Review: Holiday Entertaining with Giada De Laurentiis for Target

Chef Giada De Laurentiis, star of the Food Network’s Everyday Italian, has a new line of professional-quality cookware that’s designed specifically for Target, and thanks to Mom Central, I had the chance to try some of it out.

My set contained two pieces of baking stoneware – the 2-Quart Ceramic Oval Baker and 9” Ceramic Pie Pan;

A 3-Piece Plastic Bowl Set with Pour;

A Silicone Spoonula with Stainless Steel Handle, a Stainless Steel Balloon Whisk, and Stainless Steel Measuring Cups;

I also received a variety of Giada’s food products, including Black Olive Tapenade, Giada Blend Coffee, Marinated Sun Dried Tomatoes, Marinated Roasted Red Peppers, Marinated Mushrooms, Genovese Basil Pesto, and Eggplant & Pepper Pesto.

I know it’s hard to believe, but I actually enjoy cooking and baking now, and I was SO excited to see this package waiting on my porch one day. The first thing that I noticed when I unpacked the pieces is that they were solid and sturdy construction. They felt like they were quality products, that they weren’t cheap (although with prices ranging from $2.99 to $19.99, they certainly are inexpensive).

Kate and I decided to put them to the test and make chocolate chip cookies.

I love the bowl set – prior to this, I didn’t have mixing bowls other than that came with various hand mixers I’d had over the years. I love that these are light and that they have rubber on the bottom to prevent slipping. Kate’s also holding the Spoonula in that picture, and it is just what it sounds like – a spoon mixed with a spatula. I love the stainless steel construction of this, the whisk and the measuring cups – they are all sturdy and just feel nice.

I was really impressed with the stoneware, as well. It is heavy and high-quality, but is much, much less expensive than the stoneware I’ve bought before. The 2-quart cooker will come in very handy for casseroles and side dishes.

Finally, the grocery products are perfect to keep around the house during the holiday season. Here’s what Giada says about them:
For guests who pop-in unexpectedly, keep ready-to-serve delights in the pantry such as Giada De Laurentiis for Target Marinated Sun Dried Tomatoes, Marinated Roasted Red Peppers and Marinated Mushrooms for quick entertaining options. The Giada De Laurentiis for Target Genovese Basil Pesto and Eggplant & Pepper Pesto are also easy and delicious treats. Serve with toasted bread or crackers and display on a festive serving platter.

Serve a few of those things with prosecco, or try Giada’s recipe for Spiced Coffee.

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 loved Giada De Laurentiis for Target’s cookware and I’m sure you will too. It would make a great last-minute gift for someone you love… or for yourself!

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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.