Cooking With Giada De Laurentiis for Target

I can hardly believe it, but Christmas is this week! If you’re like me, you may be thinking of one of my favorite things about the holidays- the food!

We have a few Christmas celebrations to go to and I’ve been racking my brain trying to think of a yummy and easy recipe to make.

Luckily, I don’t have to worry too much thanks to Giada De Laurentiss for Target!

I love watching Giada De Laurentiis’ show and I was so excited to see her line of cookware and grocery items at my favorite store – Target!

Just in time for Christmas, Giada has some helpful entertaining tips and recipes to share.

Plan ahead!  Prepare most of your dishes ahead of time, rather than trying to cook everything at once.  You’ll feel less stressed and will be able to enjoy the party.  Giada recommends leaving only one item for last minute prep – this brings everyone into the kitchen and sets the tone for a cozy, comfortable evening.

Don’t overdo your menu – keep it simple!  As a general rule, Giada suggests offering four to five appetizers.  During the holidays, choose foods that have vibrant colors for an added festive touch.  Also select foods that are beautiful to serve and easy for guests to eat. 

To create some delicious recipes in my kitchen, I was sent a 3 piece set of Mixing Bowls, a Stainless Steel Wisk, Stainless Steel Measuring Cups, Silicone Spoonula, Ceramic Oval Baker and Ceramic Pie Pan.

I instantly loved the color – red is a primary color in my kitchen so it blended in perfectly. The sizes of the bowls are perfect and I love the easy-pour spout and the sturdy quality. They came in handy while we were baking cookies this weekend!

We were also sent a sampling of Giada’s grocery items that are available at Target.

You know how magazines always say you should keep some basics in your fridge and cupboard just in case you have some guests drop by? Giada De Laurentiis’ grocery items are exactly what you should be keeping in your kitchen.

I love the simple and pretty design of the jars of food. We were able to try a variety of items including Roasted Peppers, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Marinated Mushrooms, Black Olive Tapenade, Genovese Basil Pesto and Pepper and Eggplant Tomato Spread.

Using some of the crackers we had on hand, I decided to try the Pepper and Eggplant Tomato Spread and Black Olive Tapenade.

This snack was delicious and easy. It’s the perfect appetizer or snack to serve at a holiday party or if you have guests stop by the house.

I’m excited to try some of Giada De Laurentiis’ recipes such as Sweet Pepper Crostini and Tomato Basil Tartlets.

For a sweet dessert, I tried the Spiced Coffee with Cinnamon Whipped Cream using Giada De Laurentiis for Target Giada Blend Coffee.

This recipe is easy to make and the end result is a delicious treat!

Spiced Coffee with Cinnamon Whipped Cream

Recipe Courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis

· 1 cup granulated sugar

· ¼ tsp ground allspice

· ¼ tsp of ground cinnamon, plus more for dusting

· ¼ tsp ground ginger

· 1 cup boiling water

· 1 cup brewed Giada De Laurentiis for Target Giada Blend Coffee

– 1 cup heavy cream

· 2 tbsp confectioners’ sugar

1. In a small sauce pan combine the granulated sugar and ½ cup of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat and reduce heat to low.

2. Add allspice, cinnamon and ginger. Simmer for 5 minutes or until sugar is dissolved.

3. Take the pan off the heat and set aside.

4. In a heat proof pitcher or measuring cup add the boiling water to the coffee /espresso. Divide it among four 6 to 8 oz cups.

5. Add 2 tablespoons of the spiced syrup to each cup and stir to combine.

6. Using an electric mixer with a whisk attachment beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add confectioners’ sugar and continue to beat until stiff.

7. Top each with a dollop of whipped cream – dust with cinnamon and add cinnamon stick.

Yield: 4 servings/ 4 (6-8 oz) cups

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

I wish I had a clear glass to show you just how delicious the Spiced Coffee with Cinnamon Whipped Cream looked. It still looks pretty tasty in the mug though, doesn’t it?

It truly is just the perfect treat on a cold winter night!

I am loving the cookware and grocery items from the Giada De Laurentiis line from Target! Have you tried any yet?

Disclosure:  I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Giada De Laurentiis for Target and received product samples to facilitate my review.