Welcome to Metropolitan Mama’s Christmas Gift Guide for Cooks & Bakers. Below you will find pots, pans, kitchen tools, cookbooks, and bakeware for people who love cooking and baking.
I was first introduced to this book by my husband's cousin's wife (who I adore). She has eight kids (ranging in age between one and nineteen) so I consider her to be a great resource on everything from pregnancy and infant care to cooking and cleaning for a large crew.
She raved about this cookbook when we last visited their home in the forest of New Mexico, explaining that it offered simple recipes with only one bowl needed for each.
This recipe is all baked goods, with an emphasis on desserts - peaches and cream struesel muffins, toasted coconut shortbread squares, classic lemon bars, marble swirl cheesecake cupcakes, etc. Because each recipe only requires one bowl, these recipes are great for kids! I'd love to see a similar cookbook ("One Bowl/Pan Cooking") with easy-to-make breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipes.
A new set of measuring cups and spoons is a practical gift that is sure to be used in the kitchen! We recently found this beautiful, durable stainless steel set by Indigo True. Dishwasher-safe and BPA-free, these tools are made to last a lifetime. This set also comes with a handsome conversion magnet that you can display on the refrigerator for quick reference as you cook.
Over the past several years, we've slowly been purging our kitchen of all aluminum and teflon pots + pans. As we do, we replace them with stainless steel cookware from 360 Cookware. We have found 360 Cookware to be a trustworthy brand in that they create high-quality, durable, and carefully designed cookware and bakeware. We also love that all 360 Cookware products are made right here in the USA - in West Bend, Wisconsin, to be exact.
For holiday 2019, I am pleased to feature the stainless steel 8 quart stockpot - which is a solid pick for large families or anyone who enjoys entertaining. The stockpot is perfect for serving up steaming soups and hearty chilis to a crowd. Thanks to vapor cooking, you can even bake an 8lb turkey on the stovetop inside this pot!
This crimson leather recipe binder is so splendid that wrapping paper is optional! At 11 x 11 13/16, it is big enough to be useful in almost any home kitchen. Inside you will find 12 tabbed dividers, 12 pocket page sheets, 12 page protectors, and 24 recipe cards - with the option to purchase page refills.
Need extra space to chop up vegetables, fruit, meat, and cheese? Consider the extra-large bamboo cutting board by Indigo True. This handsome board makes a great gift because it is both beautiful and practical. Tie a bow around it, pair it with cutting board wax, and you'll have a lovely gift for any cook, hostess, or gift exchange.
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Some of the products in the list below were sent to us to try. Other products are ones that we purchased ourselves or were given by family members and friends. Know that I will always provide both the pros and cons of each featured product. You are welcome to send any follow-up questions to me via twitter (I’m @stephsheaffer).