5 Gift Ideas for the Precise Cook

Now that Thanksgiving has passed, I can officially allow myself to think about Christmas and buying presents. Yesterday Ryan and I went to check out some Christmas decorations and we bought our nephew Boden a present too. I also went to a Christmas fair and put up the first decorations in our flat.

I love Christmas time – the food, movies, decorations, stories, and even the present buying. I usually have a really great time scouring the internet for present ideas for my friends and family, but and I’m always happy when I find a round-up or a list that can give me a little help and inspiration. This year I thought, why not make a round-up (or two…) of my own? So here are 5 gift ideas for the cook on your list. Specifically, these are Cooking is Messy recommendations for the cook who loves precision and getting every type of measurement correct. These things are items I either have or really badly want – and I think the cook in your life will be please to have them too.

Disclaimer – I’m part of the Amazon Affiliates programs, this means that if you were to make a purchase through one of these links, Cooking is Messy receives a small percentage of the sale price. I’m suggesting these items because I have them or want them, and think they are really good gift ideas. Hope you enjoy and thanks for your support.

 

1. ThermoWorks Splash-Proof Super-Fast Thermapen, $96 –  It might not seem like a very exciting present, but I think the high price makes it a great gift because the person on your list might not buy this for themselves. I myself have been lusting after this thermometer forever. It’s a cool product because takes a reading in 3 seconds, it’s got a large digital screen, and it comes in over 10 colors. Also, did you know most cooking thermometers have the sensor partway up the probe so when you check your food you have to insert the thermometer farther than you think? Well, according to America’s Test Kitchen the sensor on the Thermapen is at the end, which makes for easier and more accurate testing.

2. Fred The Obsessive Chef Beechwood Cutting Board, $17 – Know anyone who wants things perfectly cut and measured? This is the cutting board for them. Recipes can call for all kinds of cuts – chop, dice, julienne – but it can be hard to know if you’re doing it accurately. This cutting board labels and provides a template for each type of cut so you can be sure to get it right. And, an even cutting is so important to ensure even cooking and a beautiful finished product.

3. Amco Digital Color Alert Kitchen Timer, $13 – Simple, but really cool. This Kitchen Timer is green when you have more than ten minutes to go, then yellow until one minute, and then red for the last minute. You’ll no longer need to get your phone covered in food as you set and then check the timer throughout cooking. This timer is easy to read and you can gauge your remaining cooking time even if you’re not right next to it.

4. Kikkerland Spaghetti Measure, $7 – Admittedly, this gadget is a bit silly and only has one function, but it’s also pretty adorable. There are four pages, each with an open mouth, you put the pasta in the mouth and measure how much spaghetti you need for 1-4 eaters. I’ve definitely been unsure about how much spaghetti to make, so this seems like a useful and fun stocking-stuffer type gift.

5. Umbra Dash 4-in-1 Measuring Spoon, $11 – This is something nice for a stocking-stuffer. In one spoon you have 1 Tbsp, 1 tsp, 1/2 tsp, and 1/4 tsp. I do think it’s a bit overpriced, but I have it and really like it. It’s easy to clean and a great space saver in the drawer and dishwasher.

Hope you enjoy this list. My goal is to assemble a few more round-ups before Christmas, but until then happy shopping!