Life, as we know it, revolves around food, and by extension, our kitchens.
So anything we can do to make that special space more inviting—such as a new gadget or a magic ingredient—makes it more fun to get on board!
1. Large Format Wine Bottles: Nothing says festive like a magnum (or Balthazar!) of really good wine. So whether it’s a 2009 Long Shadows “Pedestal” Merlot from the Columbia Valley ($125) or a 1979 Chateau Lafite Rothschild Bordeaux ($1,500), you are going to make someone VERY happy indeed. Schaefer’s, 9965 Gross Point Rd., Skokie, 847-677-9463
2. KitchenAid Pro-Line Stand Mixer: The mixer I wish I had (hint hint, husband!). This beauty has a 7-quart stainless-steel, wide-mouth bowl with handle, and a quiet but powerful 1.3 HP motor, more than thrice the power of my old warhorse. I could make eight pounds of dough at a time. Come to Mama! $550, Williams-Sonoma, Westfield Old Orchard, Lake Forest, Highland Park
3. Zingerman’s Food Clubs: Finally, a club we all want to join! Whether you’re more the Cured Meat of the Month ($175/3; $325/6), the Rare Olive Oil ($125; $290), or the Food Explorer’s ($125; $240; $425/12) Club type, that’s your business. But for goodness’ sake, sign up!
4. Reclaimed Wood Marble-Top Kitchen Island: Who wouldn’t want this gorgeous island? Crafted from reclaimed pine and marble, with four shelves, a towel rack, hooks on both sides, two drawers and locking wheels, it will be everything to your favorite kitchen devotee. $1,899, Pottery Barn, Westfield Old Orchard, Deerfield Town Center
5. Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker: Cuisinart makes this ingenious, fully automatic ice cream maker, which makes 1.5 quarts in 20 minutes and allows you to add up to three mix-ins! It’s great family entertainment. $99, Macy’s, Westfield Old Orchard, Northbrook Court
6. Chef’s Choice Waffle Cone Express: It only takes two minutes to achieve ice-cream nirvana with a fresh waffle cone, and this waffle-cone maker is the bomb. You know you have a coupon somewhere! $50, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Skokie, Wilmette, Deerfield
