The best Christmas gifts for food lovers

Last week I gave you some really great ideas for homemade Christmas gifts that are sure to please. However, I have gotten feedback from some who have their heart in the right place, but lack the time to get these homemade treats done in time for the holidays. So, here is a list of items that every food lover will love. Happy shopping!

1. The Finjan

This made it to our Best Foodie Gifts for Eid list and because it transcends all borders, I am adding it again. This is a perfect gift package of a food memoir and food history on coffee that is perfect for connoisseurs from all backgrounds. The ‘Finjan’ is Arabic for ‘coffee cup’. The book explains the Arabic coffee cup reading tradition and comes with a copper coffee pot and two espresso cups. For a tech-savvy person, there is also an iPhone app. Both The Finjan gift package and iPhone App can be bought online at www.thefinjan.com. This is also a perfect corporate gift for business partners in and outside the region.

2. Iconic cookbooks

These are great for all food lovers. From the classics to the much sought-after newer volumes, there are lots to pick and choose from to customise to the experience and interest of the person that you are buying for. To play it safe, you can buy more than one.

3. A Kitchen aid stand mixer

Every home needs a stand mixer, and these ones are on many wish lists. Be sure to do your research and get the right model and colour to personalise it just for her/him.

4. Fine coffee

For coffee lovers, get a selection of the best coffees from across the world. Get Jamaican Blue Mountain, Costa Rican, Indonesian, Kenyan and Yemeni/Arabic for a great coffee gift that is well thought out and will set you apart.

5. Aged balsamic

There is absolutely nothing like aged balsamic. It is quite like the perfectly aged wine from a reserved vintage. Dark, deep, syrupy thick and complex, it is decadent in both sweet and savoury applications and will be thoroughly enjoyed down to the last drop.

6. Iranian caviar

While the West goes crazy for Beluga, those of us on this side of the world have a little well-kept secret — Iranian caviar. With its creamy, fresh ocean flavour and no hint of bitterness, this will make the perfect partner for blinis for any person lucky enough to get some during the holidays.

7. Saffron

Now these spice flower threads are worth their weight in gold. Saffron is a very thoughtful and pricey gift for those who love to cook. Go for the best quality and get as much as you can afford.

8. Tahitian or Madagascan vanilla beans

For the baker, a nice big bundle of Tahitian or Madagascan vanilla bean pods is the ultimate gift, second only to the stand mixer, which is probably already standing on the counter.

9. Decorative teapots and serving sets

These are perfect for the hostess who loves to entertain for Afternoon Tea. Select the styles and china quality according to the taste of the person. If you are having difficulty, you may arrange with the shop to have the person select from a group of sets within a range so that everyone will be happy.

10. Fancy heirloom cutlery

This is perfect for newlyweds or young couples but often times, older couples are wrongly overlooked for these gifts. Over time, pieces may get lost or the demands may get higher because of bigger parties. If you select the finest heirloom quality, they will last a lifetime. Try to buy the highest amount of pieces in sets because the demands get bigger as couples grow and entertain more at a time. You can also join with other friends and family to break up the cost to make it more budget-friendly for everyone. For the most cost effective option, buy the hostess serving pieces instead of the 60+ pieces cutlery set.

11. Le Creuset pots and dishes

The Le Creuset cast iron pots are popular in fine homes for lots of reasons. They are great to cook in and provide the even and consistent heat of cast iron with an enamelled surface that prevents the need for painstaking maintenance. These pots are reminiscent of good old-time country home cooking and make every cook feel seasoned. Do your homework and get the right colour and size.

12. Vouchers for a demo or Master Class with a chef

These have now become popular because they give the food lover a chance to rub shoulders with a chef in a professional kitchen and learn a few tricks of the trade and even a few recipes in the process. These are great for single friends as well as couples. Select the chef and cuisine according to the preference of the person(s) you are choosing for.

13. A food lover’s getaway

The ultimate food lover’s gift is a fantabulous getaway to a destination famous for great food. Provide tickets, accommodation and your company for some wonderful food-filled destination. Each one has a list of preferences. Go along for the ride; just be sure to be open to try new things and experience a new place through food!

Kari is a Dubai-based journalist and photographer of the food blog chefandsteward.com. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/ChefandSteward and contact her at: kari@chefandsteward.com

wknd@khaleejtimes.com

• Food and Dining