Wondering what little gifts to get the foodies in your life? Especially those who have everything? Here are some suggestions, based on my experience. These are lower priced gifts, all in the affordable range, perfect for hostess gifts.

I’m probably going to ruin my fit foodie reputation by reviewing these Hostess 100 Calories Cupcakes, but so be it. I think we all want to relive our childhood (albeit in a less caloric way), and this - I thought - was my way of doing so.

Remember the Hostess Cupcakes of your childhood? The moist chocolaty cake, the creamy white filling, the thick fudge icing with the little white swirls on top? I do. So when I saw the new 100 calorie version on the store shelves, how could I resist? Even more impressive -- according to the box you get THREE cupcakes for each 100 calorie serving! It seemed too good to be true!  And unfortunately, it was.

Every now and again I find a kitchen tool that I just can’t live without, and I want to recommend it to everyone I know. Such is the case with my Microplane Zester.  First, a caveat - if you don’t like citrus flavors or use fresh ginger, then perhaps you won’t need this. But for me, who loves to cook with lemon zest, this tool is a lifesaver. I tried at least three other citrus zesters before I got this wonderful tool. Each one was a disappointment. Either they took forever, or the zest was too thick, or they weren’t sharp enough and would tear at the lemon peel. I was losing hope of finding something that could quickly and easily produce a fine, fluffy lemon zest. And then I discovered Microplane.

Companies will seemingly do anything to find a new marketing angle. One I’ve noticed recently is targeting different foods for different sexes. A great example of this is an oatmeal put out by Quaker (the oatmeal giant). This oatmeal, which comes in packets like many of their flavored instant oatmeals do, is called “Nutrition for Women.” The marketing pitch is that “Each bowl of Quaker Instant Oatmeal Nutrition for Women combines heart healthy oats and the rich taste of golden brown sugar with a unique combination of nutrients designed to meet a woman's special needs at various phases of her life.” I wasn’t sure what phase of my life I was in, but I am a woman, and I do like oatmeal, so I bought a box of the Golden Brown Sugar flavor. What a mistake. read more...