10 Unique and Meaningful Gifts for the Home Cook
By Kristin Rawls | December 6, 2011 at 6:30 am
So, you’d like to get something thoughtful for the cooking lover in your life? Something with a social conscience? Something you can feel good about buying? Perhaps just something a little more thoughtful and creative than that gift card to Williams-Sonoma? We may have just the right thing for you. Check out some of these options:
1. The good folks at They Draw & Cook have published a cookbook this year ($13.57). It features illustrated recipes from both professional and amateur artists throughout the world. It has a refreshing multicultural approach and is delightful for cooks and artists of all ages. It would also be a great tool for helping children get excited about art and cooking.
2. In the tradition of More-with-Less and Extending the Table, Simply in Season ($19.99) shows you how to make simple, affordable meals using seasonal produce, as well as locally grown and fairly traded foods. All proceeds are donated to the worldwide relief efforts of Mennonite Central Committee.
3. This fair trade Asian Fusion Sushi Set ($68) from Ten Thousand Villages was hand-crafted in Vietnam. It includes Rosewood and horn chopsticks and rests, ceramic sushi bowls and a hand-woven jacquard silk box.
4. Also from Ten Thousand Villages, this fair trade Daily News Hot Mat ($14) was made from recycled newspapers by the Women’s Multipurpose Cooperative in Baguio City, Philippines.
5. The Recycled Glass Bubbleware Olive Oil and Vinegar Cruets ($38) from Velocity is made from at least 50 percent recycled glass. Each piece is free-blown without a mold, giving it its own unique character and shape.
6. These Hybrid Cutting Boards (starting at $34) from Branch are made from organically grown bamboo and cork, non-toxic adhesive and natural food-safe wood oil. They are handmade by Bambu in China, which works with partners who demonstrate a commitment to health and safety, environmental protection and fair labor practices.
7. This Chalkboard Magnetic Spice Rack with Custom Wall Mount Kitchen Organization and Chalk Board Menu Sign ($47) is available on Etsy.
8. This Cooking Tagine ($60) from Uncommon Goods, is a dish common to North African cooking. Its cone-shaped lid beautifully distributes steam, rendering wonderful chicken and stews. It is handmade in Tunisia at a factory that maintains good working conditions and fair wages.
9. The Trio Herb Pot ($52) from Sagaform is a ceramic pot that keeps your herbs fresh much like a bouquet of flowers. It has three separate openings so you can separate your fresh herbs, and then pour water in the small hole on the side. It makes sure water gets to all of the herbs, but keeps air circulating to keep them crisp and pleasant.
10. This Plates with Purpose Trees Platter ($72) from Uncommon Goods is made of recycled glass. For each plate sold, $2 is donated to Court Appointed Special Advocates of CASA of Allegheny County and CASA National, which provide community advocates in court for child victims of abuse or neglect.
