Gift Guide For New Cooks

A well stocked kitchen makes learning new recipes and experimenting with food so much easier. Check this gift guide for new cooks to see some must haves for the new cook in your life.

It took me a long time to learn how to cook.

When I graduated college and was living on my own for the first time, I thought making whole wheat pasta with a drained can of lentil soup over the top was a culinary feat.

The dishes I make now are not necessarily difficult, but I can comfortably cook without using a recipe, know how to make a variety of nutritious meals, and really enjoy making food.

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It took a while to get there. For the new cook in your life, having a kitchen outfitted with some basic tools is going to make her life so much easier. This gift guide for new cooks gives you the top items anyone experimenting in the kitchen would love to have.

These gifts are listed under the assumption that your cook already has the following items. If they do not have any of these basics, definitely start there with your gift giving.

• cutting board
• set of quality knives
• sheet pans
• pots
• basic cooking utensils
• a garlic peeler and press

Instant Pot

I have never owned a slow cooker, so I can’t compare, but I love our Instant Pot. It makes it super simple to cook a variety of basic meals like chicken and mac ‘n cheese while giving room to experiment with soups, chilis, and pastas.

We use ours a few times each week. It is the best when you forget to defrost chicken or turkey for dinner.

Great Spatula

It always amazes me how much a really good spatula can change an entire cooking experience. Investing in a quality spatula can take away the awkwardness of trying to flip a pancake or saute some vegetables.

Wok

While it did take me a while to delve into more Asian-inspired meals (and a year in Vietnam), I have used a wok for everything from stir frys, to pasta sauces, to eggs. They work wonderfully for large volume meals.

Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers

These are hands down my absolute favorite food storage containers. They are bright, beautiful, keep food fresh, and easy to clean. Having a set of these will give your new cook that beautiful fridge experience that comes with making tastier meals.

Freezer Feasts

This recipe ebook includes 40 freezer friendly meals that are very forgiving and have some wiggle room for adding too much of one ingredient and not quite enough of another. Ideal for those who want to fill their freezers in prep for a new baby, a kitchen remodel, or just busier nights, this ebook is one you want to have in your back pocket.

Mesh Strainer

To help along all the kitchen experiments that your new cook is going to embark on, having a mesh strainer is key. She will need it for tasks like rinsing rice, straining homemade fruit juices, and sifting flour.

Silpats

I had been eyeing Silpats for years before I was gifted a few last Christmas. They are a game changer.

No more measuring parchment paper, no more wasting tin foil, no more not being able to put something in the oven because you are out of either of those items.

Instead, you just throw the silpat on the pan and off you go. They are super easy to clean and save your pans some serious wear and tear.

Le Creuset Dutch Oven

This one is a bit debatable as you can do much of what you make in the Le Creuset in an Instant Pot. However, I am a bit old school and use my Le Creuset for pasta sauces that need a low simmer for a few hours, chilis that have a variety of added ingredients at different timers, and bread – my all time favorite item to make in it.

Two Sets of Measuring Cups

I know you are thinking that one set of nice measuring cups should be enough, and it certainly can be, but for a new cook, there are lots of messes. Having to stop and clean a measuring cup in the middle of a recipe can be frustrating and cause her to lose momentum.

I cannot find the exact set I have, but these are very close. The soft grip handles are really nice.

I also have the measuring cups from this mixing bowl set and love them (so do the kids). I use both sets of measuring cups in tandem often, especially when the kids steal a few to use in their play kitchen.

Mixing Bowls with Lids

Up until a year ago I was that person bringing a side dish in a regular bowl with some tinfoil over the top. Inevitably the tinfoil would blow off, fall off, or just not fit the dish.

My sister-in-law lovingly gifted me this set of mixing bowls with lids to stop the madness and I had no idea how much they would change my cooking life. Clearly I didn’t know what I was missing out on and will never look back.

Silicone Muffin Molds

Just like the silpats, I had my eye on a set of silicone muffin molds for quiet a while before I was gifted them last Christmas.

They are a game changer. Minimal greasing, no taking a knife to saw out the edges, and easy clean up. I have two of these types, but have heard wonderful things about this version with structured sides. Those structured sides would help prevent spills for a more liquid-based muffin.

Casserole Pans with Lids

My mom bought these casserole pans with lids for Rob and I when she visited before Zoey was born.

They are amazing. I do the majority of my casserole making in them because it is so simple to save the leftovers.

Set of Spices

Part of the joy of being a new cook is that you get to experiment with different types of spices. However, spices can get pretty pricey and be a real deterrent to trying new recipes.

Putting together a set of the more unusual spices or gifting this already-filled spice rack can help your new cook get her feet under with with more recipe options.

Regardless of what you gift to your new cook, make sure you snag yourself a dinner invitation.

Well, give it a few months of them getting their experimenting down and then snag yourself a dinner invitation.

Stressed about the time it takes to cook on those busy nights? Fill your freezer and have dinner at the ready!

Get four freezer friendly recipes in Freezer Feasts Set 11. With a shopping list, plan of attack, and ideas of what to do with the extra ingredients, you can have a breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack ready to go.