THE NEW YORK TIMES, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2020 N D3
A CUT ABOVE
The Teakhaus Carving Board stood out
from the nearly 30 other boards we
tested. It stands up to cuts, stains and
odors and still looks beautiful: $100,
amazon.com.MICHAEL SULLIVAN
REUSABLE SNACK BAGS
For home chefs trying to reduce
their plastic footprint, these
reusable silicone bags by
Stasher are safe for freezing or
reheating foods, and even
steaming vegetables, in the
microwave:$49.99, stasherbag
.com.ANNA PERLING
A MAT THAT MATTERS
Vinyl, they call it. I think of this Pari-
sian floor mat as high-end linoleum,
soft on the feet, beautiful to look at,
easy to clean, a gift for all seasons:
$98 and up, food52.com.SAM SIFTON
FROZEN TREATS, THEIR WAY
For the ice cream lover or
frozen-yogurt aficionado, a
maker allows for endless flavor
and mixes. After testing 17, we
think the Whynter ICM-201S is
one of the easiest to use and
clean: $340, whynter.com.
MARGUERITE PRESTON
FRESH, FLAVORFUL JUICE
After juicing 60 pounds of produce, we
found the Kuvings EVO best. A large
opening makes it easier to process big
chunks, and the results had the bright-
est flavors: $599.99, kuvingsusa.com.
ANNA PERLING
A CLASSIC PIE PLATE
The Emile Henry nine-inch pie dish
bakes more evenly than other ce-
ramic dishes. Its wavy rim and
handsome color options mean re-
sults that look as good as they taste:
$45, emilehenryusa.com.
MARGUERITE PRESTON
CHEERFUL SPONGES
Doing dishes is grim, but your
sponges — yes, sponges — don’t
have to be. This set is perfect for
the stressed-out scrubber or stub-
born minimalist: $18, us.hay.com.
KRYSTEN CHAMBROT
HOME-SMOKED MEATS
An electric-powered pellet grill
makes slow-smoked barbecue
without the guesswork of tradi-
tional smokers. The Traeger Pro
575 was the most precise, fuel-
efficient and well-built model we
tried: $799.99. traegergrills.com.
LESLEY STOCKTON
A BAKERY’S BEST
While stuck at home, I found my-
self craving the pitch-perfect
brownies from Mah-Ze-Dahr, the
New York (and now Washington)
bakery. Thankfully, it ships its
delectables. This year, it also offers
a gingerbread-house-making kit:
$7 and up, mahzedahrbakery.com.
EMILY WEINSTEIN
PORTABLE STRAWS
A reusable straw is useful only if
you have it with you. The silicone-
tipped stainless-steel OXO four-
piece set has a case for easy trans-
portation and a cleaning brush:
$12.99, oxo.com. ANNA PERLING
JAMS TO GET INTO
Trade Street Jam Company’s
products, made in Brooklyn, are
vegan-friendly and lower in
sugar than many store-bought
preserves, allowing the flavors
(like smoked yellow peach) to
shine: $13 and up, tradestjamco
.com. BECKY HUGHES
SOME LIKE IT HOT
There are very few dishes that
should not be doused with this
horseradish-and-ginger-spiked
hot sauce. It’s bright and tart,
with a lingering but not domi-
neering heat: $10,
shaquandawillfeedyou.com.
PRIYA KRISHNA
THE CHOICEST OF CHEDDARS
Plymouth Artisan Cheese Company has
been making raw-milk Cheddar since
- Its gift set consists of six blocks of
cheese (there are eight flavors to choose
from) nestled in a handsome wooden
box: $98, plymouthartisancheese.com.
MARGAUX LASKEY
A BIG BOX OF BEANS
For cooks who appreciate quality
ingredients, Rancho Gordo’s heir-
loom beans will make a treasured
gift. The box includes a tote, a
cookbook and five one-pound bags
of truly great beans, from growers
in California, Oregon, Washington
and New Mexico: $58,
ranchogordo.com. ANNA PERLING
A BELOVED BEER GLASS
Like people, beer glasses come in
all shapes and sizes. Most enhance
the flavor of only one style of beer,
but the Rastal Teku improves any
brew: $32 for a set of two, tekuglass
.com.SARAH WITMAN
STRAIGHT FROM VERMONT
You really can’t go wrong sending
cheese from Vermont. The Jasper Hill
Vermonter basket, which ships free,
features three varieties, as well as
crackers and nuts: $99, jasperhillfarm
.com. ANNA PERLING
Presents for the Pantry
For the home cooks and avid eaters on your holiday list, the best options can be indulgent or practical,
simple or simply delightful. Here are our picks for sure-to-please gifts.
ILLUSTRATIONS BY CRAIG & KARL
COOKING FOOD AND DRINK