Everybody has to cook. Some love it
and others just cook out of
necessity. It is very likely someone
on your gift list belongs to the
first category. Below are two ideas
for perfect gift baskets for the
cooks on your list. Don't allow
yourself to be limited by just these
suggestions, use your creativity and
throw in whatever seems suitable.
Cook's Basket: Fill a large stock
pot or basket with a variety of
cooking utensils or supplies,
special seasonings, cooking spices
(Italian seasoning, cumin, onion
powder, garlic, oregano, thyme, etc.
Toss in a cookbook if your budget
allows and/or toss in some homemade
recipes for taco seasoning, chicken
bake coating, stuffing, whatever you
can find to replace higher priced
store bought mixes.
A good idea might be to actually
make the mixes and give them already
mixed in a tightly sealed container
or jar along with the recipe.
Baker's Basket: Fill a large mixing
bowl or basket [she'll probably get
more use out of the bowl ;-)] with
baking tools and/or supplies as much
as will suit your budget. i.e. -
Wire whisks of various sizes, wooden
spoons, measuring spoons and cups, a
sifter, cookie cutters, rubber
spatulas, a bag of bulk yeast, can
of baking powder, various spices
(nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, cloves,
etc.), vanilla extract, or anything
else you know your frugal cook will
use or needs. Top both off with a
personalized apron. Make or buy an
apron and write the person's name or
a personal message, poem, or saying
on it, using a fabric paint pen or
paints. Other contents might include
a cookbook, some of your own
favorite recipes printed neatly on a
recipe card or made into a mini
cookbook, a recipe file, cookbook
stand, etc.
Again, allow your imagination free
reign and see what else you can add.
