gift guide: laurie jesch-kulseth’s finds for the master chef

{Editor’s Note: This year, I’ve asked a few of the people whose style I spend all year admiring to share their holiday wish lists. Stay tuned – we’ll have a new expert every day for the next two weeks!} gift guide foodie

If you’ve been reading SMC for any length of time (hurray!), you’ll have noticed that if there’s one thing I love as much as shopping, it’s food. I have too many a fair number of food blogs on my reading list, but I love none better than Laurie Jesch-Kulseth’s Relishing It. If you’re in need of a food blog that doesn’t give you pangs of anxiety, Laurie is definitely the lady you’re looking for. All of the talent with none of the hype, Laurie’s recipes are creative but approachable, her writing is full of helpful ideas, and not once have I made something of hers that didn’t turn out to be completely delicious. Plus, I’m a sucker for a little Midwestern charm, which Laurie has in spades. This is a girl who knows her way around the kitchen. Who better to help you pick the perfect gift for the finicky foodie on your list?

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  1. My husband and I are really into good coffee. We adore our French press, but would love to add this little beauty into of coffee-loving rotation. Chemex 6-cup coffee maker, $37 (be sure to pair with a favorite local roast, like Blue Bottle or Water Ave)
  2. Salt is one of the keys to any successful meal, and it’s nice to have some “fancy” salt on hand for special occasions. Spice Lab Gourmet Sea Salt Sampler, $50
  3. You can do so many things in a Dutch oven…braise meats, make soups, even bake bread. Every home cook needs one!  Le Creuset’s colors are so fun and they have every size imaginable. If you’re giving to someone that’s new to Dutch ovens, I’d recommend the 5.5 quart size – it works perfectly for most anything. Le Creuset 5.5-quart Dutch oven, $275
  4. This has been my favorite hand cream for years. It has a beautiful, earthy smell and leaves your hands super soft. Perfect for cold, dry winter months…or after a day in the kitchen. Crabtree & Evelyn Gardener’s Hand Therapy, $20
  5. Every cook needs a selection of good, quality spices. I am addicted to Penzey’s – their quality and freshness is amazing. They make fabulous gift boxes in various assortments. I love the Indian Curry set – if you haven’t tried making curry at home, get into it! Penzey’s spice gift sets, from $15
  6. I love unique handmade dishes or anything that feels a bit out of the ordinary. Wind & Willow’s site is loaded with tons of beautiful gift options. These hand-dipped wooden bowls come in every size and color, and have such a special feel. Wind & Willow dipped mini-bowls, $29/4
  7. You can never have too many cute cutting/cheese boards. These are especially adorable. Cattails Workshop walnut breadboard, $59+
  8. I love cookbooks! I read them from cover to cover. Amy Thielen’s new book is beautiful and she captures Midwestern cooking beautifully. And if you’ve been wanting to learn how to bake your own bread, you need Jeff Hertzberg and Zoe Francois’s updated edition of their classic Artisan Bread in Five Minutes. More photos, new recipes, and measurements in weights (!).  The New Midwestern Table, $26 | Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day, $16
  9. Especially in winter, I’m obsessed with loose-leaf tea. The Tea Source in Minnesota is my go-to place to buy it – they have so many amazing options, but Starfire Licorice is my current favorite. Starfire Licorice tea, $5
  10. Since I spend a lot of time in the kitchen, I’m partial to pretty kitchen towels. They can brighten the entire room. Simply hanging up a new one makes me happy. Anthropologie always has a great selection. Pastry Stripe dishtowels, $24
  11. Bonus: This artisan chocolate is my very favorite piece of sweet heaven.  To me, the “Salty Dog” is as good as it gets, though they have a wonderful selection of other flavors. B.T. McElrath Salty Dog chocolate bar, from $6 (sampler collection here)

Thanks so much, Laurie! For more of Laurie’s kitchen wisdom, add Relishing It to your blog feed…right now.

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  1. Pingback: Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers | Relishing It

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