It is gift time! Every year, I get many emails and questions asking my opinion for a great Christmas gift ideas for the bakers and cooks on your list so I decided to create a list of my favorites that are around $20. I use every single one of these products myself and couldn’t survive in the kitchen without them!
The New Best Recipe Cookbook – by Cook’s Illustrated – $25
Honestly, this is the ONLY cookbook anyone needs on their shelf. When Cook’s Illustrated tells you a recipe is the best, you can believe them! For each recipe, they tell you about the process they went through testing each recipe and the science behind why each recipe works the way it does. The 1,000 pages of this book are the best investment you will ever make because it arms you with so much knowledge you apply in all future culinary adventures.
Microplane Zester and Grater – $12
This simple tool is one that I wish I had bought years earlier than I did because I use it for everything. Yes, I zest citrus with it, but I almost on a daily basis, I am using it to grate parmesan cheese, or onion, or garlic, or ginger or a million other ingredients. This bad boy is sharp and I’m still using the same one after 5 years of abuse!
Cuisinart 12 Piece Knife Set – $20
I’ve owned many, many, many knife sets over the years. I got this one a year ago as a gift and it is hands down my favorite set to use! Yes, they are fun in color but they are just a great set of inexpensive knives. My stainless steel knives always start to rust or corrode after time, but these babies are still looking great after daily use.
Oxo Medium Cookie Scoop – $14
Is this tool a necessity in your kitchen? No, but it is completely helpful and fun to use as well! Whipping up a few dozen cookies has never been easier and each cookie comes out the same size as all the others. Plus, when your dough balls are all the same size, they all bake evenly so they turn out perfectly each time. I also use my cookie scoop to evenly scoop out cupcake or muffin batter into the tins. If kids are involved, this is the perfect tool for them to use when helping.
CHEFS Stoneware Mixing Bowls – $25
My name is Carole and I have a slight problem when it comes to bowls. I am addicted. I can never have enough, and when I see an adorable stoneware set like this, my knees go weak. I have this exact set and I love that they are not only perfect for prep, but gorgeous enough for serving my yummy food as well.
Stainless Steel Salt and Pepper Grinder Set – $20
If you haven’t been converted to freshly ground pepper and sea salt, will you please believe this humble little blogger and make the switch? I love these grinders because they are modern in their design and have a great adjustable grind size. Not to mention how sexy this pink sea salt looks on your counter or table! They are only 5 1/2″ tall so you can easily keep them on your table for daily use.
Oxo Stainless Steel Bench Scraper and Chopper – $10
Ok, if you don’t have one of these yet, this is a MUST HAVE! Yes, MUST! The applications for this scraper are endless. My favorite is to use it to scrape up all the excess flour off my counters when making dough, rolls or pie crust. Not a baker? How about the perfect scoop to transfer those chopped onions into the skillet! It is also a quick and easy cutting tool for biscuits, herbs or a million other ingredients. You will never regret this 10 bucks.
Digital Kitchen and Food Scale – $12
Again, another kitchen tool I should have bought ages ago. I bought this for myself as a birthday present from me to me (doesn’t everyone do that?) and use it constantly. If your gift recipient is baker, this is especially helpful for them because baking amounts really should be quite precise if your results are going to be consistent every time you make a baked good.
**My friend, this post contains Amazon affiliate links which means I receive a small compensation, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase using my link. If you decide to give these products a try, I will be your bestie if you would use the links from this post. And no worries….I only link to products that I both use and love! ~Carole
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