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Seriously Simple: Last-minute holiday gifts for your favorite cooks

By Diane Rossen Worthington, Tribune Content Agency on

Let's face it. Holiday shopping can be a tedious, exhausting experience. I've done some digging and found some great items in every price range for the cook or wine lover on your list. You can order from your bed and have that extra cup of coffee for a truly stress free experience. Look no further than Amazon.com, Surlatable.com or Williams-Sonoma.com for easy ordering and lots of last minute discounts. I can say that all of these items will bring smiles to those you are gifting.

Great gifts

1. Sur La Table Classic Half Sheet & Grid Set. This reasonably priced set comes with a pan featuring superior nonstick dual coating for easy release, and a grid for cooling. This commercial-grade aluminized steel of a lighter color provides even baking and a rolled rim for excellent durability. www.surlatable.com

2. Instant Pot Aura Pro. The first thing to know about this latest Insta Pot is that it is NOT a pressure cooker like all of the others. Instead it is an 11-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Multicooker with Advanced Microprocessor technology that controls the time and temperature to ensure consistent cooking results. With 11 Smart Programs, delectable dishes can now be prepared to perfection by simply pushing a button. www.amazon.com

3. Wüsthof Stainless-Steel 8-Piece Steak Knife Box Set. Meat-lovers will appreciate this beautiful and very useful set of steak knives. The set includes eight 4-inch steak knives crafted from 18/10 stainless steel. The knives have sharp serrated edges that are designed to cut easily through thick steaks without tearing. www.williams-sonoma.com

4. All-Clad 6-Qt. Pasta Pot. This is an essential item for any pasta lover on your list. It has ample room for pasta to boil, and features a handy strainer insert that eliminates the need to use a separate colander. Constructed of durable and attractive stainless steel, the pot features a steel-clad aluminum base that heats evenly and efficiently. www.amazon.com

5. Hestan NanoBond Stainless-Steel Skillet. Unlike other high-end cookware, this skillet has a patented, multilayer structure of titanium-based alloys that bond directly to stainless steel through an environmentally friendly and chemical-free process. It is not a non-stick surface, yet I have found most of my sauteed dishes slide right out of the pan. The key thing to remember about this skillet is to preheat it for best results. It cleans easily and really holds the heat evenly. This is the pan to buy for the fussy cook who proclaims they have it all. www.williams-sonoma.com

 

Superb stocking stuffers

1. Tovolo Measuring System. Never lose measuring cups and spoons again with Tovolo's magnetic measuring system. This complete measuring set was designed with strong magnets that keep the pieces secure, and it stacks neatly for compact storage. It is ideal for wet or dry ingredients, and it also features easy-to-read, etched measurement markings that won't fade. www.amazon.com

2. Microplane tools. This innovative company is always coming up with clever ideas to help cooks in their kitchen. Here are a few ideas:

Microplane Spice Mill. This handy gadget will grind hard spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Designed for professional chefs and home cooks, the Spice Mill also features storage on the top where whole spices can be stored. www.amazon.com

Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester Graters. The original, iconic, rasp-style design is now available in a rainbow of colors including turquoise, bright green, baby blue, orange and dark blue. Anyone will appreciate one of these kitchen helpers. www.amazon.com

(Diane Rossen Worthington is an authority on new American cooking. She is the author of 18 cookbooks, including "Seriously Simple Parties," and a James Beard Award-winning radio show host. You can contact her at www.seriouslysimple.com.)


 

 

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