Gifts for the host
Do you get tired of dragging the same host gifts to every party you attend this time of year?
A box of cookies or candy, or the everpopular bottle of wine encased in a holiday-colored wine bag, can be so ho-hum. This year, why not assemble a little bag or box of food or food-related items your favorite cook will really love?
Here are some ideas for items small enough to tuck into a little box or gift bag.
Dual-event timer: This timer by Taylor Kitchen is perfect for the multitasking cook, as it times two events simultaneously with different ring tones for each. Each event can be timed for up to 23 hours and 59 seconds. At Target for $12.99.
Dry rub shaker: Also by Taylor Kitchen, this shaker keeps hands clean and minimizes contact with uncooked foods. Fill it with rub or seasoning of your choice, then shake the contents over your food or rub it in to infuse flavor. Silicone nubs on top help tenderize foods as the substance is applied. At Target, $7.99.
Harry Potter spatulas: These colorful spatulas won’t magically turn all your dishes into gourmet delights, but they will be fun to use. Each is decorated to represent one of Hogwart's four houses: Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. At Williams-Sonoma. $12.95 each.
Unique spices: For the adventurous cook, a few unique spices would be welcome. This grouping, all from The Spice House ( thespicehouse.com) could be bought together or purchased separately.
Black garlic. From Wisconsin, this spice is created by aging and fermenting raw garlic, which turns the cloves deep black and soft and gives them a complex umami richness. 1 package (2 bulbs), $6.99
Truffle salt. This rare salt is made in Perugia, Italy, from fine Guerande sea salt and flakes of pure truffle. A 2.4ounce jar is $17.99.
Trinidad moruga scorpion chile peppers. Averaging 1.2 million scoville heat units, this fiery little pepper is one of the world’s hottest peppers. Its tangy, fruity flavor will add heat to sauces and marinades alike. They are grown on small farms in Taiwan from a Trinidadian seed. One-half ounce is $5.50.