Want a peek inside my holiday gift wish list? These kitchenware items are all my picks for this year's holiday gifts. Unusual and innovative, these gifts offer some out-of-the-box ideas for the cook on your gift list. Santa, are you listening?
A Retro Apron
Carolyn's Aprons
Channel your inner June Cleaver (or Mad Men's Betty Draper) with a cheeky, retro aprons from Carolyn's Kitchen. Designed with a glamorous, figure-flattering shape and made in cute patterned fabric and trim, this is one apron she won't want to take off when the guests arrive. Some even come with matching rubber gloves or garter belts. $40 and up.
Gorgeous Mortars and Pestles
Wade Ceramics
Indian chef/author Suvir Saran designed these counter-worthy mortar and pestle sets. Made of porcelain, they're ideal for grinding spice blends, herb mixtures like pesto, marinades or dips like guacamole. Saran designed the pestle with a wider, more functional base than other pestles, and the handle of the pestle has a decorative motif inspired by traditional Indian motifs. Choose from 2- or 5-cup sizes in Saffron or Cardamom colors. $50-$60.
A Clever Spice Organizer
SpiceStack
If the cook on your list has a tiny kitchen, they're sure to appreciate SpiceStack, a stackable spice bottle organizing unit that holds 18 bottles of spices (or 36 small bottles) in about an 8- by 8-inch space. It comes with blank and pre-printed labels to label the outside of the drawers, making it easy to quickly reach the spices needed. $24.95.
A Stovetop Grill Pan
Swiss Diamond
When the weather outside is frightful, a stovetop grill pan is just the ticket. Swiss Diamond's 11-inch square pan has tall sides to minimize splattering and has an easy-to-clean nonstick coating. $125.
Atlas Marcato Pasta Maker
Jessica Harlan
Making homemade pasta is easier than you'd imagine, and well worth the effort. This gleaming, hand-crank machine can turn out delicately thin sheets of pasta for lasagna and ravioli, as well as spaghetti and fettuccine noodles. If you don't like turning the crank, invest in the separate motorized crank. $69.95.
Cameron Stove-top Smoker
PriceGrabber
Sprinkle some wood chips (included) into the base, place the food on the rack, close the lid and put it on the burner. That's how easy it is to infuse a luscious smoky flavor into anything from fish and chicken to vegetables or even cheese in this simple piece of cooking equipment. The smoker can also be used as a steamer or a poacher. It comes with a recipe book and four different types of wood chips. Be sure to tell the lucky recipient to try my step-by-step instructions for how to smoke salmon on a stove-top smoker.$44.95.
