Gift Guide: Cooking Goodies & Gadgets
Here are some cooking goodies and gadgets to help folks save time and effort in the kitchen.
By Capper’s Farmer Editors
Dough Rolling Bag
The Silicone Dough Rolling Bag makes a fantastic gift for anyone who bakes pies or makes homemade pizza.
The user simply puts the prepared dough into the rolling bag, zips it closed, and uses a rolling pin to roll out a perfect crust — all without getting the rolling pin or the countertop dirty. The food-safe silicone is non-stick and releases the dough effortlessly. The bag even has measurement markings so the user can roll to the exact size needed, up to 14 inches in diameter, which is the ideal size for 9-inch pie plates.
Where to buy:
Comments from the Capper’s Farmer editors:
- You get a perfect circle every time.
- Easy to use, and the dough never sticks to the bag.
- Cleanup is easy. No messy counter or rolling pin; just wash out the bag.
- Works great for making homemade tortillas, too!
Foldable Grater
The Two-Fold Grater is the perfect gift for anyone who loves cheese … and vegetables. The grater can be used upright on a cutting board, plate, or other flat surface, or it can be angled to rest inside any size bowl for quick and easy grating. The soft, comfortable handle and non-slip feet make it safe and easy to use. It disassembles for cleaning, and it folds flat for storage.
Where to buy:
Comments from the Capper’s Farmer editors:
- Much easier to use and clean than a traditional box grater.
- Fits perfectly over mixing bowls.
- Cleanup is easy.
- Stores easily in a kitchen drawer when folded down.
- Constructed well, and it’s simple to use whether grating onto a cutting board or into a bowl.
Food Dehydrator
The Nesco FD-77DT Digital Top Mounted Dehydrator makes a great family gift. It features 600 watts of drying power that generates maximum speed and quality for dehydrating fruits, vegetables, herbs, and jerky — making it possible to dry foods in hours instead of days. It comes with four trays, but can be expanded to 12 (additional trays sold separately). Drying automatically adjusts to the number of trays. The top-mounted fan prevents liquids from dripping into the heating chamber, and the adjustable thermostat allows users to dry different foods at proper temperatures, ensuring the best results.
Where to buy:
Comments from the Capper’s Farmer editors:
- It’s nice to be able to choose the number of trays needed, from 4 to 12.
- This dehydrator is a breeze to use.
- The digital timer and temperature control are fantastic.
- The trays are easy to clean, and it’s simple to add more trays when needed.
- Great little machine that makes some delicious jerky.
Hand-Held Mandoline
Looking for a useful gift for newlyweds or someone just moving out on their own? A Hand-Held Mandoline Slicer is sure to come in handy. Whether making a cucumber salad, an apple tart, or fried potatoes, the mandoline slicer will make the prep work quicker and easier. It features a sliding thickness adjuster, with three thicknesses to choose from, a rubber handle, and a food holder. It slices cleanly, quickly, and safely onto a plate or over a bowl.
Where to buy:
Comments from the Capper’s Farmer editors:
- Solid construction and design.
- Sharp blade.
- Makes perfect, even slices.
- Rests right on top of a bowl for easy slicing.
- Thickness adjuster is easy to slide, and is capable of making very thin slices.
- Easy to clean and store.
On-the-Go Salad Container
For anyone who takes a lot of salads to work for lunch, consider giving them the On-the-Go Salad Container, which features three leak-proof compartments that keep wet and dry ingredients separate and fresh. The large container can be used without the plate to create one large compartment, or with the plate for two compartments. The third compartment is a 2-ounce dressing container. The main lid features four locking tabs for a secure, airtight seal, and the lid to the dressing container screws on. When it’s time for lunch, dump the contents from the plate into the bowl of greens, lock the lid in place, and shake to mix before topping with dressing.
Where to buy:
Comments from the Capper’s Farmer editors:
- This container makes taking a salad to work easy; no more having to pack everything into separate bags or containers to keep the lettuce from getting soggy.
- Lid seals tight, and even when tipped on its side, the container doesn’t leak.
- Great size for a lunch salad.
- Dressing container lid screws on and off easily, yet doesn’t leak.
- Locking tabs on the main lid are easy to use, and work well.
- Easy to clean.
Reusable Food Wrap
Cooks on your gift-giving list will most certainly appreciate reusable Bee’s Wrap — the sustainable, natural food storage alternative to plastic wrap. Bee’s Wrap, which comes in a variety of sizes, styles, and prints, uses the warmth of a person’s hands to soften the wrap and create a seal, and when the wrap cools, it holds its shape. To clean, simply wipe with a wet cloth, or wash in cool water and let air dry. Made of beeswax, organic cotton, organic jojoba oil, and tree resin. You might want to grab a set for yourself, too!
Where to buy:
Comments from the Capper’s Farmer editors:
- These wraps are very convenient — and simple to use.
- Easy to clean and store; just wash with cold water, air dry, fold, and put in a drawer.
- Bee’s Wrap lasts a long time with proper care, so it’s well worth the money.
- Keeps cheese from drying out and molding.
- Seals well to bowls using the heat from your hands.
- Perfect for wrapping homemade bread and more.
Salad Chopper & Bowl
For anyone who serves a lot of salads with supper, give the gift of the Salad Chopper & Bowl from OXO. This gadget duo allows the user to transform vegetables and more into delicious, nutritious chopped salads in minutes. The chopper has a soft, non-slip handle and two stainless steel blades. The bowl has a continuous curve that stays in contact with the blades for efficient cutting, and is large enough (5½ quart capacity) to accommodate up to 6 servings.
To use it, simply place the salad ingredients into the bowl, then roll the blades of the chopper over them to slice and dice everything. Stir to combine, and serve.
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Comments from the Capper’s Farmer editors:
- The chopper and bowl make preparing a salad quick and easy.
- It’s actually fun to use.
- Works like a dream. Extremely easy to use.
- High-quality product.
- Blades on chopper are sharp, but they don’t make marks on the bowl. Amazing!
Stainless Steel Roaster
The Viking 8½ Quart 3-Ply Stainless Steel Oval Roaster with Metal Induction Lid and Rack is ideal for anyone who prepares large family meals. The pan can be used as an open or covered roaster, Dutch oven, or stockpot, and the lid can be used separately for cooking and serving. The 3-ply construction works on all cooktops, including induction, stovetop, oven, grill, and broiler — safe to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. The interior is easy to clean and won’t react with food, keeping flavors intact, and it can cook up to a 14-pound turkey. The included stainless steel wire rack elevates foods for even cooking and suspends from the rim of the pan for easy draining.
Where to buy:
Comments from the Capper’s Farmer editors:
- Love the versatility of this roaster.
- You can roast the turkey in the bottom of the roaster, and use the lid on the stove to make the gravy. It’s fantastic!
- Perfect size for bigger family gatherings.
- Foods, such as meatloaf, turkey, a whole chicken, and more, cook evenly, and turn out perfect every time.
- Easy to clean; foods don’t stick.
Looking for gifts in other categories? We have you covered! Head on over to Capper’s Farmer 2018 Holiday Gift Guide to view the full list.
