Are you looking for the perfect way to show the cooking enthusiast in your life that you care? You can tailor a gift basket to include a wide variety of extra-special items, making it an excellent gift for anyone. Whether they are an aspiring cook or a professional chef, here are some great items to consider when creating your unique and thoughtful gift.
Idea #1: Mixing Bowl
A stainless-steel bowl is ideal; it will be durable, lightweight, and easy to clean. A mixing bowl may seem like a boring gift, but it is far from it. A bowl is one of the kitchen’s most valuable and versatile items.
Mixing bowls can be used to mix wet or dry ingredients, store, let bread rise, and much more. Plus, a mixing bowl can double as the basket as well.
Idea #2: Cutting Board
Cutting boards are essential kitchen items. A good cutting board is vital as it helps to keep knives from going dull too soon. A cook will use them daily for chopping, slicing, and dicing, and they can pull double duty as a charcuterie board.
Since a cook should have multiple cutting boards to separate raw meat from produce, you can never go wrong by including one in a gift.
Idea #3: Tea Towels
Decorative tea towels brighten any kitchen and add style and flair. They are workhorses in the kitchen, from absorbing spills to helping you pick up hot dishes. A set with coordinated colours is a nice addition to any gift baskets Canada.
Idea #4: Balloon Whisk
A balloon whisk is designed to hit the sides of a bowl and incorporate air into whatever is being mixed.
Whether mixing dry ingredients, making gravy, scrambling eggs or mixing a perfect meringue, a good quality balloon whisk is a must in the kitchen.
Idea #5: Wooden Spoon
Wooden spoons are a popular choice in the kitchen. Wood, a natural material, is dense and break-resistant. They won’t leach chemicals into food and won’t break down over time like plastic. And, unlike metal, a wooden spoon is heat resistant.
Idea #6: Measuring Cups and Spoons
Most cooks will agree you can never have too many measuring cups and spoons. Measuring tools are essential in the kitchen to ensure accuracy. Choose nestable sets; they are a great space saver.
Idea #7: Herb Scissors
There is no better way to add flair to a dish than fresh herbs. A pair of 5-blade herb scissors make chopping herbs a breeze. They allow a clean cut without tearing or bruising the delicate leaves for maximum flavour impact.
Look for a pair designed with a herb stripper on the blade for removing the leaves off woody stems such as thyme or rosemary.
Idea #8: Chef’s Knife
A quality chef’s knife is arguably the most crucial tool in the kitchen. Practical and functional, a cook will use a good knife to chop, slice and dice daily. Look for one with good quality construction, balance, and a comfortable handle.
Idea #9: Spices
Spices are the secret to transforming ingredients into a gourmet meal. Help them expand their spice cabinet and take their cooking to the next level with a selection of unique spices.
Idea #10: Oils
Quality oils always make a great addition to a gift basket. There are so many different oils to choose from, and they are versatile in the kitchen. For example, virgin olive oil or avocado oil can be used to cook with, make a marinade, or create salad dressings.
You could also consider a set of infused oils, a luxury item many people don’t often think to buy for themselves.
Idea #11: Meat Thermometer
If you are buying for someone who loves to grill on the BBQ, a meat thermometer is an indispensable tool. These thermometers can also have other culinary uses, like checking the temperature of frying oil, baking bread, and even making ice cream.
Idea #12: Culinary Tweezers
Culinary tweezers are a handy tool. Tweezers are more versatile than tongs. Where tongs are large and bulky, tweezers are slender and have ridged ends for precision.
They can place a garnish just right on a gourmet dish, pick an accidental eggshell out of a pan, flip meat, and much more.
Idea #13: Cut-Resistant Gloves
Cut-resistant gloves are a great addition to a chef or cook’s toolbox. Though they can’t eliminate the risk of injury, a good pair will drastically minimize the chance of getting cut while chopping and slicing.
Idea #14: Garlic Baker
A garlic baker will caramelize garlic without drying it out. Roasting garlic makes it soft and spreadable, changing the flavour profile from hot and spicy to mild and rich. A ceramic or terracotta garlic baker is a lovely addition to a cooking gift basket.
Finding the perfect gift for the chef or cook in your life doesn’t need to be a monumental task. A gift basket is affordable and easy to show your loved ones they are appreciated.
