Splendid Sass: Dec 12, 2013

Thursday, December 12, 2013

GIFT GUIDE FOR THE KITCHEN

There is nothing fancy about this post, but I hope that it will help those shopping for themselves or others. I love to cook, and I consider myself a very advanced cook. Below are what I consider to be the basic cooking tools in a kitchen. Add other utensils and bakeware as needed. I hope this helps. Happy Shopping!

This is the best coffee pot EVER! I think you may have heard me rave about mine! No compromise.

Starbucks Verismo 600 Espresso Maker
Now you can enjoy the rich, bold flavors of your favorite Starbucks beverages without leaving your home. Engineered to produce perfect beverages, the Verismo 600 is a versatile machine that makes both espresso and brewed coffee. Enjoy a sweet, creamy latte, cappuccino or freshly brewed coffee, all at the touch of a button.Manufacturer: StarbucksMaterial: Plastic, metal16.4" W x 8.64" D x 15.64" HCare: Wipe clean with damp clothCapacity: 1-liter water tankWarranty: 1-year limited warrantyMade in ChinaFEATURESMakes your favorite Starbucks coffee, Caffe Lattes, espresso and moreHot water button for Americanos or steeping teaHigh-pressure 19-bar brewing systemHeated and ready to brew in less than 30 secondsIntegrated single-button rinse function makes cleaning simpleVariable temperature system for optimum beverage preparation30-minute auto-off feature saves energyHeight-adjustable drip tray accommodates a wide variety of mugs1-liter, BPA-free water tank is removable for easy refillingUsed pods automatically drop into built-in container for easy cleanup—container holds 10 used podsDesigned for use with Verismo™ pods

Starbucks Verismo Electric Milk Frother
Starbuck’s revolutionary Verismo system brings all your favorite Starbucks beverages home but for only a fraction of the cost. With uncompromising quality and push-button simplicity, the experts at Starbucks have created this machine capable of one-touch milk frothing.Now you can create the perfect foam for your favorite Starbucks beverages made at home. Whether you prefer dairy or soy milk, this frother whisks your milk of choice into rich, creamy froth in just 90 seconds. The frother also includes an attachment for warming milk. When your milk or foam is ready, the gripping electric base stays put while the carafe removes for easy serving. Double-wall housing features nonstick coating for easy cleaning. The cordless design operates silently and switches off automatically. BPA-free. One-year limited warranty. 5-oz. frothing capacity, 8½-oz. heating capacity; 5¾" d x 7¾" h. Shipping weight is 2.2 lbs. Hand wash with non-abrasive cloth; do not immerse in water.

Nothing is better than a wonderful cheesecake, especially with coffee. This is the pan I use. I have it in several sizes. I love the mini pans too. These pans can be used for many dishes.

Fat Daddios Springform Pans
Fat Daddio’s anodized pans offer superior baking performance, even heat distribution, improved safety and durability. The 18-gauge anodized aluminum is also non-reactive with acidic and dairy ingredients.

This is the mixer I use, and I could not live without it. There is no comparison in quality and time involved. This is the medium priced Kitchenaid, and I love it! There are optional attachments that are time saving and lessens the work load.

KitchenAid Stand Mixer
Professional-quality stand mixer features a powerful 575-watt motor with heavy-duty 10-speed slide control transmission for speeds ranging from a very fast whip to a very slow stir. With a 6-qt. metal mixing bowl, mixer easily handles double batches of heavy dough. Enhanced electronic sensor maintains precise speed regardless of load. PowerKnead spiral dough hook replicates hand-kneading to handle 20% more dough than previous models. Durable direct-drive, all-steel gear transmission delivers high-performance mixing action every time. Commercial-style motor protection ensures motor longevity.Includes recipe book, flat beater, dough hook, professional wire whip and 2-piece dual-purpose pouring shield. One-year warranty. 16½&#34x 11¼&#34 x 14½&#34. 30 lbs. Assembled with pride in Greenville, Ohio.

This is the food processor that I have use for 15 years. For chopping, slicing, shredding, and combining, there is nothing like it.

Cuisinart Elite Die Cast 12-Cup Food Processor
The best food processor we’ve tested—remarkable new design makes it easier than ever to chop, slice, blend, shred and knead. Landmark innovations include locking lid with rubber seal for splatter-free liquid processing, two nesting bowls with spouts and locking blades that won’t slip when pouring. Ten-year motor warranty, 3-year limited warranty. All parts dishwasher safe; wipe base clean. 12-cup capacity.

These are the saucepans I use. I love stainless steel, and these pans are heavy enough and professional enough for any dish. It does make a difference. If you can't afford the set, start out with a medium size saucepan.

All Clad Stainless Steel Saucepans
All-Clad’s classic saucepans deliver delicious results, whether you’re making soups or sauces, boiling pasta or potatoes, or simply reheating leftovers. Designed with high, straight sides and a smaller surface area, these pans hold heat well and limit evaporation. With a variety of sizes to choose from, you can easily make everything from delicate sauces to hearty one-pot meals. All-Clad’s revolutionary three-ply bonded design features a thick aluminum core for even, efficient heat distribution, sandwiched between durable layers of stainless steel. Pans feature sturdy solid-cast handles permanently secured with high-yield-strength stainless-steel rivets. Tight-fitting lids hold in moisture as you cook and keep food hot till you’re ready to serve. Please note: The 1-qt. size is available through website or catalog only. 3-qt.and 4-qt. sizes include assist handles for safe and easy transport. Manufacturer: All-CladIncludes: Saucepan and lidMaterial: Stainless steel and aluminumCare: Dishwasher safeAvailable sizes: 1 qt., 2 qt., 3 qt., and 4 qt.Warranty: Limited lifetime warrantyMade in the USAFEATURESPerfect for making soups or sauces, boiling pasta or potatoes, or simply reheating leftoversMagnetic stainless steel exterior is compatible with all oven and stovetop heat sources, including inductionOven safe up to 500°FThree-ply bonded design heats quickly and evenlyPans hold heat well and limit evaporationTight-fitting lids seal in moisture and flavorErgonomic, stay-cool handles enable safe and easy transport18/10 stainless-steel won’t react with foodsInner aluminum core eliminates hot spotsShop All-Clad >

I suggest these sauté pans. As above, if this is too much for your budget, start with a 10" pan.

All-Clad d5 Brushed Stainless Steel Saute Pans
The inventor of bonded cookware delivers this generation’s cookware breakthrough. All-Clad Stainless with d5 technology maintains the classic style of the original stainless collection while introducing superlative performance and ergonomic enhancements.This revolutionary cookware offers unprecedented evenness of heat for uniform browning. Newly designed ergonomic handles improve stability, comfort, and handling control. Plus, a new flared rim ensures dripless pouring.All-Clad’s sturdy, durable saute pans feature large surface areas and tall, straight sides that hold in juices, prevent splattering, and allow for easy turning with a spatula. Ideal for a wide range of foods including chicken breasts and fish fillets, these saute pans offer the convenience of browning or searing, then deglazing or finishing in liquid—all in one pan. Tight-fitting lids lock in moisture and heat to thoroughly finish meats on the stovetop or in the oven.Forgiving enough to enable aspiring home cooks to produce consistently outstanding results, this saute pan’s advanced engineering and craftsmanship meet the stringent requirements of the world’s most demanding professional chefs.Manufacturer: All-CladMaterial: Stainless steel and aluminumCare: Dishwasher safeCapacity: 2 qt., 3 qt., or 6 qt.Warranty: Limited lifetime warrantyMade in the USAFEATURESAll-Clad’s most technically superior cookwareInduction optimized, compatible with all other cooktops, and oven safe to 500°F20% more even heating than traditional bonded cookware5 bonded layers from the base right up to the rim optimize the cooking experienced5 bonded construction eliminates hot spots, prevents warping, and ensures induction optimization18/10 stainless interior will not react with foodUnique, patented stainless core for unparalleled stabilityEnhanced handle design for greater comfort and controlHandles attached with stainless rivets for added durabilityPan size is etched on bottom for easy reference Shop All-Clad >

This is the best knife for average cost and my first knife. I use it everyday. You may also want to buy a sharpener. I prefer Shun or Global knives, but they are more expensive.

Wusthof Classic Chefs Knife with Bonus Paring Knife
An ideal starter set of two essentials that make a great gift—set includes a 3½" paring knife and 8" chef’s knife. Manufacturer: WusthofIncludes: Paring knife and chef’s knifeMaterial: High-carbon steelCare: Hand wash with warm water and a little detergent; rinse careful and dry with a towelDimensions: 3½" blade and 8" bladeWarranty: Lifetime warrantyMade in GermanyFEATURES:Wusthof Classic knives are precision-forged from a single piece of steelErgonomic handle design developed in consultation with professional chefsFull bolster/finger guard for safety and protectionLaser-controlled-and-tested cutting edge

This is a great small toaster oven. There are more expensive and larger ovens, but for warming and toasting, this is a great oven.

Breville Mini Smart Oven
The Breville Mini Smart Oven moves heat to where it’s needed, when it’s needed, to save you time and money. Manufactuer: BrevilleIncludes: Oven, crumb tray and enamel baking panCare: Removable crumb tray; wipe exterior clean with damp clothDimensions: 15¼ lbs.; 8¾" h x 15½" l x 14" wCapacity: .45 cubic feetMaterial: Powder-coated-steel housing and nonstick interiorWarranty: 1-year warrantyMade in China FEATURES:Innovative Element IQ™ technologyFour quartz heating elementsFunction dial with 8 pre-set cooking functionsFrozen foodsTemperature conversionTime/slicesTemperature/darknessThree rack positionsFits 11" pizza or four slices of bread “A Bit More” function for additional timePull-out crumb tray10" l x 10" w enamel baking pan1800 watts

FOR SMALLER BUDGETS OR NEEDS

Cuisinart Power Advantage 7-Speed Hand Mixer Metallic White
This mixer is a welcome addition to any kitchen and makes a great gift. Colorful and maneuverable, the hand mixer features 220 watts of power and seven speeds to handle even the heaviest ingredients with ease. SmoothStart® function has three low speeds to eliminate spattering, and an easy one-step power switch with LED indicator keeps things simple. A swivel cord makes the mixer perfect for right- or left-handed use. Three-year warranty. 6" h x 8" l x 3½" w. Dishwasher-safe beaters.Manufacturer: CuisinartIncludes: Professional chef’s whisk, spatula and recipe bookMaterial: Plastic and metalCare: Dishwasher-safe attachments; wipe base clean with damp clothDimensions: 6" x 8" x 3½"Warranty: Limited three-year warrantyWatts: 220 wattsMade in China

Lodge Logic Skillets
Lodge Logic offers skillets with the same unparalleled quality, craftsmanship, and superior value you’ve come to expect from Lodge—now with a seasoned finish that’s ready to use right out of the box. The 10¼" and 12" skillets have additional loop helper handles. Made in the USA.A SIZE FOR EVERY TASKSmaller doesn’t mean less performance. The smaller skillets are ideal for scrambled eggs, cornbread or seared chicken breasts, just perfect when cooking for one or two. Choose a larger skillet for cooking in quantity; they’re great for serving up family-style meals or braising bigger cuts of meat. Whether it’s bacon, grilled sandwiches, fish, cornbread—no matter what you like to grill, saute or fry, you’ll love these classic American skillets.HEIRLOOM QUALITYThese cast iron favorites will last for years and years with proper use and care. Lodge has been making durable, high-quality cast iron cookware for generations, pleasing the most discerning chefs for more than 100 years. AWARD WINNINGThe Lodge 10¼-inch skillet was rated as one of the two dozen essential tools in the home and kitchen in Martha Stewart Living (February 2008). Please note: Because of the weight of this item, an additional $1.50 shipping charge applies.

Zwilling Spirit Ceramic Saucepan
Perfect for simmering a batch of homemade marinara, this premium saucepan makes an excellent addition to any kitchen. Zwilling’s legendary quality and stainless steel expertise come together in its line of Spirit cookware, a stylish and durable collection for serious home cooks. Revolutionary Thermolon™ Granite ceramic nonstick interior is safe for both the home and the environment. Exceptional nonstick allows cooking with little to no oil for healthy cooking and food releases easily for effortless cleanup.Manufacturer: Zwilling J.A. HenckelsIncludes: Saucepan, lidMaterial: Aluminum, ceramic, stainless steelCare: Dishwasher safe. Hand wash recommendedUse: Compatible with gas, electric, halogen and induction cooktops. Oven safe up to 500°FDimensions: 12.5" x 7" x 5"; 15" x 8" x5"; 16" x 9" x 6"; 16" x 9" x 7"Capacity: 1 qt., 2 qt., 3 qt. and 4 qt.Warranty: 2 yearsMade in ChinaFEATURES Tri-ply construction features 3-mm-thick stainless steel clad to an aluminum core for even and responsive cookingRiveted, cast handle stays cool to the touchFlared rim ensures drip-free pouringTight-fitting glass lid retains moisture and flavor, allows easy monitoring of cooking foods, and helps keep food hot until ready to servePTFE- and PFOA-free coating is manufactured using 60% less carbon monoxide than traditional nonstick and does not release toxic fumes.

Also, don't forget to view my gift guides at the end of the post. Also, everything in my ETSY shop is 20% off with coupon code CHRISTMAS20 through Christmas day!