Here is a list of the top twelve things that Arturo and I feel every kitchen should have. Any of these items would make a perfect Christmas gift for your favorite cook! This list has a little of every price point on it too. So if you need a couple of easy stocking stuffers check out maybe the meat thermometer or the wooden spoons. However, if your special cook has been extra good this year, you might consider the food processor or the knife set.
Our Top 12 Gifts for your Favorite Cook
Long Tongs – A set of long tongs is a must for Arturo. Using longer tongs will get you further away from your heat source. Arturo has a broken pair that he loves and uses daily! I bought him this pair last Christmas and he still prefers his broken set.
Good Knife Set + Bread Knife – A good knife is the best tool in your kitchen. If you spend a little extra on a good knife or knife block set it will last you a lifetime. A good knife will keep its edge longer and will allow you to cut easier. We also bought a really nice bread knife a couple of years ago and it has been so handy for not only cutting bread, but also slicing off frozen chili and other things.
Boning and Breaking Knife – Arturo uses these knives to cut raw meat to crave roasted meat. Unlike most good knives they are dishwasher safe.
12″ Cast Iron Skillet –This our go to for all skillet cooking. With a little care a cast iron skillet is as good as a nonstick skillet and will last a lifetime. It is also more versatile because you can go to the stove top to the grill to the oven.
Stock Pot – When I ask Arturo why this made his list, his response was who doesn’t cook pasta for spaghetti? We use our 12 quart pot for a little of anything from cooking pasta to canning tomatoes.
Pasta Pot – This is one item that is on our Christmas list. I think that this would make it even easier to make spaghetti or any other yummy pasta dishes.
Dutch Oven – This is our go-to pot for anything braised, soups, stews or enchilada sauce. We use it almost as much as we use our cast iron skillets. We have also owned a really expensive one and we currently have a cheaper version and honestly don’t notice a difference in either one of them.
Stick Blender – Handy, this thing is just handy and it takes up little to no counter space. We use this to make dressings, to whip cream and to blend up a smoothie.
Meat Thermometer – This gadget is super handy for checking the internal temperature of pork and chicken. Arturo also uses it to check the temperature of water if he needs to cook with the water at a specif temp.
Cutting Board – A large heavy duty cutting board is a must in our house. These are our favorite and we have at least 4.
Wooden Spoon – This is my favorite cooking utensil. I love a good wooden spoon, but in truth it is not really a spoon it is more like a spatula, but I use it to brown hamburger or sausage. It is my go-to when I start cooking.
Cuisinart Food Processor – This appliance is one of the most used in our kitchen. We use it to make salsa, pesto and to even sneak veggies into the boys, by using it to puree carrots, onions and celery to put in our Bolognese Sauce.
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