Luca Trazzi's irresistible retro-design espresso and cappuccino maker for FrancisFrancis has proved a huge hit in the decade since it was first unveiled, combining all of the features of a professional machine with delicious colour options. Two brewing handles let you choose between loose grounds or single-serve packets of coffee. The steam nozzle heats and froths milk for cappuccinos while the rail on top keeps cups warm and ready for use. The machine has a 15 bar pump, temperature gauge, 1.5 litre capacity, hot water dispenser, removable water tank and drip tray, and is guaranteed for two years.

Something sweet for the care package: totally amazing cookies from Zingerman's in Ann Arbor.

More cute little birds...

www.jatfoods.com

This is one of my favorite healthy eating websites...they offer some really yummy treats, and somehow manage to make them still very healthy for you! I really love the cookies, especially...(I'm a cookie monster). So check it out, if you're into the healthy stuff, this stuff actually tastes really good! Let me know what ya think!

From the website itself:

"At Jatfoods, we are committed to offering the best available natural nutrition, by providing our consumers with the highest quality and best tasting products. We only use the highest quality natural ingredients, never using artificial preservatives, coloring, flavoring or sweeteners. We strive to provide foods that are organic, GMO-free and Gluten free. Our products contribute to total health, healing and well being. Our products are minimally processed and are prepared according to age old traditions maintaining authentic flavors, wholesome nutrition and great taste.

■ We provide food and nutritional products that support digestive health and well-being.

■ We only feature foods that are free from artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, sweeteners, and hydrogenated fats.

■ We invent and innovate to bring our consumers natural and healthier alternatives.

■ We are passionate about great tasting food and the pleasure of authentic flavors.

■ We are committed to foods that are fresh, natural, wholesome and healthy."

Unlike most slow cooker recipes that use a lot of canned soup, the recipes in this book use fresh ingredients. Much less salty, much more tasty. Too bad I loaned my copy out. :/

I LIKE YOU: HOSPITALITY UNDER THE INFLUENCE BY AMY SEDARIS AVAILABLE NOW IN HARDCOVER AND ON AUDIOBOOK! *Now a New York Times Bestseller!*

"Sedaris's sidesplitting guide to throwing parties hopes to return readers to the times when the word entertainment was "charmingly old-fashioned, like courtship or back alley abortions." While her tongue is firmly in cheek, novice party-planners will actually find some helpful hints along the way as Sedaris offers instructions and real recipes. Her tips run the gamut from how to properly freeze meatballs (freeze them on a cookie sheet before putting them into a freezer bag so they won't stick together) and deal with the inebriated ("Better to cut them off rather than pretend it's not happening and then allow them to stay over and wet your bed"). She's a generous but crafty hostess ("A good trick is to fill your medicine cabinet with marbles. Nothing announces a nosey guest better than an avalanche of marbles hitting a porcelain sink"). Etiquette pointers include inappropriate introductions ("This is Barbara, she can't have children") and things to avoid saying to the grieving ("Did she smoke?" "Was he drinking?" "Where were you when this happened?"). Her advice is both practical and hilarious; her instructions on removing vomit stains ends with "or just toss it, chances are you've stained it before." Sedaris's first solo effort (after Wigfield with her Strangers with Candy co-stars, as well as several plays with her brother, David) is an outrageous and deadpan delight, greatly enhanced by her deliriously kitschy illustrations and photos." -Publishers Weekly (July 17, 2006) - starred review

Breville Panini Press

Prepare caffè-style toasted sandwiches – from Italian panini to croque monsieur, quesadilla and Philly cheese steak – with this versatile countertop appliance. Its special “high sear” setting gives breads a crisp, toasty finish, and the top plate is adjustable to accommodate a variety of fillings without crushing them. The cooking surface can be easily adjusted so fats drain away, and the removable drip tray simplifies cleanup. The nonstick cast-aluminum plates allow the use of metal utensils, and the brushed-stainless-steel finish gives the press its sleek look. Variable heat controls allow it to be used for grilling meats, fish and vegetables. Included with the panini press is a 96-page cookbook of 57 delicious recipes with dozens of color photographs. 1500W; 15 1/2" x 12" x 6 1/2" high. A Williams-Sonoma exclusive.

Click here to view Gift with Purchase.

$99.95

Riedel "O" Merlot Gift Set

Surprise your favorite wine lover with this varietal-specific gift set, featuring Riedel’s innovative “O” wine tumblers. Perfect for relaxed entertaining and everyday sipping, these glasses showcase the deep red color, rich aromas and mellow, fruity flavors of fine Merlots. This silhouette also flatters other complex red wines, including Cabernets and Bordeaux. The companion decanter allows you to aerate wines, encouraging them to open and develop their distinctive flavors and aromas. Dishwasher safe. The set includes four 21.1-oz. cap., 4 3/4" high tumblers and a 34.2-oz. cap., 9 1/2" high decanter.

$79.00

Stainless-Steel Bar Tool Set

Internet/Catalog Only

As with so many pursuits, mixology is more enjoyable and successful when you use the proper equipment. Our set offers all the essentials for a well-appointed home bar: an 8 1/2" strainer, 3 1/4" jigger, 6 1/2" bottle opener, 7 1/2" bar knife, 7" ice tongs and 10 1/2" stirrer. With them comes a 7 3/4" x 4 1/2" x 3 1/4" high stand for convenient storage and access. Dishwasher safe. The set includes six tools plus a stand.

$59.00

Jus de Fruits Glassware, Set of 4

The colorful fruit designs on our glasses and pitcher are inspired by vintage labels found in an old scrapbook we discovered at an Avignon flea market. The labels once adorned bottles of pure orange, lemon, apple and cherry syrups for flavoring sparkling water. Our renditions of this charming artwork bring a bit of Provence to your breakfast table. Ideal for serving everything from fresh fruit juice to sodas and lemonade, these sturdy glasses are dishwasher safe. 14-oz. cap, 5 3/4" high. Set of four, one of each design. A Williams-Sonoma exclusive.

$29.00