If you're thinking about doing wish lists, odds are good that you're going to want to look at a lot of cooking tools and toys. You need to do some serious research into what you want in order to make sure that you're getting something that you will actually use and not just have on your shelves. Here is some advice on how to decide if something will be used or if just takes up space.
1) Avoid items that solve very specific problems. Ramen cookers are an obvious example: They sound great, but all they do is provide another way to cook ramen, making hem no better than a regular bowl. Given an appearance geared more towards utility than looking good, and they are likely to take up space rather than see actual use. The same goes for anything that solves a specific problem rather than a more general purpose.
2) Debate time-saving devices. A sandwich maker actually works well as it saves time cooking and cleaning, and allows for a wide variety of sandwiches. With a little imagination, this is something that can make lunches really easy and ensure that you have a great hot meal very quickly. However, not all time-saving devices work, or require the cook to learn new skills in order to make the device work. Overall, debate if the device actually works as advertised, and if it actually does save time.
3) Debate healthy options. The George Foreman grill is great little device as it grills meat and drains the grease away. This means that any meat cooked on it has less fat than regular pans, where the meat is allowed to soak in the fat as it cooks. That makes it great for anyone looking to lose a few pounds or have healthier foods. Some so-called "healthy options" really aren't, so it helps to do your research.
4) Look to see if adds any additional capabilities. My personal favorite here is the bacon bowl. It allows you to take some strips of bacon, make it into an edible bowl, and then allows you to fill that bowl with something even better. The same goes for the device that allows you to create stuffed burgers (burgers made of two patties with something in the center). These are great little additions to any kitchen as they allow you to have some fun in the kitchen. These make great stocking stuffers for beginning cooks.
Obviously pots, pans, and basic utensils make for some great presents as well, especially for beginning cooks. If there is something that you are looking for, let your friends and family know. They may not get it for you, but you never know. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained" should be your watchwords before your birthday and holidays, so make sure that you listen to them. You may just be pleasantly surprised.
1) Avoid items that solve very specific problems. Ramen cookers are an obvious example: They sound great, but all they do is provide another way to cook ramen, making hem no better than a regular bowl. Given an appearance geared more towards utility than looking good, and they are likely to take up space rather than see actual use. The same goes for anything that solves a specific problem rather than a more general purpose.
2) Debate time-saving devices. A sandwich maker actually works well as it saves time cooking and cleaning, and allows for a wide variety of sandwiches. With a little imagination, this is something that can make lunches really easy and ensure that you have a great hot meal very quickly. However, not all time-saving devices work, or require the cook to learn new skills in order to make the device work. Overall, debate if the device actually works as advertised, and if it actually does save time.
3) Debate healthy options. The George Foreman grill is great little device as it grills meat and drains the grease away. This means that any meat cooked on it has less fat than regular pans, where the meat is allowed to soak in the fat as it cooks. That makes it great for anyone looking to lose a few pounds or have healthier foods. Some so-called "healthy options" really aren't, so it helps to do your research.
4) Look to see if adds any additional capabilities. My personal favorite here is the bacon bowl. It allows you to take some strips of bacon, make it into an edible bowl, and then allows you to fill that bowl with something even better. The same goes for the device that allows you to create stuffed burgers (burgers made of two patties with something in the center). These are great little additions to any kitchen as they allow you to have some fun in the kitchen. These make great stocking stuffers for beginning cooks.
Obviously pots, pans, and basic utensils make for some great presents as well, especially for beginning cooks. If there is something that you are looking for, let your friends and family know. They may not get it for you, but you never know. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained" should be your watchwords before your birthday and holidays, so make sure that you listen to them. You may just be pleasantly surprised.
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