Carol Fenster?s Top 10 Gifts for the Gluten-Free Cook
March 29, 2011 by admin
Filed under Kitchen Accessories
Carol Fenster’s Top 10 Gifts for the Gluten-Free Cook
Denver, CO (Vocus/PRWEB) December 09, 2010
Searching for the perfect gift for a gluten-free friend or relative? “Give gifts that simplify food preparation or make it more pleasant, since the nearly 25 million people with gluten-sensitivities prepare much of their own food for safety reasons,” says Carol Fenster, author of the award-winning 100 Best Gluten-Free Recipes and an expert in gluten-free cooking.
Here are her gift ideas, ranging from small stocking-stuffers and hostess gifts under $ 10 on up to bigger investments for the gluten-free kitchen.
GIFTS UNDER $ 10
(1) Thermometers. An instant-read thermometer indicates when breads are done. Oven thermometers show if an oven bakes at the correct temperature. Both help avoid under-baking, the chief reason for fallen loaves which occur if gluten-free breads aren’t baked long enough or the oven isn’t hot enough.
(2) Silicone whisks. Better than pastry brushes for brushing milk or egg-washes on gluten-free breads and pie crusts to aid browning. Easy to clean and dishwasher-safe, they won’t harbor hidden debris like traditional brushes.
(3) Measuring cups and spoons. Baking requires precise measuring so choose well-known brands for accuracy. Use glass measuring cups with spouts for liquid ingredients like milk or water; metal, nested cups for dry ingredients like flour or sugar. On busy baking days, multiple sets come in handy.
(4) Microplane graters. Available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, they are the expert’s choice for grating citrus peels, fresh nutmeg, ginger, or cheeses— all of which provide marvelous flavor in gluten-free dishes.
(5) Fresh herbs. Arrange fresh herbs like flowers in a decorative vase filled with water. Or, give potted herbs like rosemary for growing on the kitchen countertop.
(6) Home-baked treats. Cookies, cupcakes, yeast breads, quick breads, and muffins top the list for easy gift-giving. Make sure they’re safe, then package attractively. Stack a few cookies together and tie with pretty ribbon. Give cupcakes or muffins still in the baking pan for a double-duty gift.
GIFTS OVER $ 10
(7) Cookbooks. Choose books with the receiver’s tastes in mind. Casserole queen? Natural food? Steak and potatoes? Two of Fenster’s books, 100 Best Gluten-Free Recipes and Gluten-free 101 are designed for beginning cooks and contain easy, must-have recipes like breads, pizza, desserts, and breakfast. Or, assemble a “starter kit” with a cookbook plus the most essential gluten-free ingredients.
(8) Time-saving Services. For the techno-savvy, give subscription-based online gifts, such as ClanThompson.com which tracks gluten-free brands. An on-line cookbook called GfreeCuisine delivers menus, recipes, and an organized shopping list directly to your computer each week.
(9) Food processor and blenders. Blending ingredients quickly and thoroughly are the chief advantages of what Fenster regards as two of her most important appliances. They are available in less-expensive models under $ 50 (fine for most cooks) or top-line versions that cost hundreds of dollars.
(10) Electric stand mixer. Portable mixers are good for smaller jobs, but a stand mixer handles heavy gluten-free bread dough and larger batches with ease. Plus, they free up your hands for other kitchen duties.
Fenster concludes, “Gifts that are personalized to the receiver’s needs show that you recognize and honor that person’s lifestyle. What better way to say you care during the holidays!”
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