If you are looking for last-minute gifts, these are the things I’d buy for someone who’s into food, or even someone who isn’t …
Peugeot Pepper Mill: I’m not sure why Peugeot sell pepper mills as well as cars, but my Dad gave me one when I was about 19 or 20 and I love it. The grind is just right and I truly believe this is a great present.
Meat thermometer: It amazes me that everyone doesn’t own a meat thermometer. Why would you want to guess if your meat is perfectly cooked when you can have something that will tell you? Worried your chicken isn’t cooked through? Check. Don’t want to overcook your expensive beef? Check. Worried about your Christmas turkey? Check it!
Microplane: I have a wide selection of these and use them every day. I couldn’t live without them. Once you own a fine grater from Microplane, you will never go back.
Chef’s press: The secret to consistently crisp, charred and perfectly caramelised food. I use these more than you’d think. You know that perfect, evenly golden crust you want on a steak or pork chop? This is how you get it. I love these.
Mandoline: Understandably, a lot of you will be petrified to use a mandoline, but I have never cut myself and confidence is important. A shaved fennel or cabbage salad just isn’t the same when it’s hand-sliced. Get the proper Japanese one; don’t be messing around with the cheap replicas.
Made In Frying Pans or Vogue Stainless Steel Frying Pans: I use both of these every day and I love them. Don’t bother with any of the non-stick trendy pans. These will serve you forever.
Netherton Foundry Cast Iron Pans: Netherton Foundry’s spun iron frying pan is the non-stick pan for those who hate non-stick pans. Unlike better-known Teflon, which can peel or scratch after a year, the surface of a spun iron pan becomes more non-stick over time. Netherton Foundry is a family company based in Shropshire – home of the 18th and 19th century ironmasters. Their pans are made from 99.1% pure iron and they use locally sourced materials wherever possible. The oak that makes the pan handles is British, and the flax seasoning oil comes from Sussex. I couldn’t recommend them more. I’ve had mine for years and still love them.
Vitrinox Serrated Knives: A lot of people bought these from my gift guide last year and thanked me. By far my most used knife and they cost almost nothing. Buy a load now as they do them in multipacks and give them to everyone you know.
Bread Knife: I’m going to bet you have a terrible bread knife at home. Everyone does. If you know someone who loves sourdough – or, in fact, any bread – get them a good bread knife and it will change their life (and yours).
My Favourite White Plates: I buy these catering white plates for home. I like the thin edge, and you can wash them every day for ten years and they’d still look the same.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: I say this every year, but good extra virgin olive oil is better than a bottle of wine, in my opinion. There are so many good ones at the moment. A few of my favourites are Honest Oil, GLUG, Mandranova, Korontini, Sant’ Angelica and Windshore.
Scéal Bakery Christmas Pudding: I have seen them for sale in The Fumbally and Lilliput Stores.
Vermouth: I love drinking vermouth, especially at Christmas. Frozen glass, slice of orange, red vermouth and soda are the best. I’m loving Nito at the moment. A great bottle to gift someone
Maldon Salt: A huge bucket to be exact. I don’t have to explain this one.
Chilli Oil: When I’m not having White Mausu, I love Mama Yu’s Chilli Oil.
Mother Root: For the people who aren’t drinking. This is my favourite aperitivo.
Make More With Less, by Kitty Coles: If you like this, you’ll love my book!
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