September 13, 2004

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Yes, folks, I'm one of those lunatics who starts Christmas shopping in July. Weird, but it spreads out the financial burden a bit. And I flat-out refuse to set foot in any kind of retail outlet (other than the grocery store) between Thanksgiving and Valentines Days. Fuggedabowdit.

I'm pleased to announce that I just crossed six co-workers and a close friend off my holiday shopping list at Penzey's Spices. If you haven't heard of them, you're really missing out. My friend Carla, who lives in Madison, WI introduced me to Penzey's. A big highlight of our upcoming holiday trip to see Matt's family near Milwaukee will be going to the Brookfield Penzey's store.

They make these really neato gift boxes that have jars of herbs and spices in them, and then are stuffed with real bay leaves and nutmeg. How cool is that?

I can't recommend the Fox Point seasoning enough. Sprinkle some on microwave popcorn and you've just created Sour Cream 'n Onion popcorn. Mmm!

Anyway, check it out if you need some holiday gift ideas for the cooks in your lives.