In the past, I was disgruntled by cooking gifts for birthdays or holidays. Quite frankly, knife sets and double-boilers are neither exiting nor romantic. It does not mean, however, that I have not used these within an inch of their natural lives, but my point is that there is only so much enthusiasm I can muster for a set of pans.
This year, however, was a kitchen appliance of a different color. Stainless steel, to be precise. After all this time tinkering in the kitchen, I did not have a food processor (and the blender was pleading to be put out of its misery). I am now the proud owner of a dual food processor/blender and was quite excited to see it hiding under perfectly pressed wrapping paper.
Above: Look, shiny! Cuisinart SmartPower Duet Blender/Food Processor.
My other appliance gift is ten degrees of awesome: a wine chiller/warmer, with a library of over 30 different wines with optimal serving temperature. My Cabernet is now at its desired drinking temperature in under 17 minutes. It is also a touch more romantic than a knife set.
Above: Stemless wineglasses, Waring Pro Professional Wine Chiller, and a bottle of Robertson’s Winery Late Harvest Gewurztraminer.
This year, it was very welcome to see these kitchen appliances under the tree. Over the past two years, I have learned to use cooking as a way to save money and spend more time at home. Anything that helps me do that is definitely Sweet in my book.
