I really love the gift guides the other WanderBloggers have been publishing this month. You’ve got 6 Accessories for the Lady Who Likes Her Liquor from WanderLush, a whole series of Holiday Shopping from WanderShopper, and the “Arty Farty Holiday Gift Idea” series from Global Snapshots, just to name a few!
How could I not get in on that action with my favorite, unusual, kitchen accessories?
Here is my short guide to what every Globally-inspired Chef needs in his or her kitchen.
The Moroccan Tagine
Not only is it unusual and beautiful, it’s functional, especially the hand-made Flame-ware Tagine from Clay Coyote. See, many tagines you find on the market are almost purely decorative – you can’t use them on the stove top. This tagine is everything-proof, lead-free, and I use it for everything from stews to casseroles, to macaroni and cheese.
Masala Dabba – Indian Spice Tin, Fully Loaded
This is a large, circular tin that contains 7 smaller round tins inside for the most commonly used spices in an Indian cook’s kitchen. Mine has Garam Masala, cumin, coriander, cardamom pods, fenugreek, turmeric, and mustard seeds. Not many come fully loaded, so if yours doesn’t, get thee to an Indian market and fill’er up. Sure, William-Sonoma has one for $50, but seriously, find an Indian market for the best prices on the kit and spices.
Penzey’s Spices
While I was in Portland, Oregon, I dropped in to Penzey’s spices and bought a jar of Rogan Josh, Chinese 5-Spice, and Greek Spice that I have been using ever since. The quality of their ingredients is absolutely evident in every recipe I make with these. On their website they have many spice gift boxes that are pre-loaded, or you can assemble your own if you know what you’re looking for.