Holiday Gift Guide 2019

If you’re a regular here, I’m guessing you spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Odds are you might know some people who do the same! Below I’ve compiled a list of great gifts for all the cooks in your life. Use this guide to help you find the perfect holiday present, or to help you create your own wishlist!

Tori's Stories

 

In addition to some of my favorite culinary finds, I have included a lot of environmentally friendly cooking options on this list. Over the past few years, I have worked hard to shift my consumer habits. I focus on quality rather than quantity, purchasing items that are built to last. One of the biggest ways we can help “clean up our act” is to purchase items that go beyond single use. An array of eco-friendly kitchen products have popped up recently, and I am excited to share some of my favorite discoveries here. I think any of the items on this list would make a terrific holiday gift.

 

 

Tagine

I love this tagine because it is quite large and stronger than your standard clay tagine, so less prone to cracking (no heat diffuser is needed). The stainless steel bottom has a tempered-glass lid, so you can use it as a pan on its own without the cone top. It’s oven safe to 500 degrees F and works with induction stovetops. A quality piece that will be a welcome addition for the adventurous home cook!

Couscousier:

A couscousier is an incredibly handy tool when cooking Moroccan food, or any stew you plan to serve with couscous. The separate chambers allow you to cook stew in the bottom and couscous on top. As the stew cooks, it steams the couscous and infuses it with extra flavor. This one works with induction stovetops and is dishwasher safe.

Mezze Serving Platter:

This serving platter can be used for any mix of snacks, but when I look at it I immediately think of Mezze. Made of one large plate with 7 individual dishes that fit neatly inside, it also makes it easy to transport from the kitchen to the table. What I love about this one in particular is that it’s handmade and painted by Tunisian artisans who have honed and passed down their craft over the generations.

Smart Wireless Meat Thermometer:

I’ll admit I’m not always interest in tech-y kitchen gadgets, but as someone who loves to cook outside this wireless meat thermometer really peaks my interest. With the app you can take the temperature of your meat from up to 165 ft away, which means no more running back and forth from the kitchen to the grill. Genius!

Granite Mortar and Pestle:

When it comes to spices, grinding them whole is always the way to go. A good mortar and pestle is key, especially if you’re using saffron. This granite version is non-porous, dishwasher safe, and won’t absorb scents or odors.

Greek Pepper Mill:

Did you know that most pepper mills smash the peppercorns rather than grinding them? This Atlas pepper mill is made using very specific traditional Europeans methods that actually grind the peppercorns, which results in maximum flavor and aroma. Pepper lovers rejoice!

Moroccan Tea Set:

My moroccan tea set is one of my most treasured kitchen items. They’re exquisitely beautiful and really make an impression when serving tea to guests. If you’re looking for a splurge, this set includes 6 artisan-made glasses, a glass tea canister, a large teapot that holds enough tea for 8, and a serving tray.

Turkish Tea Towels:

These tea towels have a range of uses and become softer the more you wash them, plus they come in a wide range of bright, beautiful colors. They’re highly absorbent and quick drying, making them a far more eco-friendly option than paper towels.

Stovetop Espresso Pot:

For good espresso at home, you used to need a giant espresso machine, a grinder, and lots of other gadgets – not anymore! This stovetop espresso maker is easy to use, produces great tasting espresso, and can be used on multiple stovetops.

Cheese Board:

I love a good cheese plate (who doesn’t?) and this board has everything you need to make a really great one. There’s plenty of space on top for your cheese, crackers, and fruit, and a drawer below with a variety of cutlery. It’s a great gift for anyone who likes to entertain.

Table Cheese Grater:

This cheese grater looks like a piece of modern art. It features three grating surfaces to suit all of your cheesy needs and a catching tray that keeps things nice and neat.

Garlic Press:

While a garlic press might not seem very exciting, this one is little different. It doesn’t require you to peel the cloves ahead of time (hooray!), only needs a small amount of force, and can be cleaned easily thanks to a handy fold out screen.

Turkish Coffee Pot:

My husband absolutely adores Turkish Coffee and goes through several cups a day, which is why we have an ever-growing collection of these lovely pots in our kitchen. This one is beautifully engraved and has a wooden handle with mother of pearl details. It would make a truly special gift for your favorite coffee drinker.

Copper Jam Pot:

I’ve been told by a good friend who loves to make jam at home that this pot is the ONLY way to go when it comes to creating the perfect jam. Since hers always turns out delicious, I trust what she says. Plus who can turn down a gorgeous piece of copper cookware? It conducts heat efficiently and doesn’t react with the acidity of fruits while cooking.

Chef’s Vision Kitchen Knives:

I love kitchen gadgets with personality, and these beautiful Chef’s knives certainly have that, plus they’re high quality and well made. Who says cookware has to be boring?

Silicone Pastry Mat with Measurements:

A silicone baking mat is a must for any home baker. This one takes it to the next level with handy measurements for just about anything you can think of, can be cleaned easily, and doesn’t retain any flavors or scents.

Baker’s Dusting Wand:

The sweetest stocking stuffer for the baker in your life. This dusting wand is perfect for topping cookies, cakes, waffles, and french toast with the perfect amount of powdered sugar. Sufganiyot, anyone?

Whisk Wiper:

Let’s face it, cleaning whisks is something of a chore. This handy device not only makes your whisk easier to clean, it also makes it possible to rest your whisk on the edge of a mixing bowl without falling in, stops drips, and keeps it from coming into contact with your countertops. They even make one for your stand mixer!

Silicone Food Savers:

In the New Year, I’d love to work more toward keeping unnecessary plastic out of my kitchen. Since we go through a lot of vegetables, plastic wrap has always been a go-to for keeping produce fresh. These reusable silicone food savers come in a variety of colors and sizes, perfect for covering all of your fresh fruits and veggies.

Herb Savor Pods:

At any given time, I have at least three types of fresh herbs in my kitchen. I love cooking with them and they’re such a great way to freshen up a dish. Unfortunately they can go bad rather quickly. These pods are BPA free and keep your herbs fresh, with a reservoir for adding fresh water and a hard windowed surface so that you can easily find what you need while eliminating the risk of crushing them in the refrigerator.

Glass Meal Prep Containers:

With the New Year often comes healthy eating resolutions. Prepping meals ahead is always a great way to eliminate the possibility of unhealthy snacking and overeating. These glass dishes are great for storing food, and are also refrigerator, microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe.

Stainless Steel Lunch Container:

Packing your lunch is also a great way to stay on track when you’re practicing healthy eating habits. This stainless steel lunch box is dishwasher safe and, more importantly, leak proof! Simply toss it in your bag and go without worrying about a mess.

Stasher Silicone Bags:

Another item I’m working on eliminating from my kitchen is Ziploc bags. Stasher is the best alternative I’ve found so far. Combine them with a few other plastic free kitchen alternatives to encourage your loved ones to go plastic free as well!

Bee’s Wrap:

Bee’s Wrap is a natural alternative to plastic wrap. They are made from organic cotton that has been infused with sustainably harvested beeswax, jojoba oil and tree resin. Use them to rap produce, bread, cheese, and snacks. They can be washed, used again and again, and composted when they can no longer be used.

Reusable Produce Bags:

And now that we’ve committed to using less plastic, lets also stop using those thin plastic produce bags at the grocery store. These reusable bags are far more durable, won’t tear, and are machine washable. And, best of all, they are kinder to our environment.

Reusable Grocery Bags:

Everyone needs a nice, durable set of reusable grocery bags. These hold up to 35 lbs and fold down into small squares that fit right into your coat pocket or purse, so you’re less likely to forget them at home!