Gifts for the Cook

Here are some last minute suggestions for those who make food for their families.

  I thought I’d give a few gift suggestions for the kitchen enthusiast in your life. I’ll also say that I’m not big on kitchen gadgets that only get used once or twice a year, so each of the items I recommend are ones that I use weekly, if not daily, in my own kitchen. First on the list has to be a good set of knives. If you’re shopping for an experienced cook, most likely, he or she already has at least one good knife, but less-seasoned chefs may not. It’s fairly easy to tell a really good knife from a ho-hum knife. For starters, a quality knife will have heft to it and the blade will be smooth (which will require actual sharpening). Two reputable brands are Wüsthof and J.A. Henckels. A couple of Christmases ago, I received a 7” Wüsthof …

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Fit About Town

Give the Gift of Fitness

Promote a healthy lifestyle by giving fitness related gifts

  If you want to keep your money local, give a gift certificate for a private yoga, Pilates, Nia, Zumba® or Personal Training session. I think it's helpful to choose an instructor or trainer who is willing to contact your gift receiver and encourage them to USE the gift certificate.  For the yogis on your list, sand bags are great for a home practice; save on shipping costs by purchasing them without sand. Use a bathroom scale and add play sand to fill the zippered canvas pouches. Yoga-paws are helpful when your favorite yogi is traveling without a sticky mat. A magic circle is a great addition to a Pilates practice; however, you don't have enjoy Pilates to use this highly portable strength equipment.  For the winter outdoor runner on your…

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The Farm Kitchen

Gift Ideas for the Cook

In a world of kitchen gadgets galore, basic, high-quality items remain top on my list.

In the spirit of Black Friday, I thought I’d give a few gift suggestions for the kitchen enthusiast in your life. I’ll refrain from listing any cookbook titles, as I’ve already named plenty here in recent weeks. I’ll also say that I’m not big on kitchen gadgets that only get used once or twice a year, so each of the items I recommend are ones that I use weekly, if not daily, in my own kitchen. First on the list has to be a good set of knives. If you’re shopping for an experienced cook, most likely, he or she already has at least one good knife, but less-seasoned chefs may not. It’s fairly easy to tell a really good knife from a ho-hum knife. For starters, a quality knife will have heft to it and the blade will be smooth (which will require…

• Photos (1)