A foodie gift guide

Images 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

The past week has been a whirlwind. There have been multiple tests and deadlines as my Natural Chef classes end today (crazy!). And I happened to notice that Christmas is less than three weeks away. Where did the time go? Expanding off of last week's post, I've put together an affordable Christmas gift guide for your favorite foodie. Locals you're in luck, most of these gifts can be found in Raleigh.

1. Spice up the pantry, Savory Spice or Penzey's.
2. Dark chocolate bars and tempting truffles, Escazu Chocolates.
3. Gourmet oils, Midtown Olive Press or La Tourangelle.
4. Delicious coffee, Counter Culture.
5. NC beers and other tasty provisions, Tasty Beverage Co.
6. Cooking in the Moment, Local chef Andrea Reusing's cookbook.
7. Try heirloom beans, Rancho Gordo.
8. Witty chef's pencils, Pots & Pantry.

Don't worry, I'll be back with regular posts soon.

My new favorite

Happy Monday. I thought I'd start out the day with a highlight from my weekend. I bought this marinated feta at the farmer's market on Saturday, and wow is it delicious.

This isn't your normal feta made with cow's milk, but a goat milk feta marinated in olive oil, rosemary, red pepper flakes, and cracked pepper from this local farm. Are you salivating yet? This salty cheese was perfect smeared across a slice of Prodigal Farm's walnut loaf with tomato, diced into a cucumber salad and crumbled over spinach. Any other feta lovers out there? Hope you had a great weekend.