Santa's Chef Picks

There's always someone on everyone's list who is impossible to buy for.  They don't really need anything, they either have no hobbies or have ridiculously expensive ones like collecting jets, or they're super picky.  If you can relate to this, I'm sorry to tell you that I have no solution to that problem.  However, I have made a list of some of my favorite things in the kitchen, so if you have any chefs or bakers you're not sure what to get, I can help you with that!  These are things I use constantly and am constantly thankful for or raving about them.  No one has paid me to recommend anything, but I thought I'd share some of my favs with you because I knew you were just dying for my recommendations.  You might even find yourself wrapping one up for yourself.  Everyone does that, right?  Happy shopping!


Flexible Grip Mats from Crate&Barrel

What I love most about these mats is that you get three in different colors so we designate the white one for meat only.  The boards are flexible which makes them easy to throw chopped up veggies into a pot or a bowl.  I like these so much I ended up buying a second set because my first ones were always dirty.


Parker Nesting Bowl Set from Crate&Barrel

I should begin with saying that I also have two sets of these bowls (I broke the big one and was heartbroken so I got another set because I used the biggest bowl so much).  The colors offered change depending on the time of year.  I love having different sizes and there's always at least one coming out of the dishwasher because I really do use them daily.


Cookbook Stand from Crate&Barrel

If you hadn't noticed, I kinda have a thing for Crate and Barrel.  I've found some unique, reasonably priced things there I love and their products seem to hold up really well, so I'm a big fan.  They also have great customer service which is a really big thing for me.  Anyhow, this was a gift from Mr. C and I never thought I'd be so happy to get a kitchen related item for Christmas.  I love cookbooks and this is perfect for using them and keeping the pages clean.  It works much better than the method I used before which involved laying the cookbook on the counter and piling cans on the corners to keep the book open.


Progressive 19-Piece Measuring Cup and Spoon Set

This was also a gift from Mr. C.  When I said I wanted measuring cups I really wanted some pretty ones....you know, the ones that aren't really functional but look good.  Well, he got these instead and they are amazing.  Instead of having to use 2 measuring cups to get 1 1/4 cup I can just grab one of these.  They are BFF's with my bowls and cutting boards since they hang out in the dishwasher together so often.


Spatula set from Target
Awhile back I bought a mini spatula set from Target and I'm in love with the thing.  I couldn't find it online  but I did find this set that has multiple sizes.  I honestly believe a person can never have too many spatulas and I love the silicone ones.  I've also had great luck at finding some at Home Goods and Marshalls pretty cheap.



Lettuce Knife from Target
You might think a knife just for lettuce sounds stupid, but using a regular knife on your lettuce can cause it to turn brown faster.  I couldn't find one available online, but target always seems to have some available in their kitchen section.



Kitchen Scrub Cloth from Norwex
My wonderful friend Kari sells Norwex and after ordering some things I was hooked.  I now only use Norwex towels to clean and love the dishcloths.  They're all anti-bacterial too.  Once you get one thing you'll be sucked in though, because the stuff is so amazing!


Cookbooks are always great gifts too I think.  I have an addiction to cookbooks but the ones I pull out the most are:
Everyday Food: Fresh Flavor Fast
Eva's Kitchen: Cooking with Love for Family and Friends

Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food from My Frontier

Bride & Groom: First and Forever Cookbook

Good luck with your Christmas shopping!