From the Food Editor: Spices, chocolate help make holidays bright for all
So this holiday season as you drop off canned goods the food drive at your office, church or gym, consider the advice of Reddit.com and grab items that don't usually top the most-needed list, yet are still much appreciated.
Like spices (allspice, cinnamon, oregano, cayenne, etc. ...), so people who rely on food banks can perk up staples like ground beef, chicken cutlets, rice and pasta. And cookie mixes, canned frosting and decorating sprinkles so families can make holiday cookies and warm memories. I know chocolate generally isn't a considered a pantry staple, but a bag of snowman-shaped chocolates or other holiday candies are an easy way to spread holiday spirit.
When I'm at Bath and Body Works or Ulta picking up teacher presents, I'll grab a couple extra bottles of hand lotion, body wash and lip balm. This time of year stores offer deals on buying multiples and food stamps general don't cover those little niceties. It may not sound like much, but if we all do just a little extra we can make the holidays a little more merry and a little more delicious for everyone.
Brownie bliss: Join me Dec. 9 at Marcel's Culinary Experience in Glen Ellyn as I share some simple and utterly delicious holiday treats.
Between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on that Tuesday I'll be at the store, 490 Main St., showing customers how to make Holiday Brownie Bites with toppings including Bourbon Bacon Caramel and S'mores. It's not a three-hour demo, rather I'll demo the recipes three times. Drop in to learn how to make these decadent treats and say hi; the demo is free so stay for as long as you can.
And here's a shout out to owner Jill Foucre and her crew. The shop was named Kitchenware Retailer of the Year by the International Housewares Association and won the U.S. Global Innovation Award sponsored by The Gourmet Retailer. If you haven't check out the store yet, the holidays are a perfect time. Between bakeware, table linens, specialty foods and cooking classes, you'll find something to fit everyone on your list.
• Contact Food Editor Deborah Pankey at dpankey@dailyherald.com or (847) 427-4524. Be her friend at Facebook.com/DebPankey.DailyHerald or follow her on Pinterest, Instagram or Twitter @PankeysPlate.