BRAND NEW [WEDNESDAY]

Get Cookin' Holiday Gift Guide

December 12, 2007

It's that time again. We're interrupting our regular programming over the next few weeks to bring you our annual holiday gift guide. That's right, you've realized it's already December and you've yet to make your list let alone check it twice. It's not quite the 12 days of Christmas but starting with today's Get Cookin' Holiday Gift Guide we're bringing you great gifts for 2007.

What’s a holiday season without food, frolic and finery?  For the cook on your list, look no further than Williams-Sonoma.  New to the city on South Granville, these guys are the champions of premiere cooking apparel (monogrammed steak branding iron, anyone?).  With a 7,000-square-foot store and a “Grand Cuisine” format that includes an area for kitchen demos and cooking classes, aspiring and inspiring chefs are bound to fall in love.

Here are a few of our faves that’ll make the chef in your life boil with glee:

Breville Ikon Panini Press - $99.95
Imagine being able to grill café-style toasted sandwiches at home.  Panini, Croque Monsieur, Quesadillas, and more.  This appliance has a “high sear” setting to give breads a crisp and toasty finish.  Easy to clean cooking surface, removable drip tray, and adjustable top lid accommodates a wide range of breads and fillings.

Emile Henry Creamer & Sugar Bowl (in red) - $45 and $34 respectively
This charming French-made crockery has been around for generations, and they just keep adding more and more desirable pieces.  Hand-crafted from Burgundian clay and finished with highly durable glaze, they’re microwave, freezer, oven and dishwasher safe.  And cute?  Don’t get us started. . .
 
Olivier Dipping Oils - $20
Need a hostess or office gift?  Look no further.  These guys have slowly infused premium California extra-virgin olive oil with a slew of tasty treats – creamy blue cheese, sun-dried Mission figs, and aged balsamic vinegar from Modena, to name a few.  Delicious drizzled over breads, grilled foods or salads.

Ruffoni 4-quart copper chef pan with wood spoon - $200
What chef’s kitchen is complete without a gorgeous piece of copper cookware?  Everyone knows that copper’s superior ability to conduct heat makes it a treat to work with.  This hand-hammered copper beauty from Italy is perfectly suited to create authentic risotto.  Acorn motif and brass handle add to the stunning overall look and feel.

Wishing you a delicious holiday season!

Williams-Sonoma, 2903 Granville Street, 778-330-2581.

See yesterday's Weekend Guide: you could create art in the garden, check out a new "religion," or experience some classic Japanese rock. Have you entered this week's Contest yet? You could win a $100 Gift Certificate to Rogers Chocolates - just in time for the Holidays.