As you might suspect from the name, the mixes were dreamed up by a dad—in fact, two dads, who happen to be brothers. Often, when the men were put in charge of feeding the kids, they found themselves making pancakes. They put their heads together to determine how to make the best pancakes for their broods, and knew they had found the right recipe when the kids kept demanding “Daddy cakes.” (Hopefully, the kids won’t be demanding a royalty on the name.)

Now a line with a broad variety of flavors, Daddy Cakes is a gourmet convenience food that’s worth the extra shekels. There’s no need to add eggs, milk, oil or anything but water to the mix; in five to ten minutes you’ll have a smokin’ stack of flapjacks (we mean that figuratively, of course—keep your eye on the temperature of that frying pan). You can add a couple of eggs and vegetable oil for a fluffier pancake; but we found that they were just as delicious either way, so save the ingredients and the calories.

Read the full review and check out all of the flavors of these easy-to-make mixes.
Daddy Cakes Whole Wheat mix, in a limited edition, reusable gift tin.

Looking for a Father’s Day gift? How about a fine tequila? The best are made from 100% agave juice (the other kind, “mixtos” are mixed with cane sugar). They are distilled into:

Margaritas are made with mixtos or blancos; reposados and añejos are enjoyed straight for their oaky, complex qualities. Many añejos are aged in old cognac or bourbon casks, and pick up some flavors from the barrels. Someone who enjoys a fine scotch or bourbon would appreciate an añejo. Herradura Seleccion Suprema Muy Añejo Tequila is considered one of the world’s great spirits. El Tesoro de Don Felipe Paradiso Añejo Tequila is also top-ranked. They can cost upwards of $125. In the $50 range, and almost as good, look for Espolon Añejo Tequila and El Diamante del Cielo Añejo Tequila. Serve fine tequila in a snifter—no salt, no lime. By the way, the spiky agave plant, from which tequila is made, is not a cactus—it’s a member of the lily family!

The mellow color of an añejo tequila. Añejos should be sipped straight like a fine Scotch; blancos are for Margaritas.

]]> http://blog.thenibble.com/2009/06/15/product-tequila-for-father%e2%80%99s-day/feed/ 0 http://blog.thenibble.com/2009/06/14/father%e2%80%99s-day-a-giggly-good-gift-for-dad/ http://blog.thenibble.com/2009/06/14/father%e2%80%99s-day-a-giggly-good-gift-for-dad/#comments Sun, 14 Jun 2009 09:15:46 +0000 admin http://blog.thenibble.com/?p=2842

It Makes Me Giggle’s party-in-a-box delivers a yummy cake.  

A gift from ItMakesMeGiggle.com is a party-in-a-box: You choose your party (birthday or other occasion), choose your cake (chocolate-iced gourmet orange chocolate bundt cake or gourmet marble bundt cake) and personalize your gift by calling a phone number to record your greeting. You can also type out a message and include a photo.

Then, the lucky recipient gets a party box with your greeting(s) plus the cake, candles, matches, knife, forks, plates, napkins, party hats, and if that’s not enough, a noisemaker and confetti. We’re pretty picky about our chocolate cake, and we enjoyed every crumb. It’s made with fresh orange juice,orange peel, chocolate chips, cocoa and a bit of whiskey, although the cake contains less than .5% alcohol. Yet, there’s enough alcohol flavor so that the kids will leave it for the grown-ups.

It’s a fun gift for Father’s Day or any occasion with this caveat: We wouldn’t send this gift to anyone very elderly or very young, because when you open the box, the greeting is surprising and loud. The cost is $44.99, and you can place a web or phone order. There are four plates and forks, but you can cut at least six slices—so call dibs on seconds.

Check out the Father’s Day Boutique at igourmet.com

Dad will light up with happiness when you hand him a box of See’s Candies chocolate “Seegars” (how long were the See’s folks waiting to be able to make that pun!). In fact, at the economical price of $6.30 for a box of three, you can afford to hand out Seegars to all of your favorite dads.

Seegars are made from milk chocolate that’s been rolled and packaged in brown foil to resemble actual cigars. Of course, Dad will have to enjoy these in private—we don’t want him influencing the kids! Seegars are available at See’s Candies stores and online at Sees.com. Certified kosher by KSA.

Dad can relax with a Cognac and a good [chocolate] cigar. Photo by Emily Chang | THE NIBBLE.

]]> http://blog.thenibble.com/2009/06/13/father%e2%80%99s-day-see%e2%80%99s-candies-milk-chocolate-seegars/feed/ 0 http://blog.thenibble.com/2009/06/08/gifts-father%e2%80%99s-day/ http://blog.thenibble.com/2009/06/08/gifts-father%e2%80%99s-day/#comments Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:13:05 +0000 admin http://blog.thenibble.com/?p=2649

PHOTO: The recession has even taken a bite out of chocolate gifts. But seriously, folks, it’s part of the Financial Crunch Stimulus Package, a fun gift for a chocolate-loving dad.

With less than two weeks to Father’s Day (Sunday, June 21), you can get inspiration from our gift selections. There’s something at every price range (mostly very recession affordable), including:

• Bentley’s wonderful pecan caramel popcorn, not sticky-sweet
• Gary West’s meaty, high-protein steak strip snack packs
• Paumanok Preserves’ Incredible Onion Conserve and Gracious Garlic Gelée (not to be missed!)
• Philadelphia Distilling’s Bluecoat Gin, a truly exciting, handcrafted award winner
• Sanani’s super-smooth Mocha coffee from Yemen
• Sweet Assets’ Financial Crunch Chocolate Stimulus Package

All items are available online; shipping costs offset your time and gas money. See our Gift Finder Section for even more gift ideas. ]]> http://blog.thenibble.com/2009/06/08/gifts-father%e2%80%99s-day/feed/ 0