Gift Guides: The Kitchen

Art by Be.Franke

For the last several months we've all become frequent fliers to this destination. Whether re-configuring pantries to accommodate bulk grocery purchases, perfecting our bread baking skills, or marveling at how so few people can create so many many dirty dishes, there aren't many places we've spent more time. What follows are a handful of gifts to improve that space and maybe spark renewed inspiration for even the most fatigued home cook. As noted in the previous post - all of the below should be paired with a gift certificate to a favorite local restaurant for takeout; keep their doors open and a few additional dishes out of the sink tonight.

For those who have spent quarantine sharpening their knife skills. A pretty petty knife that comes in an array of beautiful colors and tackles tasks for either chef's knives or paring knives with ease. 6" Petty Knife from New West Knife Works.

A COVID kitchen essential - introduced to us in the early days of the pandemic when paper towels were hard to come by - Swedish Dishcloths. A sponge-like cellulose cloth that dries quickly, never stinks and wipes up messes big and small while reducing the amount of waste you create. You can find them online in every style, color and motif - but I'm enjoying these song lyric riffs from Boldfaced on Etsy.

For less-than-tidy tiny diners - a silicon bib that's easy to wipe up and catches the majority of the fallout in a big front pouch. Bib from Dove and Dovelet.

For those who have taken their daily coffee shop routine into their own hands - one of our other COVID MVP's: a Nespresso Machine. The newest Vertua model boasts a tiny countertop footprint at only 5.5". Vertua Next from Nespresso.

And for those who believe that all seasons are cold brew season - an equally tiny brewer for tucking in the fridge the night before for a perfect glass in the morning. Compact Cold Brew Maker from Oxo.

Pair the latter with several bags of beans from your (or their) local coffee shop. We love DC-local chain Compass Coffee, but are long-distance fans of Sharewell, Cartel and much longer-distance fans of Monmouth. This list (although from 2018) might point you in the direction of trying out a new shop near your recipient.

For upping the ante on that coffee- how about a flavored sugar from Turkish Cardamom to Mexican Mocha, seems like an easy way to elevate their morning cup. Coffee Sugars from Milk Street.

For those that prefer their caffeine another way or the afternoon cup (or after dinner) we can't get enough of these unbelievable teas. Metropolitan and Low Country are early favorites, but you'll have to try them all to find yours. Loose Leaf Tea from August Uncommon.

Yet another COVID MVP at our house has been our kitchen garden from Click and Grow (a previous feature on the gift guide) It's a total delight to have fresh herbs handy - and any home chef would love one of those, the very similar AeroGarden or a microgreen version from Hamama pictured above. Interested in growing something other than herbs - how about a mushroom kit from SmallHold?

Because we're headed directly into stew and soup season - and big batch cooking has been a favorite technique in our COVID kitchen. These clever trays are perfectly portioned for freezing and saving odds and ends from their latest kitchen experiment. Souper Cubes available at Food 52.

Because butter truly does make everything better and this sampler pack has something for everyone from savory to sweet. I could see this being a great addition to one of my favorite holiday traditions: Wolferman's English Muffins. Mix & Match Six Pack from Banner Butter.

For those who are ready to move beyond simply following a recipe  - a beautiful book that goes into the science of what makes something delicious. The Flavor Equation available at Bookshop or your local bookstore. Also worth considering is this favorite of mine from years ago or this guide to smells that looks fascinating.

And because everyone's stocking needs stuffing - some delightful treats from favorite purveyors - like Green Chile Jam from Los Poblanos.

Or a new take on "cookie butter" - Granola Butter from Kween.

Or an Umami-packed seasoning from the fish sauce gold standard, Red Boat

Or for bakers (or sweet tooths) single-origin chocolate chips in a special shape to maximize the chocolate payoff in your cookies. Large Chips from Dandelion Chocolate.

Or finally for broadening culinary horizons and having something other than their regular takeout: a variety of six dish starters that bring firey Southeast Asian flavors into a regular dinner rotation. Southeast Asian Omsom Sampler from Omsom. For more firey flavor to add to their weeknight routine, don't miss this sampler pack of Chili Oil from NYC spicy noodle mecca Xi'an Famous Foods.

For every evening between now and April - a dutch oven for braises, chilis, soups, and stews. Although there are a myriad of new cast iron purveyors offering this kitchen staple in some truly gorgeous colors (hello Great Jones and Milo) word is that the old standby, Lodge, performs as well as pricier classics Staub & Le Creuset and much better than most newcomers. An added benefit is it's likely available at your local kitchen goods store (or Ace Hardware). 6qt Dutch Oven from Lodge. Want the look of the Milo for the price of the Lodge? Swap out the top knob with a glam brass option from Staub available at Sur La Table - Le Creuset black is also an option.

For dutch oven season - a sculptural set of trivets meant for daily display. Pond trivets from Ferm Living.

For the newly minted at-home bartender who is likely already equipped with a shaker (if not, go for this). How about an elegant spoon for stirring together a simple Old Fashioned or my favorite - a Boulevardier? Walnut Cocktail Stirrer from Sacred Thistle.

To go with that spoon, your bartender will need a mixing glass - something that's heavy and large enough for two cocktails with a small pointed spout that keeps ice from getting out. Wirecutter loves this Seamless Plain Mixing Glass from Umami Mart. If you want something with more drama - don't miss the beautiful options on Cocktail Kingdom.

Finally to round out the kit - don't forget a quality strainer. This one may prioritize function over form - but is supposed to be the best you can buy. Steel Cocktail Strainer from Oxo.

Or give the bartender a break with a pack of these delightfully branded canned classic cocktails. Negroni, Manhattan, or Old Fashioned from Tip Top Proper Cocktails.

Last, but certainly not least - a major improvement on WFH breakfasts and lunches, and one that is already bringing my family a lot of joy. An amazing sandwich-making machine that can turn out a bacon egg and cheese in a snap. We're deep into a competition of who can get the most creative with their recipes here - so if you give or receive this and want to join our sandwich-focused family group text, you're welcome. Dual Breakfast Sandwich Maker from Hamilton Beach. In the market for single sandwiches? They have you covered there too.