Over the past few weeks I’ve been receiving emails asking for advice on Christmas gift giving ideas for 2011, so I thought I’d share this post with everyone. Below you’ll find my top 8 gifts for the person who love to cook or who are interested in becoming more comfortable in the kitchen. I know from experience that there are certain things you must have to make your recipes blossom. Like measuring cups, a scale, the right pot and other conveniences which make putting recipes together a breeze.

Kieana who loves baking will tell you that her measuring cups are probably her best friends when it comes to baking the perfect cookie (she’s making some chocolate chips cookies as I type this). She’s not like her grandma who’s hand and fingers doubles for measuring devices as her averages are usually spot-on. I’m sure your mom and grandma are the same way, especially if you’re from the Caribbean (these women never measure anything with cups and spoons and their food is always ah bess).

In the list of gift giving ideas below I’ll show you an image of what I’m speaking about as well as a link where you can get more info on each product. Simply click on the images and you’ll get all the info you need to see if that item would make the perfect gift this holiday season for those on your list. Or you can send you’re loved ones to this page.. hint! hint! Tell them you don’t want socks this Christmas. And tell those teenage kids of yours that macaroni crafts just won’t cut-it this year.

1. Lodge Color 3-Quart Dutch Oven. Absolutely nothing beats cooking in one of the traditional iron pots we use in the Caribbean, but I must admit that I love my enamel dutch oven I purchased a year or so ago. If you’re looking for perfect results when stewing meats as we do in the Caribbean, these sort of heavy dutch ovens can’t be matched. Soups, stews and even rice and peas comes out perfect every time! I just love cooking up a batch of curry goat in it as well… the even distribution of heat, makes for perfect braising (even in a curry sauce) and your curry goat will be falling off the bone with tenderness. Click here >> Lodge Color 3-Quart Dutch Oven to learn more.

2. Krups 203-42 Electric Coffee and Spice Grinder with Stainless-Steel blades. The mortar and pestle will never be replaced in the kitchen, but the electric grinder is surely taking it’s deserved place in the kitchen. I just love the scent of toasting geera seeds (cumin) on the stove top, then using my electric grinder to pulse it to the perfect powdered form for making dhalpuri roti or geera pork. How about the aroma and freshness of freshly ground coffee brewed to perfection?

At under $20, this spice and coffee grinder would make an excellent Christmas for yourself or anyone on your list this year. Click Here >>  Krups 203-42 Electric Coffee and Spice Grinder with Stainless-Steel blades

3. Progressive International Deluxe Potato Cutter. Growing up we never had those frozen sticks they parade in the freezer section of the grocery store they call fries. Other than the crap you get at McDonalds (must admit I love them hot) we always have fresh cut fries at our house. I’ve never had the frozen fries you get pre-packaged as far as I know and though the cutting of the potato is a bit of work, it’s one chore I don’t mind. With this potato cutter you’ll find that not only will you make less work of cutting the potatoes, you’ll have the perfect size and shape every time. One piece of advice I must give though.. try to get a baking potato like a Russet for the ultimate in fresh cut fries. Click [full info] >>  Progressive International Deluxe Potato Cutter

4. Cuisinart CSB-76BC SmartStick 200-Watt Immersion Hand Blender, Brushed Chrome by Cuisinart. As you all know, I’m not a huge fan of using an electric blender when making Callaloo as I’ve stated when I shared that recipe recently. However, there are so many other uses for this kitchen gadget that I just had to include it on my list. Just think about making a curry pumpkin soup and achieving a level of creaminess you couldn’t before. Soups, shakes, sauces, dessert toppings and even mashed potato will turn out perfect every time. My personal favorite is to puree frozen fruits like mango and strawberries into a healthy shake in the morning. Click here >> Cuisinart CSB-76BC SmartStick 200-Watt Immersion Hand Blender for more info.

5. Hamilton Beach 33967 Set ‘n Forget 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker by Hamilton Beach. It’s funny how we all associate the slow cooker with a busy lifestyle and in many instances that probably true. You wake up before work, place the food in the slow cooker, program (time to start, temp and end time), then head out to work. As you and your family return home, you have a wickedly hot and delicious meal waiting for you guys.  Personally I make use of the slow cooker when I’m trying to get tough pieces of meat like goat, oxtail and stubborn beef, tender. I brown the oxtails, then add it with it’s seasonings and anything else I want it to simmer with into the slow cooker and allow it to do it’s thing patiently. Soups, stews, chili… even rice and peas is always a hit when I use the slow cooker. If you’re considering sending this as a gift this Christmas or maybe you could use one, remember to consider the size of the family and how they’ll be using it. What I mean is… will they benefit from a programmable one or not (if they’re people who’s on the ‘go’.. they’ll thank for for the programmable setting). Click Here >> Hamilton Beach 33967 Set ‘n Forget 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker by Hamilton Beach for more info.

6. Piece Stainless Steel Set by RSVP. When you’re trying to document recipes for others to follow, especially when it’s coming from a Caribbean background where measurements were never used (a little of this and a little of that), you’re best friends are the measuring cups and spoons you have available. The same can be said if you’re new to cooking and find it a bit intimidating. It’s hard to screw up a dish when you have a good recipe to follow and the right measuring cups and cooking utensils. Trust me, this will be the BEST kitchen investment you can make (it’s less than $25). Click Here >> 7 Piece Stainless Steel Set by RSVP for more info.

7. Tefal ActiFry FZ700015 Low Fat Electric Fryer. This is the one thing I’m begging Santa for this year (memory eh all that good, but I think I was a good fella this year). I first saw this about 2 years ago when it was just being launched to the general public and though it was a bit cheaper then… I’d still like to get my hands on one. Imagine making fresh cut fires (yes FRIED) with just one tablespoon of oil? Yes, unheard..right? With the technology built into this electric fryer, you’re as close to making deep fried good for you. I’ll confess that I have a love affair with fried foods and my waist line shows… rather than cutting those foods entirely from my diet, I know I can make them a bit healthier. It’s a bit expensive, but it may well be worth the price. Click Here >> Tefal ActiFry FZ700015 Low Fat Electric Fryer for more info.

8. Wall Mount Grocery Bag Holder, Brushed Stainless Steel by Simplehuman. If you’re from the Caribbean or have friends from the Caribbean I’d like you to say yes or no (in the comment section below). Do you have or have you seen a bag in their kitchen cupboards with a bunch of other plastic store bags? I recall my mom having one and to date we had one until recently when we now have a mounted container like this one. We Caribbena people love to save plastic bags we get from stores… we probably perfected recycling when it comes to plastic bags (no lie). This attractive and handy wall mounted bag storage unit will bring you into the modern age! So are you shaking your head in approval (my question about collecting bags)? Click Here >> Wall Mount Grocery Bag Holder, Brushed Stainless Steel
by Simplehuman for more info.

There were a number of other things I wanted to include in this list, but we’ll leave those for next year. I do hope you find this post informative and don’t stick.. you have a few days left before the big morning, so get cracking.

Happy Cooking!

Chris…

What seems like a winter that would not end, is finally giving way to some beautiful weather here in Southern Ontario. Today it’s about 32 Celsius, but with the humidity if feels more like 38 Celsius, so this usually means it’s time to break out the trusty old ice cream maker we got a couple years back, for some frozen delights. If you recall the coconut ice cream recipe I shared with you last summer “A Vintage Trinbagonian Coconut Ice Cream Recipe” you’ll know that we’ve got one of those “pail” type ice cream makers, with the small motor on top which moves the container with the liquid, surrounded by chunks of ice. To finally freeze the custard-like liquid inside.

Now don’t get me wrong, some would argue that these types of ice cream makers are the best, but it’s not as convenient as some of the more modern ones. My dad would say that the best one for him would be those wooden pail ones, that you had to hand-crank. Like the one in the picture to the left (White Mountain Ice Cream Maker). By the way, if you’re old school like my dad or looking for some exercise, you can click on the picture to buy one. I’m sure many of you would have some good childhood memories of this type of vintage ice cream maker, like I do.

If it’s convenience and versatility you’re looking for, then you may want to get your hands on the Cuisinart Pure Indulgence 2-Quart Frozen Yogurt-Sorbet & Ice Cream Maker ICE-30BC that I asked for this Father’s Day! Lets hope someone was listening! Here’s why I made this the gadget of the week for June. Yea, I realize that I should title it gadget of the month.. Oh well!

Cuisinart Pure Indulgence 2-Quart Frozen Yogurt-Sorbet & Ice Cream Maker ICE-30BC

Looks sexy eh! Attractively styled and simple to use, Cuisinart’s ICE-30BC efficiently yields up to 2 quarts of frozen yogurt, sorbet, or soft-serve ice cream in as little as 25 minutes.

The 9-inch square brushed stainless-steel base houses the heavy-duty motor, bottom cord storage, and the black and chrome on/off dial. The 2-quart capacity freezer bowl has a smooth metallic silver-toned inner cavity and a deep gray hard plastic exterior with an outer diameter of 7.5 inches. Complete assembly of the unit takes only minutes, but fully freezing the cooling liquid within the freeing bowl’s double insulated walls can take from 6 to 28 hours prior to use, depending on your freezer temperature. Thoroughly freezing the canister is the key to successful results. We suggest storing the bowl in your freezer to ensure quick and easy use of your ice cream maker.

Once frozen, the bowl seats perfectly into a cylindrical opening in the base. A gray plastic mixing arm fits into the bowl and a transparent lid locks into place with an easy twist. Once assembled, a simple half turn of the dial starts the motor and the frozen bowl begins to turn. A 3-foot cord conveniently allows flexibility in positioning the base on your table or counter and a 3-inch top opening in the lid serves as a spout for adding your pre-mixed recipe ingredients.

The churning motor “hums” audibly–but not excessively–during use and features an automatic safety shutoff to prevent overheating. The clear lid allows easy viewing and monitoring of the mixing process. Soft-serve mixtures are deliciously ready in minutes and firmer consistency is easily accomplished with a few hours in your freezer. Numerous recipes are included.

I can only imagine making up a batch or two of rum and raisin (my fave) or how about some mango pineapple ice cream this summer. But wait, for you frozen sorbet lovers like Tehya and Indy, you won’t be left out. Yes, this bad boy makes Sorbet and frozen yogurt as well. I’ll just have to find some recipes or make some concoction of my own.

To own one of these Cuisinart Pure Indulgence 2-Quart Frozen Yogurt-Sorbet & Ice Cream Maker ICE-30BC, click on the link below. They’re reasonably priced and comes with a 3 year limited warranty. Convenient, durable, and actually a lot of fun, the Cuisinart’s ICE-30BC churns out  homemade ice cream, sorbet and frozen yogurt you, your family and friends will enjoy during those beautiful days of summer.

CLICK HERE >> Get your very own Cuisinart Pure Indulgence 2-Quart Frozen Yogurt-Sorbet & Ice Cream Maker ICE-30BC

If you already own one of these ice cream makers, I’d love to get your feedback on it. What you like, dislike and overall performance (if you don’t mind). Leave me a comment below in the area provided. I will do the same once I get mine on Father’s Day morning and have time to put it to use… lets hope they were listening!

Happy Cooking!

Chris….

p.s. This makes a great gift as well!

If you live in northern climates as I do, you’ll know excited one gets when winter is at an end and spring showers promises the warmth of summer. Don’t get me wrong, snow and bitter cold will not prevent me from venturing outside to crank up the propane BBQ and get my grilling on. But as far as charcoal goes… that’s a summertime tradition. Especially when doing picnics in the parks and by the beach (well… lake side). If you’re fortunate enough to live in the Caribbean or anywhere where you don’t have to deal with cold winters, power to you!

Nothing beats that lovely smoked flavor you get from cooking over coals and no matter how hard you try, you could never duplicate it on a gas grill. I’ve tried, with packets of wood chips etc, with no real success. Don’t even bother with those liquid smoke crap they sell!

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Introducing The Bodum Fyrkat Portable Charcoal Grill…

Not really designed for the kitchen, but it will work great on your back porch or backyard grilling area. This 13.4-inch grill is for cooking whole fish, steaks for 4, chicken, pork and more in the great outdoors. The compact design is for easy car transport to the picnic and for grilling on small balconies. The enamel-coated steel construction for corrosion- and scratch-resistance and easy, scrub-free cleaning makes keeping the grill looking great super simple. It features a latching lid which makes it easy to pick up the grill and carry with one hand and keeps charcoal contained during transport.

Imagine the impression you’ll make when you start grilling some tasty island style chicken or how about some pork marinated in some wicked Jamaican jerk marinade. Compact, sturdy, roomy for it’s size and available is many striking colors, you’ve got to get one of these Bodum Fyrkat Portable Charcoal Grills.

Bodum Fyrkat Portable Charcoal Grill Features…

- 13.4-inch grill for cooking whole fish, steaks for 4, jerk chicken, and more in the great outdoors
- Compact design for easy car transport to the picnic and for grilling on small balconies
- Enamel-coated steel construction for corrosion- and scratch-resistance and easy, scrub-free cleaning
- Latching lid makes it easy to pick up the grill and carry with one hand and keeps charcoal contained during transport
- Uses charcoal for true barbecue flavor; measures 15.4 by 15.4 by 11.5 inches; 1-year warranty

To own one of these beautifully designed portable charcoal grills, click here >>>  Bodum Fyrkat Portable Charcoal Grill I’ve used my one countless times and I’m quite pleased by the results I get every time I BBQ.. so too our friends. See if you can guess which color I got!

Happy cooking!

Chris…

p.s. Forget meats for a minute.. imagine the rich taste you get when you roast tomato or eggplant (baigan) over open flames just before you make an extra spicy choka! I bet you could also easily roast a breadfruit on this baby.

The closest I’ve ever come to making curly fries are the ones you get in the frozen section of the grocery store, where you have to stick them in the oven and wait the 25 minutes or so and hope they turn out ok. Like most things that are prepackaged and frozen, they are usually tasteless and even if you follow the directions on the package, they never cook the way you’d expect. In this first edition of “Gadget of The Week” I’d like to share with you, a device that seemed impressive the very first time I laid eyes on it.

Progressive International Curly Fry Cutter.

I’m not sure if there are other gadgets designed specifically for making curly fries, but I know if you’re using a basic kitchen knife to try and accomplish this, you’d be out of luck. With the Curly Fry Cutter you simply place your potato or other vegetable inside the Curly Fry Cutter and turn the crank. The threaded rod makes slicing easier, and the Curly Fry Cutter’s closed design keeps fingers safe while minimizing countertop mess and keeping things organized. You can make both slices and continuous spirals with the Progressive International Curly Fry Cutter, perfect for both casual and fancy dining. The Curly Fry Maker has a 3-cup capacity and is top rack dishwasher safe.

Here’s a pic of some sweet potato and regular potato cut using the Progressive International Curly Fry Cutter. All you need now is to add these to your deep fryer and you’ll have fresh cut curly fries which will impress your kids and adults alike. Kids just love these novelty fries and I’m sure you’ll have no problem getting them to eat their lunch or dinner with some juicy strips of steak.

Check out this video on how simple it is to use… but first read this customer review:

It really works! I thought, with it being plastic looking, that it would be cheaper quality but it works great :] Curly fries all the way. And it is soo simple to use, just put your peeled potato in [or whatever you choose to curl] and twist the crank at the top, you got yourself some homemade curly fries :] And to wash you can just throw it in the dishwasher, really simple. Also you don’t have to make curly deliciousness, you can switch it to just cut the item too if you’d like. Great item for the price!

Get Your Progressive International Curly Fry Cutter (click here)

Do leave me your thoughts on this below (in the comment section) especially if you already own one of these curly fries cutter. Should you have an idea for the gadget of the week, contact me with the details of it, but it must be something that stands out and make life easier for us in the kitchen. thanks for your suggestions.