Christmas gifts for the cook (2010)

[Aloha Steve]

I want one of the Kitchen-Aid paddles that does a complete swipe of the bowl and eliminates having to stop/start machines to scrape down the sides with a spatula. They're only $25 -- I have no idea why I haven't bought one already.

Rhonda

Is it only for K.A. or will it work on a Cuisinart too ?

You simply buy the one made FOR the Cuisinart.

thanks......on Amazon ?

[Darienne]

Yes, I got one of each on Amazon. My confectionery partner Barbara has a KA and I have a Cuisinart. And there was no shipping or handling. Very nice.

[LaneL]

I would love a vac sealer, or some supplies to try some molecular gastronomy experiments.

[Anna N]

Not a single thing since Santa came early with my Thermomix and I can't think of anything else I could possibly need or want!

[tammylc]

If I had anyone to buy me Christmas presents, I would ask for:

• A tamis (aka drum sieve)
  
• The Alinea Cookbook
  
• The pastry roller attachment for my KitchenAid
  

But since I don't have anyone to buy me Christmas presents, I picked up the tamis at a local restaurant supply place (for 20% off because the side was a bit dented). And i'm pondering the other two. I can wrap them up and sign Santa's name to the tag, for the benefit of my five-year old...

[Chris Amirault]

I can't believe no one is asking for an Ultra Pride+ wet/dry grinder.

[Darienne]

I might mention that one of Santa's elves sent me a multi-tier stainless steel bamboo steamer. Was I surprised!!! To the very core. Some folks like to give surprises. Those folks are truly the very nicest folks!

Now to find some ginger to steam. Oh. I know. I have already made a sponge cake in a steamer a la Chinois and now I have a proper steamer and will make another .

[emmalish]

Does it count if I just bought myself some gifts? I just got an Emile Henry tagine, two of Paula Wolfert's cookbooks (Slow Mediterranean & Clay Pot Cooking), Kitty Morse's Vegetarian Table: North Africa and Anita Chu's (PastryGirl) Field Guide to Candy.

[therippa]

It's that time of year again...

My kitchen is so well stocked with equipment the only thing I could imagine asking for would be a pressure cooker simply to save time making stocks.

...or money towards a Sous Vide Professional to replace my Auber controller/rice cooker setup (I want this REALLY bad, but damn, $800? Really?!)

How about you guys?

[Darienne]

What I would really like is a bigger kitchen but that is never going to happen. When we remodeled this end of the farm 15 years ago, I picked the size and space in the kitchen. Then I had zip interest in cooking...I had to do it...I did it.

Now it's all changed and I am challenged greatly to store ingredients and utensils. The house absorbs all of I need and use, but in so many different locations.

Oh well...

In the meantime, I don't really want anything I guess. (No I don't own everything...I just couldn't possibly use much else at this beginning point in my cooking avocation.)

Oh wait: access to fresh chiles and tomatillos and other Mexican ingredients that you can't buy in Canada. And that isn't going to happen either.

[pastameshugana]

A new vent hood and a tap by the stove!

[Pierogi]

A mini-prep food processor (since I usually cook for just one), so I don't have to haul out the big Cuisinart, a silicone cannele mold, since I've become addicted to those delicious little morsels and a candy thermometer.

Well, really, instead of the mini-prep food processor, I'd *LOVE* a replacement to my dear old Braun Ultramix that died last year, but since Braun decided not to sell these things in the US any longer.....I'll just have to deal with the mini food processor.

But the molds and the thermometer stand regardless.

[nakji]

I'm asking for a proper 12" or 14" saute pan; and I'd love a bread-baking book, but not sure which one yet. I haven't had any time this month to read up on what I should be asking for!

[Darienne]

A mini-prep food processor (since I usually cook for just one), so I don't have to haul out the big Cuisinart,

If there is ONE thing you can find in the kitchen wares of a second-hand store, it is a mini-food processor! I must have picked up at least 3 over the past years. (Oh, and disposed of them here and there...to son, friend, etc.) This time, I am keeping mine.

[Doodad]

I would love a vac sealer, or some supplies to try some molecular gastronomy experiments.

Think geek has a great little kit for $70 or so.

[FrogPrincesse]

On my list so far: a Thermapen, a meat grinder to make pate (chopping by hand is not optimal), Charcuterie by Ruhlman et al., a better pasta machine (the cutters on the manual machine that I own are dull, and I end up having to cut the sheets of pasta by hand).

I am thinking that a Kitchenaid stand mixer with the pasta and meat grinder attachments might be a good idea...

[pastameshugana]

...I'd love a bread-baking book, but not sure which one yet...

Erin, I've fallen in love with 'Secrets of a Jewish Baker' - it's a tad eclectic, but as a non-baker, it's certainly opened up new avenues for me.

My $0.02,

[Kerry Beal]

...I'd love a bread-baking book, but not sure which one yet...

Erin, I've fallen in love with 'Secrets of a Jewish Baker' - it's a tad eclectic, but as a non-baker, it's certainly opened up new avenues for me.

My $0.02,

One of my favourites too.

[janeer]

and mine. Made rye breads all last summer.

[janeer]

and mine. made ryes from it all last summer

[andiesenji]

I want a Viante Electric Pasta Maker. I saw one demonstrated this evening and was very impressed.

Not that I don't already have pasta rollers and cutters but I don't have one of these machines that does everything except hang the pasta to dry.

[Genkinaonna]

A Gel Pro mat for the kitchen floor. It's been on my list for a couple of years but it always gets bumped for something else. A giant box of half sheet sized parchment from Cash and Carry. A vacuum sealer (don't know what I'd do with it, but looks like fun to experiment!) and an immersion circulator. Someone to knock out the wall between the pantry and the downstairs bathroom, take out the toilet and sink, and make me a walk in pantry with lots of storage, but that's not going to happen...the ice cream maker and pasta extruder attachments for the kitchenaid, and and extra bowl and paddle. And a puppy, and a fire truck...oh wait those are from the kid's lists...

: )

[paul o' vendange]

I'd like Chambord.

As in Chateau de. With all the environs, to include what the land hath wrought, and a grand kitchen to work them in.

Short of that, I suppose a hovel in Burgundy will have to do.

[Kim D]

I want a Viante Electric Pasta Maker. I saw one demonstrated this evening and was very impressed.

Not that I don't already have pasta rollers and cutters but I don't have one of these machines that does everything except hang the pasta to dry.

I would love a pasta maker. The Viante looks good but at that price point I just don't see it lasting. Ideas in Food likes the Arcobaleno Pasta Extruder. I just don't need that kind of capacity. Is this something out there that's in between those two? If so, I'll put it on my wish list!

[Doodad]

Don't forget a new pair of sweat pants if you get that pasta maker. I swear we gained about ten pounds the year we got ours. Its final demise was a blessing in disguise. It was just too easy.