Oatmeal Soap on a Rope

Kitchen Coach Jennifer Bushman gave us some great ideas for holiday gifts you can make in your kitchen. (Go to blogtalkradio.com/joinusatthetable -- Jennifer's on the 12/12/09 show.) Here's one that I like to make. You can't eat it, but it's the perfect way to recycle bits of leftover soap -- or just buy a bar of something that smells good and use that! Remember, it has to dry for three days, so get going now if it's going to be a Christmas gift.

½ cup oatmeal
½ cup soap crumbs
1½ tablespoons vegetable oil
1½ tablespoons water
16-inch piece of cotton rope or cord
Pulse the oatmeal and soap crumbs in a food processor until the mixture becomes quite fine. Put the mixture into a mixing bowl, add the oil and water and mix well using your hands.

Form the mixture into a ball and, with a knife, divide it in half. With your finger, make a small indentation on both cut sides of the soap. Fold rope in half and place about three inches of the cut end in the the middle of the split ball.

Gently mold the two halves back together. Let the soap dry for about three days, ideally in the sun.

(Adapted from Home Made, by Alexa Lett)

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Chadwick Boyd's Top 10

1 – For the Wine Lover

Decantus Wine Aerator with Stand ($36.99, www.wineaccessory.com/ decantus.htm <http://www.wineaccessory.com/decantus.htm>). Wine Aerators are the hit this season…and even in my house. The by-the-glass decanting system introduces just the right amount of air into your wine as you pour the wine through the device and into your glass. Wines are instantaneously smoother and the bouquets richer.

2- For a Stocking Stuffer
Hint Mints ($35, www.hintmint.com <http://www.hintmint.com> ) – I met these guys at the Fancy Food Show, and they are like rock stars for mints. Their packaging is soooo creative. You just have to keep them around. Plus the mints, well, they rock, too! These mints come in a variety of great flavors beyond traditional mint, like pomegranate and green tea. Plus the artistry cases are something to use over and over.

3- For the Sweets Lover
Tupelo Honey Shortbread ($16.50, www.savannahbee.com <http://www.savannahbee.com>) – Savannah Bee partnered with Willa’s Classic Shortbread to create these delectable cookies. Tupelo is the “gold standard” by which all other honeys are measured. Harvested for only two weeks each spring along two river basins, it is one of the rarest honeys in the world.

4- For the Ginger Lover
Ginger Babies ($7.00, www.gingerpeople.com <http://www.gingerpeople.com>) – So much fun…and cute and delicious! Use these to add to Aged Parmesan or Gouda – YUM! Or, garnish your favorite holiday martini. They are quite versatile. Exquisite baby ginger is crafted into premium crystallized ginger shaped like adorable little ginger tots. Try this deliciously stimulating, mood-boosting treat!

5- For the Cookbook Lover
Hot and Hot Fish Club Cookbook ($35.00, www.hotandhotclub.com <http://www.hotandhotclub.com>). Southern cookbooks are hugely popular. But this one’s different…modern, yet honors the Old South, but not in a Paula Deen way. Far more than a recipe book, this book shows how the authors gather at the table to celebrate the passing seasons. With over 200 recipes organized to reflect the seasonal nature of local ingredients, the book also profiles purveyors about supplying the freshest ingredients. Menus include wine and beer parings. Lovely & Delicious!

6- For the Slow Food Lover
Lucero Olive Oils (Prices start under $5.00, www.lucerooliveoil.com <http://www.lucerooliveoil.com> )
California Olive Oils continue to dominate the olive oil industry, up-ending traditional European faves. What began as a hand press operation is three generations ago has earned adoration from the Slow Food movement. This domestic olive oil from Corning, California is made from Italian olive varieties. The oils have won quality awards year after year are of the highest quality both in taste and nutritional value. It will be a huge hit at the Winter Fancy Food Show in January.

7- For the Grill Lover
Grilling Planks (Starting at $5.99, Lowe’s & www.fireandflavor.com <http://www.fireandflavor.com> ). My favorite thing to grill on…like our Pinot Thyme Basted Pork Belly. Add robust, woodsy flavor to your fish and meats, and vegetables. These planks are all natural with no additional flavorings and unlike many, Fire and Flavor planks are certified sustainable and are select cut for optimum flavor. Use on an outdoor grill or inside with a grill pan.

8- For the Modern Cook
Himalayan Pink Salt Plates (Starting at $16.95, www.saltworks.us <http://www.saltworks.us> ) — A huge fan fave. Himalayan Pink salt is harvested from ancient sea salt deposits in the Himalayan Mountain Range, crystallized more than 200 million years ago. Ancient sea beds were covered by volcanic lava, protecting the salt from pollution, and lending to the belief that Himalayan Pink is the purest salt to be found on earth. Heated plates can be used in the oven to sear light items such as fish, thinly sliced beef or even an egg. These dense blocks cook with near perfect heat distribution. As the blocks cook, they also delicately impart a mild and full taste, providing a new level of flavor complexity to your food. Salt Plates can also be chilled in the refrigerator and used as a serving tray for sushi, cheese or gourmet desserts that require a hint of salt. Functional and beautiful!

9- Fun for the Whole Family
Bella Cucina’s Pizza Kit: Focaccia and Pizza Dough Mix and Pomodoro Pizza Sauce ($25.00, www.bellacucina.com <http://www.bellacucina.com> ) – A huge hit this holiday season…from InStyle to the Today Show. This is an easy, all natural pizza kit that honors fresh flavors with Old Time traditions. It’s ideal for those who want to spend quality time with their families, make a pizza together and add your favorite cheeses and toppings.

10- For the Meat Lover
La Quercia Prosciutto Tris ($59, store.laquercia.us <http://store.laquercia.us> ) – This award winning US-made artisan salumi is made using traditional dry curing. It’s garnered the notice of the NY Times and more. And it’s made in of all place, IOWA. La Quercia uses no nitrates, nitrites or related vegetable derived substitutes. The meat comes from neighboring farms that appreciate the extra care and effort involved in humane and organic animal production. The result is a taste that is TO DIE FOR!!!