The First Annual CLK Holiday Gift Guide

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for the food lovers in your life?

Look no further! Cottage Lane Kitchen has curated a list of must-have items that will delight any foodie. From exotic spices to unique sauces, these gifts are sure to impress even the most discerning palates. So, let's dive into our holiday gift list and find the perfect present for your loved ones!

50th Anniversary edition of An Invitation to Indian Cooking by Madhur Jaffery:

The first cookbook I ever consulted was by Madhur Jaffery. I made a Kedgree, a dish I still love, from a long lost paperback given to me by a distant cousin. I've tried to find that book in secondhand shops and until I do, I'm glad this classic cookbook has been reissued so I can reacquaint myself with how just amazing her recipes are.

PS - I made her cranberry chutney for Thanksgiving this year which was a supreme hit. Here's a link to the recipe. I'll be making it for Christmas too.

 

Bouillon Powder: Elevate Your Soups, Pasta, anything to the Next Level

This bouillon powder is THE BEST. Hands down. We have used it for over twenty years. Before we were able to order it Amazon, we would pack it in our suitcases from the UK as it is truly a CLK pantry essential.

Made from high-quality ingredients, this versatile seasoning adds depth and richness to soups, stews, and sauces. We even use it in our pasta water and grits and, man oh man, what a difference it makes!

PS - We like both flavors equally.

        

 

Spices: A World of Aromas and Flavors

No kitchen is complete without a drawer FULL of spices (or is that just us?) and these more unique ones are some we cannot live without.

From the fiery heat of Calabrian Chili Powder to the umami of Mushroom powder to the zesty, yet earthy Za'atar, they are all delicious even when used simply: sprinkled in olive oil, putting on top of Hummus and other dips and spreads, or just using with your eggs in the morning.

These spices will quickly become your go to flavors for palate pleasing meals.

         

 

Hot Honey: Sweet and Spicy Goodness

Hot Honey has been a favorite for a while - from ice cream, PB&Js, fried chicken, cheese boards, to just plain old white bread. It's the sweet heat you can't get enough of!

And we love this peach flavored one from another small business in SC.

African Sauces: Taste the Flavors of the Continent

These were one of Oprah's Favorite Things last year and we couldn't be happier for our friend and fellow female food entrepreneur, Jainaba Jeng, from Kitchens of Africa.

Also based in NC, Kitchens of Africa have been in business for over 10 years. We've been able to impress our friends and family using her elegant and high quality ingredient sauces. They make cooking easy and delightful and the African flavors are accessible and familiar to the modern American palate.

Gift Set

Stocking Stuffer Single Bottles

I Love the Smell of Fresh Coffee in the morning

I used to drink tea in the morning, but my husband has converted me to coffee. About 10 years ago we stayed with a friend's who served us one of the best cups of joe we had ever tasted. He said it was all due to the coffee maker.

So began our love of the Moccamaster. It's an expensive purchase, but the quality of coffee we have enjoyed each morning over the years, has been worth it.

PS - I also gifted my husband this Zojirushi thermos ten years ago and he still uses it daily as it keeps his coffee piping hot all day long. It's now dented and scratched and it makes me happy to see how much he has used and traveled with it through the years. One of the best gifts I have ever given him.

    

 

Candles make a house a home

Another NC based business and again, woman founded, is candle maker Southern Elegance. D'Shawn's candles have warmed my home for seasons and right now I'm into tabacco and amber, but she also has fresh citrus and clean scents too. She also offers candles named with southern sayings that will make you laugh out loud (iykyk) and southern cities that will make you either nostalgic  or ready to travel and explore come 2024.

Check out her store here to see her entire line to find the one that resonances with you.

 

Thanks for reading our first annual Cottage Lane Kitchen holiday gift list. Happy gifting and happy holidays!

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Please be assured I only recommend products I have used and want to share with others. I have not be paid to write this blog or highlight these products.