Do you have a foodie in your life? You know, someone who owns several different types of salt or who can detect the type of oil their dish has been cooked with at a restaurant. Or maybe you are the foodie reading this and want to send a subtle hint to your loved ones by way of this article (that means you loved ones reading this!). Either way, let's celebrate this first day of December with a little wish list indulgence. Below is a list of foodie gift ideas any home cook or food lover will enjoy.
Truffle Paste
Of all the truffle flavored items out there (oil, butter, cheese) truffle paste gives you the most bang for your buck. Can be used to flavor soup, eggs, potatoes, and anything you want to taste amazing.
Immersion Blender
If the foodie in your life also happens to enjoy cooking, the immersion blender is a must have kitchen tool. Great for blending hot soups, making salad dressings, and for pulverizing anything that must be pulverized.
Gourmet Coffee
The coffee snob in your life will love to rub their faces in a pound of handpicked and roasted specialty coffee. Kona coffee is a good choice because it has a mellow flavor profile that the majority of the population likes -- basically you can't go wrong. I like Kona Rising coffee because they only roast the beans after you order them, ensuring ultimate freshness.
Stand Mixer Attachments
If the foodie in your life happens to have a stand mixer (such as a KitchenAid) gifting them an attachment adds to their repertoire as these are generally sold separately. Attachment choices include ice cream maker, meat grinder, sausage stuffer, pasta maker and much more.
Le Creuset Anything
If you're going all out, a dutch oven or casserole dish from the high-quality Le Creuset cast-iron brand is tops for the home cook and they last forever. Just think, every time they cook with it, they'll think of you. Awww.
If all else fails, a gift certificate to the local gourmet grocery store or their favorite restaurant is always appreciated. Not that all gifts aren't appreciated, they are, but some things aren't always what they seem. Which leads me to my next point, what not to get the foodie.
Some gifts seem like a no-brainer for your foodie friends, but are more likely to end up in the re-gift pile.
Cookbooks
Unless your foodie has swooned over a particular title, chances are they have way too many cookbooks already. Save your money.
"Gourmet" Foods
Many specialty food products labeled "gourmet" (especially during the holiday season) such as candies, cheeses, crackers, and spreads are anything but. Mostly, it's a marketing gimmick. Steer clear of the holiday gift baskets unless you have personal experience with the products and know they are legit.
Cutesy Kitchen Gadgets
If it's something the foodie can use on a regular basis, go for it. If it's something they will probably use once, i.e. cake pop maker, microwave egg cooker, or marshmallow cutters, forget it.
Hope this helps you find the perfect gourmet gift for your foodie.