Gift Ideas for People Who Love to Cook

Does your gift list include someone who loves to cook? If so, then you are in luck! Most home cooks have a secret desire for gadgets that they just can't justify buying for themselves. Among the top of many of those mental wish lists are some of the following items.

1. Stainless Steel Mandoline

Mandolines are used to slice, shred, julienne and create waffle cuts and crinkle cuts with speed and precision. From french fries, veggies for salads and sides to beautiful garnishes and even onion rings, the mandoline makes life a bit easier for home and professional chefs. Look for those that have multiple blades, simple blade-size adjustment and are dishwasher safe and easy to store.

2. KitchenAid Food Grinder Attachment

As long as your intended recipient has a KitchenAid mixer (sneak a peek before buying), this is definitely a cool gift sure to satisfy a secret wish. With so many recipes available for homemade sausages, natural hotdogs, eclectic hamburgers and meatloafs, your home cook is bound to have some fun. The Food Grinder attachment is also a must-have for hunters, helping them prepare venison burger and sausage to their own taste. Be sure to toss in the sausage stuffer handle, a package of casings and perhaps an inexpensive sausage recipe book!

3. Talking BBQ Thermometer

The only thing this thermometer doesn't do is get up and flip your steak for you! With settings for doneness, alerts, temp ranges, programmable entrees and, of course, a remote talking function, your grill master can run in to check on the side dishes without worrying about burning the meat.

4. No-Oil Turkey Fryer

The safer, healthier choice for frying your turkey, chicken, pork, duck or other beast. Using propane-based infrared cooking, this is the item for this year's holiday feast. Home cooks who are leery about frying their turkey in oil (but really wanted to try it) will love this! Unlike oil, dry rubs can be used as well as the usual marinade.

5. Backyard Electric or Traditional Smoker
We just had to replace our grill this spring, otherwise I would have been all over a for Mother's Day! Imagine a your own Smokehouse in your own backyard! Today's chefs or grillmasters can choose from not just traditional charcoal but also propane or electric heated smokers. Ideal for the BBQ enthusiast who has everything!

6. Food De-Hydrator
Yes, all home cooks have wondered about these. Those dehydrated green beans, sweet potatoes and fruit from the grocery just taste so good. But who is going to buy this for themselves? A great present for a vegetarian or someone with their own home garden!

7. Silicone Muffin and Cake Pans
They've been out on the market for a while--but the budget conscious home cook just can't bring her/himself to spend the money on them when perfectly good metal pans are taking up space in cupboard at home. Do the serious baker a favor--buy them a set! They'll love you for it!

8. On the Cheap:
If you are a student on a tight budget but really want to get Mom or Dad an affordable Christmas present that is useful (no, please resist the tie and the apron)--look into dish clothes and oven mitts. They are always needed and much appreciated--and from a child, they will mean a lot. If your parents drink coffee, coffee mugs, presses or a few bags of their favorite java will be appreciated. Have personal mugs made for cheap at Cafe Press!