Looking for something different but useful to give to your favorite cook? Most home cooks have a drawer full of gadgets that go unused. These selections are a little off the beaten path, but sure to be appreciated. These ideas are useful as stocking stuffers or for year-round gift-giving. Prices range from inexpensive to indulgent.
1. Zyliss Garlic Press
ZylissŪ
This may be the last garlic press you ever buy. Mine is over twenty years old and going strong. No need to peel garlic cloves before pressing. Includes a cleaning tool, but cleans easily without it.
2. Silpat Baking Mat
SilpatŪ
This silicone mat fits in the bottom of your baking sheet for non-stick cooking. Replaces standard parchment paper for cooking purposes. It's washable and reusable. Also handy for rolling out doughs.
3. Salter Nutritional Scale
An invaluable tool for those following any type of diet, this scale calculates nutritional values based on food portion weight to help you control your intake. Over 900 foods are preset to calculate calories, carbohydrates, cholesterol, fat, fiber, protein, and sodium.
4. Microplane Grater Zester
The microplane grater zester is a re-purposed carpentry tool that makes quick work of zesting and grating citrus fruits, butter for pastry, chocolate, cheese, garlic, nutmeg, and more. You'll wonder how you lived without one. There are many varieties including stick-shaped, box, micro and macro, and a personal favorite, the nutmeg grater which has a storage compartment for whole nutmegs. They are razor-sharp, so watch your knuckles. Dishwasher-safe.5. Adjust-A-Cup Measuring Cup
Measuring liquid ingredients accurately can be difficult with some ingredients. It can be even more difficult to get sticky fluids all out of that measuring cup. This push-up measuring cup solves the problem.6. Immersion Blender
Immersion blenders will blend, chop, and whisk, all in your cookware. No need to transfer hot foods to a blender or food processor. Great for cream soups, whipped cream, sauces, desserts, and more. Many models come with attachments. Not suitable for use with non-stick pots.7. Kitchen Thermometers
When choosing an electronic kitchen thermometer, you must first analyze your usage. Large easy-to-read dials, shatter-proof clear lenses and calibration options are optimum. Other options include dual probes, timer and remote beeper.8. Butter Bell
The butter bell is a unique method for storing butter without refrigeration. The butter is placed into the top of the bell. The top fits into the bottom which is filled with cool water, protecting the butter from spoilage and odors, yet leaving it soft enough to spread. It also works well with solid margarine. Not designed for use with whipped or soft-spread butters or margarines.9. Garlic Peeler Tube
It looks strange, but it works! Place garlic cloves inside the rubber tube. Roll on the counter with the palm of your hand. You'll hear the skins cracking. Shake cloves out from the tube and simply separate the skins from the cloves.10. Heat-resistant Silicone Spatula
Flexible rubber spatulas have always been indispensible for bakers, but would melt under high heat conditions. Today's version can withstand 600 degrees F. or more depending on the brand, making it perfect for all the nooks and crannies of the frypan.