Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Oh, You Shouldn't Have


We’ve accepted a New Year’s Eve party invitation from our creative hosts, mentioned previously in the blog “Warning: This Article May Contain Traces of Nuts.” I politely responded to the invitation with, “Yes, and what can we bring?” At this phase of the holiday celebration marathon, what I really mean is, “Would you like me to bring paper plates?” Instead I elicited the response, “A dessert.”

I’m stumped. Over the past two months, I’ve already frosted, dipped, whipped, baked, and sprinkled every confection in my recipe box. I need to find something that impresses the crowd and de-stresses the cook.

Scanning the Van Otis Chocolates website (http://www.vanotis.com/), I found Mini Desserts. They come in a variety of flavors including, Banana Split, Hazelnut, Cherry Dream, Latte Macchiatto, Pistachio Passion, Orange Spice, and Christmas Spice.

Each handmade dessert looks like an individual work of art. All I need to do is find a festive platter, arrange, throw some flour on my lapel, and look tired and accomplished.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

The Joy of Being Carded


So often I hear people make disparaging remarks about gift cards. The most common is that they aren’t thoughtful enough to be a proper gift. Bah Humbug.

I truly can’t think of anything more thoughtful than the gift of choice. Gift cards also say you cared enough about the recipient to keep them out of the return lines, and you were considerate enough to not guess their current size.


At a holiday party this past weekend, I fought hard for the only gift card that was passed around at a Yankee Swap gift exchange. Sure, other people left with a bag of coffee or the latest in goofy, singing Christmas ornaments. I left with anticipation, imagination, and possibility. The best part about my future gift card purchase - I know I’m going to like it!

Give someone something to look forward to this Christmas season. A Van Otis gift card offers possibilities such as a mid-winter treat of truffles, cashews for the New Year’s Eve party, or gourmet popcorn for the ski lodge.

Now through December 24th, take 10% OFF all Van Otis gift cards!

ORDER NOW!