‘Tis the season to savor the joy of giving, and I’ve rounded up 5 gift ideas that are perfect for the food lover in your life. Whether your loved one is a culinary connoisseur or an aspiring home chef, there’s something here for them. From edible gifts to the perfect knives for the home kitchen, I’ve got you covered!
Flavoured olive oil is the perfect gift for a foodie – it adds a burst of complexity and depth to a variety of dishes, and looks beautiful on the counter! My favourite flavour is lemon infused.
To make lemon-infused olive oil, zest 2-3 organic lemons, ensuring to avoid the bitter white pith. In a glass container, combine 1 cup of high-quality extra virgin olive oil with the lemon zest. Seal the container and let it infuse for 1-2 weeks in a cool, dark place, shaking daily. Afterward, strain the oil to remove the zest, using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Transfer the infused oil back into a clean bottle and store it in a cool, dark place.. Consume within a few months for optimal freshness.
A Wood-Handled Santoku Knife from Victorinox is the ideal match for home cooking. The Santoku knife translates to “three virtues,” representing its proficiency in slicing, dicing, and chopping. Its shorter, wider blade with a flat edge and unique Granton edge (hollowed-out divots) minimizes sticking, allowing for precise cuts and smooth food release.
There’s always space for one more specialty spice blend in a food lover’s pantry! Try garam masala, zatar, or ras-el-hanout. I’m a big a fan of Vadouvan, which is a sort of French curry powder.
If your foodie friend already has a great chef’s knife, add a bread and pastry knife to their collection! Victorinox makes a beautiful one with a wooden ergonomic handle. It slices effortlessly.
Compound butter is the perfect last-minute gift, and also makes a lovely hostess gift. There are so many flavour options, but my favourite is a sweet breakfast-friendly butter made with jam.
To make: Soften 1 cup of butter and blend with 2-3 tbsp fruit jam. Mix thoroughly until the jam is evenly distributed. Spoon the compound butter onto parchment paper, shape into a log, and refrigerate to firm up. Slice and serve on toast and muffins.
