"Dish Lister-Approved" Gift Ideas 🎁
Issue No. 9: Great holiday gifts for the foodies in your life
Hope you all had a wonderful holiday with family or friends and ate a lot of delicious food. For many of us, while we are still recovering from of this day of hosting and feasting, our focus suddenly shifts to holiday shopping. Since this can be a stress-inducing time, I’m sharing some of my “Dish Lister-Approved” gifts to get for your favorite foodies this holiday season. Some of you might be thinking, another [insert expletive of choice here] gift list?! Well, I’m hoping that this carefully-curated list will help make your shopping experience even the slightest bit easier. And possibly contribute a few items to your list too!
I have, or have tried, almost every item on my list and genuinely love them all. And for the few things that I don’t already own (e.g., the espresso machine), they’re at the top of my wish list. (A not-so-subtle hint for my family!) Joking aside, just know that these recommendations, selected by a pretty particular and discerning foodie, are guaranteed to make any food-loving recipient really happy.
With that, it’s time to dish!
APPLIANCES
Wynter Ice Cream Maker Machine. This foolproof ice cream maker has a built-in compression freezer, meaning no pre-freezing of bowls necessary to churn out delicious ice cream flavors in under an hour. I’ve made Cinnamon, Roasted Banana, S’Mores, Mint Chip, Chocolate Oreo, and so many more with mine.
Ninja Luxe Cafe Premium Series Espresso Machine. While this expresso maker is more of a splurge item, it will get regular use from any coffee-phile. Choose between espresso drinks, drip coffee, or even cold brew from this very versatile machine.
Breville IQ Kettle. This Breville smart kettle has five distinct settings that let you selet the ideal temperature for different types of tea and French press coffee. Easy to use and heats up in minutes.
TOOLS & GADGETS
Braun MultiQuick 5 3-in-1 Immersion Blender. I love a good multifaceted tool situation. This workhorse kitchen tool has an immersion blender, 2 cup chopper (aka mini food processor), whisk, and beaker all in one.
Escali Primo Digital Food Scale. This food scale is a must-have for the baker in your life (if they don’t own one already!). I refuse to bake without mine, and use it constantly for cooking too.
Kyocera Advanced Ceramic Adjustable Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with Handguard. Another indispensable tool in my kitchen. Turn out thinly sliced onions, carrots, potatoes, apples, and so much more like a true master chef. And finally you can make one of Logan’s viral cucumber salads!
Thermoworks Classic Thermapen. I love how this food thermometer quickly and accurately gauges temperature on everything from roasts and chicken to cakes and quick breads. Another culinary must-have.
Elevated Craft Hybrid Cocktail Shaker. This insulated cocktail shaker is skillfully constructed so your drinks are super-chilled, but your hands are not. It also has a great seal and never leaks.
COOKWARE
Hestan Pro Bond Collection Non-Stick Stainless Steel Frying Pan. I think the only thing I need to say about this pan is that it was designed by Michelin chefs. It’s hands down the best nonstick pan I’ve ever used.
Staub x Smitten Kitchen 11-inch Braiser with Lid in Black Matte. I regularly use this enameled cast iron shallow Dutch oven to make soups, stews, chilis, and other one-pot meals. The self-basting lid, which continually releases condensation back into the food to deliver more moist, flavorful results, is pretty cool too.
This is my workhorse cookware
HOUSEWARES/TABLEWARE
Big Night. I visit this dinner party store in NYC when I’m looking for cool, vintage-inspired home goods to add to my collection (see adorable sundae cups and spoons pictured below). For those living outside of the NYC area, many of their items—including serveware, barware, glassware, cutlery, even food—can be purchased online.
Simon Pearce Woodbury Pitcher. I received this classic glass pitcher as a wedding gift two decades ago (!!), and it’s still one of my absolute favorites. The fact that it’s still sold online speaks volumes about its timeless style.
Sezane Tableware. This French fashion brand is great for its stylish clothing staples, and now that cool, sophisticated aesthetic translates seamlessly into beautiful tableware. I’ve got my eye on their ceramic jugs, espresso cups, and candles.
Chilewich Tableware. - Chilewich is my go-to for durable, modern tableware. Made with quality, renewable materials, I especially like their easy to clean, indoor/outdoor placemats and fun, flower-like coasters.
BOOKS
Books for General Cooking/ Baking:
What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking, Caroline Chambers. This book has become my weeknight dinner bible. Every recipe is easy, tasty, and most can be made in under 30 minutes.
Sweet Tooth, Sarah Fennel. From the creator of the popular Broma Bakery, this recently released bestseller is already one of my favorites. So far, I’ve tried the Vanilla Bean- Blackberry Scones, The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies (they are), Maple-Glazed Apple Blondies, and Jam Jam Bars, and all are winners.
Pizza Night, Alexandra Stafford. The premise of this book is to pair a pizza recipe with a complementary salad recipe to encourage you to start a “pizza night” tradition at home. It includes lots of creative pizza and salad pairings, plus five different types of pizza dough (including a gluten-free version). Blistered Shishito Pizza with Onions and Monterey Jack and Esquites-Inspired Street Corn Salad, anyone?
Let’s Eat, Dan Pelosi. Pelosi shares some of his most treasured Italian-American family comfort food recipes in this book. Each one has a story and gives us a glimpse into his deep and meaningful connection to family and food.
Books for Entertaining:
Big Night, Katherine Lewin. The owner of the Big Night dinner party shop in NYC (see TABLEWARES section) also has a great cookbook. In it, she shares her stylish yet effortless dinner party essentials and menu plans to host occasions ranging from Friendsgiving to Date Night.
The Dinner Party Project. Natasha Feldman. This book gives you guidance to host effortless, fun, and delicious gatherings with friends (including sample menus for extra inspiration). Quirky and interesting recipes like Hot Dog Soup (worth it for this recipe alone!), Cacio e Pepe Macaroni and Cheese, and Rainbow Cookie Icebox Cake will keep you coming back for more.
Books for Inspiration:
Be Ready When the Luck Happens, Ina Garten. I’ve been an Ina Garten fan girl for a much of my adult life, so naturally I couldn’t wait to read her memoir. Ina’s path to culinary greatness will inspire anyone, even in the face of resistance, to pursue their true passion.
FOOD
Goldbelly. Most everyone (foodie or not) knows about Goldbelly. Order your foodie friend or family member a Philly cheesesteak, Chicago deep dish pizza, Florida Stone Crabs, Texas BBQ, or just about any kind of food from some of the best, most famous restaurants and food shops across the country to be enjoyed from the comfort of their own home.
One Trick Pony Peanut Butter 9 lb. tub. This is the ideal gift for natural peanut butter-obsessives everywhere (like me!). Kinda Crunchy is kinda my favorite, but Silky-Smooth is wonderful too. Bonus: Use the promo code KERRY10 to receive a 10% discount on your online purchase.
Murray’s Cheese Club. Give an assortment of carefully selected, high-quality international and domestic cheeses in 3, 6, or 12 monthly shipments. This is the gift for friends who crave variety and trying new things.
Tony’s Chocolonely. My favorite chocolate. Period. I’d recommend buying one of their bundles that features several flavors; single bars also make great stocking stuffers.
So that’s my 2024 gift list. I hope it gives you an idea (or several) as you navigate the upcoming pre-holiday weeks. Happy Shopping!
As always, if you liked what you read, please support my work by sharing Dish Lister with other fellow foodies (it’s a great FREE gift!), and follow me on social media for more regular content of me living my best foodie life. Thank you!