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Gourmet Gifts

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic (by 7 people)   Your rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic

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An avid foodie, Lex has translated her love of food and books into the best-selling CheapEats Restaurant Guide Series which are currently available fo...  (more...)

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Buying presents is easy. Buying good presents is hard.

 

We've all done it. We walk into our favourite store to buy a present for someone we love.  We find a pile of cool stuff and then half-way through paying we realize we want everything we're buying.   Sometimes, we also realize the person we're buying for won't want any of it. Ooops!

So, I've decided to pull together a collection of great gifts for gourmets, foodies, epicures and everyone else who loves to spend their free time reading cookbooks, trying out new recipes and fantasizing about flavours. That way, the next time someone is shopping for me, or you, they can come here and get some ideas of what to be shopping for.

Featured Product 

Sometimes there's a new product that I just have to share

Check out these Seasoned Skewers from Callison's Fine Foods.

The skewers themselves are seaped in flavour and start infusing your food with flavour as soon as you skewer your food. As you cook, the skewers continue to release natural oils and herbal extracts directly into the food.

Available in Citrus Rosemary, Garlic Herb, Honey Bourbon, Indian Mango Curry, Mexican Fiesta, and Thai Coconut Lime the seasons are perfect for shrimp, chicken, tofu, potatoes, yams, pork, lamb, fish and fruit.

The skewers are ready to use straight from the package. No pre-soaking (which we all forget until the last minute anyway), They're 100% natural, fat and sodium free.

Callison's Honey Bourbon Seasoned Skewers

The perfect marriage of two classic barbecue flavors. Try Honey Bourbon Ham with Apple-Butter Mustard Sauce

Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 05/16/2008)

Callison's Thai Coconut Lime Seasoned Skewers

A tropical blend of coconut, ginger, lemongrass, red pepper and kaffir lime. Try Thai Coconut Lime Chicken Skewers with Sweet Chili Soy Sauce

Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 05/16/2008)

Callison's Garlic Herb Seasoned Skewers

A full-bodied mix of garlic, basil, lemon and chives. Try them in Greek Vegetable Skewers with Feta Olive Drizzle

Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 05/16/2008)

Callison's Indian Mango Curry Seasoned Skewers

Sweet mango mingles with the exotic spice of cardamom and curry. Try them in Mango Masala Scallop Skewers

Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 05/16/2008)

Callisons Fine Foods Seasoned Barbeque Skewers Citrus Rosemary

A delicate blend of rosemary and garlic, sweetened with the essence of orange. Try them in Lamb & Citrus Fennel Skewers with Mustard Sauce

Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 05/16/2008)

Essential Kitchen Gadgets 

Gadgets are fun. Gadgets are useful.

When buying gadgets remember gadgets should be:
  • easy to use,
  • easy to clean and
  • more effective than just using your knife, spoon or hands.
Microplane 8.5-in. Microplane Grater/Zester

Microplane 8.5-in. Microplane Grater/Zester

Price: $12.95

I love Microplanes. It's that simple. Throw out all other grating and zesting devices and get a microplane. The zester is quick and easy to use, and maximizes the flavour from citrus fruits, nutmeg, and hard cheeses.

Microplane 10.75-in. Microplane Fine Grater

Microplane 10.75-in. Microplane Fine Grater

Price: $14.95

It's entirely possible you only need one microplane, but the zester will practically juice garlic, and the fine grate makes zest too large for a quick flavour hit. So if your honey already has one microplane, consider getting them a second. Your tummy will thank you.

Henckels 18-pc. Four Star Cutlery Set with Hardwood Block

Henckels 18-pc. Four Star Cutlery Set with Hardwood Block

Price: $479.95

Quick gifting superstition - never "give" a knife as a present or it will cut the friendship. Instead give a penny or a dollar and let your loved one "buy" the knives from you.

Rabbit Corkscrew w/Foil Cutter, Silver

Rabbit Corkscrew w/Foil Cutter, Silver

Price: $49.95

Hate corkscrews? You'll love this one. Wrap the arms around the top of the bottle, push down and pull up in one easy gesture. Your wine is open. Push down and pull up again, the cork ready to recycle. Perfect for the budding sommelier or anyone who struggles with traditional corkscrews. (That's almost everyone.)

Le Creuset Screwpull Citrus Juicer

Le Creuset Screwpull Citrus Juicer

Price: $18.00

Screwpulls new line of wine accessories and barware combines the look of durable stainless steel with a design that complements any home. Stainless st... more »

Oxo 6-in. Good Grips Lemon Reamer

Oxo 6-in. Good Grips Lemon Reamer

Price: $8.50

Until you have used a reamer to juice citrus, you have no idea how good they are.

Manual 2 Stage Knife Sharpener

Manual 2 Stage Knife Sharpener

Price: $33.99

Working with a dull knife is more dangerous than with a properly sharpened one. Sharpening a knife is an art. Not like finger painting, but like glass blowing. This is a great gift for any cook or chef!

John Boos 24x18x1.5 Boos Blocks Reversible Hardwood Cutting Board

John Boos 24x18x1.5 Boos Blocks Reversible Hardwood Cutting Board

Price: $69.95

Use the cutting board the pros use. This Reversible Maple Cutting Board, made by John Boos, is part of a professional series that's FDA approved and h... more »

Matfer 11.75x16.5 Exopat Baking Mat

Matfer 11.75x16.5 Exopat Baking Mat

Price: $19.95

If you love to bake but are disheartened by cookies and pastries that burn and stick, you'll certainly appreciate this flexible, non-stick Exopat Baki... more »

Lodge 20x10.5 Cast Iron Reversible Double Burner Grill/Griddle

Lodge 20x10.5 Cast Iron Reversible Double Burner Grill/Griddle

Price: $46.95

1896 was the year that Joseph Lodge and his family moved to Tennessee and began their cast iron-making business. Even though 100 years have passed, th... more »

Cookbook Collectors - The Essentials 

Make sure their cookbook collection is complete with these essentials.

Whether they use these classics (and soon to be classics) for reference, recipes or just for show, make sure your favourite foodie has all the right things on their shelf.

New York Times Cookbook by Craig Claiborne

New York Times Cookbook by Craig Claiborne

This is my current "go to" cookbook. It more...1 point

The Bon Appetit Cookbook (purchase includes subscription to Bon Appetit magazine) by Barbara Fairchild

The Bon Appetit Cookbook (purchase includes subscription to Bon Appetit magazine) by Barbara Fairchild

Bon Appetit has pulled together a cookbook based o more...1 point

The Gourmet Cookbook: More than 1000 recipes (now with DVD)

The Gourmet Cookbook: More than 1000 recipes (now with DVD)

Stop cutting up your old magazines, just go get th more...1 point

James Beard's Simple Foods by James Beard

James Beard's Simple Foods by James Beard

A delight. Foreword by Julia Child. 39 cooking les more...0 points

Alton Brown's Gear for Your Kitchen by Alton Brown

Alton Brown's Gear for Your Kitchen by Alton Brown

Alton may be an acquired taste for some, but his b more...0 points

I'm Just Here for the Food: Version 2.0 by Alton Brown

I'm Just Here for the Food: Version 2.0 by Alton Brown

You either love him or you hate him, but Alton Bro more...0 points

The Martha Stewart Cookbook: Collected Recipes for Every Day by Martha Stewart

The Martha Stewart Cookbook: Collected Recipes for Every Day by Martha Stewart

Elegant, elaborate and essential. No kitchen libra more...0 points

The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook by Ina Garten

The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook by Ina Garten

The Barefoot Contessa brings simple ingredients to more...0 points

4 more products: See all

For the Outdoor Chef 

Bradley Smoker Apple Bisquettes (120 pack - 40 hrs of smoke) - BTAP120

Bradley Smoker Apple Bisquettes (120 pack - 40 hrs of smoke) - BTAP120

Price: $36.90

(By:-BradleySmoker) Apple Bisquettes 120 pack The secret to the Bradley Smoker is the Bradley flavor Bisquettes ® To produce the bisquettes the hardw... more »

Bradley Smoker Pecan Bisquettes (48 pack) - BTPC48

Bradley Smoker Pecan Bisquettes (48 pack) - BTPC48

Price: $17.95

(By:-BradleySmoker) Pecan Bisquettes 48 pack The secret to the Bradley Smoker is the Bradley flavor Bisquettes ® To produce the bisquettes the hardwo... more »

Bradley Smoker Stainless Steel Bradley Smoker - BTST02

Bradley Smoker Stainless Steel Bradley Smoker - BTST02

Price: $404.10

(By:-BradleySmoker) Stainless Steel Bradley SmokerThe latest in the Bradley Smoker product range there was a demand from commercial caterers and other... more »

Weber Summit Platinum D6; 6 burner Gas Grill - Natural Gas  -  7890001

Weber Summit Platinum D6; 6 burner Gas Grill - Natural Gas - 7890001

Price: $2,019.00

Stunning enough to be a work of art Smart enough to be a Weber Introducing the new Weber Summit Platinum line Great grilling just got better Updated f... more »

Traeger Grills Meat Injector Kit  - BAC246

Traeger Grills Meat Injector Kit - BAC246

Price: $32.25

(By:-TraegerGrills) Professional quality stainless steel meat injector Perfect for getting those spices deep inside your big meat cuts 3 inch injector... more »

Bayou Classic 34-Qt. Low Country Boiler - 9500

Bayou Classic 34-Qt. Low Country Boiler - 9500

Price: $77.00

34-Qt Low Country Boiler - 9500 Product Features Use liquid propane only 34-Qt Aluminum stockpot Vented lid Perforated steam/boil basket Perforated po... more »

Monthly Food Porn 

sent straight to your house!

Saveur

Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 05/16/2008)

Bon Appetit (1-year)

Amazon Price: $15.00 (as of 05/16/2008)

Cook's Illustrated

Amazon Price: $26.95 (as of 05/16/2008)

Gourmet (1-year)

Amazon Price: $15.00 (as of 05/16/2008)

Wine Gear Gifts 

Riedel Set of 2 Riedel "O" Crystal Spirit of "O" Tumblers

Riedel Set of 2 Riedel "O" Crystal Spirit of "O" Tumblers

Price: $19.90

In a set of two, the Crystal Spirit of "O" tumblers are petite in size. Use them for serving spirits or fortified wines like port, sherry or dessert w... more »

Riedel 3-pc. Sommeliers 30th Anniversary Tasting Set

Riedel 3-pc. Sommeliers 30th Anniversary Tasting Set

Price: $250.00

Riedel, providers of fine stemware, has perfected the process of making wine glasses. Guided carefully by the future content of the glass, each stemwa... more »

Top 10 Wines : Italy

Top 10 Wines : Italy

Price: $9.10

Looking for accessible, concise, and authoritative information on the best wine to choose for every occasion? Cut to the chase and get everything you... more »

Red, White, and Drunk All Over

Red, White, and Drunk All Over

Price: $15.56

Sommelier Natalie MacLean shares her passion and knowledge about wine through colorful stories and insider information about the evocative places and... more »

Ultimate Wine Tasting Kit

Ultimate Wine Tasting Kit

Price: $24.50

The editors at the distinguished Wine Spectator, America's definitive publication on wine, reveal the secrets to tasting wine like the experts do, uti... more »

Rabbit Deluxe Corkscrew

Rabbit Deluxe Corkscrew

Price: $59.95

Pop the cork in just three seconds with the Rabbit Deluxe Corkscrew Set. With its brushed steel, rabbit ear pulls, this tool is both whimsical and fun... more »

Wine Cellar Innovations 216-bottle Tasting Table Bin Bottle Tasting Table, Natural

Wine Cellar Innovations 216-bottle Tasting Table Bin Bottle Tasting Table, Natural

Price: $899.95

The 18 bin-tasting table provides a variety of storage options including wood cases, cardboard cases, 12 standard bottles per bin or ample room for ex... more »

<I>Food & Wine</i> Magazine's Wine Guide 2006, <NULL>

<I>Food & Wine</i> Magazine's Wine Guide 2006, <NULL>

Price: $8.36

Food & Wine magazine, the most trusted and popular publication of the pleasures of the table, brings you everything you need to choose wine like a pro... more »

Williams-Sonoma Wine Guide

Williams-Sonoma Wine Guide

Price: $19.96

Over 300 pages of practical information on buying, tasting and storing wine make this elegant volume the standard reference for anyone who's ever been... more »

VacuVin Wine Tool

VacuVin Wine Tool

Price: $29.95

The wine saver uses a vaccum pump to extract the air of an opened bottle and reseals it with a reuseable rubber stopper. Helps to slow down oxidation... more »

Reader Feedback 

What was your favourite foodie gift? Is there something new you'd like me to check out? Just let me know.

Glyphman

Would like to exchange lensrolls with you!!

We can lensroll the same lens two times. I gave you 5 stars and a lensroll. If you return the favor, I will come back and lensroll you again.

TaoGem supports, promotes, votes, and lensrolls all fellow Squidoo lensmasters!

Great Lens!! Good luck!

Posted April 15, 2007

YourSmilingChef

I just love your lens! It is packed with all of my favorite things, and many that I didn't know were favorites until now. Which is the reason that I've added your lens to my favorites!

Posted February 23, 2007

Margaret_Schaut

Nice selection! Welcome to the Mall!

Posted February 07, 2007

webseitler

Welcome to the Food Group! You are lens #100! If you could, it would be great to see a small photo in your introduction. Otherwise, we see a squid icon at the Food Group.

Congratulations on winning the top spot!

Posted January 29, 2007

Your Essential Cookbooks 

I've told you the books that I think are essential, but what do you think?

Have I missed the keystone of your cookbook shelf?

Whether you are whipping up brunch or an anniversary dinner, what are your go-to cookbooks? The ones you'd buy for someone on their own for the first time? The cookbook you know won't let you down when you need to impress?

Please take a second to rate these cookbooks and suggest your own additions.

Joy of Cooking: 75th Anniversary Edition - 2006 by Irma S. Rombauer

Joy of Cooking: 75th Anniversary Edition - 2006 by Irma S. Rombauer

My first cookbook, (not this edition), and still a more...2 points

New York Times Cookbook by Craig Claiborne

New York Times Cookbook by Craig Claiborne

This is my current "go to" cookbook. It' more...1 point

The Best Recipes in the World by Mark Bittman

The Best Recipes in the World by Mark Bittman

Rapidly moving into the Go-To category, this cookb more...1 point

San Francisco a la Carte

San Francisco a la Carte

I picked this cookbook up on one of my first trips more...1 point

The Cook Book by Terence and Caroline Conran

The Cook Book by Terence and Caroline Conran

The Cook Book taught me to shop and continues to b more...1 point

2 more products: See all

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