Kitchen Gift Guide 2012

I've already written about many of my favorite kitchen goodies from silicone spatulas to Microplane graters and the Vita-Mix blender. Here are some more things I appreciate most in the kitchen. They have each withstood the test of time, especially the cookware. Buy them for yourself or someone you love. 

I have every brand of cookware possible--Calphalon, All-Clad, Le Creuset--you name it. But the pots I use the most are from the Anolon Chef Clad line. They are handsome brushed aluminum with stainless steel and can be used on all cooktops and even under the broiler. In my experience they really hold up better than the other top brands and are cheaper. What more could you ask for? Right now the best deals (good discount and free shipping) are on the Anolon site. There is also a lifetime warranty. 

As much as I'd like to, I can't quite give up on non-stick pans. With every non-stick pan I've always found there are some compromises but the Zwilling Spirit line of non-stick pans give me everything I want. They are easy to clean, with a great non-stick Thermalon ceramic surface that has not chipped after almost 6 months of use. The pans are PTFE and PFOA free, heat resistant to 500 degrees! and really substantial with good weight and even heating, so no hot spots or buckling. The pans are pricier than some non-stick, but totally worth it. A must for crepes and eggs. 

I wouldn't have thought that I would get that much use out of this set of Trudeau colanders but I probably use them daily. They are just perfect for washing vegetables and fruit and draining pasta, I especially like the small one for berries. 

I have lots of ramekins and prep dishes, but I use these Trudeau silicone pinch bowls the most. They are very stable, grooved so they don't slip in your hands, yet bend for easy pouring. They wash up easily and I must say they are much prettier in real life than they are in this photo.

You are probably thinking I have lost my mind, but my Brother label maker now is permanently in the kitchen. I label almost everything that goes into the refrigerator and freezer. The labels peel off only when I want them to and there are no longer mystery containers lurking. My model is no longer available but any Brother model should be fine. 

More kitchen gifts and goodies 

Disclaimer: I received the Trudeau and Zwilling products as review samples. This post contains some affiliate links.