We all have that person in our life ~ the person who loves to cook or bake, the chef, and/or the “foodie”. And with the holidays upon us it is the perfect time to show the chef or chefette in your life a little kitchen love by getting them the perfect gift that suits their passion.
I have put together a list of 10 things that I either already have in my kitchen and love, or things on my Christmas wish list this year. (Psst… are you listening, Santa?)
Check out each of the gifts below, any of which would be the perfect addition to a cook’s kitchen. Click on the picture for a link to where you can purchase. Happy shopping, little elves!
Smoked Sea Salt
Maldon salt is the king of flake salt. The large sea salt flakes add texture to any finished dish, or are great to use in pasta water, soups and stews. The smoked salt in particular is a great way to add a layer of smokiness to any dish that benefits from that flavor, such as bean soups, lentil salads, or smokey roasted carrots. Available at Amazon, most Whole Foods, and Williams Sonoma.
Copper Measuring Spoons
These copper enamel measuring spoons from West Elm are a great gift for any cook or baker. And they’re so pretty you can even leave them out on the counter! Available at West Elm, and currently 25% off with promo code CHEER.
A Cooking Encyclopedia of Flavors
The Flavor Bible is just that ~ a bible/encyclopedia of flavor. It lists nearly every food you can imagine, with it’s flavor “affinities” and pairings. The authors also have an edition for vegetarians called the Vegetarian Flavor Bible. There aren’t any recipes in this book, but learning how food pairs can teach someone as much or more than most traditional cookbooks. Available at Amazon or wherever you like to buy your books.
Handmade Mixing Bowls
Handmade stoneware bowls by Farmhouse Pottery, these bowls come in various sizes or you can order the set. The smaller one is good for sauces, the larger for cookie batter and pancakes. And they all have the handy pour spout.
Organic Baking Spice Blends
For the baker in your life, these organic, non-GMO and gluten-free spice blends are the perfect gift. And if they bake you a batch of gingersnap cookies it’ll be the gift that keeps on giving! Available online, click the picture above for the link.
Organic Cotton Kitchen Towels
These organic kitchen towels from Sur La Table are just what the conscious cook needs. Made from 100% organic cotton without harmful pesticides, and they also happen to be durable and absorbent. I love mine, both for drying dishes and for “side” towels when cooking. Available at Sur La Table stores and online.
Artisan Oils
La Tourangelle makes some of the best artisan oils, which can be purchased individually (Whole Foods carries some), or you can buy gift sets on their website. I love the avocado oil and use it daily for cooking. The walnut oil is great for salad dressings, and the toasted sesame oil perfect for stir-fries. They also make pumpkin seed oil, pecan oil, garlic oil and more. Available at Whole Foods, Amazon, and La Tourangelle online.
Organic Bamboo Cutting Board
This organic bamboo cutting board is what anyone and everyone needs to maximize the slicing n’ dicing action in the kitchen. Not only is this a beautiful cutting board, it is made from 100% organic bamboo, free of harmful chemicals often found in other wooden cutting boards. PS- you can also get the gift set with wooden utensils. Cutting board comes with two size options. Available via Amazon.
Cast-Iron Grill Pan
This Le Creuset 8” cast-iron grill pan is perfect for everything from grilling vegetables, to fish, to bread. Anyone who likes to bring the outdoor grilling indoors would enjoy have this addition to their kitchen. Available at most cooking stores, such as Williams Sonoma, as well as online.
Hu Dark Chocolate Gift Pack
With all the flavor and none of the processed ingredients often found in chocolate, Hu is one of my favorite dark chocolate brands, for both an after dinner treat as well as baking special desserts. The crunchy quinoa flavor is like a healthified Nestle Crunch bar! And the hazelnut butter or cashew butter ones are beyond decadent! Free of dairy, soy, gluten, refined sugars, emulsifiers and soy, this is one of the highest quality chocolates on the market. Hu chocolate bundle eight pack is available online at Hu, or purchase individually at Whole Foods.