The Language of Baseball, Timeless Gifting, + Savory Baseberry Dip Recipe

I received a Wendell August product for the purpose of this review. This post was made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own. Photos are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2015.

Momma Told Me: It's the thought that counts.

It seems these days the selling point for gifting is convenience. Easy to ship, easy to package, easy to purchase; which almost always defaults to gift cards and gift certificates. As a little girl I looked forward to birthdays and holidays with true anticipation. Months before celebration dates packages and parcels would begin piling up. We had relatives across the country and most of the fun of receiving gifts was guessing what could possibly be inside these oddly shaped, colorfully wrapped presents. Last Christmas I received 9 envelopes, with 11 gift cards, spread across 4 chains. When did giving a gift become something to cross off a checklist?

Don't get me wrong, the old adage, "It's the thought that counts," is quite true- in the end, it IS the thought that counts- but that is equally true in my argument to bring back real gifting. Of course, it's NOT practical to expect the modern consumer to purchase a unique and individual gift for EVERY person on their seasonal shopping list. However, it should be reasonable to expect one would find time to carve out a few moments of thought for unique and remarkable gifts to those closest to them. If you're shaking your head and telling me I'm crazy, wait first for me to introduce you to Wendell August.

As an American made brand of handcrafted gifts and mementos, Wendell August has been producing timeless gifts and keepsakes since 1923. Their metalworking medium echoes a level of sophistication and everlasting presence rarely found in modern gifting today. Each of their artisan made pieces are hand-stamped by the individual artist and craftsman, making them truly one of a kind. Their products also cover a broad range of themes and categories, from gorgeously intricate home accessories and jewelry, to modern forged mirrors, hand-stamped picture frames, and even beautiful Sterling Silver bookmarks.

Shopping for the sports fans closest to me has always been a challenge. As with anyone who collects or champions a brand, theme, or cause, it's hard to know what someone does or doesn't already have. Then there's the battle of gifting to couples- what is perfect for, say, a Red Sox loving husband may not be so welcomed by the baseball tolerating wife sharing their home. When I saw the Language of Baseball Chip and Dip Set I instantly knew it would make the perfect gift for my father. The hammered aluminum tray is timelessly classy with it's elegant stamping, yet entirely unsuspecting as  piece of sport's enthusiast decor. From afar the platter and serving bowl are an elegant, yet modern, addition to any American home, yet up close, the theme is brilliantly illustrated.

Most sports fans also love to entertain, especially during the given season of their sport. Wendell August has an entire Language of Sports collection specially designed to echo team spirit without the tacky addition of melamine plastics and gaudy colors. Any football, baseball, hockey, or basketball fan would be proud to display their spirit with a beautifully stamped serving tray such as this in their home and office.

Of course, classy sports gear deserves classy food and fare, so I've taken the liberty of whipping up a few simple suggestions to show of your new Language of Sports serving dish. Forgo the wrapping and present your gift to any sports fan with a display of hand dipped chocolate strawberries decorated to look like baseballs, footballs, or basketballs. Not only do these make a wonderful hostess gift, they loo especially gorgeous on these American made forged aluminum platters. Not sure you can pull it off? Thin some melting chocolates with a little coconut oil for a smooth and even dip then draw your stitching on be daubing a row of cookie icing dots in the seam color of your choice. Next, take a toothpick and drag it down the center for a flawless stitched effect.

For the discerning baseball enthusiast, the microwave and oven safe stoneware dip bowl is perfect for our fondue like Savory Baseberry Dip. The combination of fresh baked blueberries, Neufchatel cream cheese and White Cheddar is sure to win over your guests with it's elevated dipping experience. Serve it alongside a plate of olive oil roasted French Bread slices. Trust me- even the blueberry skeptical will enjoy the rich color and savory flavor, this never lasts long in our baseball day lineup!

Gifting timeless gifts that delight recipients doesn't have to be a headache. Wendell August has unique, handmade, home accents, accessories, and more to match just about any personality or recipient. Now it's your turn to dish- Are you a notorious gift card gifter, or a meticulous present picker?

What Daughter Says: Gift gifts of thought, without the headache.

Savory Baseberry Dip

*** Click here for the printable savory Baseberry Dip recipe

Ingredients:

8oz Neufchatel Cream Cheese

10oz Grated White Cheddar Cheese

1 Cup Fresh, Rinsed, Blueberries

1 Loaf French Bread

2 TBS Olive Oil

Directions:

Preheat Oven to 375F

1. Slice bread and place on a baking sheet, drizzle with Olive Oil.

2. In an oven safe bowl combine cream cheese and grated cheese. Fold in blueberries. Place in oven and bake for 30-35 MINS, or until cheese begins to bubble through a golden top.

3. Place bread slices in the oven at 20 MIN mark, tossing every 4-5 MINS. Serve together.

I received a Wendell August product for the purpose of this review. This post was made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own. Photos are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2015.