Best Christmas Gifts for the Home Cook for Under $30

Christmas is coming and the Santas among us are making our lists and checking them twice. We all want our gifts to be on target (no Chia pets here) and we also want to stay within an established Christmas budget. If you are lucky enough to have a home cook or two on your list your perfect Holiday gift may translate into some scrumptious treats, so it is even more important to choose wisely. Luckily, Christmas gifts for the home cook that are both fun to give and under $30 are readily available. All it takes is a little planning, creativity, and basic knowledge of the art of food prep. Here are a few suggestions that can put a smile on the face of the home cook on your list on Christmas Day.

Kyocera Paring Knife, 3-Inch White Blade
homeclick.com, chefdepot.com

Other than the ultra-versatile chef's knife, the blade used most often by home cooks is without a doubt the paring knife. There is little more frustrating in the kitchen than arguing with your paring knife when trying to peel fruits and vegetables. The highly-rated Kyocera paring knife has a ceramic blade that will keep it super sharp for a very long time and comes with an ergonomically designed handle for comfort and ease of use. What's better for Christmas than tool that actually reduces stress?

Totally Bamboo Cutting Boards
totallybamboo.com

Cutting boards are an absolute necessity in any kitchen. If your home cook has an appreciation of green design and renewable resources, bamboo is an excellent choice in kitchen tools. Bamboo exceeds the hardness and density of maple. the most commonly used wood for cutting boards. Totallybamboo.com offers several cutting boards in the $20-$25 range that are attractive, unique, and stands up under daily use. The California Collection and the Hawaiian Collection are both winners.

Cuisinart Hand Blender (SmartStick)
cooking.com, cuisinartwebstore.com

Stick blenders are the most versatile of all the kitchen blenders and can be make the difference between a 5-star and a 3-star sauce or bisque. As many a home cook can attest, pouring hot liquid into a standard blender can be a safety hazard. The Cuisinart SmartStick comes with a chopping blade and a 2-cup beaker.

Magnetic Digital Thermometer with Probe
www.chefsresource.com, amazon.com, www.thermoworks.com

ThermoWorks makes the digital thermometer that was rated #1 by Cooks Illustrated. Any home cook who has ever watched an episode of Good Eats with Alton Brown will tell you that this is the way to go. This tool may not be the secret to perfect steaks, roasts and oven baked poultry, but it is close. Choosing this tool for your favorite home cook's Christmas gift may just earn you a place at the New Year's table.

Trudeau Chrome Salt/Pepper Gravity Mill
cooking.com, www.distinctive-decor.com

Nothing beats the sharp, spicy flavor of freshly cracked black pepper. This top notch pepper mill combines ease of use with an attractive design and affordable price. The mill has an adjustable grind and comes in a variety of finishes.

Handcrafted Wooden Spoons
www.cpbasils.com, www.kitchencarvers.com

Some of my most treasured and useful cook's tools are the wooden spoons that I have collected from craft shows purchases or received as gifts over the years. I love the way the feel in my hand and the way they treat whatever I'm cooking with gentle efficiency. With proper care, wooden spoons will last for decades and retain their beauty throughout. Christmas is all about joy and love. Handmade gifts, whether by your hand or not, convey the spirit of the holidays for years to come.