Simple Scents

Satsumas: Delightful to look at, eat, and smell

If you’re in the Chicago area, you must plan a winter visit to The Spice House. You can smell the store in the cold air from blocks away, and once you enter, you’re warmly embraced by the smell of far-off lands. I usually come ready with a list to stock up on old favorites, and while the spice merchants fill a worn wicker basket with my requested flavors, I wander around and find new mixes to add to my order. The countless jars in my overstuffed pantry are a testament to this strategy.

During my most recent trip, I impulsively grabbed a package of cinnamon sticks for $1.79. When I got home, I tossed a few into boiling water along with some orange rind, and the delicious, long-lasting holiday home fragrance that resulted was enough to give my not-so-inexpensive Diptyque candles a run for their money this holiday season. Next time, I’ll be adding cardamom seeds and whole cloves to the shopping list. 

Told you they're gorgeous

The cinnamon game changer

The ingredients couldn't be easier, or cheaper

Just add water...

..bring to a simmer, breathe deep and enjoy!

Shivery Shopping

Decorated rafters at the Pulaski Field House

My boyfriend Mike is definitely not a shopper, but he’s always willing to indulge me one weekend a year, when we make a day of it and go to the Renegade Craft Fair (last year’s visit depicted here) and somewhere new for lunch. Usually, I can even talk him into making a few extra stops to help round out some of the gifts that I’m slowly starting to put together for family and friends. While out, we hit zero degrees with the wind chill, so by the time we finished up the last errand, I was happy to head home and settle in to watch the snow fall and the (digital) fire crackle from the comfort of my couch. 

Chalk art wall at Hoosier Mama Pie Co.

Browsing at the Spice House in anticipation of holiday baking....more on that tomorrow

Quick peek through the blinds at one of the first real snows of the season

Pretending our TV is a fireplace with the crackling "Yule Log" recording

Beer & Chocolate

Lined up and ready to be consumed

Chicago has a great local food scene, and all of the amazing businesses in town make it really easy to put together a themed holiday gift. I thought I might share a fun and fairly inexpensive idea that we used last year: pairings of Wild Ophelia chocolate and Goose Island specialty Belgium beers.

We bought four-packs of each kind of beer and split them up, and each couple that got a gift box received two bottles of each type of beer and one corresponding bar of chocolate, along with two small glasses, cocktail napkins and a menu to outline the suggested pairings. They were such a hit that we kept one of the line-ups for ourselves, and we sampled everything one lazy and slightly tipsy Sunday afternoon while watching a football game and taking notes on our favorites. Sometimes the best gifts are the ones that you give to yourself! 

Sofie & Southern Hibiscus Peach Milk Chocolate Bar: 

This beer’s citrus notes complement the subtle sweetness of the peach-infused chocolate.

Pere Jacques & Peanut Butter & Banana Milk Chocolate Bar:

 Pere Jacques' malty sweetness and hints of dark, dried fruit complement the sweet and savory bar.

Pepe Nero & Beef Jerky Milk Chocolate Bar:

The bold, earthy and roasty flavors of Pepe Nero are the perfect complement to this tangy, savory chocolate.

Matilda & Smokehouse BBQ Potato Chip Dark Chocolate Bar:

 The spicy, savory character of this beer cuts through the sweet and smoky flavor of the bar.

Getting ready to dig in

The perfect present