The Gifted Cook

For the holidays this season, we'll come up with gift ideas for that special someone in your life - gardener, rider, fashionista, book lover and more.  Since today is Thanksgiving and the cooks will be especially busy, we'll start there.  A good cook needs a lot of tools to cement their craft.  If you have a dedicated cook on your shopping list this year, we're here to help.......

1) Le Creuset Pots
Every great cook will tell you that you need good pots.  I love my Le Creuset pots.  They last a lifetime and are easy to clean.  Williams-Sonoma has them on sale for the weekend.  You won't find them much cheaper than this.  Love the colors too! 

2) Tablet Stand

Does you cook find his or her recipes online?  Then they must have this stand for the iPad.  This makes cooking in the kitchen using technology simple and easy.  See it here. Goop has one too that is much fancier but more expensive.

3. Classic Chef Coat

Even if your cook isn't a pro, maybe they'd like to look like one.  Love this chef's coat from Etsy.  And you're supporting small business at the same time!  See it here.

4. Handmade Cutting Board

You can never have too many cutting surfaces in your kitchen and this wooden cutting board makes it portable and pretty.  On Etsy.  See it here.

5. Mist Oil Sprayer

This is a great gadget that once you have it you'll ask how you ever cooked without it.  Use it spray a bit of oil on your dishes.  See it here.

6. Kitchen Shears

Every kitchen needs a good pair of shears.  Your cook will thank you for this.  See it here.

7. Spices

Spices are essential to a cook's kitchen.  Depending on where you live, finding the unique ones can be difficult. They don't offer a lot at Wal-mart.  When I can't get to a good store, I order mine from Penzey's.  If your cook is spice-deprived, a gift certificate will make a great gift. Or a gift box.  See it here.

8. Cookbooks

I still use my cookbooks and add a few books to my collection each year.  Restaurant cookbooks are my favorites.  One of the very best if your like gourmet Southern is Tupelo Honey, a restaurant in Asheville, NC.  They have two cookbooks out and I'd recommend them both.  See them here.

9. Spice Mill Grater - $20

This is on my list! Use it for baking, for adding nutmeg to drinks, for everything!  A great gadget to own. See it here.

10. Knife Set

I received knife set about 10 years ago and to be honest, it was not an overwhelming gift.  It's not sexy or creative but I can't tell you how much I love them.  It's probably one of the most useful gifts I have ever received.  And don't skimp.  Buy the very best quality you can. Your cook will love you!  See this one here.

Happy Thanksgiving!  Ready Set Cook!