Presents
If you're buying presents for someone who truly loves to cook, I might have some suggestions. This post comes with a warning, though. Don't buy kitchen stuff for anyone who doesn't LOVE cooking. Make sure your intended likes receiving kitchen stuff (like me) or is someone who has some dire need like setting up his or her first abode... and even then I would tread with care.
Some ideas are pricey... some are stocking-stuffer priced. So, in no particular order, some kitchen things I'd want as presents if I didn't already have them.
- The top 'o the line blender extraordinaire: a Vita-Mix (www.vitamix.com). I'm not sure you can still get one delivered in time, but heck, even the promise of one might be welcome. I use mine at least once a day. Price tag: $400-$800.
- The best slow cooker I've ever owned - the big All-Clad Stainless Steel. It's souped up with a cast iron insert that can go on the stovetop to sauté in before slipping it back into its very attractive stainless steel home. Available at Williams-Sonoma and probably other places too. I love mine. Price tag: $300-$500 depending on sales and discounts etc. Try www.chefscatalog.com too. They often have good prices.
- A fresh nutmeg mill that also houses whole nutmegs well. Fabulous idea. Works well. Looks cute. Price tag: $30. Available at Sur La Table and probably other places.
- A simple but ingenious garlic peeler. Why would one want one? If I'm going to chop garlic, I usually just whack it with a knife, take the peel off and chop. But if I want to use whole intact cloves to impart a more delicate flavor to a dish (as in garlic mashed potatoes), this peels the cloves beautifully. Price tag: $9
I'm thinking of buying myself a new electric pressure cooker for Christmas this year. My pressure cooker was ancient and scary so it had to go.
Comments