We all love to be in the kitchen. Julia and I like to bake yummy treats, while Ray and the boys like to create savory dishes. Ray would actually like to spend more time cooking, and I certainly won’t complain. I always look forward to noshing on his dishes.

Ray was most excited about one of our latest packages. It was a big box of items from Giada De Laurentiis’ Target line… lovely red mixing bowls, shiny measuring cups, white ceramic bakeware and jars of yummy foods. Not only did we have a blast trying a few of Giada’s recipes, but we look forward to using most of these items this weekend, as we celebrate Christmas here at home.

Here is one of Giada’s recipes that we plan to try this Saturday:

Pea Pesto Crostini

Recipe Courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis

• 1(10oz) package frozen peas, thawed
• 1 garlic clove
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 2/3 cup olive oil
• 8 (1/2 inch thick) slices whole grain baguette or ciabatta bread, preferably day old
• 8 cherry tomatoes, halved or 1 small tomato, diced

For the pea pesto:

1. Pulse together in food processor the peas, garlic, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.
2. With the machine running, slowly add 1/3 cup of the olive oil and continue to mix until well combined, 1 to 2 minutes. Season with more salt and pepper, if needed.
3. Transfer to small bowl and set aside.

For the crostini:

1. Toast the bread for 2 – 3 minutes on an oven’s broil setting.
2. Transfer bread to platter and spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of pesto on each slice.
3. Top crostini with 2 tomato halves, finely chopped herbs or parmesan cheese and serve.

Yield: 4 – 6 Servings/ 8 crostini

If you are entertaining during this Holiday season, I’m sure these simple entertaining tips from Giada De Laurentiis will be helpful::

• Plan ahead!  Prepare most of your dishes ahead of time, rather than trying to cook everything at once.  You’ll feel less stressed and will be able to enjoy the party.  Giada recommends leaving only one item for last minute prep – this brings everyone into the kitchen and sets the tone for a cozy, comfortable evening.

• Don’t overdo your menu – keep it simple!  As a general rule, Giada suggests offering four to five appetizers.  During the holidays, choose foods that have vibrant colors for an added festive touch.  Also select foods that are beautiful to serve and easy for guests to eat.

• For guests who pop-in unexpectedly, keep ready-to-serve delights in the pantry. Giada’s Genovese Basil Pesto and Eggplant & Pepper Pesto are easy and delicious treats.  Serve with toasted bread or crackers and display on a festive serving platter.

• Create less work for yourself by using multipurpose kitchen tools.  The Giada De Laurentiis for Target Ceramic Bakeware can go directly from the oven to the table.  The bakeware beautifully displays the dish and makes less clean-up for you!  Kitchen and food items also make wonderful gifts.  Add a personal touch to a hostess gift by baking your favorite homemade pie in the Ceramic Pie Pan.

What are your must-have items when working (or playing!) in the kitchen?

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.

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