Top Holiday Kitchen Gifts

holiday kitchen gift ideas

The holidays will be here before we know it and this year I will give gifts that are used in the kitchen. It seems more and more people are cooking meals at home rather than going out to eat. This can be difficult for a cook who is not equipped with the right essentials.

Since I have been cooking for umpteen years, I have found some equipment that I cannot do without. Hopefully, this list will give you some ideas for those on your gift list. You can find many of these items in discount stores, or on sale, and even better on line. Searching the web gives you more opportunity to compare prices and many vendors offer free shipping.

Here are some of my favorites that I could not be without:

  • KitchenAid Stand Mixer: This item comes in a variety of models, colors and price range. The mixer includes bowl, beaters, and dough hook. KitchenAid offers many additional accessories at added cost (good for those who may already have the mixer) such as pasta maker, juicing and slicing attachments and, best of all, an ice cream maker.

  • Cuisinart Food Processor:  An 11-cup or 9-cup capacity food processor also comes in a variety of models, colors and price range. The stainless steel blades included with all models do an excellent job of slicing or shredding. My favorite is the dough blade, great for kneading dough for all your breads, pizzas and pasta. My Cuisinart processor is over twenty-five years old and still works like a gem. Couldn’t be without it!

  • Cuisinart Mini Food Processor:  A 4 cup capacity that does an excellent job chopping and grinding. I use this for chopping veggies and grinding nuts. It also works well to grind hard cheeses.  The removable parts are dishwasher-safe.

  • Knives:  All cooks need a good set of kitchen knives and after many years of trying to keep a knife sharp or not chipping or breaking , my favorite are the Wusthof high carbon stainless-steel knives. These can be pricey, but you can just add a few knives at a time to start a collection. The complete set with block will store and keep knives protected right on your counter top for quick accessibility. I love the 9” steel sharpener included in the set which really keeps the knives sharp every time you cut. Don’t put these knives in the dishwasher; always wash by hand in hot soapy water.

  • Steak knives: Again, I recommend the Wusthop steak knives. They make an excellent accompaniment to the Wusthof kitchen cutting set. The steak knives stay sharp and the handles are beautifully designed for comfortable handling.

  • Waring Blender: A classic small appliance I have had for years that blends and mixes like new every time. A sturdy, heavy duty motor and easy to clean pitcher. Smoothies are so big now and this blender can crush ice and frozen fruit to make a delicious thick and smooth drink. It’s also the perfect blender for bar drinks. A must in any kitchen!

  • John Boos Chopping Block: In order to keep those special knives sharp you want to use a very good quality chopping block. I prefer John Boos maple wood board. It is strong and heavy and will endure all of your chopping, mincing, and dicing needs. Simply wash with hot soapy water and dry with a clean paper towel. It lies perfectly flat on your counter top and you can rest assure it will not move due to its solid construction.

Any one of these items will make your recipient a very happy cook. Happy shopping!

One Response to “Top Holiday Kitchen Gifts”

  1. Dovie Thress says:

    Glad to have checked out this site really enjoyed it and will come back for a further look around when I am not so busy.

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