GOOD TASTES.

STOCKING STUFFER FOR KIDS: Budding chefs should have their own set of colorful silicone measuring tools so they'll be enthused about helping prepare favorite recipes. Assorted size cups in a variety of colors collapse for convenient storage but pop instantly into shape for using. Measurements are marked both on the handle and bottom of each tool. Through the end of the year, the set comes with a matching set of four measuring spoons. Microwavable and dishwasher safe. $19.95 at Williams-Sonoma or [phone].

-- Natalie Haughton

MARTINI GIFT SET: If that discriminating someone on your gift list favors vodka, pick up a sleek Skyy 90 martini gift set. It includes a bottle of the luxury vodka and two Molo float handcrafted martini glasses that insulate the hand from the liquid inside the glass. Available for $95 at Alpha, Los Angeles, [phone] or online at www.alpha-man.com.

-- N.H.

HOLIDAY SEE'S: New at See's is a deluxe celebration assortment. Wrapped in a burgundy, red and gold gift box, this sweet extravaganza includes a 1-pound box of assorted chocolates, a 10-ounce box of peanut brittle, an 8-ounce box of truffles, a foil-wrapped milk chocolate Santa, a 1-pound bag of milk chocolate foil balls, a Pet Pals Box, a 1-pound holiday fancy box and assorted molasses chips. It's $75 for 5pounds, 7ounces. Also new is a trio gift collection with a can each of toffee-ettes and mixed salted nuts and a package of milk chocolate balls ($17.50 for 1pound, 7ounces). Another addition to this year's collection is a holiday-fancy box filled with a 1-pound assortment of the most popular dark, milk and white chocolates ($16.50). At See's Candies stores, www.sees.com or [phone].

-- N.H.

COOK-OFF UPDATE

Michaela Rosenthal of Woodland Hills was named one of two finalists at the Simply Manischewitz regional semi-finalist Cook-Off in Costa Mesa last week with her Whitefish and Potato Knish recipe. Andrea Bloom of Long Beach was named the other finalist with her Pea and Fennel Soup.

Rosenthal will be heading to New York in February to compete and cook against Bloom and four other finalists for the $20,000 grand prize, including a General Electric kitchen and cash prizes. Rosenthal started competing in recipe contests three years ago and this year has placed in the top three in more than a dozen recipe contests. Here is Rosenthal's winning Manischewitz recipe.

-- Natalie Haughton

WHITEFISH AND POTATO KNISH APPETIZER

2/3 cup instant dry mashed potato flakes

2/3 cup boiling water

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 (2.8-ounce) can French fried onions

1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish

1 (24-ounce) jar Manischewitz Whitefish, drained and patted dry

Salt and pepper to taste

1 (17.3-ounce) box frozen puff pastry, defrosted

2 teaspoons Manischewitz Fish Seasoning

8 teaspoons Manischewitz Creamy Horseradish Sauce With Lemon

Line a large, rimless baking sheet with parchment paper, or grease with butter. Place instant potatoes in a medium bowl. Add boiling water and stir to combine. Measure 2 teaspoons melted butter and set aside. Add remaining butter to potatoes and mix well. Stir in fried onions and 1/4 cup parsley. Mash fish and add to potato mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.

Remove both pieces of puff pastry to a floured board. Unfold and cut along natural folds to form a total of 6 equal rectangular pieces (from both sheets of puff pastry). Remove 2 pieces of pastry and set aside for another use. With a floured rolling pin, roll remaining 4 pieces slightly to flatten.

Spoon 1/4 of potato-fish mixture onto each of the 4 puff pastry pieces and make a log of the fish mixture down the center. Roll each puff pastry piece into a log (around fish mixture) from longest side (like a jelly roll). Pinch seam lightly to seal. Trim off 1 inch of unfilled dough ends. Place logs seam side down on prepared baking sheet and brush with reserved melted butter. Sprinkle with Fish Seasoning. Using a serrated knife, cut each log into 8 equal pieces and separate and place them 1/2-inch apart on the baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 375-degree oven 30 to 35 minutes, until golden brown.

To serve, arrange knishes on a serving platter. Garnish each piece with a small dollop of Creamy Horseradish Sauce With Lemon. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve as an appetizer (finger food).

Makes 32 pieces

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(1 -- color) no caption (silicone measuring tools)

(2 -- color) no caption (Skyy 90 martini gift set)

(3 -- color) no caption (deluxe celebration assortments of See's chocolates)