Showing posts with label cookbooks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cookbooks. Show all posts

17 December 2014

To gift or not to gift?

The holidays are up on us and so is the pursuit of find a gift for a friend, loved, one or colleagues. Recently a friend asked me for suggestions about which gift to give a person she described as a "foodie".  I wasn't certain what exactly that meant ( i.e. does the person enjoy cooking, baking or dining out?) so I made several suggestions that I will share with you.

In general, I think a cookbook is a thoughtful gift for anyone who enjoys cooking or baking. I realize that some of the books are now available as apps, but I enjoy thumbing through the pages of the cookbook.

For someone who is just learning to cook a comprehensive cookbook is a wonderful way to discover cooking. I've had two of the cookbooks below for decades and still use them to determine emergency substitutions and variations on how to prepare a dish.



For the cook who wants to experiment preparing cuisine of another country, consider purchasing a cookbook featuring the cuisine of a country they've enjoyed or are curious about.


For the person who is interested in vegetarian cooking or becoming  a vegetarian,  cookbook focused on vegetarian dishes is a good choice

For the person who has a favorite local chef that has written a cookbook, consider buying the cookbook and inquiring whether the chef would sign the book. Many chefs are flattered by the request and appreciate the book sale.




For the person who wants a basic understanding about wine, consider the book, "Wine for Dummies". I still use the copy given to me years ago.

On a budget? Consider the bargain books section of the bookstore. Sometimes previous editions of a cookbook are available at reduced cost.  Theme or destination cookbooks compiled by a publisher are frequently available in the bargain book section. 
 

If you know for certain the person enjoys baking or cooking, is there a gadget they would love to own that won't break your budget?  For example a sharpening steel can be purchased for under $20.  I received this adorable garlic mincer from my friend Ally- I use it often.

Gift certificates to cooking classes, beverage tasting classes and restaurants are another option as well as.

My friend sounded relieved after I shared the suggestions. What other holiday gifts you would suggest for a "foodie"? Share them below in the comments.


Be well,

Technicolor girl


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