Top Ten Gift Ideas for the Person Who Loves to Cook

Most people who love to cook, also love to shop for kitchen gadgets and applicances to make their jobs easier. However, many people who don't like cooking have no idea what to buy them. Here are ten gift suggestions to put a smile on your favorite cook's face and show the love you feel this holiday season.

1) Hamilton Beach Food Steamer- With every family concerned about healthy eating, nothing is easier to get in those extra servings of veggies than a steamer. I bought this little appliance several years ago, and I use it almost daily. A cook can throw in a bag of baby carrots, add the water for steaming, and while they are making the rest of the dinner, have tender carrots ready to serve. Vegetables steam quickly, and steaming maintains their bright natural color, as well as vitamins and nutrients that would be washed away with boiling them. This is a handy little appliance, easy washed in the dishwasher, so clean up is a breeze.

2.) Cookbooks, Cookbooks, Cookbooks- Who can get too many cookbooks? Not me, and not most cooks. Every year new intriguing cookbooks come out with great recipes to try and share with friends. If you like quick, easy cooking, try a cookbook by Rachel Ray. Want good old country cooking like grandma made? Try Paula Deene. Or do a search of new cookbooks at your local bookstore or online for a certain type of international cuisine. I bought one friend an Italian cookbook because she is the pasta lover in our group, another a cookbook on French cooking to satisfy her gourmet tastes.

3.) A selections of wines in small bottles, just right for cooking. If you can't find the small bottles, buy the larger ones. Most cooks use burgandy wines, as well as merlot, or chardonnay. A good sherry or brandy would be good for cooks to keep on hand, too. If you want to impress, tuck in a bottle of Grand Marnier.

4.) Wine racks or cookbook racks- I can't seem to get too many. I fill one up and get another. I found a nice wire basket that can sit on the countertop for the cookbooks I use often. I prefer a wine rack that can be added on to as needed.

5.) A gourmet food basket, with things cooks would love to have on hand but generally don't would be nice. Porcini or portobello mushrooms. Parmesan or Ricotta in a block. Good crusty french bread. Gourmet jellies or olives. Tuck an apron and a spatula in the basket, too, and they just might invite you over the night they cook. A friend made up a breakfast basket with a waffle iron, waffle mix, three different types of fruit jams, an apron, a spatula, and a bag of columbian coffee, and said her friend got so excited, he cried.

6.) A cutting board or chef's knives. I can never get enough really good knives. And because I like small cutting boards I can pop into the dishwasher, having extras is always a good idea.

7.) A food sealer will keep all those nice cuts of meat from getting freezer burn, and also provide an air-tight place to store those leftovers. Sealed bags take up much less room in the freezer, and it's a job my whole famiy loves to do. When the little light goes on, the bag is sealed. Like magic! Without the rabbit. Unless he's dinner.

8.) A large crockpot with a box of those new crockpot liners. Easy meal, easy cleanup. What could be better than that. I would advise sticking with a stainless finish, because it goes with more people's kitchen appliances. And all cooks like to match.

9.) A celphalon pan. Any celphalon pan. It's EXCELLENT cookware, a bit on the expensive side and will last a lifetime. So chances are, long after you are gone, some friend's daughter will still be using your gift. I like the anondized everyday pan. (Read my review.) but some people prefer the non-stick finish. Even with the anondized finish, I've never had food stick.

10.) And last but not least, a box of steaks from Omaha Steaks would thrill any cook. I especially love their filets, but even their hamburger patties are delicious. Try some crab cakes if your cook loves seafood.

If the cook is happy, chances are the rest of the family and friends are going to be (Yes, I'll say it.) fat and happy! But I'll sacrifice a few pounds for a happy cook and a homecooked meal any day!