It just wouldn't be the holidays without memorable meals, festive foods and all the other goodies that are prepared just for this time of year. Girlawhirl knows all the hard work – and love – that goes into a dinner or even a tin of cookies or homemade candy. For all the cooks on her list, Girlawhirl's found some really great gifts and gadgets that are sure to make cooking and baking a little bit more fun…
• Girlawhirl has yet to master the art of pastry dough, so she's always bowled over by a flaky crust on a pie or tart. Somehow she doesn't think she can handle the rolling of the dough because she's sure she'd never get it the right size. She's seen others do it with ease. They can tell just by looking at the circle of dough in front of them if it's right for their pan. And even if they don't need it, Girlawhirl thinks this Yum Rolling Pin with measurements in both inches and centimeters printed along its length is pretty cool. So cool that she might even give it a roll herself.
Yum Rolling Pin
$50
momastore.org
• Great cooks demand great ingredients. And most of the cooks on Girlawhirl's list tend to their own gardens during the warmer months. With this amazing AeroGarden™ Pro 100, lettuce, herbs, cherry tomatoes and more can be grown aeroponically, (translation: without dirt) in this cool contraption that sits on a kitchen counter. And this model, the most updated from AeroGarden, continuously adjusts light and nutrients for optimal growth. With a huge variety of seeds for lettuces, vegetables, flowers and herbs available, the possibilities are endless.
AeroGarden Pro 100
$169
surlatable.com
• It happens more than Girlawhirl cares to admit, but after she whips some eggs or even a batter, as soon as she's put the bowl aside, somehow the whisk flips itself over and falls on the counter, spilling some of whatever's in the bowl all over the place. This next gift falls in the ‘Why didn't I think of that?' category, a Whisk that hooks right onto the side of her bowl. This Whisk With Hook, in lightweight blue silicone, is so handy that she's purchasing multiples. It might be the stocking stuffer that everyone gets, or the perfect topper tied into the bow of a big box.
Whisk With Hook
$18
momastore.org
• Maybe it's because she would love to get these herself, but Girlawhirl intends to give her favorite cook these three Nesting Earthenware Bakers from NapaStyle. Both rustic and modern at the same time, they move seamlessly from the microwave or oven to the table. The only thing yet to be decided is whether she'll give the blue set or the mixed colored one.
Nesting Earthenware Bakers – Set of Three
Blues or Mixed Colors
$128
napastyle.com
|
| ||
| set of three-blues | set of three-mixed colors | ||
| click here to purchase | click here to purchase |
• Most semi-professional bakers Girlawhirl knows (translation: mothers) have come to love Silpat®, those silicone baking mats that eliminate the need for greasing baking sheets. This silicone baking sheet takes that idea and runs with it! It's a stretch of silicone that rolls up for unbelievably easy storage and unrolls to create a perfect baking surface for cookies. It's dishwasher safe, and works up to 450 degrees. The silicone allows for even heat distribution so cookies cook perfectly every time.
Silicone Baking Sheet
$32
momastore.org
• Girlawhirl knows there are a multitude of cooking gadgets and gizmos that make great stocking stuffers, but these super cool Coverflex Silicone Lids are sure to be a hit in the kitchen. They stretch to make a perfect seal on any kind of cup or bowl, so now, even a favorite serving bowl can become an airtight storage container.
Coverflex Silicone Lids
Set of 4
$22
napastyle.com
related articles:
| Dec 1, 2007: | Gourmet Goodies for a group . read full entry |
| Nov 29, 2007: | Girlawhirl can create a customized cookbook from all the recipes at epicurious.com. read full entry |