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Seriously Simple: Take the hassle out of shopping for cooks on your holiday list

By Diane Rossen Worthington, Tribune Content Agency on

Every year I put together my Gifts for Cook's list. I test all the products and consider how they will make a great gift for the cooks and food lovers you are shopping for. Most of these comport with the Seriously Simple style. I try and find general gifts and ones that I think will appeal to those with particular interests. I hope this makes shopping less of a hassle for you.

--PackIt Freezable Double Wine Bag (Amazon, $32)

For the wine lover on your list this is perfect for transporting chilled wines. The freezable gel is built into the walls of the bag, so there is no need to freeze separate ice packs.

--Hestan ProBond Stainless-Steel Essential Pan with Helper Handle (Williams-Sonoma, $185)

Hestan products are for the serious cook who wants a perfectly even temperature from a pan. This essential pan is one of my favorites because of its shape. Sometimes called a chef's pan, this rounded stainless-steel pan has a thick base for even heat distribution and thinner sides for lighter weight. For sauces to soups, this is my go-to pan. I love the shape, and it is just the right size for many kitchen jobs. Give this to the serious cook on your list.

--Capresso CoffeeTeam Pro Plus 12-cup coffee maker with grinder (Bed Bath and Beyond, $229; Amazon, $199)

I love waking up to coffee that has just been ground and brewed. After painstaking research, I discovered this model. It makes exceptionally consistent, strong and delicious coffee. I've tried many other make-ahead coffee machines but none with results this good. If you have a serious coffee drinker on your list, who likes it made ahead but doesn't want to sacrifice freshly ground coffee, this is my pick.

--VitaClay Smart Organic Stock Pot and Multi-Crocks, 6.5 Quart (Amazon, $169.95)

I love this item because it can steam and slow cook; make stock, hot cereal and yogurt; and it keeps things warm for nine hours. It's different from an Instapot; it brings the liquid to a boil faster and cooks faster. I particularly like the clay pot; the unglazed clay surface seems to intensify the flavors and is non-stick. I made an amazing vegetable soup that tasted better than any I've made on the stove. This is the gift for your Instapot lover who is always looking for new ways to cook faster and better.

--Molcajete (SurLaTable.com, $44.95)

 

Do you have avocado lovers on your gift list? This is the perfect gift for them. This Mexican style mortar and pestle, 8 inches in diameter, will grind and smooth avocadoes for spreading on bread. It is also the classic vessel used for making guacamole. It makes a great serving bowl as well.

-- Mosser Glass cake stand (Amazon, $38-$88)

For the baker on your list. The Mosser Glass cake stand is a beautiful way to display baked goods. I like the 10-inch size for most cakes, but it also comes in a 6- or 12-inch size. I prefer the green glass, but it also comes in different colors. This cake stand is reminiscent of days past with its heirloom look.

--Bamboo nesting bowls and dinnerware set for kids (Bamboozlehome.com, $70)

Bamboozle, an eco-friendly alternative to everyday kitchenware, has two items worth giving for your eco-conscious on your list. Made of bamboo that is durable and biodegradable, this set of seven nesting bowls are colorful and durable for lots of tasks. Select the pastel or thistle colored bowls for friends who can always use more bowls for cooking or serving. https://www.bamboozlehome.com/bamboozlehome-products/thistle-nesting-bowls

For little kids Harley Hippo dinnerware ($20) would make every meal a treat. This 5-piece dinnerware set comes with plate, cup, bowl, spoon and fork. https://www.bamboozlehome.com/bamboozlehome-products/harley-hippo

--Gourmet Julienne Grater (Microplane.com, $16.99)

A perfect stocking stuffer. Whether you're making a salad or stir-fry or vegetables as garnishes, Microplane's new Gourmet Julienne Grater will make preparing meals this holiday season a snap! Part of Microplane's Gourmet Series line of products, the Julienne Grater is crafted from durable stainless steel with chemically etched blades that are ultra-sharp and built for longevity. The Julienne Grater also features an ergonomic, soft-grip handle, non-slip rubber footing and a transparent cover for the ultimate in comfort and safety. Dishwasher safe, the Julienne Grater is a go-to tool for professional cooks and home chefs alike.

(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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