The Ultimate Kitchen Gift Guide for the Holidays

Copper Cookware – For everyday cooking (and a very chic look in your kitchen), copper pots are beautiful and durable.  We particularly like those by  Mauviel, which are made in France.  Copper heats very quickly, but also cools very quickly, which are nice features.  The heating is very even with these pans.  I much prefer them to other pricey pans that I have owned (and still do own).  Each of these pans is almost a work of art due to the craftsmanship that goes into them.  If you can only own a few pans, I would suggest investing in some of these pieces.  They will last for many years to come. Individual copper cookware prices from Mauviel start at about $150.00 and go up to $600.00, depending on style and size.

Mauviel M’Stone – You always need to have a nonstick pan or two to do certain jobs (like cooking delicate fish) or when you want to use little or no fat in the pan.  We have become very concerned about the health risks involved in nonstick coatings, so I was excited to try this new line by Mauviel.  Their nonstick coating is free of PFOA and PTFE.  These are two potentially harmful substances that appear in many nonstick coatings.  These pans are also 100% recyclable.  They can safely be heated to 500 degrees and can be used with induction cooking.  I have used the 3-Qt. Curved Splayed Saute Pan from this line.  This has become one of our favorite pans in the kitchen.  The size and shape is incredibly versatile and the nonstick coating is the nicest I have seen on any pan.  The handles are ergonomic.  It makes cooking many dishes with the potential to stick or scorch so much easier.  Again, these pans are an investment.  I would choose one or two of the sizes that you would use most frequently as a nice addition to your cookware.  This cookware ranges in price from $90.00 to $300.00, per piece.

Shun Knives – Sharp knives are essential when you are preparing foods.  We have recently invested in a few new knives since our others were about 20 years old.  These are incredibly sharp and feel very comfortable in the hand (which is very important when wielding razor sharp knives!).  We preferred the grip on one style over another, so this is a personal preference.  Shun makes a variety of styles of knives, so you will want to see what is most comfortable in your own hand.  These knives are designed so that food will not stick to them.  If you are looking for one knife to do most of the duties in your kitchen, I would recommend a 6-inch Chef’s Knife.  That is the one knife that gets the most use in our home.  Shun knives range in price from $60.00 to $300.00.

Thermapen – This is the only thermometer that we have found that works and works well, every time.  We have had ours for a few years now and that says it all.  The retail price on this is $93.00.

Here are 2 suggestions for some stocking stuffers that I swear by.

OXO Cheese Grater – This is a small item, but a very important one.  This grater works like a charm.  The motion is effortless and there is no waste.  You need this.  This runs $12.00.

Onion Goggles – You may think these are somewhat of a silly and frivolous item.  However, if you are like me and cry at even the thought of an onion, you need these goggles!  You might even remember that this photo of me with the goggles was my very first Avatar for Bunkycooks.  Pretty scary, huh?  This beauty accessory retails for  $19.95. 😉

If you have any additional questions about these items, please leave a comment and I will be happy to answer you.

I’ll be back on Friday with a Bundt cake recipe that you will definitely want to try this holiday season!

Enjoy the rest of your week!