If someone you know loves nothing more than pottering around in the kitchen, they’ll love our pick of the top ten Christmas presents for the keen cook.
1. Regent retro toaster, Rowlett
British made to industrial standards, and in continuous production since the 1960s, the Regent toaster has been given a modern facelift with new contemporary colours. This heavy duty retro style toaster, £190, has four wide slots, and dials for the required number of slices and the degree of toasting. A fun and practical present to strike a cheerful note in any kitchen. Available from Anahi.
2. Enamel prep set, Falcon
This six-piece classic enamel prep set contains one colander and five mixing bowls. The separate items are made to be stored together, freeing up your cupboard space. Enamelware is porcelain fused onto heavy-gauge steel, making it smooth, durable, dishwasher safe and rust-proof – a must for any busy cook. £55, available from Bear and Bear.
3. Egg collecting tin, Annabel James
Egg collecting tinThis cheerful, sunshine yellow egg collecting tin would make an ideal gift for someone who keeps their own hens, but would also look great as a kitchen storage egg rack. With carry handle, holds 6 eggs. £8.95 from Annabel James.
4. Starter set, SteakStones
SteakStones starter setSteakStones are a new idea, where food is cooked on hot stones. The dry heat of the stone sears in the natural moisture and flavours of your chosen meat or fish and with no oils or fats required it’s a fresh and healthy way to cook. This starter set makes a good introduction to hot stone cooking, ideal for serving a selection of scallops and king prawns with some chilli sauce and lemon mayonnaise. £50, available from SteakStones.
5. Beekeeper’s custard jug, Laura Lee Designs
The design of this pretty hand painted jug features colourful flowers swaying in the breeze with busy honey bees hard at work. On the back is a little tin bee smoker in the grass softly puffing into the summer sky. Made in a limited edition of 250, this jug would also make a pretty vase for wildflowers. £35 from Laura Lee Designs.
6. Cream Coco stove top chocolate pot, La Cafetiere
Every hard working cook needs the chance to put their feet up, and this aluminium stove top pot is just the thing to help you get your strength back with some fresh hot chocolate. Add chocolate and milk to the pot and place it on the stove, then use the frother to create a rich and creamy treat. The pot features a non-stick inner coating and soft touch handle and comes with a protective silicon mat.£45, available from La Cafetiere.
7. Set of two storage tins, National Trust
Keep your cakes and biscuits lovely and fresh in this set of two nested cake tins, featuring the blue floral design from The National Trust Country Kitchen collection. Inspiration for the Country Kitchen range came from a beautiful wallpaper in the collection at Oxburgh Hall, a National Trust property in Norfolk. £16.99 for the set, available from Creative Tops.
8. Wicker storage unit, Melody Maison
Perfect for storing anything from vegetables to table linen, this drawer and wicker basket storage unit is made from wood with a grey washed painted finish and will create some useful extra space in the kitchen. The drawers are half width with an antique brass cupped handle on each. £99.95, available from Melody Maison.
9. Her Ladyship tankard mug, The Great Gift Company
We all know someone who’d appreciate this fine china tankard mug with the words “Her Ladyship” on both sides of the mug in royal and striking cobalt blue – shades of Downton Abbey. The mug is dishwasher safe and holds 420ml. £15, available from The Great Gift Company.
10. Chilean laurel bowl, Richard Shock
This beautifully smooth handmade wooden bowl would be ideal for holding fruit, or as a serving bowl for snacks. Made from Chilean Laurel with beautiful burr patterns and simple, elegant curves to show off the wood, it’s handmade by Richard Shock. Different sizes available; prices start at £35. Available from Made by Hand Online.
By Sara Walker
