Ten Gifts for the Beginning Cook

Do you want to know what to get the beginning cook in your life? Here’s a list of possible gift ideas for the cook in your life.

• Chef’s Knife
  
  A good chef’s knife is an essential in any kitchen. A chef’s knife is the most versatile of the kitchen knives. Most chef’s knives are eight to nine inches long. Chef’s knives are usually made from stainless steel, carbon steel or even titanium.
  
  Reluctant Gourmet
  
  
• Herb Grinder
  
  Buy a grinder so your beginner chef can ground their own herbs. A regular coffee grinder works great as an herb grinder too. Buy a separate one for herbs and one for coffee to avoid mixing the flavors.
  
  
• Pepper Mill
  
  The aroma and flavors from fresh cracked black pepper is stronger than the store bought ground black pepper. You’ll have to buy peppercorns too along with the pepper mill. Several different types of peppercorns are available. Black peppercorns, of course, are the most common. But green, red, and even white peppercorns are available. Each has a slightly different flavor ranging from mild to tangy and spicy.
  
  
• Herb Rack
  
  When the beginner cook starts gathering spices and herbs, they’ll need a place to store them. Find an herb rack to fit on the counter or in your cupboard.
  
  
• Cutting Board
  
  A good cutting board helps the beginner chef learn to cut properly and safely. You should buy a separate cutting board for meats and other foods to avoid contamination. Although plastic cutting boards are a nice convenience, wooden boards are very attractive and make a nice addition to any kitchen. Consider size when buying a cutting board. They range in sizes from large countertop size boards to small boards. They come in different thicknesses too.
  
  
• Cookbook
  
  Recipes are where it’s at for a beginner cook. Don’t forget to buy a cookbook or several for the beginner cook in your life. There are many beginning cookbooks on the market. Take a look at your local bookstore to see what wonderful cookbook gift you can buy.
  
  
• Wok
  
  To make a great stir fry, a wok helps. Buying a good wok makes a great gift for the beginner cook.
  
  
• Blender
  
  Your beginner chef can make great smoothies or mixed drinks for the next party with the gift of a blender. Some blenders even have a food processor attachment.
  
  
• Stand Mixer
  
  The stand mixer is a baker’s best friend. It helps mix dough and you can evem make your own whipped cream with a mixer. The difference between a stand mixer and hand mixer is that with a stand mixer you can do other baking or cooking chores while you wait for the batter or mixture to mix.
  
  
• Candy Thermometer
  
  A good candy thermometer helps with many baking chores such as making fudge and other candies.