Santa's Wish List

Introducing Dufflet Chocolates

From Dufflets:

The magic began in 1975 when Dufflet Rosenberg began baking from her home for the Cow Café. In 1982 Dufflet opened her first pastry café on the trendy Queen Street West strip – today a Toronto institution and destination for the city’s finest pastries and divine desserts. In 2002 Dufflet launched her second pastry + flower café on Yonge Street – truly a Mecca of small indulgences.

In addition to Dufflet’s retail shops, Dufflet Pastries supplies over 500 restaurants and cafes, specialty food shops, upscale supermarkets, hotels and caterers with more than 100 unique, entirely natural products – including the city’s most talked about wedding cakes – everything lovingly hand-crafted!

Our Thoughts

Like many other women I love chocolates. But it can’t be the plain old boring bar with nothing added to it. I like some bite to my chocolate something different whether its a crunch or a fruit or a different taste. I found all that and more in Dufflet Chocolates. I got to try the Dufflet Bittersweet Chocolate Almond Crackle. Let me tell you it is beyond delicious. The chocolate covered raspberries weren’t exactly my taste though. The hazelnut chocolates were delicious and better tasting than that other hazelnut candy and less expensive too. But the Toasted Almond Crackle did me in. The one box that was sent to us was gone within 2 days. I had to go on the hunt. Unfortunately Dufflet Chocolates are not available in stores in the US at the moment but they are available for purchase online. Amazon had a pretty good price and since I had a gift certificate I ordered. I found for my tastes freezing the chocolate made it taste better but also kept little fingers out of it.

Find Dufflet Chocolates on Facebook and Twitter

Buy It

You can purchase your Dufflet Chocolates online or in stores throughout Candada.

I was sent a sample of this product to review. All opinions are my own and are not swayed by the company.

Introducing The Fresh Market

From The Fresh Market:

In 1982, Ray Berry and his wife, Beverly, opened a small store dedicated to providing quality foods in a friendly atmosphere. Over the past 25 years, The Fresh Market has grown because of our dedication to our customers who enjoy the same high quality and amiable service we do. With a growing national market, we continue to focus on stellar customer service and strive to keep the specialty neighborhood grocer feeling that our customers have grown to love.

Our Thoughts

Our basket arrived and was stunning. The basket was wrapped in heavy plastic with a huge bow on the front. Inside the basket the items were artfully arranged to provide a good view of all the items while being eye-catching. Our basket came with Brent & Sams Cookies, TFM Original Cheddar Cheese Straws, TFM Blend Coffee, Lindt Milk Chocolate Truffles, Bahlsen Hit Cookies, Twinings English Breakfast Tea, Peanuts, Soft Peppermint Sticks. The kids immediately asked for cookies. The Bahlsen Hit Cookies were just that a hit. The package was gone by the end of the day. Meanwhile I settled into the couch with a nice cup of the Twinings English Breakfast Tea and the peanuts. I know sounds like an odd combination but it was just what I needed. The next day the kids enjoyed some of the Cheese straws with their lunch. It was nice to give them something different than just the chips or pretzels.

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Find The Fresh Market on Facebook

Buy It

You can purchase your The Fresh Market online.

I was sent a sample of this product to review. All opinions are my own and are not swayed by the company.

Introducing Fix It and Forget CookBooks

From Fix It and Forget:

The Fix-It and Forget-It cookbooks make it possible to prepare nutritious, tasty meals every day.

• You can make Welcome-Home food in a matter of minutes.
• Each cookbook’s pages are packed with recipes. Each cookbook has between 500 and 800 recipes.
• The books sell for peanuts!
• The recipes call for just a few ingredients — and they’re readily available.
• Many of the recipes are offered in multiple variations. Find the one that suits your taste — and for the ingredients which you have on hand.
• Preparations are easy; the ingredients are reasonably priced.
• The food you dish out of your slow cooker is delicious, healthy — and satisfying.
• Everybody eats well — without the cook being under pressure.
• Everyone goes away from the table happy — with little preparation time or shopping money spent.
• Little fuss. Lots of flavor!

Our Thoughts

As a frantic mom I have to have options that can be done easily. Throwing some ingredients in the crockpot and letting it go is a fantastic way to get a good healthy home cooked meal and usually only takes me a few minutes of preparation. I love the Fix It and Forget It cookbooks.Each book has hundreds of recipes to make your mouth water. The newest books are the Fix It and Forget It Christmas Cookbook and the Fix It and Forget It Kids Cookbook. This Thanksgiving we switched it up a little bit at home. We used the recipe for Seafood Cheese Fondue from the Fix It and Forget it Christmas cookbook to have a more savory option than just turkey. This would have been great as when I was a kid. My grandfather refused to eat poultry so having an option other than ham would have been great for him. The kids loved the seafood and cheese.

This weekend we also got to pull out the Fix It and Forget It Kids Cookbook. The kids have been eyeing this book since it came in the house. Their choice was the Mac and Cheese. We assembled the ingredients and got to work. Because many of the recipes do not require cooking before putting the ingredients in the crockpot means that the kids can help with the entire process of cooking and I don’t have to worry about anyone getting burned. We used a new Hamilton Beach Crockpot to make our Mac and Cheese in. We followed the directions and the kids got to mix the ingredients so they felt they had accomplished cooking on their own. At the end of the day we had a delicious dinner.

Buy It

You can purchase your Fix It and Forget It CookBooks online or in stores nationwide.

I was sent a sample of this product to review. All opinions are my own and are not swayed by the company.

Introducing Baducco Panettone

From Baducco Panettone:

Bauducco Panettone is a moist and ready to eat specialty cake loaded with a variety of SunMaid raisins with candied fruits and Hershey’s chocolate chips!

Our Thoughts

I am a hobby baker so I like sampling other cake products. This cake was wonderful. It was very moist and had a wonderful flavor. It comes in a pretty box that makes it a perfect gift, all you need to do is add a bow and you have an instant gift. This cake would make a wonderful gift for the office party or even as the extra present that we all buy for Christmas for that unexpected guest. I honestly hope that my unexpected guest won’t come this year so that I can keep the cake for myself.

Buy It

You can purchase your Bauducco Panettone online or in stores nationwide.

I was sent a sample of this product to review. All opinions are my own and are not swayed by the company.

Introducing Tassimo

From Tassimo:

TASSIMO is not just another coffee maker. It’s a whole new way to prepare a variety of delicious hot drinks perfectly, in the comfort of your own home. And it’s so simple.

Our Thoughts

I’m in love with our Tassimo. Since it arrived we have used it at least once every day. It’s simple enough to use that Rachael can make a cup of hot cocoa almost completely by herself.

There are varieties of coffee and tea I have never seen before. We were sent the Caramel latte machiatto and sweet and creamy iced coffee. The caramel latte machiatto is a little too strong for my test. My sister gave it a try and after adding a spoon of sugar thought it was fantastic. In fact she drank the rest of mine and later I fixed her a third cup. The sweet and creamy iced coffee is just that sweet and creamy.

We ordered the Suchard Hot Cocoa and the earl grey tea. The one thing I’ve found is that I will be ordering more of the milk creamer. To add a touch of milk to my tea and Rachael’s cocoa it’s nice to add the milk in hot. To do this we first place the milk creamer in the machine. Once it is done I split the creamer between two cups, half goes into a cup for Rachael’s hot cocoa while I brew the tea into the cup for me.  The Tassimo is a definite must for the foodie/coffee drinker in your family.

The only problem I have is that the line of T-discs are not readily available in stores. Our local Walmart has just started carrying T-discs but they only carry coffees. I would love to see Tea and Cocoa varieties available in stores.

Find Tassimo on Facebook and Twitter

Buy It

You can purchase your Tassimo online or in stores nationwide.

I was sent a sample of this product to review. All opinions are my own and are not swayed by the company.

Introducing Dinner for Busy Moms

From Jeanne Muchnick:

Learn how to:

• Turn off the TV and get back to the table (without a revolt)
• “Shop” your pantry
• Buy smarter – and save money
• Nourish kids of all ages
• “Feed” your soul (aka eat in peace)
• Foolproof recipes to get you started
• Hundreds of ways to answer the question “What’s for Dinner?

Our Thoughts

I am the mom to two special needs boys and have a busy hobby riding as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician. I am always looking for quick easy fixes for dinner. In my house we get tired of the same old hot dogs and hamburgers. This cookbook has been a huge help. It is backed with wonderful easy recipes. All of the recipes are quick, easy, and crowd pleasers. We have tried most of the recipes and have loved them all so much that it impossible to pick which one was our families’ favorite. This is a must have for every busy mom or dad out there!

Buy It

You can purchase your Dinner for Busy Moms online.

Win It

You can win your very own Dinner for Busy Moms.

Mandatory Entry

Let me know what keeps your frantic.

Extra Entries

* Follow I Like It Frantic on Twitter and Tweet. Don’t forget to add the @ILikeItFrantic
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* Blog about this contest with links to Dinner for Busy Moms and I Like It Frantic and receive 5 extra entries. (Leave 5 separate comments.)
* Enter another contest here on Santa’s Wish List.

Giveaway Rules

*Winners are chosen by Random.Org, if you want all your chances counted, make sure you leave individual comments, not all of them in one!
*winner has 48 hours to contact me or another name will be chosen.
*contest ends December 1. Winner will be posted shortly afterwards.
*open to US Bloggers only.
*rules for each entry must be followed to be valid.

I was sent a sample of this product to review. All opinions are my own and are not swayed by the company.

Introducing Alize

From Alize:

Intensely unique and inviting, Alizé Passion liqueurs infuse premium French Vodka with luscious, all natural flavors from the world’s most exotic regions. Our Master Blenders travel from the jungles of Brazil, the lush hillsides of Chile, the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, the flourishing Mediterranean Coast, and to the tropical shores of South America and the pacific islands to bring you the nectars of our exotic fruits. Alizé is delicious mixed with vodka, tequila, rum or a splash of Champagne. Alizé is also refreshing on the rocks or in mimosas, martinis and margaritas.

Our Thoughts

My husband and I love to entertain and relax with a nice cocktail. I had heard a lot amount the Alize line so I decided to it. I put the bottle in the freezer and got it nice and cold. I love cocktails but don’t like ones that taste strongly of alcohol taste. The Alize was awesome straight out of the freezer. We also tried mixing it with Sprite and it was even better. I would highly recommend it for holiday parties.

A few Alize Recipes:

Peppermint Kiss

3 ounces Alizé Red Passion

3 ounces Taittinger Champagne

Serve chilled in a champagne glass with mint leaf to garnish.

Rosy Cheeks

2 ounce white wine

1 ounce Alizé Gold Passion

Serve chilled in a champagne flute.

Baby, Its Cold Outside

2 ounces Alizé Gold Passion

1 ounce apple schnapps

½ ounce vodka

½ ounce triple sec

Shake well over ice, strain and serve straight up in a martini glass.

Find Alize on Facebook

Buy It

You can purchase your Alize in stores nationwide.

I was sent a sample of this product to review. All opinions are my own and are not swayed by the company.

Introducing Limoneira

From Limoneira:

Over 100 years ago, co-founders Nathan W. Blanchard and Wallace G. Hardison purchased over four hundred acres of land and formed the Limoneira Company (Portuguese for Lemon Lands) in the beautiful Heritage Valley located in Ventura County, California. With its rich soil and bountiful sunshine, California is recognized as the World’s Fruit Basket and the Limoneira Company is centered in the heart of this great agricultural area. The Heritage Valley, with its breathless landscapes, is also recognized as the “Grand Canyon” of citrus and avocados and produces the juiciest, most flavorful fruit known. Backed with over 116 years of growing experience, the Limoneira Company’s history, heritage and legacy is truly reflected in the fruit it grows and the lifestyle it creates.

Our Thoughts

I recently had the pleasure of trying out two fantastic products from the Limoneria Company of Santa Paula, California. The company is committed to educating children on community building, sustainability, and agriculture heritage. The company focuses on educating today’s children in the hopes the lesson will carry on throughout their lives. As mom to three young children, recycling and caring for our world are especially important to me.

The first product that we reviewed was the Limoneira Kids Grow Your Own Garden Kit. Our kit was the Lemon Mint and Lemon Basil. The kit is great and includes everything your child needs to begin to grow their plants from tiny seeds. I loved the child-sized garden tools that were easy for my 4 year old daughter to use, but they were not babyish and would last a long time. The kit even includes gloves in case your child is squeamish about sticking their hands in the potting soil. We have not planted our seeds yet, as the very detailed directions say to plant outside only when all dangers of frost has passed for the season. You can begin your seeds inside 6-8 weeks before transporting them outside. We have marked on our calendar when we can plant our seeds. I really appreciate the ideas on how to use the lemon basil in cooking and which animals will be attracted to our lemon mint plants. I have recently begun to more time and energy tending to my flower beds and my daughter loves to “help me”, which means she picks the buds off the most beautiful flowers! She loved when I gave her space and flowers that were just hers. We both are excited to try these seeds and have a new garden that is for her. This would make a great holiday gift for any child interested in gardening.

The second product we enjoyed from the Limoneria Company was the Master Kid’s Chef Kit. As the holidays are quickly approaching, my kitchen is busy with all sorts of baking. All of my children enjoy helping me in the kitchen. It is really a great family time activity. The Master Kid’s Chef kit was perfect for us. Again, the kit includes everything a young chef would need, such as an apron, hat, and recipe cards. The utensils were constructed high quality materials and should last us quite a while.  My oldest children 7 and 4 both loved the child-sized scraper which allowed them to scrape the mixing bowl easily to test our goodies.  I really like the wooden rolling pin and the whisk. The only problem in our house was all three of my guys wanted to use everything in the kit for themselves! My 7 year old son included this kit on his wish list to Santa!  This terrific kit would make a great gift for any child. I think including a child’s cook book or a gift certificate to the local store to buy ingredients would be a thoughtful companion to this great kit.

Find Limoneira on Facebook and Twitter

Buy It

You can purchase your Limoneira products online. Their products range all ages not just the kids!

I was sent a sample of this product to review. All opinions are my own and are not swayed by the company.

Introducing the Baby Cakes Cupcake Maker

From BJ’s Wholesale Club:

Our Thoughts

The kids love to make cupcakes. The time it takes can be long and tiresome though. It can be messy and costly. Between spilling  batter and buying the holders making cupcakes turns into a chore rather than a fun event for the kids and I do to together. The solution is the Baby Cakes Cupcake Maker. We were able to give the Baby Cakes Cupcake Maker out several times over the past few weeks. The machine is extremely light weight making it easily portable. We took our Baby Cakes Cupcake Maker over to Mimi’s house and made some cupcakes for dessert. Since some of us aren’t as into cupcakes as others are I followed the directions to make mini pies. That’s right this machine doubles as a pie/tart maker as well. Included in the box is a special set of tools made to properly press the dough into the cups and a second one to crimp the top crust. The tools also work double duty in making sure when you roll out your dough you cut it to the perfect size.

We used our Baby Cakes Cupcake Maker to make some delicious apple pies. Since I’m not a fantastic baker I chose to pick up some Pillsbury pie crust while at BJ’s and grabbed a can of apple pie filling out of our cabinet. I used the tool to quickly make the perfectly sized dough pieces and started filling away. I found for ease of filling I needed to cut the apples in slightly smaller pieces. Without cutting them in half or thirds, I was only able to comfortably fit one apple slice in the cup. After the first round, I also learned another lesson. I found it easier to use if I placed the bottom dough and filling in the cups and closed the lid and let it cook for a few minutes first. After adding the top crust and crimping it, a quick close of the lid and 5 minutes later we had perfect delicious little apple pies.

We found the Baby Cakes Cupcake Maker so easy to use and so quick that my sister went and bought one the same day. She has a small cake business that she is trying to get off the ground. She had just learned that morning that she would be participating in a bridal event. So the Baby Cakes Cupcake Maker was perfect for her. She will be able to take it to events along with a few batches of batter and make her cakes right there on the spot. THAT’S SERVICE!

I love that I can find this locally at BJ’s too. The price is lower than anywhere else I’ve found and I can pick up the Baby Cakes Cupcake Maker at the same time I pick up our groceries.

BJ’s also accepts manufacturer’s coupons— the only wholesale club that does— in addition to their own coupons.  Go here to see the video on Facebook.

Perfect Golden Brown Mini Apple Pies

Find BJ’s on Facebook and Twitter

Buy It

You can purchase your Baby Cakes Cupcake Maker  online or in BJ’s stores nationwide. No worries if you don’t have a membership. BJ’s is offering a 60-day free trial membership.

Introducing Sili Gourmet Tea Ball

From William Bounds:

Made of high-quality stainless steel and silicone, and designed to steep tea to perfection. Smaller holes prevent wayward leaves from escaping. Silicone cap makes it easy to fill and close. Stay-cool silicone teardrop at the top of the handle makes it easy to remove from the cup.

Our Thoughts

When working with the H20 Pro Tea Kettle, I was lucky to also have a Sili Gourmet Tea Ball to use. The Sili Gourmet Tea Balls come in several different colors that work in any kitchen but their functionality is the best part. I was able to place some of my favorite loose leaf tea in the tea ball, brew the perfect cup of tea and remove the tea ball without burning my fingers. Even better was being able to place the tea ball into the silicone rest for the remaining drips so there was no mess on the counter. Now the kids have thought the Sili Gourmet Tea Ball were a toy and they liked to just look at the colors.

Buy It

You can purchase your Sili Gourmet Tea Ball online or in stores nationwide.

I was sent a sample of this product to review. All opinions are my own and are not swayed by the company.