Holiday Gift Ideas for the Food Lover

If you're taking a trip to France, consider enamel-coated cast iron. You have two choices: Le Creuset and Staub. They both make a statement, though Staub's statement is a bit louder, and almost twice the price.

If you'd like to give a knife as a gift, remember to give it with a penny. Superstition considers it bad luck to give a knife as a gift, so by partnering it with a penny, your gift recipient can "purchase" the knife from you, avoiding any spells. These days, the santoku-style knife, which looks like a European/Asian hybrid is the teacher's pet. Wusthof and Henckels make well-respected European knives, while Shun makes excellent Japanese knives.

For stocking-stuffers, select a few kitchen utensils. Microplane graters, spatulas, tongs and wooden spoons are always appreciated. Avoid uni-taskers like avocado slicers, bean slicers, tomato slicers or vinaigrette emulsifiers. These tools are for people who don't like cooking; not for those who do.

But don't stop at cooking equipment; your food lover needs a beautiful backdrop for their creations. Look for French porcelain from Revol or Apilco, or stunning cookware and bakeware from Emile Henry.

Though food is temporary, the implements that create the most memorable meals of your life are not. They will become family heirlooms, treasured by people who have yet to be born. Choose wisely for your food lover, and this holiday gift will be treasured for generations.