple: Dessert for Two, $19 on Amazon

Perfect portions of delicious desserts.
Read It

“If you’re going to make a whole pan of brownies, you might eat the whole pan of brownies. We’ve all been there,” says Lane. While all her books are about small-batch cooking, this third cookbook is more laser-focused on her personal passion for fruity over chocolatey desserts, and uses shortcuts like store-bought pie crust to keep it simple. (“Comfort and Joy: Cooking for Two” focuses more on small-scale savory recipes if you need dinner inspiration.)

Lane hatched the Dessert for Two blog that started her small-batch success in 2010. She was a Dallas transplant in northern California, working in greenhouse production after earning her master’s degree in horticulture. “I had too much time after getting off work at 3 p.m.,” Lane says. “I was away from home and my family, so I found myself calling my mom for family recipes like Texas chocolate sheet cake, which I learned to scale down. I’d crave her desserts.”

Christina Lane’s latest book, released February 2017.

When she found a tiny cake pan at a store, Lane had her eureka moment. “I thought, ‘This is it! I get to eat what I love in small-sized versions.'”

Try your own dessert for two on Valentine’s Day or any day that ends in “y,” keeping these tips in mind:

1. You don’t have to run out and scour stores for adorable mini baking dishes. Maybe eventually you’ll want to do that, but there are many small-batch desserts you can make with the dishes you already have in your kitchen, such as a bread-loaf pan for baking two large brownies, a muffin tin for mini pies, and ramekins for the rest.

USA Pan Bakeware Aluminized Steel Loaf Pan, $14.95 on Amazon

Make one loaf of bread—or two generous brownies!
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Wilton Recipe Right Muffin Pan, 12-Cup Non-Stick Muffin Pan $6.99 at Walmart

Make mini pies, sweet or savory, in your muffin tin.
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Bellemain Porcelain Ramekins, 6 for $12.95 on Amazon

Perfect for individually portioned desserts of all kinds.
Shop

2. When you are ready to buy mini bakeware, try Sur La Table, Amazon.com, Michael’s, or other craft and cake-decorating stores. The first thing to get is a 6-inch cake pan that’s 2-inches high. Don’t get the 3-inch-high pan, which will make the cake sink.

Wilton Perfect Results Round Mini Cake Pan, $16.77 on Amazon

The ideal size for smaller cakes.
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3. “Make sure your baking soda and baking powder are not a decade old,” Lane says with a laugh. (But she’s serious, and it’s good advice; you don’t want your efforts to fall flat.)

4. Learn how to split uneven numbers of ingredients. Lane doesn’t give advice on doubling or tripling her small-batch recipes, but when she’s testing how to create small versions of regular-sized recipes, she starts by cutting all the ingredients in half, and comparing that result with the taste and texture of the full-sized dessert. When she needs to split an uneven number of eggs, she has a rule. If the original recipe called for three eggs, she’ll use two egg whites and one egg yolk for cakes, and two egg yolks and one egg white for brownies and cookies. Cakes can use a fluffy binding agent like egg whites, and the fat-filled yolk makes brownies and cookies that much more intense.

5. Know when to use Silpats and when to use parchment. “I like Silpats (the baking mat) because they keep cookies from spreading too much,” she says, “although in my book’s second recipe (easy chocolate-hazelnut cookies), I want them to spread and get crispy on the edges and gooey in the middle, so I use parchment.”

AmazonBasics Silicone Baking Mats, 2 for $9.57 on Amazon

A two-fer.
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For Valentine’s Day, Lane plans to make her cherry dessert with the pie-dough hearts from the cover of her book. But she recommends staying with chocolate, like a chocolate pot in those mini crème brûlée ramekins, similar to chocolate molten lava cake. (While we’re on that subject, learn the difference between semisweet and bittersweet chocolate, find out what chocolate percentages actually mean—and check out our chocolate recipes, whether you try scaling them down or not. Maybe one of our 11 Luscious Chocolate Cakes for Valentine’s Day will strike your fancy, or something from our Mexican Chocolate Menu…)

Chocolate is the classic thing to do for Valentine’s Day. It just feels right,” Lane says. Here are three other sweet ideas from Lane’s book:

Coconut Panna Cotta

Easy Coconut Pana Cotta recipe

Christina Lane

It doesn’t take much more than some coconut milk, gelatin, figs, and honey to make this delicacy come to life. It’s also dairy-free and naturally sweetened. Do this dessert ahead of time though, because it needs at least four hours to set in the fridge. Get the Coconut Panna Cotta recipe.

Easy Toffee

Easy Chocolate Toffee recipe

Christina Lane

Crunchy, sweet, and nutty, toffee is the thing. Similar to Lane’s panna cotta, this sweet treat requires about four hours to set but you only need a few ingredients to make it happen: almonds, chocolate chips, salt, sugar, and butter. Get the Easy Toffee recipe.

Easy Baked Alaska

Easy Baked Alaska recipe

Christina Lane

If you can buy a couple slices of pound cake and a tiny carton of sorbet, it won’t take long to make this classic dessert that whips up chills, in a good way. Get the Easy Baked Alaska recipe.

Check out our Valentine’s Day giveaway on Instagram; three lucky winners will get lots of goodies from Hotel Chocolat! And get more great Valentine’s tips, tricks, and recipes (plus other Valentine’s Day gift ideas) at our Valentine’s Day headquarters.

All featured products are curated independently by our editors. When you buy something through our retail links, we may receive a commission. For more great hand-picked products, check out the Chowhound Shop.

This post was originally published on February 11, 2017 and was updated with new links and text on February 6, 2019.



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Valentine’s Day Gifts for Under $25

Valentine’s Day is a crock of you-know-what, right? Right? Well, giving a token of your affection to someone you love (or like-like) is plain nice, any time of year. February 14th is just a good excuse to do it then. Relieve the pressure of finding a perfect gift on this national holiday, and just go with a giftlet. You know, a tiny gift. That might match your vibe anyway, whether you’ve been dating only a couple months or you’ve been shacking up for years.

Something sweet and thoughtful for under $25 can ease a straining budget. Might as well save the rapid heart rate for when you’re gettin’ it on. And a food-type gift is harder to mess up. Everyone eats and drinks, and you might know what your favorite person loves to eat or drink in particular. You do it together all the time. So put a little panache into your S.O.’s edible moments with these affordable gifts.

Tea Forte KATI Single Cup Loose Tea Brewing System, $20 on Amazon

single cup ceramic tea brewing cup

Tea Forte/Amazon

For the tea lover in your life who also appreciates minimalism, this ceramic cup comes with a lid and single-serving metal infuser insert, so they can brew in the same mug they drink from. It’s available in several solid colors as well as patterns, to suit anybody’s style. And the double-walled design keeps their tea hot and their hands comfortably warm (not scalded).Get It

Hiware Good Glass Teapot with Stainless Steel Infuser, $16.99 on Amazon

If a single cup won't suffice, this lovely glass teapot is another great option to gift.
Get It

“Feast Your Eyes” by Brittany Wright, $13.52

Feast Your Eyes food photography book

Amazon

A coffee table book for the lover of both food and eye-catching art, this photographic feast features vividly colored photos of various ingredients in every shade of the rainbow, and then some. Get It

Pizza Socks Box Pepperoni Slice, $14.99 on Amazon

pizza socks

Pizza Socks Box/Amazon

Does it seem a little cheesy to give someone pizza socks for Valentine’s Day? We think not, especially for someone with a healthy sense of humor—and love of pepperoni, of course. (A whole pizza made of socks is even more incredible, but $0.99 over the $25 limit.) You can also get sushi socks, if that doesn’t seem too…fishy.Get It

Secura Electric Wine Opener, $19.99 on Amazon

electric wine opener

Secura/Amazon

Never struggle with popping the cork from a bottle of wine again (as long you keep this nifty electric wine opener charged; luckily, the built-in rechargeable battery promises to open up to 30 bottles before it needs fresh juice). A handy cutter is included to slice off foil seals too.Get It

MIRA Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle, $19.95 on Amazon

insulated water bottle

MIRA/Amazon

Slake that thirst but in a stylish, earthy, active dude (or dudette) way with a vacuum-insulated travel water bottle made of high-quality stainless steel. The MIRA bottle can keep up to 25 ounces of liquids hot for up to 12 hours and cold for up to 24 hours. Available in plenty of patterns and colors, including wood grain and marble finish—none of which will sweat while your S.O. does.Get It

Quiseen Whiskey Stones, 9 for $8.95 on Amazon

whisky stones (soapstone whiskey cubes)

Quiseen/Amazon

Don’t water your fine whiskey down when you want it on the rocks. These pure soapstone whisky stones are designed to be stored in your freezer. When you’re ready for a drink, take them out and let the stones stand for five minutes before dropping them into your glass (which these stones won’t scratch, as soapstone is made of mostly talc, and its nonporous nature means they won’t change the flavor of your drink either).Get It

Sweet Secrets 5-Inch Pretzel Pizza, $19 at Macy’s

pretzel pizza

Sweet Secrets/Macy’s

This is one case where a broken heart is a good thing—because you get to eat it. This festive five-inch pretzel is positively smothered in semi-sweet chocolate chips, broken sugar cones, M&Ms, chocolate cookie chunks, heart-shaped sprinkles, and a white chocolate drizzle, and it comes with a mallet to smash it into manageable pieces. This is for the person with a sweet tooth and a need to work out a little aggression.Get It

Marmara Authentic Turkish Delight, $8.97 on Amazon

Turkish Delight on Amazon

Marmara/Amazon

Of course, not all women (or men) love chocolate—for those who do, check out our Unique Chocolate Gift Guide, because it happens to include several options under $25 (and, more importantly, they’re all delicious). But for everyone else, these gem-like pink Turkish Delight candies are flavored with roses, dusted in sugar, and clearly perfect for the occasion.Get It

Vinkesso 5-Piece Cheese Knives Set, $17.99 on Amazon

cheese knife set

Vinkesso/Amazon

For tastes that skew savory, a set of nice cheese knives is a winning gift, especially if you include a wedge or two of decent fromage (which you might just be able to manage at this price)!Get It

Fletcher’s Mill Pump and Grind Salt & Pepper Mills, $24.95 at Sur la Table

Sur la Table

Give your guy (or gal…or hey, even your mom) something practical, something they might use every day if they cook a lot. These sleek, compact mills are great time-saving tools that crush salt and pepper with a single hand and a few pumps of the thumb. Perfect for transporting to cook on vacation or make gourmet grub while camping, the 5.5-inch mills are made with commercial-grade materials, including stainless steel, designed for years of heavy use.Get It

Bakelicious Crispy Corner Brownie Pan, $18.99 on Amazon

all-edges brownie pan

Bakelicious/Amazon

Is your beloved a baker with a particular predilection for brownie edges? Then this ingenious all-edge brownie pan will be much appreciated. (And maybe they’ll share the first batch as a thank-you…)Get It

Check out our Valentine’s Day giveaway on Instagram; three lucky winners will get lots of goodies from Hotel Chocolat! And get more great Valentine’s tips, tricks, and recipes (plus other Valentine’s Day gift ideas) at our Valentine’s Day headquarters.

All featured products are curated independently by our editors. When you buy something through our retail links, we may receive a commission. For more great hand-picked products, check out the Chowhound Shop.

This post was originally published by Amy Sowder on January 28, 2017 and was updated with new images, links, and text on February 6, 2019.



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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Chocolate for Your Valentine

how to buy chocolate as a gift (common mistakes to avoid when buying chocolate as a gift)

“Everybody wants a box of chocolates and a long-stem rose,” sang Leonard Cohen in “Everybody Knows,” one of his signature songs. He isn’t wrong. There is a perfect box of chocolates out there for everyone. However, it sometimes takes considerable effort to find the right chocolate for the one you love. Carefully avoid these common faux pas when buying chocolate for Valentine’s Day (or any other occasion).

Mistake #1: Giving Milk Chocolate to a Vegan or Someone with Lactose Intolerance

No Whey! Foods

Every year, vegans, and those with food allergies or sensitivities, receive edible gifts they can’t eat, creating an awkward dilemma of wholeheartedly accepting the gift or explaining their dietary choices so the person doesn’t keep buying gifts that won’t be enjoyed. Avoid putting the recipient in that position by subtly asking questions before you shop. If you ask about whether there’s anything they cannot eat over a shared lunch, they probably won’t suspect a thing.

Happily, several companies now offer vegan and allergy-friendly chocolates in attractive Valentine’s Day packaging. For example, No Whey! Foods offers a heart-shaped chocolate truffle box that is vegan and free of the eight most common allergens. Everything they create is free of milk, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, gluten, soy, and eggs.

Chocolate Truffle Heart, $34.95 on Amazon

These truffles are vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and come in a heart-shaped box to boot.
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Mistake #2: Assuming Edible Gifts Need to Be Indulgent

You don’t have to give your significant other, friend, neighbor, or parent something unhealthy to say, “I love you!” Chocolate can be delicious and healthy too. According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, dark chocolate may help protect heart health thanks to the flavanols it contains. Also, Lenny & Larry’s offers a variety of delectable chocolate cookies that are nutritious and high in protein and fiber. Their treats are also vegan, kosher, and free of several common allergens such as soy and dairy. They also have no high fructose corn syrup, cholesterol, artificial sweeteners, or sugar alcohols.

Lenny & Larry's Complete Cookie Variety Pack, 16 for $26.49 on Amazon

Get 16 individually wrapped cookies in 8 different flavors, like Double Chocolate, Snickerdoodle, and Lemon Poppy.
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Mistake #3: Choosing a Box of Chocolates Based on the Beautiful Packaging

While presentation is important in gift-giving, what’s inside the package will be what’s most remembered. Don’t get too tempted by the shimmering red paper over heart-shaped boxes unless they contain the kind of chocolate your Valentine prefers. It would be better to get a few candy bars or other chocolate treats that you know your loved one enjoys, and then simply put them in a gift bag or box. You can always wrap the gift yourself, so the content of the box of chocolates should always be considered before you assess the packaging.

Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped Treat Boxes, 3 for $16.95 on Amazon

Make your own assortments and present them in style.
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Hallmark Large Gift Bag, $5.99 on Amazon

A gold glitter heart gives this bag some tasteful bling; it comes with tissue paper too.
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Hallmark Paper Wonder Small Valentine’s Gift Boxes, 3 for $5.99 on Amazon

A trio of origami-style, heart-topped, pop-up boxes in classic Valentine colors.
Shop

Mistake #4: Buying Chocolates Without Considering How They’re Sourced

More people than ever are considering how their food is sourced. Chocolate is an ingredient that has sadly been linked to child labor in some instances. Just as many people only buy ethically sourced diamonds, they are also striving to only support chocolate that was harvested in an ethical manner. Steer clear of the candy aisle at the supermarket and look for fair trade chocolate instead. Companies like Madécasse have Direct Trade Certification and offer ethically sourced chocolate bars in flavors like Mint Crunch Dark Chocolate, Toasted Coconut Dark Chocolate, Sea Salt and Cocoa Nibs, and Honey Crystal Dark Chocolate. You can’t go wrong buying chocolate that makes you and the recipient feel good.

Madecasse

Finally, trust yourself when it comes to buying chocolate for the ones you love, and remember that it doesn’t hurt to err on the side of caution. There’s no reason why someone wouldn’t appreciate an ethically sourced box of chocolates even if they were not specifically looking for it. You really can’t be too considerate when it comes to your loved one and the way you pick out their chocolates.

Check out our Valentine’s Day giveaway on Instagram; three lucky winners will get lots of goodies from Hotel Chocolat! And get more great Valentine’s tips, tricks, and recipes (plus other Valentine’s Day gift ideas) at our Valentine’s Day headquarters.

Related Video: A Valentine for Unappreciated Chocolates

All featured products are curated independently by our editors. When you buy something through our retail links, we may receive a commission. For more great hand-picked products, check out the Chowhound Shop.



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The History of Red Velvet Cake

Red Velvet Cake is an equal parts vivacious and mysterious confection with Southern pedigree. Or is it Victorian? No, no, of course something as enigmatic as Red Velvet Cake could only be born in New York City. Well, nevermind all that for now—we can all at least agree that the signature of Red Velvet Cake, its redness, undeniably comes from deeply saturated red food coloring. No, hold on, I thought it was the result of a chemical reaction with the cocoa powder? I’m sorry, are you saying that Red Velvet Cake is chocolate? Wait, you say your recipe calls for beets? Okay, but at least the icing is without controversy. Second to the redness, the cream cheese frosting is doubtless the other element that gives Red Velvet Cake its air of je-ne-sais-quoi. Except, of course, when it’s made with ermine icing instead.

Plainly, some things need clearing up. Before we get into the history, what even is Red Velvet Cake? The currently accepted “modern traditional” version, according to David Dial, baker, editor of Spiced blog, and a born-and-bred Southerner, is as follows: “I hate to use the word ‘velvety,’ but that’s what it is. It’s a soft cake. Fluffy, depending on the recipe, with just a hint of chocolate. It’s one of those things; you don’t realize it’s chocolate until someone tells you. Of course there’s the bright red color which now comes from food coloring, but aside from the cake itself, the really distinguishing feature is the cream cheese frosting, with a slight tang. These seem to go really well together.”

red velvet cake recipe

Chowhound’s Red Velvet Cake recipe, inspired by “The Lee Bros. Southern Cookbook” by Matt and Ted Lee

This is what we have presently come to know as Red Velvet Cake, but like many other enigmatic foods (and beverages), the precise origins of its glorious existence remain elusive, as several times and places have claimed at least partial credit for producing it, with the different elements coming together as separate puzzle pieces. “It just kind of appeared, like in a movie,” says Dial, who also credits the appearance of Red Velvet Cake, in the form of an armadillo-shaped Groom’s cake, in “Steel Magnolias” (1989) with its growing popularity north of the Mason-Dixon line. Its lasting popularity in the South is undeniable: “As a kid in the 80s and 90s in Charleston, Red Velvet Cake was everywhere,” says Dial. “My mom made it all the time. If there was a party, there was Red Velvet Cake.”

What we do know for sure is that Red Velvet Cake has steadily risen in popularity in the United States from about the 1950s forward, with particular fervency in the American South, eventually earning its place in the cannon of classic American desserts, and becoming the unofficial pastry of the reddest of holidays, Valentine’s Day. While no tidy conclusions exist, here we delineate many of the major players in its storied life, element by element.

The Cake

“Velvet” was a term used in Victorian England to describe cakes with a fine crumb and a soft texture, distinct from other confections such as pound cakes and sponge cakes. It is believed that a sister to Red Velvet Cake—Devil’s Food Cake—was born in this time and place, and was made in a similar style using deeply saturated chocolate to produce not only its signature dark color, but a name that stuck. The result of using cocoa powder in a similar recipe produced what then became called “Mahogany Cake.”

Another Slice

Guide to Essential Baking Tools
11 Red Velvet Recipes Perfect for Valentine’s Day
How to Take Boxed Cake Mix From Basic to Baller

The Color

Red cakes were becoming popular around the time of World War II for a variety of reasons: First, because of the rationing of supplies, beet juice or even pureed beets were often added to cakes for both color and moisture. Second, during the same time the availability of Dutched or Dutch-process cocoa was limited. (Dutching is a process that deepens the color and takes some of the bitter edge off of natural cocoa.) Non-Dutched cocoa was lighter in color, and reacted with certain acidic ingredients in cakes, such as buttermilk, to produce a slightly red color. The buttermilk element would seem to make a case for Southern pedigree, but Dial believes that is not necessarily indicative of origin, but of popularity: “Buttermilk is such a Southern ingredient. It got added [later], and it’s awesome.” Finally, the advent of artificial food coloring for home use came about from a Texas-based company called Adams Extract.

red velvet cake how much food coloring

For contrast: Our Classic Red Velvet Cake recipe uses 2 tablespoons of food coloring for a crimson crumb, while our Red Velvet Bundt Cake recipe only uses 2 teaspoons for a subtler blush

The Icing

Some genius was the progenitor of pairing a bold red cake with a bright white icing, but sadly, the world may never actually know who that was. A roux-based, or “boiled milk,” ermine icing was often called for in early printed recipes for Red Velvet Cake, eventually replaced with the less labor-intensive cream cheese frosting, which upheld the classic color contrast and also added a desirable tang.

Red+Velvet+Cake

The early instances of the term “Red Velvet Cake” in print are numerous: in the 1940s and 1950s, The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, “The Joy of Cooking” by Irma S. Rombauer, the aforementioned Adams Extract company, and Canada’s Eaton’s Department Store all included Red Velvet Cakes as recipes or menu items, with no easy conclusions drawn about who named it first, since the thing was obviously happening before it was printed.

Adams Extract red velvet cake recipe

The original Betty Adams Red Velvet Cake recipe from Adams Extract

While Red Velvet Cake’s past may be mysterious, its future is not, as it remains a staple for bakeries and bakers in both the South and the North. Since it has traditionally had a stronger footing in the South, Dial, as a displaced Southerner who now calls upstate New York home, recognizes that it still has the ability to dazzle: “When I make it for friends up here it always gets some attention. It’s just an attractive cake. When you cut into it, it’s such a fun, ‘oh!’”

Related Video: How to Make Red Velvet Cake



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The Best Valentine’s Day Gifts For Him on Amazon

sleek salt and pepper bottle grinder set

Okay, so you didn’t quite get around to wrestling up that ah-mazing Valentine’s Day gift that would have taken at least a month’s planning in advance. (Turns out building a bar cart is really hard.) Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t hustle up something brilliant  in the next couple days. This is 2019 after all, and Amazon (and your Prime account) are here to save you with these last-minute, save-your-butt Valentine’s Day gift ideas for him. These kitchen and entertaining must-haves will convey your love and devotion to him. Plus these are the kind of Valentine’s Day gifts meant for sharing. Because really, why wouldn’t you buy something you also kind of want (see bar cart above)?

Luminarc Barcraft Mixing Glass, $13.80 on Amazon

cocktail mixing glass for stirred cocktails

Luminarc/Amazon

For the guy who likes his cocktails stirred—not shaken.Get It

Marcato 8320 Atlas Pasta Machine, $68 on Amazon

Marcato pasta machine

Marcato/Amazon

There’s no more romantic gift than the gift of pasta, especially when it’s made with the pasta machine to own.Get It

Now House by Jonathan Adler Mod Lines Modular Candleholder, $37.70 on Amazon

Jonathan Adler mod masculine candle holder

Jonathan Adler/Amazon

The perfect gift idea for a design junkie looking to up his tablescape game.Get It

Cuisinart Grilling Tool Set with Grill Glove, $18.06 on Amazon

grilling tool set

Cuisinart/Amazon

You can’t go wrong with a classic barbecue set, and Cuisinart’s is about as reliable as they come.Get It

ChefSofi Mortar and Pestle Set, $39.97 on Amazon

granite mortar and pestle

ChefSofi/Amazon

Because guacamole night is every Tuesday.Get It

Menu Bottle Grinder Set, 2 for $75 on Amazon

sleek salt and pepper bottle grinder set

Menu/Amazon

This set of minimalist spice grinders double as kitchen decor—meaning if you put these in the cabinet, you’re missing the point.Get It

Dansk Kobenstyle Chili Red Casserole, $89.99

Dansk Kobenstyle casserole dish

Dansk/Amazon

Scandinavian design meets the stovetop in this stylish enamel-coated steel casserole.Get It

“Appetites: A Cookbook” by Anthony-Bourdain, $26.43 on Amazon

Anthony Bourdain Appetites cookbook

Amazon

Because on guacamole night, you also Netflix old episodes of “Parts Unknown.”Get It

Messermeister Avanta Pakkawood 2 Piece Kullenschliff Carving Set, $59.95 on Amazon

Messermeister carving knife set

Messermeister/Amazon

For the guy who’s looking to brush up on his carving skills before heading to your parents next Thanksgiving.Get It

Sweese 3157 Large Butter Dish, $20.99 on Amazon

Sweese porcelain butter dish with lid

Sweese/Amazon

This charming, porcelain butter dish does double-duty as design object in the kitchen and on the dining room table.Get It

There’s still time to enter our Valentine’s Day giveaway on Instagram—three lucky winners will get lots of goodies from Hotel Chocolat! And visit our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide headquarters for more great ideas (many of which are also available through Prime).

Related Video: A Valentine’s Day Cocktail Made with Kombucha

All featured products are curated independently by our editors. When you buy something through our retail links, we may receive a commission. For more great hand-picked products, check out the Chowhound Shop.



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The Best Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Gifts For Her on Amazon

last mintue Valentine's Day gifts for her on Amazon

Maybe you couldn’t make up your mind about what to get her for Valentine’s Day (even though you’ve spent weeks thinking and stressing about it) and that’s why you’re in panic buying mode. Or maybe you just forgot (Valentine’s Day does fall on a Thursday this year). Whatever the reason, Amazon and your Prime shipping account is here to save you. If you’re in last-minute-buying mode, we here at Chowhound say turning to the classics—both the old and the new—is a good idea in this situation. A vintage-style crystal napkin holder, a flame-red Dutch oven, or the new cooking bible (Hi, Samin!) will go a long way with your girlfriend, wife, best friend, or, well, mom. Below, the gifts you can still get your hands thanks to the Internet age and your Prime account.

Youfui Ikebana Floral Vases, $14.99 on Amazon

last minute Valentine gift bud vase

Youfui Ikebana/Amazon

Fill these little vases with flowers and then go make a nice dinner. Boom. And you’re saved.Get It

Now House by Jonathan Adler Chroma Decanters, $39.99 – $58 each on Amazon

Jonathan Adler mod decanters

Jonathan Adler/Amazon

Any fan of Memphis design will go wild for these eccentric decanters from Adler’s wildly new popular Amazon home collection, Now House.Get It

“Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking” by Samrin Nosrat, $22.50 on Amazon

Salt Fat Acid Heat cookbook

Amazon

If it wasn’t obvious already, we’re all in love with chef Samin Nosrat and her approachable take on food. Her cooking bible, is sure to warm up any kitchen (plus you can use this too). Or shop for a cookbook by personality type.Get It

Tea Service Set for 2, $27.27 on Amazon

ceramic tea set gift for tea lover

77-Life/Amazon

This is one of those simple gifts that gets you extra points for its whimsical design.Get It

Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron French (Dutch) Oven, $379.95 on Amazon

Le Creuset dutch oven red

Le Creuset/Amazon

A Le Creuset Dutch oven is the star of any kitchen and a must-have for home cooks who also happen to be design addicts.Get It

Godinger Dublin Standing Napkin Holder, $16.98 on Amazon

crystal napkin holder vintage style

Godinger/Amazon

This vintage-looking napkin stand will be an instant favorite on modern and traditional tables alike.Get It

Nordic Ware Crown Bundt Pan, $32.44 on Amazon

A decadent baking pan makes a great gift because it’s the kind of thing you’d rarely buy for yourself (and there’s a lot you can do with a Bundt pan besides make cake).Get It

“Carrie Mae Weems: Kitchen Table Series,” $44.64 on Amazon

This special art book, which reflects on the intimacy of the kitchen, is sure to elevate any coffee table.Get It

Richland Silver Beaded Glass Charger Plate Set, 12 for $109.99 on Amazon

beaded glass charger plates

Richland/Amazon

The simple details on this plate set will add a subtle elegance to your next dinner party.Get It

Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera – Smokey White with Value Pack, $91.36 on Amazon

Fujifilm Instax Mini camera

Fujifilm

The gift that lets your guests make their own take-home party favors.Get It

There’s still time to enter our Valentine’s Day giveaway on Instagram—three lucky winners will get lots of goodies from Hotel Chocolat! And visit our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide headquarters for more great ideas (many of which are also available through Prime).

Related Video: A Valentine’s Day Cocktail Made with Kombucha

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