From Scratch

You know the dilemma: you need a gift for someone who likes to cook or bake. Perhaps the cook in your life is like me and has been outfitting a kitchen for years, someone you think has everything. And maybe you don’t cook or bake at all and are at a loss.

Here are some ideas. They range from stocking stuffers to substantial gifts and they are in no order at all in terms of price or preference. I love ‘em all.  Cyber Monday’s just ahead so you might find a deal.

Silicone rolling pin - That’s it in the photo. I came late to this party but after using it a couple months I absolutely love it. There are a few brands but one stands out and excels: the Sil-pin. It’s heavier and, most important, the silicone is better. Almost nothing sticks. There are a couple models and top-of-the-line is $40. Information for the US is here and for the UK go here.

Rolling pin cover - These are cotton and slip over a wooden pin. When floured, they inhibit sticking and they work. I just bought one ($2.25) to give with a dowel-style straight pin.

Roulpat - A giant Silpat to roll out or knead anything. As with pins, silicone mats vary in price and performance but nothing, in my experience, works as well and is as durable as the “pats” by Demarle. About $40.

grippmat - Flexible cutting mats with a grippable, non-skid back. They come in a pack of two for $7 and I find them at Kohl’s. Erratic availability.

Boos board - There are cutting boards and then there are boards and chopping blocks by John Boos. This is the one to buy if you want one that will last a lifetime. Get information at the Boos website then shop around for the best price. Expect to pay about $55 and up — way up. While you’re at it, you might as well pick up a $7 bottle of Boos Mystery Oil to keep it in great shape.

Extra bowl and beater - A perfect gift for anyone who has a KitchenAid stand mixer. So many recipes require two clean bowls and the extra flat beater’s a boon when that second bowl is needed. Bowls range from about $25 and up, depending on the size and model of the mixer, and an extra beater’s about $12. Nearly every online cooking store has them or you can order directly from KitchenAid. Especially handy: a 3 quart bowl for a 4 1/2 quart mixer.

Cuisinart flat bowl cover - On top in the photo. You can take anything else you want from my kitchen, but keep your paws off this. I never want to be without it. Most of my food processing is “bottom of the bowl” work, such as chopping, mincing and especially, making doughs. I don’t need the feed tube and the cover that has it is a pain. These are getting hard to find but Fante’s has them for about $25. Fante’s is great but be aware it’s still a family-owned business after 100 years and their shipping is not as fast as, say, Amazon. Allow a week or two for delivery.

In-oven probe thermometer - Any kitchen still without one of these should not be. Stick the probe in the food, stick the food in the oven, set the desired temperature and wait for the chirp. Polder invented them and it’s still the brand to beat. About $20.

Digital scale - A must for any serious baker — or someone aspiring to be — or for any American who wants to use recipes from the rest of the world. Look for a model that weighs in both ounces and grams and be sure it has a tare function. I think they all do, but make certain. $29 and up. King Arthur has a good selection and Chef’s Catalog carries the fabulous (and fabulously expensive) Teraillon.

One-year membership to an online cooking site - This is one a non-cook might never think of. Fine Cooking, my favorite site and magazine, has recently joined Cook’s Illustrated in charging for full access to the website. At FC, expect to pay $10 a year if the recipient gets the magazine or $3 per month for nonsubscribers. CI charges $25 with additional gift memberships for $20. Look on the lower right of the homepage. Many people who have a few years’ worth of magazines on hand consider online memberships to be a splurge — I certainly do – and isn’t a splurge a wonderful gift to give?

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Tags: Christmas, Hanukkah