Kitchen Gift Guide (in time for Black Friday)

It's already that time: time to make the Christmas Wish List.  Black Friday is this Friday!  So here is our Christmas Kitchen Gift Guide.  We're focused on those of you, like us, who love to make kitchen magic.  BTW, if you're doing any Amazon shopping, we would appreciate the support of you using out affiliate link (no extra cost to you).

Kitchen Knives

I'd like to start off by saying there is really one piece of equipment that makes the biggest difference to the whole cooking experience:  a good chef knife.  My folks gave me money for Christmas a few years ago earmarked for a quality chef's knife.  There were two brands that I had my eye on: Zwilling H.A. Henckels and Wusthof.  I learned about knives on Google, and learned that the best thing is to handle the knife and see what is comfortable for you.  The two models that I liked: the Wusthof Classic Ikon and the Henckel Twin Profection.  The I decided on the Profection because I liked the aesthetics of bolster shape.  But as you might know, I recently won the Classic Ikon set from the Primal Palate.  I've used these knives often as one of my best friends has this set.  Both are fantastic.

Blender

I've been trying to reduce the amount of equipment that I have in the kitchen to essentials.  I can't tell you how pleased I am to have recently purchased a Vitamix.  I have listened to Vitamix owners for years as they rave about their super-charged blender.  And now that I've got mine, made fresh soup in the same it would take to open a can of Campbell's and heat it up, made my own ice cream out of frozen fruit in minutes, and made the smoothest smoothies ever, I'm glad to be in the Vitamix Cult Family.

Pressure Cooker +

Along the same lines as the Vitamix, my recipe blogging idol, Michelle from Nom Nom Paleo is always raving about her Instant Pot.  I'll be honest, my only experience with a pressure cooker was watching my mom use it to do canning while I was growing up.  How did I not know about cooking with one?  I bought one of these crazy machines for Holley's birthday, and call me impressed!  Do you know how much cooking time is cut down by?  This unit's actually got 7 functions which will allow you to get rid of some of your other small kitchen appliances, and save you time!

***I have just been informed by Holley that a pressure canner is different than a pressure cooker.  Sooooo, Holley wants a pressure canner too…

***Important update:  The Primal Desire readers now get a $50 coupon code!!

Food Processor

If there was ever a time-saver when it comes to paleo cooking, it's a CuisineArt food processor for making riced cauliflower, crackers, and crusts on meat pies!

Stand Mixer

On Holley's wish list is the KitchenAid stand mixer in turquoise “crystal blue”.  Yup, they come in all kinds of colors now!  For you bakers out there, this is the dream.

Spiralizer

This spiralizer is on my wishlist!  Holley's got a different style, but this is the one I've had my eye on for a while.

Kettle

Holley just splurged on this cool electric kettle from Cuisinart.  I think it's programmable: you can set the water temperature for different types of teas, or if you're a total pansy like me when it comes to hot liquids (my tea is just hotter than lukewarm when I drink it…), and it also holds the temp for 30 minutes.

Immersion Blender

This little gadget also a major time-saver and makes life easier!  The whisk makes mayo and sauces a cinch;  the immersion blender is awesome for soups and gravies; and the chopper is great for small needs (to be honest I barely use the chopper because I enjoy my chef knives so much!).

Spatula

I'm really picky about spatulas, so I was pretty pumped when I found this silicone slotted flipper which I use in my non-stick pans.  It doesn't scratch any surfaces, it's a good shape, and it feels cool in your hand.  It's my lil omelette buddy (my red one is in many of my photos).  I buy this as gifts every year, especially for friends whose places I cook at on a regular basis hahaha.

Thai Curry Pastes

Get some easy amazing flavor into someone's life!  Green curry, red curry, yellow curry, matsaman curry, and panang curry pastes.  And you'll need some coconut milk to go with those (Aroy-D is my favorite brand).  Print out your favorite Thai recipes for them too!

Paleo Cookbooks & Ingredients

Need some paleo information or cookbooks and ingredients?  We've got a list of many of our favorites in our Shop section.

Speakers

OK, so this one isn't limited to your kitchen activities, but it sure is nice to so easily have music right there with you, and you can bring with you anywhere else!  These Marley speakers are the bomb.  You can enjoy Holley's Canning Jams on them, or whatever you prefer.