If you're like me, you can't go Christmas shopping without finding at least a half-dozen "toys" you want to buy for yourself. Most of my wish list, of course, includes kitchen gadgets or food items.
Fortunately, I can satisfy my urge to buy those things by getting them for the other foodies in my family. If you still need to buy a gift for someone like that or you're looking for gift ideas for yourself, check out these nifty products I found online.
If you've got any other ideas or would like to tell us what you wish Santa would bring for your kitchen, do tell!
Williams-Sonoma
www.williams-sonoma.com
Christmas catalog, p. 63.
Filled Pancake Pan
When I saw the maple-pecan stuffed pancakes that this unique pan makes possible, my mouth started watering.
I can only imagine the beginnings for pancake lovers everywhere: apple-caramel pancakes, cream cheese-strawberry pancakes, pear-raisin pancakes, pumpkin pie pancakes. The possibilities are endless.
The round pan has seven deep wells that allow cooks to fill with a layer of pancake batter, then spoon filling inside and finish filling.
Cost: $35.
Murray’s Cheese
www.murrayscheese.com
Winter gift guide, p. 2
“The Murray’s Cheese Handbook” by Rob Kaufelt and Liz Thorpe.
Described as the “only cheese book you’ll ever need,” with an alphabetized guide to more than 300 different cheeses from around the world. Even includes beverage pairings!
Cost: $12.95.
Crate & Barrel
www.crateandbarrel.com
Mario Batali Prep-Measuring Bowls
I’m in love with these bright red measuring bowls. We’ve all seen television chefs with their ingredients already measured out and waiting in little bowls, but now we can be similarly prepared at home! And they’re dishwasher safe.
Cost: $9.95
Ghirardelli Chocolate
www.ghirardelli.com
Double Chocolate Hot Chocolate
Consumer Reports recently rated Ghirardelli’s hot chocolate at the top of their list, saying although it is the most fattening, it is also the most delicious. A perfect idea for the chocolate enthusiast on your list. Cost: $5.95
Pressure cookers
www.pressurecooker-outlet.com
This Web site is just a suggestion for where to find a pressure cooker for the harried cook in your family. They can also be purchased at any kitchen store.
Pressure cookers aren’t just for canning anymore. They can help you whip up a pork loin or chicken dish in a ridiculously short period of time (think 15 minutes or less) and the meat comes out tender and juicy.
Average cost: $20 to $100, depending on the size.
Penzey’s Spices
www.penzeys.com
Penzeys Spices have been a favorite in my family for many years, so I can personally approve their quality.
On the Penzey’s Web site, you can choose from a huge array of gift boxes that range from $15.95 all the way up to $135. The smallest box includes four jars of spice blends, including Penzey’s pasta sprinkle, Italian dressing blend, Parisien bonnes herbes and bouquet garni.
Some gift sets are more focused. For example, you can purchase a cocoa lovers’ set, a set of Indian curries, a taco seasoning kit, a taste of Mexico and more.
Comments
[November 28, 2007 12:20 PM]
ErinIf you're feeling particularly generous, try giving a canister of the Ghirardelli hot chocolate mix with a Back to Basics brand cocoa-latte maker. I received that little gizmo last year and LOVE it! Perfect Hot Chocolate and Chai drinks every time!
[November 28, 2007 1:09 PM]
Amy Hanek : →http://www.houseonthegladehill.blogspot.comNorman Love Chocolates sent to my home.
A new stove top griddle.
A new set of Christmas Cookie Cutters.
A new waffle maker.
A new coffeemaker.
A new dishwasher - mine broke last week and I have the dishpan hands to prove it!
[November 28, 2007 1:37 PM]
Lindsey : →http://blogs.roanoke.com/fridgemagnet/Great idea, Erin!
Since you mentioned cookie cutters, Amy, look on Crate & Barrel for those, too. I just love that store. They have a whole canister of cookie cutters in year-round patterns for $25.
Dishes by hand...my least-favorite chore. Besides mopping the kitchen floor, that is.
Great stocking stuffers are chip clips, wine stoppers, a church key with a magnet for conveniently sticking to the fridge, individual envelopes of hot cocoa or seasoning blends, a tea ball, chocolate-dipped spoons, etc.
One other idea I had was to go to a few ethnic markets and buy a bunch of different sauces and other ingredients and put them all in a basket with ribbon for someone who loves to experiment with bizarre foods.
[November 28, 2007 2:38 PM]
MichelleLindsey, I have a friend whose husband absolutely refuses to eat vegetables and I got her a cookbook for Christmas by Jessica Seinfeld called Deceptively Delicious - it is all about how to sneak vegetables into regular foods for picky eaters. I started flipping through it before I wrapped it and I was hooked! I read the whole thing! It has all kinds of great tips (like pureeing cauliflour or butternut squash and mixing in with macaroni and cheese). It even has dessert recipes! I can't wait to try them out (I copied a few down for myself before I finished wrapping)
[November 29, 2007 7:27 AM]
JenPressure cookers rock! My husband bought one for us a few months ago, and I have to say that I was skeptical at first. But quite honestly, I use it at least twice a week now. It's amazing! And we're giving them to several family members this year...
[November 29, 2007 1:21 PM]
RichI'd like something to distract my dog while I'm in the kitchen, so I don't keep tripping over him.
This looks promising:
http://www.skymall.com/shopping/detail.htm?pid=102237201&c=
[November 29, 2007 2:43 PM]
AutumnFor Christmas this year, I'd love to receive a Cuisinart Food Processor (from Bed, Bath, & Beyond).
I'm also in need of mixing bowls and other little kitchen gadgets, such as storage containers and Pyrex bowls and bakeware.
Maybe Santa will be good to me!
[November 29, 2007 4:15 PM]
Lindsey : →http://blogs.roanoke.com/fridgemagnet/Rich, do you mean for the laser to distract your dog or the cat?
Ha ha.
Autumn, I hope your hubby or friends are reading these comments, for your sake.
[November 29, 2007 4:20 PM]
RichThe dog. He chases the laser pointer around, but the one we have now requires human intervention.
[December 7, 2007 9:43 AM]
DebbyHey, cool you mentioned Penzey's Spices. A friend and I order from them several times a year religeously. They have great stuff you can't find anywhere else!