Are you set for Christmas? All gifts readily packed under the Christmas tree? No? Me neither. Let’s hope this article will save you and give you some nice ideas for Christmas gifts. Of course, not everyone is a super passionate chef, but some utensils are useful even for those who open a bag of chips and call it their dinner. Ok, maybe not for them. A good grater or a pair of good oven mittens always come in handy, though.
1. Microplane
You got yourself a grater at IKEA, and you’re happy with it? Good for you. If you want your loved ones’ kitchen habits to be less stressful, cleaner, and quicker, you should get them a Microplane. A year ago, I only used random graters until I used a Microplane at a friend’s place, and it changed my whole life. It makes grating SO easy, and you don’t risk getting rid of half a nail or finger. They’re super efficient and come in different sizes; I’m happy with the slim, classic one.
2. A good kitchen knife
Everyone deserves to have a good kitchen knife. A blunt knife that smashes a tomato instead of neatly cutting through it can be very annoying. You can get good medium-priced knives from Wüsthof or Zwilling. They usually come in sets and often with a knife sharpener.
3. Cast iron pan
The moment someone starts using a cast iron pan, they won’t ever let it go. It’s great for grilling chicken thighs, for making Pizza, toasting bread, and what I love most is to char things in it. Veggies that you roast in a cast iron pan get a nice flavour without getting burned. It works with leeks, grapes, apricots, aubergines, potato hash and and and…
4. Mandoline
Do you know someone who loves finely chopped salads, cucumber pickles, or just wants super thin apple slices for their apple tart? Get them a Mandoline. It saves so much time and cuts vegetables and fruits into paper-thin slices in seconds.
5. Le Creuset pot
A heavy bottom pot isn’t only great for stews, slow-cooked meat, such as pulled pork or braised meat, but also for baking bread. I love mine, and even my ragu alla Bolognese gets a spot in my Le Creuset pot.
6. Peeler
My grandmother often used to peel potatoes with a simple knife. I’m a bit jealous of those skills, but I can’t imagine my kitchen without a good peeler anymore. They’re not expensive and are best if Y-shaped, from stainless steel and with a handy grip.
7. Pizza stone
Know anyone who loves Pizza but can’t fit a Pizza oven into their house? Get them a Pizza stone. It saves heat and ensures its regular dispersion. It’s perfect not only for baking crunchy Pizza but also for bread or to make sure that your oven reaches and keeps a high temperature.
8. Kitchen thermometer
Yes, you can infer from the softness of a piece of meat whether it’s well done, medium or rare. A thermometer makes this easier though, if you’re not an experienced hobby chef. A thermometer is also great for making custards, caramels, or marshmallows – all treats that depend on the right temperature.
9. Scale
Many people say that they aren’t great bakers and that every time they take flour into their hands, it ends in a catastrophe. When I ask if they used all measurements as indicated in the recipe, I often get the answer that yes, they did, but they didn’t have a scale. Ok, with some recipes, you might get away without one, but most of the time, you DO NEED A SCALE. Get one for that friend that popped into your mind now.
10. Mixing bowls
A good quality mixing bowl makes all the difference. My preferred ones are glass or thick plastic ones (best if recycled), metal ones are ok, too. Spend a bit more money on them, though. Simple ones from thin plastic are cheap but don’t last that long, and we all want to be a bit more sustainable, don’t we?!
