Gloves, peelers, ricers good place to start

Food Editor Karen Haram says it’s her go-to tool for smoothies, soups, ice cream, hummus and other everyday recipes. Haram shared her recipe for tortilla soup cooked directly in the blender for anyone looking for a good place to start putting their new Vitamix to use.

Mandoline slicer: These devices allow cooks to reduce vegetables and other ingredients to thin ribbons in seconds. The Japanese-made Benriner brand is found in professional kitchens across the world and can be purchased starting around $25 in kitchen equipment stores and online. If you’re a newcomer to mandoline slicers, consider giving a shaved root vegetable salad a try.

Cut resistant gloves: A musthave accompaniment to anyone considering presenting a mandoline slicer as a gift. These gloves are crucial in protecting

delicate fingertips from the sharp blades, which have caused countless kitchen injuries. Look for gloves from the brand NoCry online or Microplane

at Central Market.

Thermapen: If the foodie on your shopping list is a fan of steaks, barbecue, seafood or anything else that requires a

percise temperature reading to cook correctly, this thermometer is the industry standard tool they need. They’re a little pricey at around $100 for some of the top-end models but worth every penny for a cook who cares about the difference between medium-rare and welldone. Find these online at thermoworks.com.

Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler: With a razor-sharp carbon steel blade and comfortable shape that molds to most hands, these peelers are an excellent stocking stuffer that likely will get daily use. The Y-shaped handle makes these easy to grip and use safely.

Bartender’s roll and tools:

If there’s an ambitious mixologist on your list, they’re sure to appreciate a sturdy canvas and leather bartenders roll to transport all their spoons, jiggers, strainers and other tools of the trade. The model made by Barfly and available at Mission Restaurant Supply is a particularly handsome option to consider.

Paul Stephen / Staff Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler has a razor sharp carbon steel blade perfect for any peeling task.

Paul Stephen / Staff Cut-resistant gloves are a sure way to protect fingertips for anyone using a mandolin slicer.

Miami Herald file photo Using a ricer aerates potatoes and helps make them fluffy.