Holiday shopping for the chef who already has everything
Bar none, the most important tool in the kitchen is an 8-inch knife. But the chef in your life, the person who makes tomato sauce from scratch and always calls dibs on Thanksgiving dinner, probably already has one. And they’re quite fond of it.
Cooking is personal, which makes the kitchen section a minefield for gift buying. But if you are looking to gift the chef in your life with something else for the kitchen — something that’s special, but not something they'd rather buy themselves — consider these options.
Knife case
Based in Florence, Alabama, high-fashion designer Billy Reid is a well-known exponent of the American South; as proof, he is a patron of the Southern Foodways Alliance, an organization that celebrates the diverse food cultures of the region.
His label’s knife case is a handsome nod to the culinary arts — made in the USA and constructed of heavyweight duck canvas with black leather accents. Each encases eight knives in leather-and-fabric holders for safe, secure transit.
Finishing salts
Toby Gilbert, owner of Gilbert's Provisions in Berlin, suggests giving salts to the chef in your life.
In the past, people typically used only two types of salt: kosher and table. But the refining process of these salts removes distinct character qualities that exist beforehand in nature and also removes minerals, he said.
Finishing salt, however, is unrefined, all-natural and enhances the flavor of favorite dishes.
Gilbert carries Jacobsen Salt Co. in his store, in addition to infused seasonings, and salted caramels. You can also try The Spice & Tea Exchange, with locations in Rehoboth Beach and Ocean City.
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West Elm Olive Wood Cutting Board
Straddling the divide between rustic and sophisticated, these kitchen boards from West Elm are cut from olive wood, a durable and highly expressive wood grain that’s attractive enough to double as a serving plate for cheeses and charcuterie.
And because each piece is cut from natural wood, variations result in nuanced boards that are truly one-of-a-kind.
Waffle Maker
Waffle makers are excellent for making waffles, in addition to bacon, quesadillas, brownies, paninis and a number of other things.
This model has a 7-inch nonstick grid and a digital timer. The 180 degree rotating base not only ensures a tender waffle, but also locks in an upright position for space-saving storage.
Thermoworks Thermopop Thermometer
Kitchen thermometers are especially handy for beginners learning how to cook different kinds of protein.
Lou Ann Rieley, a mother of 11 and a foster mother to nearly 40 children from Millsboro, recommends the Thermopop, from Thermoworks.
FULL HOUSE: Rieley takes in 40 kids, she guesses
It is a pared-down, entry-level option that does everything you need, and then some. The display can be rotated by 90-degree increments, meaning that there’s no bad angle when trying to take a temperature reading. The inside of a hot oven is no place to flex fancy.
Adjustable rolling pin
The changeable rings on the end guarantee evenly rolled pie crusts and cookie dough, every time. There is also a deluxe metal version, dishwasher safe, that can be chilled to prevent sticking, but it's more expensive. Order them both from Amazon.
4-Tier Folding Cooling Rack
The baker in the family will adore this ultimate space saver. Instead of spreading cookie sheets and cooling racks over the counters, stack four of them on this handy rack. This cooling rack also folds flat for easy storage.
Baking steel griddle
"Heavy duty" might be an understatement in reference to the 25-pound, double-sided Baking Steel Griddle, which can be used to cook just about anything. Ryan Cunningham, chef at Abbott's On Broad Creek, suggests scrapple (of course).
READ MORE: A Laurel scrapple sandwich hits the national stage
One side features the brand’s proprietary Baking Steel, a thick slab of metals that the brand claims is unparalleled in the oven when it comes to cooking quickly and evenly at lower temperatures — particularly for pizzas, which inspired its invention.
The griddle side, with ridges to catch runoff grease and oil, is meant for the stovetop and can be used on anything from gas burners to electric stovetops to grills.
Breville The Fast Slow Pro
When it was introduced several years ago, Breville’s six-quart Fast Slow Cooker was championed by home cooks for its versatility: It could pressure-cook meat or legumes, slow-cook a hearty stew for hours at a time and sauté or steam vegetables in an integrated cooking bowl.
Now, the followup pro version takes the remaining guesswork out, using sensors to monitor ingredients and adjust time, temperature and pressure during fast and slow cooking. Plus, an LCD screen tells you exactly what’s happening inside this all-in-one appliance.
Home cooked meals have never been easier.
Lockitron
Lockitron is the perfect gift for the friend who is far from the ideal chef — you know, the one who orders takeout all the time.
Now, they will be able to stay on the couch and use their phone to unlock the front door for the delivery person.
How does it work? Lockitron is a lock installed on the front door and is controlled by the program's app. Prices begin at $99.
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