The Naptime Chef

The book, $22, you know he’ll read cover to cover.

And a cool watch, $118, to go with it.

Finally, a useful key chain, $29.95, so he’ll be able to find them!

Amazing board shorts, $79, to get him thinking about summer.

This handbook, $11, because funny dads are great.

Rich cologne, $65, inspired by outdoor adventures.

The barbecue kit, $40, of his pit master dreams.

A fun floaty pen, $5, to use on taco Tuesday!

Cans of wine, prices vary, to take on a hike!

A classic duffle, $84.99, for hauling all his stuff.

The 2017 Gift Guide so far: Gifts for Dads, Gifts for Moms, Gifts for BFFs, Gifts for Kids, The 2016 Gift Guide

Chic earrings, $50, for fun nights out with friends.

Lake & Skye 11 11, $69, an incredibly clean scent that makes everyone feel good.

A candle, $46, that makes the whole house smell like a Christmas tree farm.

The perfect water bottle, $42, in a Liberty print. Available at Starbucks nationwide.

Magnetic wine glass charms, $21.99, for keeping it all straight during book club.

A super cute cat print sweater, $89.50, that will look amazing on her.

Bread Toast Crumbs, $23.93, the most awesome cookbook of the year!

Sweet cheek and lip tint, $36, for the perfect flush.

French Plumber Bag, $325, the coolest bag for carrying around town.

The 2017 Gift Guide so far: Gifts for Dads, Gifts for Moms, Gifts for BFFs, Gifts for Kids, The 2016 Gift Guide

A warm hat with a fun poof, $68, that’s perfect for New York or San Francisco.

Butter by Dorie Greenspan, $12, the perfect little book for cooking fun.

French Girl Sea Spray, $12, to give her beachy hair, even in the dead of winter.

Super fun sheet masks, $15, for extra moisture and lots of giggles.

Celeste Challenge Accepted Calendar, $25, most insanely funny thing she’s ever hung on her wall.

Pretty star glasses, $38, for sparkly cocktails with friends.

A gripping novel, $18.02, for winter reading.

This funny t-shirt, $36, that was made for both of you.

Cookies, $17.99. that are positively decadent.

A personal reading with Charles Grant, the most amazing medium, psychic, tarot reader. And then a date to talk about it after! (prices vary)

The 2017 Gift Guide so far: Gifts for Dads, Gifts for Moms, Gifts for BFFs, Gifts for Kids, The 2016 Gift Guide

10 Year Old Set

A customizable light box, $48, for communication fun.

Slapzi, $19.95, the super fun rhyming game for everyone.

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls Volume 2, $35, no explanation needed.

Krispy Kreme Jelly Belly’s, $6.99, the best of both worlds!

Adorable french bracelets,$12, for fun accessorizing.

5 Year Old Set

Cool blocks, $110, for your eternal builder.

Confetti Balloon Kit, $20, which will be incredible mess but so much fun!

Cosy Yeti pajamas, $44, for the whole winter.

A box of reindeer noses, $10, for a delicious snack.

Maypole Lunch Notes, $14, for sweet notes at school.

The 2017 Gift Guide so far: Gifts for Dads, Gifts for Moms, Gifts for BFFs, Gifts for Kids, The 2016 Gift Guide

(Disclosure: This post is sponsored by SkimPlus. The photographs and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make The Naptime Chef possible.)

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and I am all about mixing it up at the dessert table this year. I recently made this delicious Pumpkin Pot de Crème for a dinner party and think it will certainly have to make a reappearance at our table in a few short weeks.

What I love about pot de crème is that it is totally unexpected, yet traditional in many ways. The rich, silky pumpkin flavor is reminiscent of pumpkin pie, and even features a graham cracker crust. I top mine with a dollop of whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon for true fall flavor, but a dusting of cocoa would also taste great!

As we round the corner to the holiday season it’s time to ramp up your cooking strategy. This is a time to be practical. Do not sacrifice yourself to the kitchen in the name of all that is homemade from scratch. Buy some food, make some food, and just make sure it all tastes amazing. I was recently introduced to this delicious Gingerbread House Gourmet Nut Roll. It came in the mail ready to be eaten and my family was delighted.

The roll itself was freshly homemade. It featured soft, flakey pastry-like bread with a gooey nutty cinnamon filling and a light sugary glaze. We are a family of breakfast eaters so one of the first things I did was warm it on a cool morning. With a hot cup of tea it was the best way to start the morning. Later that day I sliced it up and served it with vanilla ice cream for dessert after dinner.

It is full of warm spices hence the delicious flavor that makes is idea for holiday entertaining. In fact, I’d happily take it to a friend’s house for dessert or serve it at a dinner party. It even freezes well so you can save it for later. Keep this in mind as you begin your holiday food planning, a nut roll has many roles (har har) and is definitely worth adding to your repertoire.

To purchase a Gingerbread House Gourmet Nut Roll for yourself or as a gift, go to www.gbhnutroll.com/shop.  Be sure to use promo code TNCGBH for 10% OFF!

(Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Gingerbread House Gourmet Nut Roll. The opinions and photographs are entirely my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make The Naptime Chef possible.)

My kids have gone wild for chocolate hazelnut spread and use it on everything these days. Of course, I totally get it because I introduced them to the magic of it. I’ve been loving the flavor ever since I tried my first spoonful in Italy in 1994! Recently we tried a new, delicious treat with this amazing Nocciolata Dairy Free spread sample I received in the mail: I stuffed it into cookies!

Here is how we did it: I made a batch of our Dorie’s chocolate chip cookie dough. I formed the dough balls then made a little well in the center of each one like a thumbprint cookie. Then I added the spread and pinch the well shut! When they baked the cookies spread out and the chocolate hazelnut stayed snug in the center.

Waiting for them to cool was difficult but we managed! Once they were warm enough to touch we bit into the enjoy the delicious melty, gooey center. They were perfection!