The New York Times - USA (2020-12-02)

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

1890. 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