Looking for a gift for a graduate this spring? Here are some fun gifts (all under $100) for grads that like to cook.
1. Cuisinart Popcorn Popper
This popcorn maker from Cuisinart is fun to use, looks great and makes perfect popcorn. Special vents in the popping bowl let moisture escape to keep popcorn crisp. Pops up to 10 cups in under 5 minutes, and keeps it healthier by letting you decide the type and amount of oil and salt you want. Operation is simple and cleanup is dishwasher-easy. About $60.
2. Stelton Vacuum Jug
Everyone needs a good vacuum jug for hot drinks. This very stylish jug was designed by Erik Magnussen. Made of ABS plastic with a glass liner, it holds up to 1 quart of your favorite beverage. About $75.
3. Swissmar Borner V-Slicer Plus
A slicer is a very useful tool to have in the kitchen. Perfect for quickly making paper-thin sliced vegetables or julienned carrots or shredded cabbage. This one from Swissmar Borner works well and is very dependable. About $40.
4. Panasonic 5 1/2 Cup Rice Cooker
I like rice but I just don't like to make it all the time. A good rice cooker will make perfect rice every time. This one from Panasonic works great and has 6 settings for a variety of uses: steam, regular rice, brown rice, soup, cake baking, and slow cook. About $85.
5. Bamboo Cutting Board
Bamboo is a renewable resource and much easier replaced than traditional maple and oak. Plus it's much more affordable. Totally Bamboo has a huge variety of sizes and styles.
6. Professional Grill Griddle
A grill griddle is perfect for cooking vegetables, cut meats or eggs on the grill. Their are a lot of griddles out there but I particularly like this one sold through Sur La Table. It is similar to the heavy-duty griddles in restaurants and has a 2-inch sidewall that keeps food from falling into the grill. About $80.
7. Zassenhaus Pepper Mill
Every kitchen should have a good quality pepper mill. Zassenhaus has been making mills since 1867.
9. KitchenAid Immersion Blender
An immersion hand held blender is a wonderful tool to have in the kitchen. I love to use an immersion blender to puree soup while it's still on the stove (much easier than a food processor). About $85.
10. Cuisinart Pure Indulgence Ice Cream Maker
What's better than making your own ice cream? The Cuisinart ICE-30BC Pure Indulgence makes two quarts of ice cream, sorbet or frozen yogurt. This is a high quality machine made of stainless steel with a heavy duty motor. About $80.
