It’s December, which means that the tree is up, we’re playing Christmas tunes non-stop and my husband goes on his daily mince pie extravaganza.
I’ve been working hard to bring you my first Holiday gift guide, with different themes, where I give you gift ideas for the various people in your life. I’ll post a new guide over the next few weeks, so you’ll definitely still have time to shop! Today’s gift guide is all about the foodie in your life, and has ideas for all price points. Happy shopping!
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking by Samin Nosrat
This is one of the best cookbooks I’ve seen in a long time and is high on my own Christmas wish list. The author breaks down the component parts of making a really flavourful meal. The foodie in your life will love this!
Instant Pot Duo, 7 in One Electric Pressure Cooker
Having an Instant Pot is a kitchen game changer! Any meal that you used to prepare in a slow cooker, you can just drop into your Instant Pot and cook in less than a quarter of the time. I use mine to make rice, oatmeal, stews, pulled pork, pulled beef, creamy beans – the list is endless!
Having a stainless steel water bottle stops me from buying plastic water bottles when I’m out and about and reminds me to keep up with my daily target of drinking at least 1.5L of water. These Klean Kanteen bottles are so durable and environmentally – I take mine everywhere!
A water filter is essential for removing chemicals from your everyday drinking water. I love my Big Berkey Water Filter System, which is an investment at around £250, but it is the leading water filter of its kind and is big enough for a large family (it holds 8.5L).
Cast iron skillets are incredible and very versatile. Once you get the hang of seasoning, your cast iron skillet can last you a very long time. True story: my cousin cooks with cast iron pans that are at least 50 years old and she says the food she makes in them tastes incredible.
Sprouter
Sprouts are the real stars of the vegetable world. Sprouted beans and seeds contain many more nutrients and enzymes than non-sprouted varieties. The vitamin content of some seeds, grains, beans or nuts increases by up to 20 times the original value within only a few days of sprouting! Research shows that during sprouting, beansprouts increase in vitamin B1 by up to 285%, vitamin B2 by 515% and niacin (for heart, brain and skin health) by up to 256%.
The Biosnacky Germinator Seed Jar at £10 is a good introductory product or, for the more dedicated, the 3-tier Germinator at £16.22.
There are a number of these compact, countertop appliances that will whizz you up a decent smoothie and, if you’re the kind of person who struggles to get the recommended 7-10 portions of fruit and veg in each day, you should definitely consider one. I LOVE my NutriBullet. You’ll want to make sure that (regardless of what you choose) you pick one with a 600+Watt motor to ensure that nuts and seeds are efficiently blended. This one is also very easy to use and to keep clean.
This little device is an easy way to remove the leaves from the woody stems on herbs, perfect for the cooking enthusiast in your life.
Lock & Lock Glass Storage Containers
I absolutely love these storage containers. I’ve been transitioning away from using any plastic to store food and these glass storage containers are the best. They are also oven safe – just remember not to put the lid in with it, because that is NOT oven safe!
If you eat out or even get takeaway iced coffee, then inevitably you will have been given a plastic straw. These are terrible for the environment and in many places, not recyclable. These stainless steel straws are a lovely alternative, that come in their own little case.