The Best Kitchen Gifts Food Network Staffers Received
New year, new kitchen gadgets!
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Whether it's a new kitchen gadget or an organized pantry, there is no better way to enter the new year than with a fresh start in the kitchen. For Food Network staffers, the holiday season brought a bunch of gifted gadgets that we are bringing into the new year — and we can't wait to get cooking (and eating!). From classics like a Le Creuset Dutch oven to a genius lid and ladle holder, you're going to want to add these products to your cart for a late holiday gift to yourself.
The gift I loved the most this year is also the most mundane — this sleek pot lid holder from Yamazaki Home, a brand that can turn a towel bar into a lusted-over item. It looks great, which is a huge plus, but it’s also remedying one of the most annoying cooking quandaries — where to put a pot lid when you stir! This little guy (which can hold a ladle and spoon too), prevents me from doing what I usually do — plopping the lid down wherever and getting sauce all over everything.
I was gifted the Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven in Matte Black, and I’m seriously in love. I’ve had my eye on a Le Creuset Dutch Oven for a while now but hadn’t pulled the trigger because of the high price tag. Receiving this piece of equipment was incredibly generous, and I can’t wait to use it for years to come!
—Amanda Neal, Recipe Developer
The best kitchen gift I received this year was also the most practical and appropriate for my working-from-home life right now. I’m cooking more than ever and appreciate kitchen tools that do double duty like these bowls, which I can use for mixing, serving, storing leftovers or a combination. They’re sturdy, easy to wash and versatile; I like that I can make a big salad in one to eat at my desk and later use the same bowl to make whipped cream with a hand mixer.
—Michelle Buffardi, VP, Digital Programming
This year I received a Coravin (from myself!). In an effort to be more mindful of both waste and alcohol consumption, the Coravin seemed like the perfect solution to be able to enjoy a glass of wine from time to time without opening a whole bottle. So far, it’s been great!
—Melissa Gaman, Recipe Developer, Food Network
There was once a time when my family and I would huddle around the kitchen making batch after batch of hard boiled eggs on a Sunday night, so we would have them throughout the week for on-the-go breakfasts and lunches. I always thought there has to be an easier way to prep this — and I was right! When I got this egg cooker I could cook up to 12 eggs at a time in minutes and not have to keep an eye on it. It also has the capacity to cook other types of eggs like my favorite, "a perfectly poached Sunday at home styled brunch egg" and even steam veggies, dumplings and seafood. I love that this cooking appliance is so versatile, easy AND looks great on my kitchen counter.
—Lauren Tom, Associate Content Producer
While working in Food Network Kitchen, I was introduced to the scraper paddle for a stand mixer. For six years I used it almost daily on countless cookies, cakes, batters and frostings. I didn’t know how much I missed it until I found myself baking at home through this pandemic with my regular old metal paddle. It took almost twice as long to cream butter and sugar, and I had to constantly stop the mixer to scrape down the bowl. I made a shameless post on my Instagram asking for one as a holiday gift. I got the gift, and now I’m giving it to others as well!
—Alexis Pisciotta, Purchasing and Events Manager Food & Cook
One of the best gifts I received this holiday season was from my husband: a handmade molcajete from the Mexican state of Guanajuato. It is traditionally hand carved from volcanic stone and is a beautiful addition to our kitchen. It’s going to be wonderful for grinding spices, making sauces and more — plus, I love a tool that can double as a serving bowl!
—Sarah Holden, Digital Culinary Producer
The only thing I actually asked for this year was this set of cast iron pans. I’ve always heard people raving about the magic of cooking in a cast iron, and so far I’m loving it!
—Joel Raneri, Digital Editor
I love using olive oil in the kitchen, and the design of this dispenser lets me get just the right amount. Whether I am dressing a salad or drizzling a pizza, this dispenser makes it easy. Added bonus — it looks really pretty, too!
—Dana Beninati, Supervising Culinary Producer
I love my cow-print Butter Bell. It’s an air-tight ceramic crock that keeps butter soft and fresh at room temperature for weeks. Having spreadable butter at all times is amazing for buttering anything you want (toast, bagels, English muffins etc.) or for adding a quick spoonful into a skillet. It beats cold butter that always manages to taste like the fridge.
—Leah Brickley, Senior Editor
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