Gifts ideas for cooks

Throughout the years I’ve developed a love for specific cookware and bakeware. After making hundreds of recipes for my Instagram account @rachelquenzer and my old mom blog, there are very specific pots, pans, baking sheets and even spoons that have become my go-tos. As I’ve worked through the years, I’ve been slowly adding these pieces to our kitchen and wanted to share them with you. If you’re looking for birthday gifts or Christmas gift ideas for cooks – or if you just want to treat yourself – here are a few of my favorite things.

Favorite pots and pans

Last year when the barn was completed, I had to buy new pots and pans for the kitchen. I was searching for something that was durable, but I also wanted to be safe. In other words, I wanted something that would hold up without releasing particles that cause cancer if it was scratched. I bought these GreenPans and have been loving them ever since. I ended up switching out all my pots and pans in the house this fall because I loved these pans so much. They are:

• Coated with a ceramic coating called Thermolon
• They have a scratch guard. We have not scratched them so far, but I do use wood utensils on them (even though metal is supposedly fine).
• They work on a gas oven as well as induction.
• They cook evenly!
• I haven’t had anything stick yet.
• The handle is oven safe! I’m able to hold it while working on the stove.

Here are a few options for the pans:

• 11-piece pan set (Black)
• 10-piece pan set (Light grey)
• 10-piece pan set (Stainless)
• 5-piece pan set (Stainless)
• 2 frying pan set – Great for giving the pans a test run before investing in a larger set.

Cast iron pans

I consider cast iron pans the grill of the indoors. They just allow for a beautiful flavor for all your food and they will last for generations. Each time you use them, you’re making them better too.

We have several sizes for cooking different things and a grill/griddle, which is perfect for cooking fillets inside during the Michigan winters. Here are my favorites:

• 2-piece cast iron combo
• Cast iron grill/griddle
• Cast iron chainmail scrubber – You need this for cleaning a cast iron pan properly.
• 5-piece care set – I don’t have this but some people swear by it. We just use the chain scrubber.
• 8-inch cast iron pan
• 10 ¼ cast iron pan
• 12- inch cast iron pan

Dutch ovens

I’ve used a couple Dutch ovens over the years but my favorite by far are the Le Creuset Dutch ovens. I have several sizes and while they are pricy, they are investment pieces and will last for more than 5 years. Make sure to check out my Dutch Oven No-Knead Bread {HERE} if you want to see mine Dutch oven in action! These are my favorite:

• 5 qt Dutch Oven – Versatile and you can use it for everything.
• 75 qt Dutch Oven – Just a tad larger and great for stews and soups.
• Oval Heritage casserole Dutch oven

Baking needs

If you have a baker you love in your life, these are some of my favorite bakeware products. Since it is baking season, all of these could be helpful for someone gift ideas for cooks who also love to bake.

• 6- piece non-stick baking set – For the ultimate baker in your life.
• Silicone pie crust mold – Perfect for the pie lover in your life.
• 3-piece essential baking set – Inspired by vintage French bakers it includes a pie dish, a loaf pan and a rectangular baker.
• Silpat baking mat – So helpful for baking!
• Pour Me Extra Large Mixing Bowl – I love that this is so pour friendly.
• Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
• Artisan Sourdough Proofing Bowl set – This set is wonderful!
• Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer – If you really love them. We have the red one {HERE} but I also love this Blue one {HERE} and this nickel pearl one {HERE}.
• Kitchen Aid Hand Mixer
• Wilton Cooling Rack – I have a couple of these and love them.

Cooking Utensils

Over the past couple of years I’ve tried to switch us over to using more and more wooden utensils. They’re just better overall for your cookware and even though my GreenPans are scratch proof, I don’t like to take chances. Here are some of my favorite gift ideas for cooks when it comes to cooking utensils:

• Olive wood spoon set – These are an investment, but they are beautiful and work really well! I have them displayed in the barn and call them functional décor.
• Pan Paddle – Great for mixing vegetables!

When it comes to spatulas and whisks, I prefer silicone. Here are the ones I have:

• Non-stick French Whisk – I bought this for the barn and then rebought it for the house. This is great for using with sauces in pots and pans.
• Silicon Spatula Set

Because you do sometimes need metal utensils, these are the ones I use.

• Metal whisk – This is perfect for batter that you’re making in a mixing bowl. Don’t use it with pots and pans! Use that silicon one above.
• Stainless Steel Slotted Spatula – Great for carefully flipping fish, pancakes and using on baking sheets.

Roasting pans

When it comes to roasting, I’ve been slow to buy great roasting pans. But I finally bit the bullet this Thanksgiving season and bought myself a perfect pan for roasting chicken and turkey since we were spending the first Thanksgiving at the farm right here. And there’s a few gift ideas for cooks that love that roasted flavor. I LOVED this roasting pan and can’t believe I waited so long. It’s made of thick and durable stainless steel that won’t react to foods, has great handles (a benefit when the roast or bird is heavy) and a V-shaped rack that allows you to have airflow under the bird for proper cooking.

• Small Stainless Steel Roasting Pan – holds up to 15 lbs. turkey
• Large Stainless-Steel Roasting Pan – Holds up to 25 lbs. turkey (This is the one we have.)

Hands off cooking

When it comes to making things fast or making food with a hands-off approach for the days that you can’t be hanging around the stove, I have two favorites in my life.

• InstantPot Electric Pressure Cooker – I received this for Christmas one year and have loved it ever since.
• Slow-cooker – The best thing for a busy mom and farm.
• Mini triple slow cooker – Perfect for dips and appetizers.

Misc. gadgets

There’s always things that pop up in the kitchen that are just “nice” to have. If you’re buying some someone who already loves cooking, but want more specialty items these gift ideas for cooks are just fun. These are some of my favorite gadgets and miscellaneous things for the kitchen.

• Crepe pan – This is perfect for someone who loves good sweet or savory crepe!
• Stainless steel stock pot
• Stainless steel basting pot with Silicone brush
• Stainless steel outdoor grilling basket – Perfect for grilling veggies, potatoes and so much more over an open flame!
• Glass measuring cups – The set of three is so helpful!
• Pastry cutter – I thought I didn’t need this. I was wrong. So helpful!
• Fluted pastry cutter
• Summer fruit pie crust cutter set
• Fall leaves pie crust cutter set – I just bought these for Thanksgiving and love them.
• Stainless Steel Blender – I use this for my soups
• Blender & food processor set – I love this for smoothies, sauces and pesto!
• Stainless steel bacon grease container – So handy!
• Herb cutting scissors
• Magnetic Knife Wall Board
• Motor and Pestle set
• Dusting wand for flour, sugar and spices

Thank you so much for reading today, friends! I hope you loved this gift ideas for cooks gift guide and I hope it helps you pick out the perfect present for your loved ones.

If you’re looking for some recipe inspiration, please visit our recipe section of the site {HERE}. We hope to see you again. here at Sugar Maple Farmhouse!