If you’ve known me for a while or you’ve just started following me in my little corner of the web world, it’s no secret that I LOVE to cook. I’m pretty sure from the moment I wake up until I go to sleep I’m constantly thinking of what meal I can make next or what new recipe I should try. Some would call it an obsession, I would call those people who receive new meals every night, lucky 😉
Let’s not forget that cooking at home can also be a great way to make your meals more health conscious! Sometimes. Because let’s be real, some days you just need to whip up the fettucini alfredo with all the butter, cream and cheese that you desire!
Well you know I wasn’t going to leave all my fellow home cooks or aspiring home cooks in the dark. I’ve compiled the ultimate gift guide for the home cook. These will make the perfect gift for your family, friends or loved ones who love to be in the kitchen.
1. Chef Knives– having a good set of knives makes all the difference in the kitchen! Chopping veggies is so much easier and before you know it your knife skills will be Food Network Star quality. We got this set for our wedding and you guys, it’s a game changer. It’s so much easier to prepare foods with knives that actually cut through things!
2. Wood Cutting Block – something about a nice cutting board just really says ‘OK, I’m ready to cook!’ It’s a great to use when presenting ingredients for a build your own taco bar or even charcuterie spread.
3. Immersion Blender – the perfect tool to make delicious soups at home. I mean why would you not want to make creamy butternut squash soup? Or homemade tomato soup to pair with an ooey gooey grilled cheese. These make it much easier than having to pour your soup ingredients from the pot into a blender and then clean the blender.
4. Apron – because every home chef needs an apron! They just add a little flare I think and will keep you somewhat clean while making dinner.
5. Measuring Cups + Spoons – It’s very rare that when I’m making new meals that I’m just eyeballing the ingredients. So I always have my measuring cups and spoons on hand. The matching set I think is so cute!
6. Cook Books – I am a girl obsessed with any food books or magazines. I was actually banned from purchasing anymore because I had two shelves of a bookcase filled with all of my books and magazines. But it’s probably my favorite type of gift to receive! A few of my favorites are Half Baked Harvest Everyday, Magnolia Table and Skinny Taste.
7. Grill Set – In our household this gift goes more towards the man but I know my ladies can still be stars on the grill! There’s nothing worse than trying to use your utensils that you cook with indoors and the metal then gets too hot from the heat or your melting away some weird plastic all over your burgers.
8. Fondue Set – I had to throw this in here especially while living in Switzerland. What says party other than a big bowl of melted cheese or chocolate?! I’d have to say that buying your own fondue set may be a little bit cheaper of a way to experience the Swiss Alps than booking a plane ticket.
9. Slow Cooker – Perfect for the busy cooks who are constantly on the run. This allows you to throw in so many versatile ingredients, close the lid set the heat to low and by the time you’re home dinner is waiting and ready for you! It’s also a great addition to have if you love to host larger events. You can make large batches of pulled chicken, soups and dips.
10. Instant Pot – another good way to get dinner onto the table fast! This speeds up the cooking for many meals that would normally take an hour or more to make. You can even use frozen chicken in case you forgot to take it out of the freezer.
11. Cast Iron Skillet – this is hands down the one thing that every home cook needs. I asked for mine for a birthday present, obviously why would I not!? You can cook everything and anything on it. Remember to follow the cleaning instructions. You’ll be left with a perfectly well seasoned pan that adds amazing flavors to all your meals.
12. Hot Pads + Dish Towels – you can never have too many of these! Plus there are always so many fun and cute designs to match your kitchen or to go along with the Holidays. With all the cooking that takes place I always need to grab fresh and clean towels.
