Problem: My husband asked me what I would like for Christmas but I really don’t know!
As I have been going throughout the last week or two, I’ve been trying to come up with some ideas but am struggling. Instead I just keep thinking of items I REALLY love but already own. A few of them were actually stocking stuffers over the last few years, I use them often, but can’t justify having another. Or, I already have a few…
But, for those who are needing gift ideas here are some of my favorites… Also, I’m in need of ideas for my wish list so be sure to share your suggestions in the comments!
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So, in working on making a gingerbread house (pattern coming soon!) I’ve realized my love of my scraper and chopper. I thought I would use it a lot for moving chopped onions and veggies from the cutting board to the pan but I usually just use my hands. I REALLY use it when I am working on a flowered surface. Making cinnamon rolls I used it to help roll the dough (because it was sticking to the counter), slice the roll, and it is the BEST for getting all the extra flour off the counter! THE. BEST. Getting the flour off the counter without making a paste is a challenge but with the scraper it is so easy.
Pampered Chef has some quality products in their lineup but the number one product in my eyes? Their mix n’ scraper. They come in different sizes and we have multiple of each. Beyond the usual baking needs, they also work great for cooking things like scrambled eggs. Words cannot explain how many uses we have found for these scrapers. If I didn’t have so many already I would be asking Santa for some more. We also have some of their regular scrapers but I reach for the scoop shaped ones first.
Measuring spoons and cups that are metal and have the sizes ETCHED in the handles. I have used a few different inexpensive plastic measuring tools in the kitchen and they lose their markings after a few washes. The one cup or one tablespoon measurer is easy to tell apart, but the others are more of a guessing game. If you don’t already have ones with the sizes etched in the handle, ask Santa… seriously… you’ll appreciate them. Plus more than one set of measuring tools isn’t bad!
In food prepping I typically make egg muffins and using metal pans gets the job done, but man do silicone pans make clean up and storage easier. We now have three silicone muffin pans and in looking up the link I see that they’re microwave safe too??? Ummm…. might need to find more things I can microwave. Ours are stained a little from blueberry muffins but still get the job done. Just don’t forget to put them on a cookie sheet before you fill them! You’ll only do it once or twice. If metal pans are your thing, check the local thrift stores. There are so many muffin, mini-muffin, tart, and bundt pans in like-new condition but cheap.
A good meat thermometer is great to have too. We registered for one that works in the oven and on the grill. Plus, it has the wireless feature so you can monitor the meat on the grill from inside the house. Perfect for grilling in the rain. It also works WAY better than the pop up thermometer on the turkey for Thanksgiving. Word to the wise… do NOT get the cord to the probe wet. But if you do, pay attention to the note in the box about replacing it. May have had a raw turkey mishap only to discover you shouldn’t get the cord wet. Oops!
I mentioned the neat stainless steel soap that removes odors from your hands in my post about items you may want for food prepping. (Another good place for gift ideas) It is low cost, fits great in a stocking, and lasts forever. It is metal so it really does last forever. Ours sits in a little holder in the sink and is always within reach.
Baggie holders are also super helpful in the kitchen. Within the last two months I have used them to prep crock pot ham soup for the freezer using gallon bags and to package up the pumpkin puree from the halloween pumpkins. They work great with zipper bags but also for vacuum seal bags!
Hopefully I have helped you with your list for Santa… please leave me suggestions for mine!