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11.24.2008
why kitchen gadgets are overrated this holiday season
or what to get your cooking guru as a gift.
Gadgets sit in a drawer or distant cupboard, and never get used - don't go there.
If you really want a stocking stuffer, give a reasonably priced serrated knife. They do wear out eventually, so you can't go wrong. Leave other doodads at the store.
Good basic tools in the kitchen will last for decades, and will save you time and money in the long run. Your cook will thank you, and so will your tummy.
Things to get a food-lover for Christmas:
Slowfood Membership
Great knives
Bamboo cutting board
Cast-iron skillet
Cast-iron Dutch oven
Gift-certificates (maybe not this year)
Tongs & wooden spoons
The best extra-virgin olive oil
Inspiring cookbooks
A moleskine
What do you plan to give or receive this holiday?
Disclaimer: Don't get me wrong, gadgets can be fun to experiment with. Sometimes gadgets provide new inspiration, but don't get suckered for toys that are excessively whimsical. This article is not against gadgets orgadget-ist, but start with good basics first.
Happy Holidays!
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15 comments:
I'm getting my parents (ahem, and myself) a cedar plank :)
Jessica
hahaha - that's my girl!
I confess - I LOVE my gadgets. My saving grace is that I actually use them. All of them. If I don't use a gadget at least 3 times in the first few months that I own it, I get rid of it.
My current favourites - all my stoneware (not really a gadget, but I have replaced ALL my pans with stones), my food chopper, my Pampered Chef potato masher (seriously amazing) and my micro-plane grater.
Latest waste - cookie press. Newest gadget - KitchenAid 3 cup "Chef's Chopper" food processor. Great for making baby food...
ah - but the key is that you use them - or get rid of them. Ahh.... I wish I didn't feel so guilty!! And a micro-plane grater hardly counts... unless you also have a zester, and a nutmeg grater,...and and and. hehe.
I want a Global Chef's Knife.
I want knives this year, too, so I've told my husband outright and to pass the word to my Secret Santa (his family's tradition).
Knives and Cast Iron Skillet and Dutch Oven are both on my list, plus a large cutting board.
I think Moleskin notebooks will always and forever be my favorite gift (to give and receive)!
Here! Here! Although gadgets can be great at times, more often than not they find themselves gathering dust - or making it difficult to open my drawers. Good ideas for gadget substitutes... We'll have to forward your post to some family members (ha!)
I definitely steer clear of those gadgets that are excessively whimsical, in the same way that I strenuously avoid containers that sport a specific food label such as 'flour' or 'sugar' or 'pasta', as if they could never be used for anything else.
Favourite kitchen item to give of late has been a good heat-resistant spatula, which I've given to both my Mum and sister. I think I'd like a new spatula myself... :)
My birthday is today and my husband gave me a new two burner griddle pan. Much needed with two hungry pancake eating boys in the house!
One of the best gifts I have received was a set of measuring spoons that are long and rectangular instead of round; in other words, they actually fit into the narrow openings of spice jars. Brilliant gift!
Great advice! Since downsizing to a smaller kitchen, I've had to give up a lot of gadgets and found that I didn't really *need* them anyway.
I'm hoping for a Dutch oven this Christmas!
I am a unique gadget lover as long as it is a useful gadget and meets the basic needs. Great article!
Thanks Romeo! And I couldn't agree more :)
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