Six Perfect Christmas Gifts for the Gourmet Cook in Your Life

Finding the perfect present for Christmas or any special occasion can sometimes be difficult. A lot depends on what you do or do not know about the individual for whom you are purchasing the gift.

If the person you are buying for happens to be a gourmet cook, like me, or a lover of kitchen gadgets, like my husband, then I can certainly help make your job a lot easier. I have cornered the market on what cooks and kitchen gadget lovers crave. Here are some of this year's hottest kitchen gadgets and cooking accessories for Christmas, 2007:

Convection Oven. Convection cooking is the wave of the future. People are moving away from microwaves because of all the information now available about their long-term health dangers. Convection ovens cook evenly from the inside out and prepare food easily while allowing it to keep its natural flavor and juices. It also doesn't hurt that the cost of these ovens is beginning to come down. As they become even more popular, their retail cost may plummet even more; making them a "must have" item for every well-stocked kitchen. They are available at many large retailers like Sears, J.C. Penney, and Sam's Club as well as through kitchen speciality stores and online. I recently found one locally for $59.99. Average Cost: $89.99 and up.

Countertop Wine Refrigerator. Wine experts know that wine needs to be served at the proper temperature in order for it to taste its very best. While a lot of us would love to have a built-in wine cellar, the reality of it is that most of us never will. This relatively new kitchen appliance offers not only an acceptable option, but it is a luxury that most gourmet cooks would die for. These refrigerators are becoming so popular that even discount department stores like Wal-Mart now carry them. They are more easily found, however, in speciality stores like Bed, Bath & Beyond or online. Cost: $119.99 and up.

Edible Indoor Flower Garden. Most people don't realize that a lot of different flowers are not only edible, but actually quite delicious. More than that, however, they make amazing ingredients for salads; dressing up not only how they look, but how they taste as well. They also make beautiful garnishes. Edible flower garden kits come with seeds, soil, and the container needed to grow the perfect flower garden right at home in your kitchen. It's easy, fun, and best of all, a gourmet cook's delight. So far I've had no luck locating one locally, but they can be purchased easily online. Cost: $34.99 and up.

Pottery Butter Keeper. These wonderful pottery bowls and trays preserve butter at a constant, spreadable room temperature. They don't require refrigeration and they are guaranteed to never spoil or turn rancid. Their unique seal keeps the freshness in and the oxygen out. Gourmet cooks generally prefer to use real butter whenever possible, as opposed to oleo or some other alternative. It is healthier overall and it tastes better as well. However, real butter can be difficult to work with in its most solid form. For this reason alone, your gourmet cook will appreciate the pottery butter keeper. Look for them at kitchen speciality stores, at retailers like Bed, Bath & Beyond, or online. Cost: $24.99 and up.

Garlic Roaster. Most gourmet cooks use garlic in many of their recipes. Many, like me, prefer to use fresh garlic whenever possible, rather than canned or bottled. A garlic roaster will allow the gourmet cook in your life to roast the amount of garlic he or she needs each and every time. These can be found at any kitchen speciality store and even many discount department stores or retailers like Linens & Things. They can also be easily purchased online. Cost: $7.99 and up.

Immersion Blender. With their powerful motors and compactness, these hand-held blenders provide both great mobility and versatility. They are simple to operate and easy to store. Most come with variable speed controls that allow a cook to do everything from blending to whipping. For maximum versatility, however, it is important to purchase an immersion blender of good quality. The cheaper versions blend well but rarely whip properly. Look for this product at kitchen specialty stores or major retailers like Dillard's. They can also be purchased easily online. Cost: $29.99 and up.

Hands-Free Stirrer. Lots of recipes require constant stirring, but when you are cooking a full meal, standing over the stove to stir a single item can be a waste of time. This hands-free product adjusts to the height and width needed to fit over the pot or pan you are using. This product will allow a cook to set it up and walk away while it continuously stirs the dish. It is small, collapsible, and dishwasher safe. These can be difficult to locate, however. I suggest checking kitchen specialty stores or online. Cost: $19.99.

Cooking is a lot more fun when you have the right products to do the job and, let's face it, we are all a bit like children at heart. Therefore, most of us like getting the newest kitchen gadgets on the market. They are sure fire winners for the gourmet cook in your life for Christmas, any holiday, or just because.