Brownies for Foodies on the Edge

Image from: Baker's Edge

Item: Edge Brownie Pan

Price: $34.95

Where to Buy: Baker's Edge

Review: The perfect brownie, in my opinion, is the one directly in the center of the pan. Forget the chewy crust. Give me the fudgy crumbs.

But maybe I'm in the minority. I'm sure the people at Baker's Edge hope I am.

Baker's Edge sells "the first and only pan for edge lovers." Every brownie has two or three edges because the pan actually has interior sides.

Now if only they could come up with a pan with no edges whatsoever. Hmm ...

A Good Gift with a Cord: Immersion Blender

Item: Immersion Blender

Price: $39.99

Where to Buy: Sears

Review: An immersion blender might be the best gift my husband has ever bought himself.

He loves to cook, so he considers it a toy. I love to eat, so I get to enjoy the butternut squash bisque, fruit smoothies and other concoctions he whips up.

Immersion blenders come in different styles and price ranges, so do a little research to find the best for you or the recipient. Our immersion blender is easy to store and easy to clean-- I love kitchen gadgets that are dishwasher-safe!

Image from: Sears

Fruit Bouquet

Item: Delicious Daisy Fruit Bouquet

Price: $35

Where to Buy: Edible Arrangements

Review: I've never been a big fan of bouquets of flowers. Sure, they're pretty for a few days, but then the stems droop, the petals crack, and I sadly have to throw them in the trash.

This holiday, choose something just as pretty but a whole lot tastier. This fruit bouquet includes strawberries, pineapple, honeydew, along with the mug it's arranged in. Who needs another clear, tall vase anyway?

Larger fruit arrangements are $100+, and a few are more than $200. But you can snag a cute Edible Arrangement for your sweetie for under $50 and even have it delivered.

Image from: Edible Arrangements

Pittsburgh Steelers Messenger Bag

Item: Pittsburgh Steelers Messenger Bag

Price: $39.95

Where to Buy: ThePittsburghFan.com

Review: What do you get the Steelers fan who has everything? How about something to put it all in?

True fans probably already have the hoodie, the hat, the jersey, the jacket. Go for something a little different with a messenger bag that's good for school or out on the town. (OK, maybe I wouldn't carry it on a first date or anything, but you get what I mean.)

I'm not a gigantic pro football fan, but I'll be rooting for Pittsburgh this Sunday during the Super Bowl by dint of both my uncles' and my husbands' uncles' mania. But if I was a big fan, this messenger bag would probably be toward the top of my wish list.

Image from: ThePittsburghFan.com

America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook

Item: The America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook

Price: $34.95

Where to Buy: Cook's Illustrated

Review: I normally hate to cook, but the recipes in The America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook drag me off the couch and into the kitchen. I've never made better pancakes, french toast or banana bread. My husband, who really does enjoy cooking and knows his way around a pantry, uses the cookbook almost every day.

With more than 1,200 recipes, this cookbook has whatever entree, side dish or dessert you're in the mood for. I especially like the tips, tricks, explanations and substitutions it provides with so many of the recipes. Who knew you could replace buttermilk with regular milk and a dash of lemon juice?

I swear by this book so much that both my mom and my sister received The America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook for Christmas. It's not the cheapest cookbook, but it's the only one you'll ever need. That's a deal in my book.

Image from: Cook's Illustrated