2023 Holiday Gift Guide No. 1: Cooking Toys
There is perhaps no category I feel more passionate about sharing gift ideas than those that center on and around food. The first Gift Guide is what I’m calling “Cooking Toys” - kitchen items that go beyond the typical prep tools and that offer some special skill or can accomplish something unique in the kitchen. I own almost all the items below and those that I don’t are on my list (ahem… Stanley Pan!). I wholeheartedly believe in them and think they’re worth the investment. Any of these would be great gifts for people in your life who love to cook and /or who are looking to expand their culinary toy tool box! I also think many of them make a great group gift. I’m suggesting a few add-ons below in case someone already has the item and you want to stay within that gift category. Or, if you’re feeling really generous and want to just get them everything!
GIFT GUIDE # 1: COOKING TOYS
1) Ooni Pizza Oven
Last year my cookbook club generously gifted me an Ooni Pizza oven, a small portable device that can cook up Neopolitan style pizza in :90 seconds flat. If you haven’t gotten on the Ooni pizza craze, DO IT. It’s such a fun family activity and I’m currently giving the local pizza joints a run for their money as my daughter toggles between whether my pizza is better or not. (Also kudos to her for being a master manipulator in getting me to just make more pizza!) There are a lot of options out there that will vary based on whether or not the person you’re buying for would prefer a gas versus a wood-burning oven, whether it can work inside and outside, etc. I own the Ooni Koda 12, a small, gas-powered pizza oven that works perfectly for my needs outside. You might also want to consider the Ooni Volt 12, their latest product extension which offers the chance to cook inside, though it’s a far steeper price tag. It also made Oprah’s Favorite Things list for 2023! This makes a wonderful group gift — take it from a very appreciative recipient!
Add on ideas:
Don’t forget to get a cover for your oven if you buy one for outside, a thermometer and a peel!
I love making my own dough (I use the Ooni recipe - it’s solid) and use Tipo 00 flour for the best texture. I swear by Bianco DiNapoli Pizza Sauce. This little flour + sauce set would be a perfect complementary gift.
*Affiliate link
I have never been a huge fan of one trick pony tools - that is, kitchen gadgets that only do one thing. But I’ve had my Breville citrus press going on 8 years and this thing really SHOWS UP every year. In the summer we use it to make batches of lemonade, in the winter we make fresh-squeezed orange and grapefruit juices and you certainly haven’t experienced all of life’s joys until you’ve had this blood orange margarita, which is now a famous cocktail from cookbook club. Could you hand squeeze a dozen citrus fruit each time? Sure. But nothing is cleaner or simpler (or easier on your hands). This appliance has removable parts that pop right in the dishwasher when you’re done making sticky, juicy clean-up a breeze.
Add on ideas:
Glass pitchers that fit nicely in the fridge. I like these because of their slim profile, they have a lid and no handles sticking out taking up room. Those batch margaritas are great for a few days. Hint hint.
A case or a monthly gift of citrus. This set from Hale (a favorite of mine) offers a “Taster’s Choice” with a nice sampling of citrus including Cara Cara oranges, my favorite.
A set of classic and clean juice glasses.
*Affiliate link
3) Breville Panini Press & Grill
I promise I’m not sponsored by Breville. They just make some great gadgets! Want to know what the sleeper use is for this Breville Panini Press? Reheating french fries. Cooking them in a panini press is one of the best ways to reinfuse heat + crunch if you have leftover fries (as if that ever happens). Panini presses come to the rescue on busy weeknights when you’re out of time or ideas and you are ready to MacGuyver some dinner together that will be delicious. Say you’ve got some leftover pork, a little swiss cheese, some pickles and mustard in the fridge. Boom - a cuban sandwich. The press can actually flex well beyond sandwiches. It’s great for hash browns, bacon, smash burgers, french toast, quesadillas, grilled halloumi, and more. Check out Alton Brown’s list of ways he uses a panini press to whip up breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Add on ideas:
Panini pantry goods - I’d throw in some local flavor by gifting jars to inspire sandwich ideas and beyond. My picks would be going to the farmers market and grabbing some Birdie’s Batch jams or quince paste for a killer grilled cheese pairing, or honey from Fly Honey Farms to go with some cheddar, brie and apple sammies, or Eltee’s Goods’ Tommy (tomato) Jam which basically tastes delicious on everything.
*Affiliate link
“It’s my favorite because you can put so much shit in there,” Stanley Tucci told Architectural Digest in a recent interview about the cookware.
Nonstick cookware is not a lifetime investment. It should be replaced every few years. I usually always recommend this brand because it comes in various sizes and it’s super affordable. However, I’m really intrigued at the size and structure of this very large pan for big batch dinners that won’t fit into my traditional size pans. Epicurious wrote an entire article about the pan which notes some desirable qualities like it’s ability to handle heat up to 600ºF, the glass lid that allows you to see through what you’re cooking, and its ability to transition seamlessly from stove to oven. One catch is that it’s prized size can also prove challenging for storage but if you’re good on space or like the looks of it as a pan that will remain on display, it’s a keeper.
Add on ideas:
A new wooden spatula so you encourage gentle caring for the new pan. No metal!
A delicious box of specialty pasta. I am putting this tagliolini on my stocking stuffer wishlist which is made of Otto File, an heirloom corn. If you live locally and can keep it hidden in the freezer, I would also highly recommend scooping some fresh pasta from Flours Pasta + Bakeshop in Haverstraw!
5) Mini Cocotte Set + Cookbook
I am obsessed with my mini Le Creuset Cocottes. They double as a condiment / serving dish as well as a beautiful server for soups, souffles, nibbles, roasting garlic, and so much more. This set comes with a cookbook that, while unnecessary, could help inspire thinking beyond these stoneware cuties. Because they are Le Creuset stoneware they have a wide range of usability - dishwasher, microwave, freezer, broiler, refrigerator and oven safe even up to 500ºF. If you need more or less than four or want to explore other color options, you can find more options here.
Add on ideas:
Silicone coasters to serve hot cocottes at the table.
Mini pot holders for the lid in cute fabrics!
*Affiliate link
