The Princess and The Pea Tea Party

This year, for my daughter's birthday, I decided to get a little creative. I've always loved the story, "The Princess and The Pea" and a tea party seemed the perfect thing so I combined the two into my theme.

The weather cooperated and we were able to have the party outside.

I found mis-matched tea cups and accessories at Goodwill; each child was able to pick their own tea cup to use and take home. The teapot ended up being wildly popular among the kids, they all took turns pouring a "tea" of raspberry lemonade.

Lunch included various cheeses & crackers, a caesar salad, assorted veggies with dip and three types of tea sandwiches (salmon, chicken salad and cucumber). I gave the moms the option of dropping off but there was plenty of food for everyone and champagne for the moms.

A friend gave me a delicious cupcake recipe (below).

Elissa Strauss' Vanilla Cake, Confetti Cakes, New York
2 c cake flour*
1 3/4 c plus 1 1/2 tsp all purpose flour
2 1/4 tsp baking powder
1 c (2 sticks) unsalted butter
3 c granulated sugar
3/4 tsp salt
1 T pure vanilla extract
1 c (8 oz; 7 about 7 eggs) egg whites or 100% pasturized liquid egg whites
1 1/2 c milk
Preheat oven to 350 F.

In a large bowl, sift together the cake flour, all-purpose flour, and baking powder. Set aside.

In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the butter and sugar and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy.

Add the salt and vanilla.

Set the mixer to low speed and gradually add the egg whites, scraping often.

Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture in two batches, starting with the flour. Scrape down the bowl between each addition and beat until thoroughly combined. set the mixer to medium-high speed for about 20 seconds then stop and scrape sides of the bowl.

Divide the batter evenly between paper-lined muffin tins and bake 20 to 25 min.

Allow the cake to cool for 20min. once the cake is cool, release it from the pan by running a metal spatula or knife along the sides of the pan.

The recipe makes approximately 26-28 cupcakes. *You can make your own cake flour using all-purpose flour & a bit of corn starch, if you don't want to purchase additional flour to store.

Once the cupcakes are cool, frost with Cream Cheese Frosting and top with a "pea" (in this case, I used green Holland Mints).
1/2 pound cream cheese, at room temperature
1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/4 + 1/8 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/8 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 3/4 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
Double the above if you like heavily frosted cupcakes. The cupcake recipe above is fairly sweet and moist so you don't need a lot of frosting to make them good.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the cream cheese, butter, vanilla and almond extract on low speed. Add the confectioners' sugar and mix until just smooth.

In addition to a tea cup, each child took home a paper crown and bag of Holland mints with stickers.

What to do with 7 egg yolks?

Coconut Cake

For the 2nd time in my life, I decided to bake a cake from scratch. The first, was a chocolate cake. This one, for my husband's birthday, was coconut.

It turned out well, moist and coconut-y, albeit a bit dense for my personal taste. The frosting was definitely a keeper; my mother-in-law has mentioned to me, numerous times how much she liked it (yay!).

I made the cake & frosted it on a Friday, refrigerated it overnight and served it Saturday evening and it was not dry at all, although the refrigeration may have contributed to the density. I think the quantity of butter also was a factor; don't get me wrong, it wasn't overwhelmingly dense, just moreso than I was hoping for. Even after cutting into the cake, it wasn't dry, despite refrigeration 2 nights in a row.

I adapted a recipe from Ina Garten, that I found on The Food Network website.

Coconut Cake

3/4 lb (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing the pans

2 c sugar

5 extra-large eggs, at room temperature

1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 tsp pure almond extract

3 c all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the pans

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1 c milk

3/4 c TOTAL sweetened & unsweetened shredded coconut, mixed*

For the frosting:

1 pound (2 blocks) cream cheese, at room temperature

1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

3/4 tsp pure vanilla extract

1/4 tsp pure almond extract

3 - 3 1/2 confectioners' sugar, sifted

1 c TOTAL sweetened & unsweetened shredded coconut, mixed

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two (9-inch) round cake pans.

In a bowl, using the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar on medium-high speed for 3 - 5 minutes, until light yellow and fluffy. On medium speed, add the eggs 1 at a time, scraping the bowl while mixing. Add vanilla and almond extracts and mix well. 

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk to the batter. Mix until just combined and mix in coconut.

Pour batter evenly into the 2 pans and smooth the top with a knife. Bake in the center of the oven for 45 to 55 minutes, until the tops are browned and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a baking rack for 30 minutes, then turn the cakes out onto a baking rack to finish cooling.

Frosting: In a bowl, use an electric mixer to combine cream cheese, butter, vanilla and almond extract on low speed. Add the confectioners' sugar and mix until just smooth.

Assembly: Place 1 layer on a flat serving plate and spread with frosting. Sprinkle frosting with coconut. Add second layer and frost the entire cake. Finish by covering with coconut. Serve room temperature.

* My favorite unsweetened coconut is by Bob's Red Mill; the original recipe called for 100% sweetened coconut but I was afraid that would lead to an overly sweet cake. The combination of unsweetened and sweetened provided the right balance with the cake and frosting.

My new favorite trick: Two bags of Stash Peppermint Herbal Tea in a pitcher of water gives it a refreshing, sugar-free, taste of mint.

 I like water but occasionally I find it hard to drink enough and adding a little flavor makes it easier to drink more. Things like Crystal Lite and other products designed to add flavor to water contain sugar and chemicals -- none of which I want in my water.
Cucumber slices, lemons, and limes are great but I don't always get to the store and they are perishable so they aren't something I can keep on the shelf for just-in-case occasions. Other types of tea would work too but, I prefer caffeine-free and many herbals don't appeal to me. In the past, I used an herbal vanilla-hazelnut tea but it was a little too sweet for my taste.

No need to boil the water or even place the pitcher in the sun, just throw the tea bags into the pitcher and leave until the water has the flavor you desire. Easy!

Wine in your floor

This is so fantastic; I want one!

The Spiral Wine Cellar

Pink Hot Chocolate

Jam

From NW Palate...

Jams to try

King Estate Blueberry and Raspberry Pinor Noir jams

Ayers Creek Damson Plum, Loganberry, Italian Prune and Blackcap Jam available at Foster & Dobbs

Republic of Jam

Marche Berry Jams and Pear Butter

Sassafras Southern Kitchen Fig, Brandied Plum, Sunchoke, Pear and Meyer Lemon and Heirloom Beet and Fennel

Oregon Growers

Pennington Farms Strawberry/Rhubarb

Sunset Valley Organics Blueberry Jams

Favorite Things: Dessert

YUM. None of my favorite ice cream or Coconut Bliss flavors were available tonight when we stopped for an after dinner grocery run. I was a bit distraught until I spied Talenti Sea Salt Caramel. I'd never tried Talenti before but this seemed the perfect opportunity as I love salted caramel. I wasn't disappointed. A beautiful texture with chunks of chocolate covered caramel treasure buried inside.

Rated: Highly Recommended

Dairy-Free Treats

I'm not sure I can be friends with people that don't like chocolate and coconut. YUM. My latest find dairy- & nut-free find is Manischewitz Chocolate Macaroons. Chocolatey-goodness abounds with chewy coconut. M's Chocolate Macaroons are also gluten-free*

I also tried Manischewitz's Dark Chocolate Peppermint Patties. A little too similar to York Peppermint Patties, which I don't really care for. I prefer Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Mint Creams (I think that's what they are called... I don't have a box handy because every time I do, I eat them all!). TJ's Mint Creams are softer and less 'sharp' than M's Peppermint Patties.




* Manischewitz Chocolate Macaroons are made in a facility with both dairy & wheat products so while they do not contain either, for those who are extremely sensitive or cautious, it's important to note.
** Always read labels if you have food allergies. Product ingredients can change without notice and frequently do.

Sweet Treat

My latest obsession is one I picked up from Nancy's Kitchen in NW Portland. Nancy's is terrific and they've watched our daughter grow from bb (before birth) to the chatty yet coy four year old she is today.

We go often enough that they treat our daughter like their own and frequently bring her little treats or tastes of new items on the menu as we wait for our meal. The last time we were in, the treat warmed, homemade jam with sliced bananas. Q was being fickle and the smell of the warmed jam was so good, I had to try some... and then preceded to eat the entire banana dipped in the warm jam. Delish!

I'm not a huge fan of bananas but this has become my latest fave and while it's high in sugar (depending on the jam you use), it's pretty healthy overall. Healthier than a lot of dessert options, anyway!

The "Oregon For The Holidays" List 2010

FASHION

Ellington Handbag's Bella Hobo bag makes a great travel bag and can be worn cross-body or as a shoulder bag. Follow on Twitter @ms_elli

Souchi, Warm & cozy for winter, Add leggings boots & cashmere turban for a complete look. Follow on Twitter @suzisouchi

Langlitz, for custom-made motorcycle jackets and more.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Wine, Oregon produces some of the finest Pinot Noirs in the world along with other varietals. There's something for everyone.

Oregon's Choice Tuna & other products: Line caught & BPA-free

Beer, Oregon has a myriad of breweries to choose from. Pick up a few 6-packs from breweries around the state for that beer-lovin' friend this holiday season.

Harry & David, gourmet fruit, chocolate and more. Featured on Oprah's Favorite Things 2010. Follow on Twitter @HarryandDavid

MISC

Oregon Chainsaw, because you never know when you'll need one.

Square Root Industries, artist Todd Loewy, can craft you a beautiful table that's not just functional but art.

Check back, because I'll be adding to the list regularly!

Buy Oregon for the Holidays!

Oregon albacore has a lower content of mercury than other tuna and you can get it in BPA-free cans at Oregon's Choice.

Gourmet tuna and other products from Oregon's Choice make great gifts and BPA-free means they are also smart choices for your home. In addition, unlike many of the large companies, they catch their tuna using a hook and line, which means, Oregon's Choice tuna really is dolphin free.

mmmmm

Earlier today, I noted an article posted by a friend on Facebook, 51 great burger joints. I've wanted to try The Country Cat for a while now and the article gave me incentive. We hopped in the car and headed across the river.

There was about a 1/2 hour wait for a table so they took down my cell number and suggested we head down the block to the Montavilla Farmer's Market. The market was great and had I not been so excited about trying out The Country Cat, we would have eaten there. Among other things, there were fresh tamales, barbeque and one vendor had salted caramel ice cream. It's open from 10-2pm on Sundays and many vendors offer tastes. We tried some amazing peaches, some cheese and Pãobread (I purchased a bag because they'll be great additions to my daughter's school lunch on occasion and yum!). We easily could have stayed longer but the market had so many yummy looking desserts, we knew we had to leave before we filled up on treats and had no room for lunch!

The timing was perfect. Just as I was loading my market loot into the car, my cell rang and our table was ready. The Country Cat serves brunch from 9-2pm every day and there were plenty of options on the menu.

I started with a great looking bloody mary called the Proud Mary, garnished with homemade beef jerky, served in a beer mug. My husband ordered the Heritage burger. He's a barbeque fan and they brought him a side of bbq sauce on the side -- delicious, made with homemade ketchup. I stole a bite of the burger and it was divine. Accompanying the burger were fabulous skinny onion rings. Neither my husband nor our daughter are fans of onion rings but the whole family couldn't keep our hands off of them.

Our daughter had pancakes. I didn't try them because I had more than enough food on my plate, in addition to the onion rings I kept stealing off of my husband's plate.

I ordered the skillet fried chicken with pecan spoon bread. It was amazing. The chicken was moist inside and the crunch on the outside was just perfect. And oh, the spoonbread. The combination had to have been 10,000 calories and I just couldn't stop eating.

I can't wait to go back to both The Country Cat AND the Montavilla Farmer's Market!

Try It, You'll Like It

We have a rule in our house where food is concerned:

You have to try it once before you say you don't like it.

The rule originated in our house, like in many households with children, in order to avoid creating a child who only eats chicken nuggets (which I won't serve and don't offer up as an option in restaurants) or pasta (which I do offer both in and out of house). We tell Daughter she has to try everything at least once, per meal.

Until recently, this has been fabulous. Frequently, she likes what she tries and eats most of what is on our plates. When she doesn't like something, we don't fret because she'll have to try it again when we have it another day. The idea is bolstered by the hypothesis that one needs to "try" a new food anywhere from 10-15 times before he or she will like it. I don't really know where this hypothesis came from but, I read it somewhere and it seems like a good enough reason to continually hoist foods on my child that she claims* not to like. Occasionally she'll try to get out of trying something but generally a somewhat stern, "You know the rule..." works and when it doesn't, we're not above saying, "That's what's on the table and if you want something else, you'll have to try what we've offered." So far, it hasn't failed.

... Except...

Now she's turning it around on us and it's hard, no virtually impossible, to say no when we know we're setting an example or when she's just waiting for one of us to give her an excuse to say no herself.

Example: We arrived home after visiting my parents for a few days and since the fridge was empty and it was already well-past lunchtime, the most expedient and appealing thing to do was go out. We landed at Andina, a favorite. Prior to your order arriving, they offer you bread and three dipping sauces: One a slightly spicy, peanut sauce, the 2nd, a spicier, fruity concoction and the 3rd, something so spicy I don't actually remember what it tastes like. Yes, spicy food is too much for me; I admit it. Anyway, I love the peanut sauce, delicately enjoy the 2nd and steer clear of the green stuff. Not today. Q looked at me and said, "Try it!" with glee in her eyes. I'd made the mistake of telling her not to eat it because it was spicy; that it was too hot for me. I sealed my fate with those words and soon found myself skimming a piece of bread over the spicy sauce trying for only the slightest bit to stick to the bread.

Today isn't the first time and it certainly won't be the last ... now, how to fool her...

* I say claims because frequently she'll like something one day, hate it the next and then want it again the next day. It's genuinely difficult to keep up with her changing preferences. Right now she's decided she no longer likes pasta with red sauce when only a month ago, she wouldn't go near the white sauce. One day she'll eat mussels, raw oysters and clams and the next day, blech. The one thing I can't seem to keep her away from is salsa, lately anyway.

Depressed and Angry

God, this sucks. I just don't know how I'm going to make it 8 weeks wheat free. Tonight we went to a wine-tasting.

All of the appetizers were wheat-ridden. We sit down at the table and there's a large basket of yummy looking WHEAT crackers. I hold out for dinner. Surely there will be something there for me, right?

It's buffet-style. First up, lamb. Nope, can't do lamb (it's a taste thing not a sensitivity). Next, beef. Can't do that either. After that, something that's either chicken or salmon but looks like it's covered in soy sauce (wheat again). Then salad rolls. I asked a waiter if they are wheat free. He checks and comes back to tell me the chef has gone home and they aren't sure. The desserts -- a nice selection of tarts, again, wheat.

I can't have a glass of wine (or more) on an empty stomach. Bad news for a number of reasons. Yet, here I am at a wine-tasting and I can't eat a thing that's being served. Had I been smart, I would have packed a box of wheat-free crackers or eaten large quantities of food prior to leaving the house but I'm new to this and well, not smart about it -- obviously.

It's hard to have fun in a room full of people drinking and eating when you feel like you can't do either (tiny sips of wine just don't cut it). Husband looks at me, in my misery, and says, "Let's go. You don't look like you're having fun; let's go somewhere you can eat something." I ask him if he's ok with that and yes, he's completely cool with it.

We head out and try to figure out where I can eat something substantial (that isn't chicken, I'm bored to death with chicken). First thought is Jake's. The wait is 35 minutes. Not worth it. Next stop, Andina; 45 minute wait. I could die of starvation before we'd have our food so we head home. Husband offers to stop at the grocery store but at this point, I've resigned myself to a life of lettuce and tell him no.

Yes, I realize some of the problem (ok, probably a lot of the problem) is me in this case but taking wheat out of my diet is akin to taking a limb. And yes, I *kind of* know what that feels like since I lost part of my left & dominant hand in a car accident at 16 and in addition to the mental & physical anguish I suffered as a teen, I currently suffer from bouts of phantom pain (completely bizarre) and have arthritis in some of my joints.

For nearly 40 years, the bulk of my diet has been wheat-based. I don't care for most types of meat and veggies, while heavenly, don't exactly fill you up with any sort of staying power. I live on wheat. Bread, muffins, cookies, crumbs, croutons, cake, you name it; yum.

And now, wheat has been ripped from my arms, leaving me crying and bereft. Empty and alone. STARVING.

...

Arriving home, I ate. Tomatoes with balsamic first and then I dipped into the freezer for some rice-flour "English muffins" (nothing like a real English muffin but at least they are filling). And I poured myself a glass of wine.

...

No longer hungry, I'm less depressed but still missing wheat. Part of me knows I'm strong enough to make it through 8 weeks. Part of me feels weak; is this all worth it?

Gluten Free Chocolate Cookies

Ok, so this new diet thing hasn't been going so well. I spent the first 3 weeks failing completely while being angry that I needed to cut out way too many things I love to *hopefully* be healthy. What is life without bread, pasta, decaf coffee & CHOCOLATE and WINE?

I decided I'm simply not strong enough to deal with all of these items at the same time. It may not be the most efficient way to do things but I'm keeping my occasional decaf, and chocolate and wine, as often as I need. My anger level has diminished considerably since I've allowed myself these things.

I've heard from some people that cutting wheat from their diet resulted in 5-10 lbs of weight loss. Hmmm, not so for me. I spent the first 3 weeks looking for (and eating) chocolate & wheat-free treats. Nevermind that before this diet, I rarely "needed" dessert but such is life. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

To satisfy my chocolate needs, I've been dabbling in ready-made chocolate cookies. So far I've tried three.

Ian's Organic Cookie Buttons - Chocolate Chip

Very crunchy, not popcorn-like-crunchy but almost hard. Not too hard but if you have fragile teeth or a lot of mouth work, perhaps not for you. Sweet with tiny chocolate chips.

Ener-G Food's Chocolate Cookies

These are virtually pointless, IMO. Scratch that; they are a good option if you're using them for a cookie pie crust or want a lightly flavored biscuit. They are dry and kind of flavorless if you're looking for actual chocolate flavor.

Nana's No Gluten Chocolate Crunch Cookie

The best of the bunch (so far), IMO. They have an earthy texture & flavor, thanks to the crispy rice, that I'd probably skip if given the option but still, the chocolate flavor is most certainly there and they are soft and chewy like a homemade cookie vs. hard like the Cookie Buttons.

One last (unrelated to chocolate) note: If you bake a gluten-free pizza, set a timer -- or don't -- honestly, the burned part tastes better than the rest of it.

Goat Cheese Cherry Appetizer

Over the holidays I had the opportunity to try a yummy new Goat Cheese Cherry Appetizer, using Blossom Vinegars. So easy to make and the Cherry Vinegar takes the edge off of the goat cheese, widening its appeal to people that don't always care for goat cheese. I was told the recipe also would work well with the Blueberry Basil flavor.

Goat Cheese Cherry Appetizer

11 oz Log of Goat Cheese Cut into ¼” slices 
3-4 Cloves of Garlic grated on microplane grater 
1 Tablespoon Fresh Thyme, minced
10 Pitted Black Olives, roughly chopped (or, use the same amount of fresh cherries)
¼ Cup Blossom’s Cherry Vinegar 
½ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper to taste
Garnish with Fresh Cherries

Place sliced cheese on glass plate, single layer if possible. 

Mix rest of the ingredients in a bowl and pour over the cheese to coat. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use (1-2 hours). Garnish the platter with fresh cherries. The cheese is very spreadable at room temperature.

Serve with sliced and toasted baguettes with a few little knives to spread the cheese on the bread. 

Left over marinate makes a great salad dressing or drizzle over cooked vegetables. 

For a list of Oregon gift ideas see Buy Local, Buy Oregon post

For the gourmet in your life: Traeger Grills (they even have a pig grill!)

For a list of Oregon gift ideas & products see Buy Local, Buy Oregon post

Everything from French Toast to fancy mac & cheese, you'll find the recipes that make you feel warm & snug inside in Mother's Best: Comfort Food That Takes You Home Again by Lisa Schroeder of Mother's Bistro.

Inside you'll find "love notes" and other great tips to apply to the recipes inside and those you already make. It's a wonderful gift and don't forget to pick a copy up for yourself!

For a list of Oregon gift ideas see Buy Local, Buy Oregon post

Buy Local, Buy Oregon

Oregon products make great gifts. I'll be adding more ideas daily. Please add your own suggestions in the comment section!

Candles & Body Products:

- mmmm, check out this Coffee Butter Scrub by Lilypad Bathworks. Nice way to perk up in the morning!

- Smell good this holiday! Candles, perfumes, body butters and more! Pacifica

- Treasures from the Oregon Coast for the holidays Newport Bay Candle Candles to light your way.

- More candles! From #NOLA to PDX, Orleans Candle Co

- More organic personal care products made in Oregon, Wild Carrot Herbals

- Organic personal care products for mama & baby, Earth Mama Angel Baby

For Parents:

- Chic Papoose, keep your bean close and snuggly while ur on the go!

- Comfy and organic baby wraps made in Oregon Baby Bundlers

- Organic personal care products for mama & baby Earth Mama Angel Baby

For Kids:

- Healthy, soft & custom shoes for baby? You can get 'em right here: Soft Star Shoes

- Fun, non-toxic modeling dough made in Oregon - Mary's Softdough

- What's local at Bella Stella? Pullipants,Wood Toy Shop, @littlelark, Ivy Studio, @branchandbirdie, Kool Kid Legs,Turtle Turtle, @Picaflorkids ...

- Great LOCAL gifts for kids! http://bit.ly/5DMsDm

For Your Pet:

- Locally made items for the pet in your life: Bebop pet products and more great local ideas for your pet

Fashion:

- 141Eyewear every purchase buys someone less fortunate a pair of glasses.

- Emily Sunnell's designs scream femininity and what I love the most is that she can take items you once loved and reconstruct them into something fresh and new.

- Kate Towers, utterly feminine fashion

- mmmm, cashmere... Souchi

- Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II commissioned a hat by Pinkham Millinery. You can too!

- Paperdoll Fashion's parcel cloak brings sunshine to a cold, grey day

- The holidays and beyond, every woman needs a wrap dress. This one organic and designed in Oregon, Garnish Apparel

- What's on the #buylocal #buyOregon list today? Check out the Pagoda skirt at Donna and Toots Too cute!

- For the men in your life, how about a swank gift from DEFYANCE?

- Loving this skirt. Made in Oregon and organic from @MakoolLovesYou

- Cold but can't wear mittens or gloves for work? The perfect solution, made in Oregon by FrostyPetals

- For the fashionista in your life, a unique silk purse (check out the Tonya) from Ginger Abernathy

- Love to Tell Dress-o-Matic my deepest desires! Dress of the Month Club @DressOfTheMonth

- Hand made womans clothing by a PDX designer, Piper Ewan @piperewan

- When the weather outside is frightful... u need a good pair of Danner boots!

- Multnomah Leather, custom-made clogs

- How about a pair of lovely, custom made shoes? ExIT Shoes

- Queen Bee Creations makes their stylish bags, panniers, and diaper bags in PDX

- Amai Unmei clothing, coats & accessories

- How cute is this dress? You can find it at Sofada

- Warm & fuzzy doesn't have to be dumpy & frumpy. Check out these feminine hats from Precious Knit by Laura Irwin

Jewelry:

- How cute is this necklace? #WANT So perfect for PDX!

- Lori Presthus Art, Jewelry/artistry

- Amy Wilson's jewelry

- Lockets & cuffs Locket2You

- Beautiful, hand-carved, wood buttons, pins & hair accessories by South4th

To Eat:

- Blossom Vinegars to add fun, fresh flavor to your food & recipes.

- Tuna from Oregon is lower in mercury than tuna caught elsewhere. Oregon's Choice Gourmet Albacore: Another reason to #buyOregon

- Bob's Red Mill products for healthy goodness.

- Did u know Oregon has famous prunes?

- Tony's Smokehouse in Oregon City has great smoked salmon--a wonderful hostess gift!

- Hot Lips jam

- mmmm, Brigittine Monks fudge. Makes a great hostess gift or surprise for friends

- Our Lady of GuadalupeTrappist Abbey Famous Fruitcake & honey! Makes for a great hostess gift!

- Puddin' River Toffee -- best hazelnut toffee ever.

- Cupcake Jones Cupcakes!

- How can u go wrong with chocolate? Alma Chocolate, Cacao, DePaula Confections, LLC, Euphoria Chocolate, Moonstruck Chocolate, Petit Noirs

To Drink:

- Organic & sustainable vodka: Elemental Vodka

- Entertaining? Need gift for a coffee lover? Vodka lover? Hazelnut lover? Here's your all-in-one: Bendistillery Cofia Hazelnut Espresso Vodka

- Oregon is all over the wine world but how about some Portland made vodka? New Deal Distillery

- It's 5 o'clock somewhere! For your favorite out of state beer lover, Oregon IPA makes a great gift, Bridgeport, (just one of many)

- Wine from Southern Oregon, family-owned & operated, Girardet Winery

- Family-owned & operated wine from McMinnville, Westrey

For the Home:

- Lovely handcrafted furniture made in Portland - Made Studio

- Mini sockmonkeys by hoffeeandanuffin

- Check out this cute pillow from @BranchandBirdie Perfect to add splash of fun to bedroom or family room

- Pendleton still makes all its famous Native American style blankets in Oregon

- @cheflisapdx's fabulous cookbook, Mother's Best: Comfort Food That Takes You Home Againfeaturing yummy recipes from @MothersBistro, buy it @Powells!

- Birdhouses by S&K Creations

Art:

- http://samroloff.com/

- Fab art from Ryan Berkley. It'll make you happy!

- Photo art from @jandroid

Outdoor / Athletic Goods:

- ShedRain umbrellas

- When someone tells you to go fly a kite, make sure it’s one made in Oregon! Guildworks

- PDX-made tools from Leatherman
- A wall tent or other canvas goods for the trail? http://beckelcanvas.com/

- A locally made bicycle by Vanilla Bicycles

- Bike clothing made in Oregon from J&G

- A custom made cargo bike from Metrofiets?

- Terracycle makes all their recumbent bikes in Portland

- Co-motion bicycles are made in Eugene

Misc:

- For the music lover on your holiday list, you can't go wrong with a little Pink Martini

- For the gourmet in your life: Traeger Grills (they even have a pig grill!)

- Cool gift ideas featuring PDX Bridges.

- Looking for a Guitar or mandolin made in OR? Breedlove Music - except their Atlas, Passport, and Retro lines

- Here's a made in Oregon gift for people who have NEARLY everything: Columbia Helicopter

More Ideas:

- Portland Saturday Market

- Made In Oregon Catalog & Stores