What's on your "Cookware" gift list?

[Eiron]

My additions of "Cookware" items to my personal gift list have been complete failures, receipt-wise. :-) I don't know if they're viewed as too boring, or silly, or expensive, or... what?

Two years ago I had a selection of J-knives, ranging from $50 petits to $300 gyutos.
I understand, it's kind of expensive to folks who aren't "into" knives.
I got none.
So, I went shopping on my own at the post-holiday sales.

Last year I had a nice leather strop, CrO wax stick, new waterstone & a Nagura on my list.
I understand, this is probably not the most exciting list in the family.
I got the CrO stick.
After the holidays I made my own strop.

This year, I'm trying to be both reasonable AND devil-may-care.
I have the same $40 waterstone from last year & added a $90 Boardsmith cutting board.

The only other items I'm intersted in right now are espresso-related & way beyond what anyone would reasonably spend for someone to make 1-oz of coffee.

So......
What's on your list? :-)

[Eiron]

Thought I'd dredge this topic back up just to let people know...

SUCCESS!! (My gift list is for both Christmas & my birthday, which follows shortly after.) Sure, I could've purchased all of these items over the past two years, but then I'd have to leave gift-receiving completely to chance, & I really don't need any more flashlights, pen/pencil sets, or knock-off leathermans.

I received all three of my cookware list items (the waterstone, nagura & cutting board), & even scored a set of re-purposed Swiss army bags for my winter bicycle commute! (Musical bonus: The Rat Pack, & The Essential Dean Martin!) :-)

Next year, I think I'm going to ask for TJMaxx gift cards since I still find cookware items there. That way I'll avoid the inevitable Starbucks & Home Depot cards that end up not getting used. And maybe I'll put that Elektra machine on my list anyway. Just for laughs.

[Chemicalkinetics]

"I received all three of my cookware list items (the waterstone, nagura & cutting board), & even scored a set of re-purposed Swiss army bags for my winter bicycle commute! "

What about the fourth photo?

[Eiron]

Jeez Chem, ya gotta read all the way to the end! :-D

[Chemicalkinetics]

Oh. In the future, I see. By the way, are these photos real representation of the gifts you got. Or you just randomly grab some sharpening stone photos off the internet?

[Eiron]

That's a website pic of the actual stone from EE.

http://www.epicedge.com/shopexd.asp?i...

EE also offers a combo Ohishi 1000/3000 large stone at a decent price. If my new stone works out well, I might start recommending that combo stone as a cost-effective alternative for just-starting-out sharpeners.

The other pics are also from the manufacturer websites, except for the pannier pic which came from a reviewer. But OYB didn't have as nice of a pic, & the reviewer has the same rear rack I've got, so I used that one instead.

[Chemicalkinetics]

You know. I was just about to search epicurean edge (I swear). It looks very nice. Not that I have tried it, but it really looks nice. So remind me again. You have a 1000 and a 6000 Suehiro waterstone, is that correct?

[Eiron]

You are correct sir! I have two individual stones from Mike's Tools (.com) & they cost me about $50 for the pair. I've wanted this 3000 grit to help bridge the jump from 1000 to 6000. I've also thought that I can do touch-ups with just a 3000, rather than feel like I have to use the 1000 for sharpening & then the 6000 for polishing.

Also, I don't understand why EE charges less for this stone than they do for the same brand & size (Ohishi 8x3x1) 1000 grit stone?

[Chemicalkinetics]

"I don't understand why EE charges less for this stone than they do for the same brand & size (Ohishi 8x3x1) 1000 grit stone?"

Me neither. They do look like the approximately the same size, same brand and there is no indication that they may be of different grade.

I think awhile back you asked me about Suehiro stones. I don't know if you get to read my response, but there are several lines of stones from Suehiro stones. Here is 2010 brochure:

http://www.suehiro-toishi.com/box2010.pdf

If you go to its website, then you can tell there are many different lines (more so than the brochure):

http://www.suehiro-toishi.com/

If you think about it, it is kinda of crazy. Suehiro alone provides more stone selection than any retail websites I have come across.

[kattyeyes]

These are cute as all-get-out if you're looking for a stocking stuffer:
http://www.surlatable.com/product/PRO-183967/Fred-M-Cups-Matryoshka-Doll-Measuring-Cups-Set

Of course, I already have measuring cups, but these are such fun!

I rather dig this "better batter whisk," too:
http://www.surlatable.com/product/PRO...

[fluffythemonkey]

My whole xmas list is pretty much cookign stuff:
1) a new Cuisinart Food processor since my magic bullet and my blender both died!!!
2) le creuset 7qt and 2.4qt (got both! :D)
3) williams sonoma heritage bundt pan
4) new mixing bowls
5) Shun Ken Onion Chef Knight or Shun Kaji Knife (may wait till after xmas for boxing day sales) ive heard its bad luck to give/recieve a knife as a gift.

[SanityRemoved]

I'm getting a Max Burton Model 6000 Induction Cook Top and of course since it is an electrical device will have to try it out before Christmas.

[ukjason]

I would like a whole new set of brilliant white plate set with matching bowl (big and small). Making great food then putting it on Ikea beige plates looks like sh it. Also a 2'x18" x 2" chopping board would be nice

[wattacetti]

«« I would like a whole new set of brilliant white plate set with matching bowl (big and small). »»

You might want to get someone to look at this; I have some and they're amazing:

http://www.porcelainesbousquet.com/en

Click on the side links for Table Settings and Table Accessories.

Another alternative is Fortessa, but their service ware is much thicker.

http://www.fortessa.com/scripts/silve...

[kattyeyes]

This swoon-worthy Waring copper blender:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004S8F7/sr=8-2/qid=1321631461/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1321631461&sr=8-2&seller=

This is gonna be Merry Christmas to me VERY SOON I suspect.

Other than that, I need a new frying pan. I've had my eye on Chantal Copper Fusion for a while. NOT platinum, mind you, gotta be RED:
http://www.viecokitchen.com/shoppingcart/products/Chantal-Copper-Fusion-10-inch-Frying-Pan.html

And though it's completely irrational because I ALREADY HAVE A KITCHENAID MIXER...I have coveted this candy apple red mixer since it first came out because it looks like something I'd drive if it had four wheels and the glass bowl is an added bonus:
http://www.zappos.com/kitchenaid-5-qu...

In truth, my wish list is just for me because, regardless of any holiday, I really do need a new blender and a new frying pan...HOWEVER:

Dear Santa. I make killer bourbon balls. Will trade you a batch and my lovingly used cobalt blue KitchenAid for an upgrade! Love, Katty >>^..^<<

[Westy]

We just got one. it is like Ferrari went into the home appliance business

[kattyeyes]

LUCKY!!! And beautifully stated! I'm smiling for you. :)

[Monica]

I don't have a list but i do love to get 2 dozens of copper cannele molds.

[tim irvine]

I totally agree on the copper cannele molds. The various threads on this topic on the Home Cooking board are some of the best reading in cookery and really make me want to make cannele, often.

Also, I love my 14 inch De Buyer steel pan and would welcome a 10" for when I am cooking for two. I know some would say 8" is plenty for two, but the space around the food makes a huge difference.

[Jay F]

Nothing in cookware, per se.

But one department over, I'd like some Chilewich placemats. Or maybe some of the platebowlcup dinnerware Jasper Morrison designed for Alessi to go with his knifeforkspoon flatware. But I have two sets of dinnerware already, so it's not something I *need*.

[Eiron]

Jay - this is a better answer than what you had before.
I was thinking, "jeez, that's not in the spirit of American over-consumption for the holidays!" :-D

[Jay F]

Yeah, I kept at it until it said what I really meant.

I'm not big into Christmas, though. Or anything else to do with winter. If it were possible to fast-forward from Thanksgiving to the first day of spring, I'd be very happy.

[Eiron]

"If it were possible to fast-forward from Thanksgiving to the first day of spring, I'd be very happy."

But... then you wouldn't appreciate spring as much... :-)

[Jay F]

Oh, just watch me.

[wattacetti]

The list doesn't change that much year to year, though every so often an item drops out because I finally save enough deposit cans to buy it myself. Hope continues to spring eternal that someone will actually buy what's on the list, though chances are excellent that I will receive something rather esoteric, like clothes. The list:

Julabo FusionChef Diamond L immersion circulator and 27L insulated tank (because it's always better to have a second immersion circulator to be able to do different temperatures simultaneously)

Mini-Pak Chamber vacuum unit

Porcelaine Bousquet's "Bulles" dinner set for 8 places

Napoleon Prestige Prestige Pro PRO450RSIB Gas Grill

Thermo Scientific Revco CxF ULT1390-10-A -86ºC chest freezer

[Chemicalkinetics]

"Thermo Scientific Revco CxF ULT1390-10-A -86ºC chest freezer"

Holy crap. Aren't those like $4000+? We have one in our lab.

[wattacetti]

Yes, but it'd replace the -20ºC chest freezer and will more stably hold food frozen. They were way more expensive than that when I was in the lab (IIRC, it was around $7K).

[Chemicalkinetics]

You may be correct. I didn't actually closely looked at the quote. I do remember it was definitely a capital spending. In addition, there are multiple version of -80oC of different price points.

Anyway, good to hear about the -80oC will be your future purchase.

[Eiron]

"... Hope continues to spring eternal that someone will actually buy what's on the list, though chances are excellent that I will receive something rather esoteric, like clothes..."

LOL, I know exactly what you're feeling....

[financialdistrictresident]

I'd also like a vacuum unit from Santa.

More for SO. He'd also like a copper pot. I'm getting him a truffle shaver and hopefully a Laguiole steak knife . . .

Also want a small food processor just for onions and garlic (I'm getting lazy).

Don't want to get a lot of stuff we won't use.

Someone gave us onion goggles. Love them! No more tears :)

[sueatmo]

Actually Mr. Sueatmo and I plan to buy an Ipad for ourselves this Christmas. I will be able to access Eat Your Books from it, and see recipes on it to cook by. At least I hope so. Maybe I need to find a clear ziplock bag for it first?

We don't do lists. But if we did, I'd ask for an immersion blender. If I was really bold, I'd ask for a BlendTec. (I want both.)

[cutipie721]

No need for a ziplock. Get a Zagg skin instead. It's awesome.
http://www.zagg.com/

[Mother of four]

You don't need a plastic bag...get this kitchen mount, I have it and love it. I have loads of my favorite recipes in Pages on the iPad and use it all the time.
http://www.amazon.com/Original-Kitche...
Best present you can get yourselves, you will love it.

[sueatmo]

I not only will get this for me, I'll give it to an adult child who cooks from an IPad. Thanks for pointing this out.

[Mother of four]

The adult child will love you for it!! You're welcome.

[E_M]

ohmigod, I need that. Along with the iPad.

[DCLindsey]

I'd still get the plastic baggie :) Its really hard to keep from touching the ipad when my hands are covered in something - like flour.

[sueatmo]

I'll keep that in mind. Thanks!

[E_M]

I wouldn't get anyone a knife...it's bad luck!

[kattyeyes]

Not when you tape pennies to it! SHEESH, you need a black kat to explain this to you? ;P

[E_M]

Ha! Head side up, I presume.

I also need to replenish my store of herbs de provence (sp?) I find that blend to be extremely versatile and used the last of it in the T-day turkey.

Oh, AND a Taylor thermometer. I'd really like the one that you leave in the meat and the wire hangs outside and it beeps when it's done, but I've heard mixed reviews on that. Also, I don't understand how the oven door is able to close with that wire hanging out.

I'd really like to be able to buy attachments for my immersion blender (but I don't think the version I have lets me do that), but if it did, I so want a whisk, beater, and chopper.

[kattyeyes]

Oh, now the thermometer I can help you with! It came in very handy when I roasted a turkey breast last week. I've got the same kind you described, but it's a Pyrex Professional, courtesy of Bed Bath and Beyond (those coupons come in handy!). The wire isn't too thick at all--it's about the thickness of string you'd use to truss something--so the oven door closes without issue. Can't be beat for beeping at the precise temp to let you know "I'M DONE!!!" It would only be better if it made a "TA-DA!" kinda noise instead of beeping.

Looks EXACTLY like this, 'cept mine says "Pyrex Professional" rather than Oneida:
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?sku=11720307&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=shopping

As to the Herbes de Provence, do you have a Penzey's near you? Love that store for spices and extracts, though I have not personally sampled their HdP. If not, you can mail order:
http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzey...

Happy shopping! BEEP (I'm done!)! :)

[Eiron]

"It would only be better if it made a "TA-DA!" kinda noise instead of beeping."

LOL!

Hmmm... I think I see a new product niche...

[kattyeyes]

Just remember, you heard it here first. ;)

[E_M]

For someone else who doesn't know he wants it, I am going to get him an 8" diswasher safe non stick calphalon pan.

For me, I want a wooden stir thing, the kind with a flatish end so that I can scrape the bottoms of pans. And a left hand LamsonSharp turner. And maybe a small burr grinder. And an electric water kettle and french press. And an easy no-frills mandolin with a metal glove and lots of band-aids. And maybe a 5-6 qt brasier or low-wide ECI pot.

EDIT: And a really big carving board. Ours is too small and the juices run right off and half the bird/meat ends up on the counter.

[Eiron]

"... an easy no-frills mandolin with a metal glove and lots of band-aids..."

I think this is why we never use either of our mandolins.... :-D

[E_M]

Unfortunately, I have been unable to master the art of consistent slicing needed for cucumbers (tea sandwiches) and potatoes (gratins.)

[Ross101]

I love the Benriner Vegetable Slicer.
http://www.amazon.com/Japanese-Import...

[Chemicalkinetics]

"I understand, it's kind of expensive to folks who aren't "into" knives."

Sure a $300 knife is a lot for most people, but $50 doesn't sound that bad.

"I got the CrO stick."

What was that? $10?

I don't have a list per sa, but I may buy myself an usuba after Christmas (after the crazy mail delay). I figure that if I keep on delaying, then I will never improve my usuba knife skill.

Other cookware on my list are: waffle iron, pepper mill. The one I am most excited is the Nordic egg waffle iron. In a moment of weakness, I may really buy it:

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/produc...

The problem is: will I use it enough to justify it. I know if I get an usuba, normal waffle iron and pepper mill, then I will use those for sure. I owned these before, I know I will use them, but I cannot objectively say I will use the egg waffle iron much. Still, it looks nice. So my emotional side is battling against my logical side.

[rosetown]

" So my emotional side is battling against my logical side."

It's know as lust!! The waffle iron is beautiful.

I've just purchased 2 Shibazi cleavers for mincing meat.(16.00 each) - about the size of your CCK 1303 - Early Christmas gift to myself. Factory edge is promising.

[Chemicalkinetics]

I heard good things about Shibazi, but I am still more of a CCK guy from an emotional point of view. CCK is such an old brand, and Shibazi is so new in comparison.

Shibazi 'stainless steel' knives?

[rosetown]

They are stainless - I'm going the other investment direction - how good can it be for a small investment. They are not as good as a CCK 1303. Still, from the factory, the edge, without help, can almost push cut phone book paper. The edge would benefit from help. I've also purchased a 2 sided stone for $5.00. I want to see how these cheap, knives and stones, perform, in a home environment. They are mainly purchased by the many Vietnamese restaurants in the area.

[Eiron]

rosetown - I've done a little of this as well, searching the local thrift stores for restore-able knives. The most I've paid so far is $3, but usually it's between $1-$2.

What kind of stone did you get?

[rosetown]

"rosetown - I've done a little of this as well, searching the local thrift stores for restore-able knives. The most I've paid so far is $3, but usually it's between $1-$2."

I can't compete with that price point.

"What kind of stone did you get?"

The stone is no- name - and has no useful information on the box. I mean absolutely nothing. I've had to use my thumb to get a feeling. My plan is to sharpen the SBZ,s with the finest side. The cleavers will benefit or not. If not, then it's time to buy a better stone, or better knives.

That aside, I do admire quality Japanese knives, and will eventually spring for one. Perhaps a usaba, and then, that leads into stones that I will be able describe in detail. :)

[Eiron]

Chem - $50 doesn't sound bad to you & me, but that was on a knife for which most people would expect to spend only $5, or maybe $10 if it was "really nice."

Yeah, I think the CrO stick was less than $7. :-D

Why wouldn't you use the egg waffle iron much? Because of the style of waffles, or because you have to use it on the stove?

And if we're going to bring logic into it, then my entire list is moot! ;-)

[Chemicalkinetics]

"$50 doesn't sound bad to you & me, but that was on a knife for which most people would expect to spend only $5, or maybe $10 if it was "really nice." "

Oh I get that part. In the beginning, I thought $30 is expensive for a knife. What I meant to say is that your friends and relatives were probably either going to get you a $50 knife or a $50 of something else (a pair of pants or a bottle of 12 yr Scotch) anyway. So it wasn't like they will pay more.

"Why wouldn't you use the egg waffle iron much?"

Partly what you said, the style of waffles, but most importantly...... I don't have a existing recipe for the batter. :P So I will have to hunt for some on the internet.

You know what. I think I may get myself that egg waffle iron. It looks cool, and it is probably the first thing which Williams Sonoma offers which I want to get. It cannot be that bad to hunt for some egg waffle batter recipes. :D

I don't know why your list would be moot. They sound very logic to me. A waterstone and a cutting board are certainly items which you will use on a regular basis.

[iyc_nyc]

http://www.cnngo.com/hong-kong/eat/hong-kong-egg-waffles-885080

http://en.christinesrecipes.com/2010/...

Chem, why are you getting a pepper mill? Do you not already have one, or looking for a different model/make?

[Chemicalkinetics]

Yeah, I have seen the second link. I think I will try to follow its recipe -- probably substitute custard powder with corn starch or something. Thank you.

I have a pepper mill already, but, like many pepper mill, it changes its setting as it grind. I am looking at Vic Firth peppermills because many people claim they have a non-slip setting.

[iyc_nyc]

those waffles look amazing! wish i cld get the real street-cart version... :-)

[kattyeyes]

How 'bout that? It looks like an abelskiver (sp?) pan!

[MargotB]

More feedback on Vic Firth, or other good moderately priced suggestions? I have looked at various threads about pepper mills here, but updates are good. I know Cooks Ilustrated likes the Magnum but I don't think the plastic will work for me - prob will melt it on the stove!

[Eiron]

"I don't know why your list would be moot."

Because I don't "need" either the stone or the board. So if we're being logical, rather than emotional, my list becomes akin to Jay's original response. ;-)

[Chemicalkinetics]

You probably NEED the stone and cutting board more than other things like the number 11th tie, number 20th sweater or many other less useful things to you.

Let's face it, many things are very much relative. Surely, we need air, water and food, but if we push for the limit, then do we really need clothes or soap or electricity...etc.