Women Beyond a Certain Age is a weekly podcast by Denise Vivaldo and Diane Worthington. They bring their own lively, humorous, and experienced viewpoints to the topics they discuss. The podcast covers wide-ranging subjects of importance to older women.
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These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things!
by Denise Vivaldo
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I love to buy Christmas presents. And I’m good at it. I found this pan (photo below) from Big Lots and made a cinnamon roll wreath. I posted it on Facebook and I had an avalanche of questions. Yes, it was easy! Tested the pan several times and, yes, I did share with my husband. Even my grumpy neighbor smiles at me now.
Use your favorite sweet bread or roll recipe. Give this as a gift or just an extra fun way to serve a treat on Christmas morning.
And as far as gifts? I buy almost everyone I love a cookbook! It’s a gift that keeps on giving. Friends and family can enjoy reading and cooking all year. My top pick for this year is
Jubilee by Toni Tipton Martin
. It’s humbling to read my friend Toni’s history-laden and amazing cookbook. You can’t go wrong gifting this book.
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Diane, Cindie and I want to thank everyone for our second successful year of podcasting. We have garnered more listeners, nibbles from sponsors, and kind words from friends and complete strangers! Thank you!
Diane did an entire column on
Gifts for Cooks
for the Chicago Tribune. We are reprinting it here. We know you’ll enjoy it.
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Take the Hassle out of Shopping for Cooks on Your Holiday List
by Diane Rossen Worthington
Each year I put together my
Gifts for Cooks
list. I test all the products and consider how they will make a great gift for the cooks and food lovers you are shopping for. Most of these fall in the Seriously Simple style. I try and find general gifts and ones that I think will appeal to those with particular interests. I hope this makes shopping less of a hassle for you!
For the wine lover on your list this is perfect for transporting wines chilled. The freezable gel is built into the walls of the bag so no need to freeze separate ice packs.
Amazon $32
Hestan products are for the serious cook who wants a perfectly even temperature from its pan. This essential pan is one of my favorite pans because of its shape. Sometimes called a chef’s pan, this rounded stainless-steel pan has a thick base for even heat distribution while having thinner sides for a lighter weight pan. From sauces to soups this is my go-to pan. I love the shape and it is just the right size for many kitchen jobs. Give this to the serious cook on your list.
Williams-Sonoma $229.95
I love waking up to my coffee that has just been ground and then brewed. After painstaking research, I discovered this model. It has been exceptional in consistency, strength and deliciousness. There are other brands I have tried with less than good results. If you have a serious coffee drinker on your list who wants it made ahead but doesn’t want to sacrifice freshly ground coffee this is my pick.
Amazon $184.99
I love this item because it can steam, slow-cook, make stock, hot cereal, yogurt and keep things warm for 9 hours. Different than an Instapot because it brings the liquid to a boil faster and cooks faster. I particularly like the clay pot---the unglazed clay surface seems to intensify the flavors and is non-stick. I made an amazing vegetable soup that tasted better than my one on the stove. This is the gift for your Instapot lover who is always looking for new ways to cook faster and better.
Amazon $169.95
Do you have avocado lovers on your gift list? This is the perfect gift for them. This Mexican style mortar and pestle will grind and smooth avocadoes for spreading upon their favorite bread. It is also the classic vessel used for making guacamole. It makes a great serving bowl as well.
Amazon $39.49
For the baker on your list. This Mosser Glass cake stand is a beautiful way to display baked goods. I like the 10-inch size for most cakes, but it also comes in a 6 or 12-inch size. I prefer the green glass, but it also comes in different colors. This cake stand is reminiscent of days past with its’ heirloom look.
Amazon $60.68
Bamboozle, an eco-friendly alternative to everyday kitchenware, has 2 items worth giving for your eco-conscious on your list. Made of bamboo that is durable and biodegradable, this set of 7 nesting bowls are colorful and durable for lots of tasks. Select the pastel or thistle colored bowls for friends who can always use more bowls for cooking or serving.
Amazon $70
Also from Bamboozle, this little Harley Hippo dinnerware set for kids would make every meal a treat. This 5-piece dinnerware set comes with plate, cup, bowl, spoon and fork.
Bamboozle $20
A perfect stocking stuffer! From salads to stir-frys to vegetables to garnishes, Microplane’s new Gourmet Julienne Grater will make preparing meals this holiday season a snap! Part of Microplane’s Gourmet Series line of products, the Julienne Grater is crafted from durable stainless steel with chemically etched blades that are ultra-sharp and built for longevity. The Julienne Grater also features an ergonomic, soft-grip handle, non-slip rubber footing, and a transparent cover for the ultimate in comfort and safety. Dishwasher safe, the Julienne Grater is a go-to tool for professional cooks and home chefs alike.
Amazon $16.99
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Listen to Women Beyond a Certain Age!
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We have many special guests lined up for future episodes. Visit our
website
to catch up on past episodes, get recipes and find out what we have planned for the future!
Do you know someone who’d make a fascinating guest? We always want to hear from you. Your stories, concerns, ideas…we want all of it! Drop us an
email
!
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If you haven’t yet joined our Facebook group,
Woman Beyond a Certain Age
, please do! We have drawings and giveaways! We also share photos, news, recipes and stories.
We can really use your help getting the WBACA podcast out there. The best thing you can do to help is to click the subscribe button on
Apple Podcasts,
Podbean
or Spotify. Give us a nice review! I don’t think anyone actually reads them so you could just say pirates are forcing you to write a review from their old-timey pirate ship in exchange for your freedom. But! The more stars and reviews we have the more visible our podcast will be. And for that you have our gratitude.
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