Holiday Gift Guide

You already knew this but sometimes we take the easy way out on Fridays. But you can't spell cliche without Blackened Out.

The holidays have arrived and we know your shopping is as far behind as Rickey Jackson's child support payments. But that shouldn't stop you from being in the Gift Giving Hall of Fame this year. So as always, just follow our instructions. (Yes, Peter I know no one reads us, ok?)

Nothing says I heart you quite like a huge package of meat. In Roman times, men would propose to women by delivering them a freshly dressed steer. During the Renaissance this tradition flourished as courtiers would name calves after their daughters. They would then give the calf to the king in hopes that the king would return the favor with an effeminate son for the courtier's daughter. This year give the gift of meat to your loved ones with a gift box from LoneStar Foodservice. I have given the meat from LoneStar a thorough grilling (pun intended) and have had nothing but positive results.

In Victorian Scotland, during the holiday time, reading was encouraged. In fact, if a person did not have a book in hand at all times, they would be punished three sous. For true. Face it, you have a few days off from work, it is a little bit cold outside, curling up with a good book sounds like a terrific idea. Follow the rules.

This past year, three excellent cookbooks came out, all with ties to New Orleans. They share a similar story. That is the chefs who wrote them, have a deep history and understanding that good food comes from a specific place. Be it an uncle's boudin, granny's gumbo, or a neighbor's bread pudding, the connection between food, place, and memories is a strong one explored in each book.

The first is Donald Link's Real Cajun. You can order it here, or find it just about anywhere in the city. But your best bet, may be to head to Cochon Butcher and pick up an autographed copy. Or just ask the friendly gurus of sausage to have Chef Link autograph a copy to the object of your gratitude. While there you could also pick up one of their holiday gift baskets for your non-vegan, cool friends. As for your vegan friends, well they have mustards and stuff too.

Another good book would be John Besh's My New Orleans. This cookbook, while not as daunting as The French Laundry, would be better suited for your more ambitious home cooking friends. But even if you give it to someone who has never boiled water, the cheerful tone of the book and its brilliant story telling would be at home on anyone's nightstand or coffee table. You can also pick up a copy in town at any Besh Restaurant.

David Gaus, a relative of the Dread Pirate, recently released DamGood Sweet. DamGood Sweet is a collection of confectionery love letters to New Orleans from the native who now lives in DC. His book shows how snowball filled summers and pecan pies provide him with constant inspiration. I would encourage you to buy all these books in your local bookshop.

St. James has a pretty kick ass selection of cheese, charcuterie, and wine baskets. In fact, I wish someone would give me one of these instead of that bag of coal. I see it as the perfect Christmas present because it forces the recipient(s) to sit down, pour themselves a glass of wine, eat, talk, and spoil themselves for a few minutes during the busy holiday season.

If your foodie friend has all the above, let me give you another great idea. Go to a cookware store and buy a bunch of wooden spoons, some metal tongs, a soup ladle, a few metal serving spoons, and a metal spatula. Put a bow on them and call it the best gift of the year. A cook can always use more of those.

Have a happy holidays and a great lunch.

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