"You know what would be great?" said my husband last summer. "One of those heavy grill press things that keeps meat and bacon from curling up when you're cooking it." You know what he's getting for Christmas? A heavy grill press thing that keeps bacon from curling up when you cook it. He never bothered to put it on his wish list, I just made a mental note and bought one, and I plan to pat myself on the back every time he uses it.

This, I like to think, exemplifies a crucial aspect of skillful gift-giving: listening. Another crucial aspect: remembering. Also crucial: time, money, and feeling some affection for the person you're buying for.

But what if it's December 22 and none of those aspects are in place, and suddenly you need to pick up a little something for the person in your office who invited you to cocktails Friday night? Or your husband's step-sister who suddenly decided to fly in from Norway? Or the sitter who's coming. over. right. now?

I can't tell you how many recipes I've come across that are described as easy -- like, the word "easy" is in the title and repeated several times throughout the directions ("So easy!"). But they include at least 24 steps (often including mysterious-to-me cooking techniques like "scald," "julienne," or "broast") and feature ingredients like truffle powder or Tuscan kale.

Call me crazy, but I think if a recipe takes more than one hour to complete and also requires that you secure a second mortgage on your home in order to purchase the ingredients, it's officially NOT easy.

I'm particularly interested in going the cheap and easy route this time of year, because the last thing I want to do in December is drive myself insane and broke trying to master some crazy gourmet concoction like candied turducken or whatever. If you're also in the anti-Martha holiday camp -- fist-bump! -- I've got a list of super simple, inexpensive, perfectly awesome holiday treats for you to try:

Giving food as a holiday gift is as old as the holidays themselves. What better way to celebrate the season than by chowing down? But you'd better hurry, because your window for holiday gifts is rapidly closing.

Luckily, I've found 10 of the most mouth-watering food gifts for the holidays that you can still get in time for Hanukkah, Christmas, or just for a lovely day of eating yourself silly.

Oh joy, it's that time of year when we exchange delectable holiday food gifts! Bring on the candy cakes, the eggnog, the stollen, the latkes, and the chocolate gelt! But hold on there, little elves. Sometimes people get a little too creative with those holiday delicacies. 

1. How about we start with this chocolate Nativity? Nothing says "Holy Family" like swirls of milk and white chocolate. Forgive me, Lord, for Thou art delicious. Such sweet, sweet, transubstantiation. What else you got there in your gift bag for me?

In my opinion, homemade holiday gifts are the best kind. Particularly if they're edible, and especially if they're chocolate. Nothing would make me happier than to get a gift-wrapped box of homemade fudge as a Christmas present. (Actually, who am I kidding? You don't have to gift-wrap it. Put the fudge in a zip-lock bag for all I care. It's fudge!!)

Anyway, another great thing about giving fudge as a gift is that it stays fresh longer than cookies or most other treats (with the exception of fruitcake, but who wants that??). If properly wrapped, fudge will keep for up to two weeks.

This fudge recipe from Martha Stewart is much easier than most because it doesn't require a candy thermometer. So even the kids can help out!

I can't wait to receive give this fudge as a gift ...

Congratulations to our winner, angiewith2!

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and you know what that means. 'Tis the season to be spending loads of time in the kitchen! That's why we're teaming up with Sharp to give one lucky Stir reader a Sharp SteamWave Oven.

The 3-in-1 cooking machine will make holiday cooking a whole lot easier, allowing users to steam, grill, AND microwave. Featuring 11 different cooking power levels, there's a setting for everything from potatoes to beef. Say helloooo to holiday cheer in the form of a kitchen appliance!

To enter to win a Sharp SteamWave Oven, simply tell me:

Apparently, the must-have Mother's Day gift this year is an Edible Arrangement. Yes, I'm talking about those made-to-order baskets of fruit filled with melon slices and berries cut to look like flowers (or, more accurately, a 3-year-old's crayon drawing of "flowers"). You know, the ones everybody is supposed to love, but I don't? (By the way, I can't possibly be the only one who feels this way -- anti-Edible Arrangement sentiments are even making headlines in the world of "fake" news.) Maybe I missed my mandatory dose of Edible Arrangement Kool-Aid, but please don't get me an Edible Arrangement for Mother's Day!

Congratulations to our winners: GaBrIeLlEsMaMa and ILovemyPaulie!

It's that time of year again! Easter is just around the corner and your kiddos are looking forward to a hefty basket on April 24.

Whether you're celebrating the holiday or looking for a reason to splurge on something yummy, this Hoppy Easter Basket from Lindt will be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Two lucky Stir readers will win one! To enter, simply tell me: