Christmas for the Cook

For many years I've suspected that I'm a bit of a nerd when it comes to cooking.  But it was confirmed the year I received a chef's knife for Christmas...and was ecstatic.  Forget asking Santa for cool-kid things like jeggings or a record player (yeah, I think they're in again.)  Maybe someday I'll be a hipster.    

Until then, here are a few gift ideas for your favorite foodie, tried and tested in my (nerdy) kitchen:

For the Hostess with the Mostess:

Fashion Apron.  Yes, they exist.  And there's something so chic about an apron over a cocktail dress.  Check out Anthropologie, or pop over to your local consignment shop for some priceless vintage gems.  My sister gave me the apron pictured here last Christmas, and I loooooove it.  It makes cooking feel so glamorous.

For the Budding Chef:
The America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook.  This is my cooking Bible.  It tells you how to make everything, and how to make it well.  The instructions are clear and easy to follow, perfect for someone who's still gaining kitchen confidence.

For the Carnivore:
Digital Thermometer.  I was terrified to cook meat until I started using a digital thermometer.  Based on a Cook's Illustrated recommendation, I use the CDN ProAccurate Quick-Read Thermometer.  Pick one up at Amazon.com for $14.00  

For the Person You Want to Impress:
5 1/2-Quart Le Creuset Dutch Oven.  This sucker ain't cheap, but it will last you for infinity.  It's perfect for making, well, everything.  Plus it's beautiful.  (There I go, showing my culinary dorkiness.)  I got one from the husband for my birthday.  It's red.  I love it so much, I'm showing you a picture of how happy I was to receive it.  Again with the dorkiness.  Sigh.

For the Person Who Has It All...Or Who Makes a Mess Blending Soups:
KitchenAid Immersion Blender.  In addition to pureeing soups, use this handy tool to chop or blend stuff.  According to the little pamphlet that came with the blender, you can make guacamole, soup, salad dressing, baby food, dip, mousse, gravy, frosting, pancakes, and smothies.  Phew!  That's a lot of things.  I also got this for my b-day (thanks, Kelly and Jill!!), because I do make a mess blending soups.  A big mess.

This list should get you started.  Want more gift ideas?  Just let me know by leaving a comment, sending an e-mail, or posting a note on our Facebook page.  If you guys want, there's plenty more where these came from!