HOLIDAY GIFTING FOR THE FOODIE, COOK AND BAKER

  

If you have a foodie, cook or baker on your gift list, here are a few of my favorite gifting items to consider.  These items lighten the prep load with interesting and fun gadgets, accessories and ingredients.  Don’t forget to gift yourself.  Enjoy!

  

Average Joe Artisan Bread Kit ~ If you’ve convinced yourself that you’re incapable of making a fabulous crusty loaf of artisan bread, think again.  This Bread Kit will turn you into a master baker in a very short time.  The Gift Edition of this fabulous Kit comes with everything you’ll need to make three fabulous loaves of bread, including a cookbook (and cheat sheet), baker's tools (dough scraper, baker's blade), enough ingredients for three loaves (flour, sea salts, yeast, bread dust), and kitchenwares (bread pot, measuring cups, measuring spoons, stainless steel mixing bowl, wooden spoon, sprayer, steel sponge).  The brain’s behind this is Joe Bellavance and he suggests the following tips to guarantee that perfect loaf each and every time: “Use a low-maintenance technique so that you're inclined to bake more often, aka pick a recipe that is simple and not labor intensive; the only time you should touch the dough is to mix it and shape it, otherwise, keep your hands off it; use a high-quality, high-protein flour that develops good gluten and noticeable oven spring; if you don't use a mixer, knead the dough just a little bit after mixing; let the dough rise for 18+ hours to give the yeast time to convert the flour's starches to simpler sugars; use an independent oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperature; your bread is still baking when it comes out of the oven, so if you can stand the suspense, let it cool for at least two hours, four hours is even better, but six hours is optimal for setting the crust; use a sharp bread knife; and, enjoy your premium bread with premium butter, olive oil, etc. perfect loaf each and every time.”  Makes perfect crusty and delicious bread every time.  http://www.breadkit.com/

 

Indian As Apple Pie ~ The ingenuous Spice Tiffin is the perfect culinary tool for keeping spices and seasonings organized, secure and at the ready.  Made from durable stainless steel, this clever unit holds seven removable containers; each container has a “half moon” segment that allows for easy leveling of the ingredients with the included measuring spoons (one tablespoon and one teaspoon).  A secure recessed lid covers all the containers when not in use and the measuring spoons fit on top of the lid; another secure cover lid fits over that; the secure covers further keep ingredients fresh and help to extend shelf life.  The Spice Tiffin can be used for creating different types of spice assortments, such as a hot cereal tin of favorite toppings, a cake or cookie tin of spices and seasonings, additional ethnic-themed ingredient tins, addition to Indian cuisine (e.g. Italian, Mexican, Middle Eastern, etc.), an ice cream-themed tin, etc.  The Spice Tiffin has a compact design making it ideal to stack multiple tins and minimize storage space. http://www.indianasapplepie.com/

Mrs. Fields ~ These latest baking innovations are not only clever, but they take the effort out of baking, turning each recipe into a masterpiece.  For the inventive baker, the Brookie Pan allows the creativity of baking a brownie with a cookie in the center, doubling the sweetness of the treat.  Another must for the adventurous baker is the Half N Half Cupcake Pan, which allows for the pouring of two different batters into each segment, and allowing for the cupcake to have to distinctive flavored vertical halves.  The Cool Bake elevates cookie baking and cooling to a new level; a separate baking and cooling tray fits snuggly into the bottom portion of the entire unit; once your cookies are baked, simply remove the tray and allow it to cool without having to transfer cookies to another cooling tray; can also be used to roast vegetables, bake potatoes or pizza.  The Baker’s Sto-N-Go makes transporting baked masterpieces easy and takes the worry out of damaging cookies or brownies.  Each product is made out of non-stick carbon steel; even heat distribution and easy cleanup.  http://lovecookingcompany.com/

 

Prepara Kitchen Tools ~ The Herb Savor will keep herbs fresh for weeks, although you’ll probably use your greenery up before then; the bunch of herbs are placed in the form so that the stems are positioned into a small water well; the vertical Herb Savor is designed to sleekly fit into the refrigerator door.  The Roasting Laurel is the perfect tool for roasting meats, poultry, vegetables, etc.; made from malleable silicon, it can easily be shaped into any form desired; for roasting, the meat or poultry is placed so it’s resting on top of the form; this allows an even flow of cooking temperature so that the underside is thoroughly cooked and creates convection; fat also drips down into the pan, making the meat or poultry healthier; my roasted chicken was perfectly cooked and delicious; the form is also ideal for cooking stuffed peppers; the flexible form can be used to rim the upright stuffed peppers and keep them in place.  http://www.prepara.com/

 

 

Savory Spice Shop ~ Here’s a one stop shop for all your culinary needs in seasonings, spices and beyond. Products are organized in groupings, making it easier for the cook to avoid having to look through a lot of inventory just to find what they need for that special recipe; if you’re interested in salts, curries, etc., simply go to that specific shelving area and browse.  Helpful and knowledgeable staff will answer any question and help demystify any culinary confusion the cook might be experiencing, whether they’re a newbie or an experienced one; they’ll even make suggestions on how to use the ingredient, or recommend alternatives.  http://www.savoryspiceshop.com/illinois/chicago-lincoln-square.html

~ GIFT CERTIFICATES ~

If you’re stumped on what to get as a gift for that special foodie or cook, there’s no harm in relying on a gift certificate.  I’m especially fond of gift certificates to stores like Eataly Chicago (or New York), Sur La Table, Williams-Sonoma, Crate & Barrel, for example.  Gift certificates at establishments like these can be used to make food purchases, gadgetry, cookbooks, prep tools, serveware, etc.  Lately, I’ve also become fond of the Williams-Sonoma Cooking School in Chicago (and now San Francisco).  Eataly New York (and soon in Chicago) also has a Cooking School.  Both Sur La Table and most Williams-Sonoma locations also offer abbreviated cooking classes.  And, what’s not to love about getting a gift certificate to Amazon or Barnes & Noble to use for making cookbook purchases?  And how about wines?  Allegrini Estate Wines and Robert Mondavi Estate Wines immediately come to mind.  Then there are gift certificates to stores like Whole Foods Market or Trader Joe’s.  And, there’s nothing wrong with gift certificates to discounters like Home Goods, Bed, Bath & Beyond, or Cost Plus World Market for cooking and kitchen needs.    
 

~ STOCKING STUFFER IDEAS ~

 

Back to the Roots ~ Grow your own organic mushrooms in a sustainable medium; yields several sproutings.  https://www.backtotheroots.com/

Edge of Belgravia ~ This ergonomic ceramic blade chef’s knife will make you feel like a pro and elevate your knife skills.  http://www.edgeofbelgravia.co.uk/

Fabrikators ~ Clever ideas to gently scrub veggies; also, cleanup accessories made from natural recycled materials.  http://shop.fabrikators.com/us/

Proteak Renewable Forestry ~ These beautiful and durable cutting boards are made from sustainable teak wood.  http://www.proteak.com/

The Spice Lab ~ Global salt varieties packaged in compact test tube containers and tube racks; elevates any recipe or cooking style.  http://www.thespicelab.com

~ FINALE ~

No matter the reason or the season, gifting is a wonderful way to share a heartfelt sentiment.  What better way to connect with someone you care for than gifting them with something that is centered on food? 

 

That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to always celebrate yourself and your culinary curiosity.  To you and your loved ones, Merry Christmas and a promising and hope-filled New Year! 

By Terry Herman

Terry Herman continues perfecting her passion for food and wine.  She has been covering culinary related for many years as it relates to wellness and a healthy lifestyle.  Her popular blog, Terry's Spa, Beauty and Wellness Go-To has featured formidable reviews of cookbooks, restaurants, wine and food, food prep and tools, chef interviews, and coverage of prestigious events such as the International Home+Housewares Show, the National Restaurant Show and the Sweets and Snacks Expo.  She has been published since the mid-1990s in both consumer and trade publications, and is regarded as an expert in spa, beauty, wellness, travel and lifestyle; she is frequently interviewed by publications for her expert content.  She has also presented at major industry conferences, and has served with distinction on numerous governing and advisory boards.  She has a background in strategic and qualitative management, consulting, and motivational speaking.  Her social media outreach includes Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Cision Seek or Shout, Plaxo, Red Room, Pinterest, and Tripatini.  For additional information, email her at terry.herman@gmail.com.

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(Introductory photo from www.reasonstobelieve.com.  Additional photo credits as represented by the specific brand.)