Best Gifts for Foodies

The holidays are a busy time, so if you are still looking for the best gift for the foodie in your life. No worries, I got you. Here is a list of some of my favorite items that I have used and loved.

1. 1. Le Creuset Cast Iron Braiser  -  is of the highest quality and very versatile. The braiser is best for stews, rice dishes, one-pot meals, and even baking bread since it can easily go from the stovetop to the oven to the table. Le Creuset is known for its signature cast iron dutch ovens.  The dutch ovens come in round or oval shape, have tall sides, and are deep. The braiser, on the other hand, has a wider, more shallow, and rounded bottom with short sides. Like the dutch ovens, the braiser comes in a variety of sizes and colors.
   2. Rishi Loose Leaf Tea - we are big tea drinkers around here, and the entire Rishi line of teas is organic and delicious. The hibiscus berry and the green tea are favorites. Pair this up with a cast iron teapot for the perfect gift.
   3. Naked Wines - a gift for wine lovers they'll appreciate. Discover top-notch independent winemakers and at a fraction of store prices.  As a customer, you become an "angel" investor and, through crowdfunding, allow the small winemakers to focus on what they do best - make wine. Your monthly fee accumulates and applied to your wine selections. They ship wine in packs of 6 bottles or cases of 12 — a truly great way to explore unique and new wines at affordable prices. In addition, engage with other wine lovers in their online community.
   4. La Boite Spices - amazing quality spices sourced from all over the world. These spices will elevate any dish from ordinary to extraordinary. You can choose from a large assortment of single-ingredient spices, collaborations with distinguished chefs as well as limited additions. But what La Boite spices are most known for are their spice blends.  The perfect combination of spices combined to create magic in every jar.  No worries, each jar is labeled with the ingredients but also suggests uses for that blend. Some of my favorite blends are No.32 Siam, No. 28 Vadouvan, Za'atar,  No. 8 Smoked Salt (oh a sprinkle of this on a piece of steak, drooling).  Check out their online shop for full selection.
   5. Nordic Ware Baking Sheets - not only are these great for baking cookies or sheet cakes, but they are ideal for roasting vegetables. Just line with parchment paper, and into the oven.
   6. John Boos Block Cutting Board - call me old fashioned, but I still prefer wood cutting boards to any other surface. Wood cutting boards will not harbor bacteria and are easier on the knives. Boos Block is a classic piece that is crafted and made in the US.
   7. Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug - I should mention everyone in our household, including the Lil one, has this stainless steel mug. That's how much we like it.  It is made in Japan, offered in an assortment of pretty colors and will keep your beverages hot or cold for hours. No, seriously, I mean hours! Take my word and don't burn yourself. It is also leak-proof and effortless to clean, with just a few parts to wash.
   8. Salt Fat Acid Heat Cookbook - what is so interesting about this book is that it is more of a book about cooking than a cookbook of recipes. In other words, it teaches how to cook based on four basic principles: Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat. The second part of the book has recipes and how to use those principles. Author Samin Nasrat is a writer, chef, and teacher and also stars in the Netflix series by the same name.
   9. Mandoline by Borner -  to be honest, a mandoline is not a necessity in the kitchen but a convenient tool to have. Within seconds it slices, dices, and juliennes fruits or veggies. A mandoline is an excellent accessory for the entertainer since it cuts prep time. Besides, it is much easier to clean, and with fewer parts than a food processor. The blades on this German model are sharp, so use the safety attachment. Otherwise, this safety glove is a must.