5 Practical Birthday Gifts for the Culinary Enthusiast in Your Life
If you have a chef or a food enthusiast in your life, you’re a lucky person. You probably get to try amazing dishes while your friend experiments with meat, salads, sauces, spice rubs and marinades. So, when their birthday comes, the gift should be something practical, something they can use in the kitchen and make their job simpler and easier.
Sharpening Stone
No one wants to work with a dull knife, especially chefs and people who are culinary enthusiasts. There’s a saying, “A sharp knife is a safe knife” and it’s 100% true. When the knives are sharp there’s less chance of unwanted cuts and injuries. So, to keep your buddy safe gift them a high-quality, effective knife-sharpening stone.
There are sharpening stones made of different materials and they all have their advantages and disadvantages. Whetstones are the most popular ones. They’re an inexpensive option that needs to be soaked in water for 10 minutes before using it. However, their lifespan is short and they need to be levelled up during every use.
Ceramic whetstones are another option. It won’t wear out quickly and it doesn’t require soaking before using it. They’re a bit more expensive but won’t wear out quickly. Plus, they don’t need a lot of maintenance. Some soapy water and a sponge will do the job. Diamond sharpening stones are gaining a lot of popularity among chefs. This is because of their ability to cut fast.
They’re very sharp and can damage the knife if the chef doesn’t know how to use them. So, if your friend is a beginner at cooking, this might not be the best option. There are also Indian stones. They have smooth-cutting, durable edges and a friable grain. This means the edges will remain sharp for a long time. Because they remove as little metal as possible during the sharpening process, the knives will last longer.
If you want to gift them something popular and modern, go for synthetic sharpening stones. They’re made of white fused aluminium grit suspended in resin. Some of them need just a small splash of water before use and some don’t need water or oil at all. They can vary in feel from soft to firm. Which one you choose depends on your friend’s preference.
Knife Stand
Every passionate cook wants to display their knives. They’re proud of them and want people to notice their beauty. A knife stand would be the perfect gift for your friend to showcase their tools instead of keeping them in the drawer. Plus, they’ll be at a hand’s reach every time something’s cooking.
The most popular material for a knife stand is wood, hardwood to be precise. Beechwood, chestnut, teak, and walnut are the most common options because of their durability and natural beauty. They’re elegant and have gorgeous earthy tones that will match any kitchen aesthetics.
If your friend has a more modern kitchen and you need something to match it, go for an acrylic knife stand. Its contemporary look is also elegant and can optimise the room’s visual. Plus, acrylic is simpler and easier to clean and maintain which is very important considering that a lot of bacteria and dirt can accumulate over time.
These stands also vary in size. You should know approximately how many knives your friend owns to get it right. Do they have a full set? Are they just starting to make their collection? The knife slots vary from 5 to 15, with some holding even more. Every slot is designed for a specific knife. Some of them are wider some are narrower.
The stability of the stand is crucial. When someone inserts or removes a knife, it ought to be sturdy enough to remain standing. Shaky and wobbly stands can be a hazard in the kitchen, especially if your friend has small children. If you feel this gift is not enough, you can always combine it with a nice knife sharpening stone or even a knife sheath and make the perfect gift package.
Apron
The apron is the chef’s uniform. It’s an essential piece that will protect the clothes from stains and spills and also make your friend look and feel professional. The number one thing to consider is the material. Always go for something durable and easy to clean.
Materials such as polyester, cotton or a blend of both are most suitable. They’re also stain-resistant and very durable. Make sure the apron covers the chest, torso and lower body so it keeps the clothes clean. To ensure maximum comfort, you should have adjustable straps on the apron. This way even if you get a bigger size, your friend can adjust it easily.
While functionality is a top priority there’s no reason why your friend can’t be stylish while using the knife sharpening stones or chopping some onions for the stew. Aprons come in a variety of styles and designs. From one-coloured, simple ones to patterned and fun prints to cheer everyone up.
Mortar and Pestle
If your friend loves fresh spices and herbs, a mortar and pestle would be a wonderful gift. Choose a bigger pestle that has a larger mortar because this gives a larger surface to work on the spices and herbs. Stone is a great material for this tool because it’s durable, strong and dense. Marble and granite will also work.
Ceramic is something to avoid because it can get damaged faster. Wood will look appealing but it won’t do a good job at grinding the ingredients. When it comes to shape, always go for the round ones. They’re efficient and don’t have any corners for the spices to get stuck.
Spice Grinder
The spice grinder is a more modern version of the mortar and pestle. They don’t require a lot of effort to get the job done. There are 2 main options, manual and electric grinders. The manual ones are cheaper and more compact. The electric ones are faster and more efficient in handling larger amounts of food. No matter which one you choose your friend will enjoy the smell and taste of fresh ground spices and herbs.