Your Foodie Gift Guide

I admit it, I’m obsessed. If I’m not at my day job, I’m cooking. If I’m not cooking, I’m reading cookbooks. If I don’t have my nose buried in a cookbook, I’m browsing and reading reviews for cookware and gadgets. Like I said, I’m obsessed. But, that may be a good thing for the foodie on your gift list because it lets me share with you items guaranteed to give him or her a very happy holiday indeed.

First, a couple of general rules:

• When you go looking for that perfect foodie gift, think, as Alton Brown says, multi-tasking. Few of us have a kitchen with cabinets and drawers big enough to hold all those one-trick ponies.
• Focus on what they like to cook most. You wouldn’t get a vegetarian a stove-top griddle would you?
• Think quality over quantity. Most of us buy what we need, you can get them something they really want.

And, if my wife is reading, these are all on my list sweetheart.

Immersion Blender:
These are fantastic tools and can be used for everything from making cream soups to that breakfast smoothie. Look for one that also has a whisk attachment. Prices range from $25-$90.

Food Processor:

A good food processor is the must-have tool for any cook. They can do so much, from slicing to mixing dough. Look for one with a large feed tube and a small bowl insert. Prices range from $50 to $250.

Food Storage:

Package food, like pasta, almost never comes in even serving sizes so home and professional cooks alike are always looking for quality storage. Look for a set that seals well, but is easy to get access. Sets can be found for between $25 and $100.

Cast-Iron Cookware:

I absolutely love this stuff for the way it sears and because it easily goes from the stove-top to the oven. There is a huge range of sizes and styles available, from grandmas Lodge cast-iron skillet (I have one I use almost daily) to a LeCreuset enameled cast-iron Dutch oven (this is what you see all the TV chefs cooking with). You can find Lodge for as little as $20 and large LeCreuset  can run as much as $350.

Chef’s Knife:

A good knife is the most basic of all foodie tools. A blade that won’t hold its edge is far more dangerous than a sharp knife. Consider a santoku knife that is basically half chef’s knife and half cleaver. This is absolutely one of those products where you get what you pay for. An acceptable chef’s knife can be found starting at around $25, but you’ll probably want to spend more.

Mandolin Slicer:

After my knife and food processor, this is one of my most-used tools. A mandolin slicer gives you a even slices and does so quickly. Slicing carrots, potatoes and all kinds of other vegetables is a breeze with one of these. Prices range from $15 to $100.

Digital Scale:

A scale is a must for the health-conscious cook. A big part of eating healthy is portion control and using a scale to measure exactly how much food you’re putting on the plate. Scales start at around $25.

Mortar and Pestle Set:

This is the perfect gift for the foodie that does nearly everything from scratch. I have one that I use primarily for grinding herbs and spices. The aroma of freshly roasted fennel seeds being hand ground makes me stop and just breathe it in every time. You can find a basic mortar and pestle for as little as $10, but go a little bigger and better.

Cookbooks:

There is no such thing as too many cookbooks. There are so many to choose from, finding the one right for your foodie can be tough. Does your foodie watch cooking shows? Who does he or she like? I guarantee they’ve got a cook book. Or, look for compilations by one of the major food magazines. My favorites come from “Cooks Illustrated” for their detailed instructions and, for healthier recipes, “Cooking Light.” You can find these for from $10 to $50.

Happy holidays all and bon appétit!