Foodie gift list - 2013

The holiday shopping season has already began, and whether you plan to do your Christmas shopping on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or on Christmas Eve like a normal person, here are some gift suggestions for the cook or foodie on your list.

• Adjustable Rolling Pin
  Take all the guesswork out of baking with a rolling pin that ensures the dough is rolled to an even thickness throughout.
  
• Bacon Grill Press
  For the obsessive-compulsive carnivore in your life, give them the gift of no more curly bacon. This cast iron press will allow the bacon to keep its shape for even cooking in the pan, and can be used to flatten burgers and sandwiches as well.
  
  
  
  Got an obsessive-compulsive vegetarian to buy for? The Obsessive Chef Cutting Board is just the thing for them. Made from naturally antibacterial beechwood, this cutting board breaks down measurements into perfect squares and angles, even units as small as a julienne.
  
• Cheat Sheet Kitchen Apron
  Know of any cooks who are constantly running to their smartphone every time they need to convert a weight or measurement when cooking? This stylish apron will help them out and keep them clean all at the same time.
  
•  iPad Cutting Board
  Of course some people can't bear to be away from their tablets. Made with four rubberized anti-slip feet, and a juice groove to keep the iPad and the counter top dry, this cutting board was designed with those people in mind.
  
  
  You also may consider the gift of apps to the constantly connected. Two good ones are Mark Bittman’s essential cookbook “How to Cook Everything” and the digital rendition of Modernist Cuisine At Home. These are exclusively for Apple users, Android users like myself would have to rely on the BigOven or the Food Network In the Kitchen apps available at Google Play.
  
• DSV Sous Vide Controller
  With this device, you can turn a slow cooker into a sous-vide machine with ease - how you vacuum-seal your food though, is up to you.
  
• Infrared IR Non-Contact Digital Thermometer
  Instantly check the surface temperature of food or anything else in the house in seconds with an accuracy of +/- 2.5%. It won't replace the probe thermometer for internal temperatures but it's still a cool device.
  
  But if you know of someone who needs a cool probe thermometer, consider giving them the Thermapen. Accurate to within less than a degree (±0.7°F , or ±0.4°C), this is a favourite of noted kitchen-gadget authority Alton Brown.
  
• Mobile Foodie Survival Kit 
  A foodie will never have to rough it on a camping trip ever again with this mobile spice rack. This kit starts them out with a good variety of herbs and spices, and the containers are reusable so people can add their own favourites.
  
• Molecular Cocktails Starter Kit
  This is the perfect gift for anyone who hosts viewing parties for "Top Chef". Pair it with one of the Modernist Cuisine Cooking Kits to create the ultimate foodie dinner party.
  
• One Stop Chop Cutting Board
  With its raised bamboo surface, this cutting board has three storage drawers underneath, making prep work that much easier.
  
• Sauced Measuring Wine Glass
  For the oenophile on your list, what could be better than a lead-free-crystal all-purpose wine glass, marked in 1/4 cups and 2-ounce sips? If you said "wine", include a gift card from the LCBO.