Giada De Laurentiis for Target

I’ve been in a cooking rut lately. I don’t know if it’s my pregnancy, my picky toddler or lack of inspiration, but I’m just not in to it. I’ve had these moments before and I’ve generally jolted myself out of the rut by flipping through recipe books or watching Food Network for a couple of hours. That’s just not happening right now.

Enter Giada DeLaurentiis. I just love Giada and her show on the Food Network, Everyday Italian, is one I usually can’t turn away from – her enthusiasm is infectious and I usually feel inspired by her great ideas. I was able to meet her recently at an event for Target and she’s exactly the same as you see on TV – warm, friendly and gorgeous. She did a cooking demonstration with some of her new cooking and food products for Target and I have to tell you that my cooking energy was renewed. It also helped that I left with a few recipes in hand. I loved some of her easy ideas and her new products are thoughtful and affordable.

Giada’s cookware

Giada is all about simplicity. She chooses simple colors and designs, as she wants the food to be the highlight. She has also thought through the details from a woman’s perspective – lighter materials, ergonomical grips and sexy lines. For example, the handles on her professional cookware taper, making it easier for smaller hands to grip. The non-stick everyday cookware is really affordable and features see-through lids – an ode to a request from her grandmother. The ceramic bake ware also has a thumb-rest design to help you feel more secure when pulling the dishes out of the oven. She also keeps the colors very simple: red, white and metallic.

Giada’s collection for Target includes chef-quality knives, cookware, bake ware, small appliances and useful tools like a silicone-covered whisk and a heat-resistant spoonula (spoon+spatula) that are well-thought out basics for any kitchen. Oh, and each item comes with one good recipe on it – so if you are giving it as a gift there is at least one idea to get the cooking juices flowing.

Giada’s food line

If you aren’t feeling up to creative cooking or just need an easy meal option, Giada’s pastas and sauces are seriously good. Her Genovese pesto blew me away and I’ve used it on gnocchi and farfalle pasta so far – it’s has a mild flavor that is almost sweet and not overly garlicky. We also tried the Italian roast coffee and Espresso blend coffees. I wasn’t as keen on her mild coffee flavor, but we tend to go for stronger coffee. Lastly, try the garlic and parmesan vinaigrette – great for a leafy or pasta salad.

While there are many chefs who’ve created their own cooking and food lines, Giada’s generosity of heart and thoughtfulness really seems to shine through with great flavors, beautiful packaging and cool designs.

Disclosure: Michelle attended an event hosted by Target and received a selection of cooking items and food from the Giada De Laurentiis collection to test drive in her own kitchen.

Mom Central