Holiday gifts: Must-have cooking toys
Finally, a compact sous-vide appliance for the home cook. Clip the Nomiku to the inside of any large water-filled stock pot, press the screen to turn it on, and turn the knob to adjust the temperature. It’s that simple. When you’re done, the hand-blender-sized immersion circulator easily stows away in a drawer. $299.95, at nomiku.com. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
While new cast iron can be found at most home and cooking supply stores, antique and other collectible cast iron has a growing fan base and can make a great gift. Look for pieces from reputable dealers or sellers, finding out as much as possible about the quality of the piece before purchasing. Prices vary. Antique and collectible pieces can be found online at auction sites and through dealers such as griswoldcookware.com and panman.com. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Essentially nothing more than a ring fitted with a flat layer of fine mesh, this deceptively simple kitchen tool can be used in a variety of ways, from straining to sifting, doubling as a food mill or simple sieve. The flat mesh is often easier to use than a rounded strainer or cone-shape chinois. Tamis are typically metal or wood, fitted with a variety of different types and gauges of mesh. Prices vary but usually start at about $15; widely available in cooking stores and online. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Will this be the year you finally get back into making fresh pasta? It will be if you pick up this pasta roller, which eliminates the “third-hand problem.” Buy just the roller; the set with the cutters is much more expensive and not necessary. From $74.99 including shipping from everythingkitchens.com. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Paella is a dish that everyone’s talking about. Now you can do something about it. Harbor City Spanish foods legend La Española is offering a paella starter kit that includes a 13 1/2-inch polished steel pan and authentic arroz bomba and peppers and chorizo for garnish. It’s $64.99 at La Española, 25020 Doble Ave., Harbor City, (310) 539-0455, or at laespanolameats.com. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
