The kitchen has become a refuge for many this year — even if it’s just a place for a strong cocktail. So this Christmas and Hanukkah, spoil your loved ones with gifts for cooks, bakers and lovers of fine food and drink. Here are our picks for the top foodie gifts for the 2020 holiday season, with a special eye toward makers with a tie to Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.
Coro by Salumi Salami Sample Pack
Share local favorite Salumi’s outstanding salami with this pack that includes flavors of mole, cardamom and orange, curry and fennel and more. $50 at Whole Foods and corofoods.com
These heavy, reversible boards are made from scrap ebony responsibly sourced for Taylor Guitars’ acoustic guitars. A grip edge makes them easier to handle. $129–$199 at stellafalone.com
The latest from Portland’s Finex spans two burners with heavy, pre-seasoned cast iron that will last for generations. Cool (and cool-looking) coiled handles make it a pleasure to carry to the table. $325 at finexusa.com
They can measure their beans more precisely, resulting in a better cup of joe, with this new digital scale from the Seattle company. $50 at chefn.com
Five Two by Food52 Silicone Oven Mitt Set
Comfort bakers will appreciate these flexible mitts that are safe up to 650 degrees with extra wrist protection. $40 at Nordstrom
Give them the very best, with this box out of Oregon that includes Rogue River Blue — recently named World Champion at the World Cheese Awards — plus Mt. Mazama cheddar and other accompaniments. $79 at roguecreamery.com
Bluebird Grain Farms Flour Sampler Gift Box
Bakers can try new grains, such as high-protein Einka Flour, with this set of five flours from the Winthrop farm. $50 at bluebirdgrainfarms.com
“Beautiful Booze: Stylish Cocktails to Make at Home”
Seattleites Natalie Migliarini and James Stevenson have expanded their blog Beautiful Booze into this new book of simple-but-refined classic cocktails. $28 at booksellers
“The Rise: Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food”
This new cookbook from chef Marcus Samuelsson, and including dishes from top Seattle chef Edouardo Jordan, celebrates great food and the culture and history behind it. $38 at booksellers
Cuisinart TOA-28 Compact AirFryer Toaster Oven
Get meals together faster, while taking up less counter space, with this versatile baker, broiler, toaster and air fryer that can hold a 3-pound chicken. $150 at cuisinart.com
Known for high-end tactical knives, Portland’s Benchmade just launched its first kitchen knife set, which can be used indoors or out for a lifetime. $600 for four at benchmade.com
Boil, saute, fry and more with this great-looking, extra-deep pan that includes a steamer basket and spoon. $145 at ourplace.com
“The Man Who Ate Too Much: The Life of James Beard”
An engrossing history of the man whose name now defines great food. $35 at major booksellers
Theo Virtual Chocolate Tasting Class
Meet at Theo’s Seattle factory via Zoom for a tasting class that includes a supply kit full of chocolates. $40 at theochocolate.com
2bar Spirits Barrel #511 Bourbon
The Sodo distillery picked this barrel of smooth bourbon, with strong notes of butterscotch and honey, for a limited-edition release at Whole Foods. $55 Whole Foods
Breadsmart Artisan Bread Making Kit
Encourage their sourdough habit with this handy set of essential tools. $35 at Nordstrom
“Pie Camp: The Skills You Need to Make Any Pie You Want”
Port Angeles-based cookbook author Kate McDermott’s latest is based on her sell-out Pie Camp Workshops held nationally. The book will guide you through the basics of both sweet and savory pies. $35 at booksellers
33 Books Flight Deck and Tasting Board
Pick up beer from your neighborhood brewery and have a tasting at home with these heavy cards that guide your tasting and help you remember your favorites. Add on a reclaimed-wood tasting board for the complete experience. $18–$42 at 33books.com