| The Christmas season is upon us, and stress has | | | | coffee if not to drink, to cook with. So why not |
| begun to fill the air! Sometimes we just don't have | | | | create a specialty coffee gift basket? It's easy to |
| the time to be creative! As giving should never be a | | | | find local free trade coffee in you neighborhood |
| source of stress I felt the need to share my | | | | specialty food store and while you're there by some |
| personal gift ideas for Christmas this year for those | | | | cinnamon sticks, honey, flavored syrups etc. Why not |
| who find it difficult to get out of the kitchen. I hope | | | | also throw in some specialty coffee mugs and some |
| you find inspiration! | | | | liquors such as Baileys or Kahlua. What a treat!! Tea is |
| 1. Cookware. Every cook loves new cookware. No | | | | also widely used in kitchens today. Instead of boring |
| surprise there, but there are ways to make this gift | | | | brines, use tea instead! |
| more special. For example a new sauce pan would be | | | | 7. Cookbooks. Again another "no-brainer" but if they |
| a wonderful present for under the Christmas tree, | | | | truly love to cook then they LOVE cookbooks. We |
| but in addition, find a great sauce recipe to be used | | | | never get tired of cookbooks, but be sure to find |
| as a stocking stuffer along with all the required | | | | the best ones. Look for a specialty cookbook store |
| ingredients! | | | | and you'll have a fantastic gift in your hands. |
| 2. Flavored Oils and Vinegars. A sure way to create a | | | | 8. Microplane. If you're special chef does not have |
| new or improve an old dish! | | | | one then here is another must have kitchen item. |
| New oils and vinegars are always a treat for a cook, | | | | They are inexpensive and vital when adding or |
| you can never have enough! Walnut oil, Avocado oil, | | | | enhancing flavor in dishes. Why not combine a |
| Truffle oil, simply take a look around your local | | | | Microplane with several of its favorite counterparts |
| specialty food store and you will be amazed at the | | | | like whole nutmeg, whole cinnamon, whole star anise |
| variety today! | | | | etc. That way your chef can get right down to |
| 3. Plastic Storage Containers. They must be of the | | | | business! |
| best quality which are able to go into the freezer, | | | | 9. Appliances. Maybe not an oven or a fridge but why |
| dishwasher, and microwave! I don't know how but | | | | not a new electric mixer or Panini press? Here's a |
| these containers always seem to disappear and you | | | | shopping tip... when wanting to purchase any of these |
| can never have enough of them or enough sizes. | | | | items this year buy on-line! Small appliances are |
| Why not buy several different shapes and sizes but | | | | almost always less expensive when purchased on-line |
| fill them full of special nuts or candies to make this | | | | and shipping is often waived as well. Stores charge a |
| gift more special than plain old plastic! | | | | premium this time of year so save yourself time and |
| 4. Liquor. Although we all like to have a little | | | | money and buy on -line! |
| Christmas cheer, there is another wonderful use for | | | | 10. Tableware. If they love to cook then they love |
| liquor in the kitchen. It is essential for creating | | | | to entertain. Why not find beautiful glassware, or |
| beautiful demi-glazes for your favorite meat dishes | | | | placemats, or service plates that they can show off |
| and most likely your cook at home will not splurge on | | | | their creations with. Unique paper napkins make great |
| such luxurious liquids. So why not help your favorite | | | | stocking stuffers and linen napkins with gorgeous |
| chef out and purchase a few bottles of liquor to | | | | napkin rings are always a treat. |
| cook with! Brandy, Sherry, Bourbon and Madeira are | | | | So don't let stress take the fun out of Christmas this |
| all fantastic to use. | | | | season. There are truly plenty of ways to put smiles |
| 5. Wine. Like liquor wine is also essential for deglazing | | | | on faces this year. And for one last suggestion: make |
| pans and creating incredible sauces. Again, why not | | | | your own Specialty Gift Basket! Create your own gift |
| include a recipe as a stocking stuffer as well. | | | | basket by combining several of the above ideas. Now |
| Inspiration is always welcomed by any cook. | | | | that is an incredible gift for any kitchen lover! |
| 6. Coffee & Tea. Most kitchen lovers love | | | | |