Gifts for the Baker

This week, instead of a Baking with Dorie recipe on Serious Eats, I've posted a list of holiday gifts that would be fun to give to the bakers on your list - oh, and yes, they'd be fun for us bakers to get, too.

Of course it would be nice to give or get big-ticket bakers' dreams like a KitchenAid Stand Mixer or a fabulous Cuisinart Food Processor, which is what I use to make pie and tart doughs, but there are so many other great gifts that are so much less expensive, like the six-buck Pie Crust Bag that makes rolling out dough a cinch, or the great vanilla extract "crush" from Sonoma Syrups (which you might be able to find for even less at your local TJ Maxx).

After you take a look at the list, you might want to email it to Santa.  I'm told there's still time for the elves to fill special requests.

Comments

[Paula]

I got a bottle of the Sonoma Syrups vanilla extract crush, as well as their almond at the Washington (DC) Cooking & Entertaining Show.
The vanilla is a blend of Madagascar and Tahitian, with vanilla bean seeds. I've always been partial to Madagascar, but this blend is very nice, and not something I've seen before. Their almond extract, made form bitter almonds is wonderful, very strong and fragrant.

[Mary]

I scored one bottle of the crush and one of Sonoma Co. vanilla extract blend at Home Goods today (it is part of the TJ Maxx family). I got hooked on the Neilsen Massey vanilla paste from a trip to Surfas in LA. It is amazing. I'm hoping the crush is similar. (I heard that Trader Joes was carrying the Neilsen Massey paste but have not found it here in central California.)

[RuthWells]

Wonderful ideas, Dorie. I have a particular weakness for fanciful Nordicware pans, both full-sized and minis. Storage is starting to become an issue, though, as they don't nest well. If I could come up with a storage solution, I'd be tempted to indulge in a few more. ; )

[Nan]

I must be the only person in the country to never had heard of you until just recently! I read Laurie Colwin's book, where she said no home should be without your baking book....so I ordered it and practically devoured it when it arrived. I love your blog - which I just discovered - and will now look forward to reading every day.

[yahaira]

ooo I'm so tempted by the Vanilla Extract Crush! I may have to get one as a stocking stuffer and keep the extra bottle for myself!

[Maria]

Wonderful Gift ideas. I always purchase Silpats and Microplanes for my kitchen savy friends:) This year I am doing real vanilla beans too...for stocking stuffers:) I like the chocolate idea. You can never have too much chocolate:)
I will send my list to Santa today!! I hope it isnt too late!!:)
Thanks Dorie!!