Gift Guide For The Culinary Bride

No two brides are created equal, so how can you have just one registry list? Obviously, a city girl and a country girl would desire different things just as a lover of baking would need different items than a bride who prefers to cook more savory items. Each bride is unique, therefore they will have a variety of needs depending on their interests concerning cooking at home.

In the hope of creating a truly useful list, let’s focus on five great gifts for different kinds of brides. Since I am a man, I am surely not going to get everything correct, but from my experience assisting brides at E’s Kitchen, this will at least be a great starting point.

The Baker

1. Full-featured stand mixer. There are several out there to choose from, but choose wisely as they are not all created equal. Get at least a 500-watt motor and a solid metal body.

2. Full set of nonstick baking sheets. Make sure they are thick and durable. The brands made in the USA are higher quality.

3. Large mixing bowls. It doesn’t matter what material you choose: glass, stainless or plastic. Try to get bowls with nonslip material on the bottom.

4. High-quality apron. Choose an apron made with a thick fabric and at least one front pocket. This will come in handy to hold hair ties, a portable timer or a phone. Also, be stylish!

5. Good set of wine glasses. Hey, you have to celebrate making the perfect cupcake when it happens.

The Entertainer

1. A nice wine rack. You need to hold all those great wine selections at your next party.

2. Full set of wine glasses. You may consider a set of shatter-proof plastic glasses. Accidents happen, and these will make cleanup that much easier.

3. Set of cheese boards. One is never enough when it comes to cheese. The ones that you can write on are great. You can label the cheeses so everyone knows what they’re eating.

4. Vitamix blender. A great multi-purpose kitchen appliance! You can whip up dip and sauce before the party, clean it, and then make the featured cocktail of the night. How else are you going to make the perfect margarita or daiquiri? The self-cleaning feature is an added bonus.

5. Juicer. Make fresh juices for cocktails or for a detox regimen.

The Aspiring Home Chef

1. A great set of pots and pans. Stainless steel or high-quality nonstick is best. Just remember that more pieces does not mean a better set. Quality, not quantity folks!

2. Good knife set. German, Japanese or American is recommended.

3. Beginners cookbook. She needs to learn the basics, not get a book full of ingredients and techniques she can’t even pronounce. Encourage not discourage.

4. Good set of silicone and stainless steel utensils. Silicone is very heat-resistant, so it won’t melt if left resting in or on the side of a pot for a period of time. Avoid using metal utensils on nonstick pots and pans. They can scratch the coating.

5. Probe thermometer. This will make sure everything is cooked to the correct temperature. No one wants undercooked chicken or an overcooked steak that could function as a hockey puck!

The Health Nut

1. Vitamix blender. Yes, there are others out there, but just like the bride, none can compare.

2. Masticating Juicer, aka “slow juicer.” They are the best for maximum nutrient extraction. Also find one that is easy to clean.

3. Nonstick pots and pans. A great set means she won’t have to use all that bad-for-you oil.

4. Veggie Spiralizer. These are all the rage and really fun.

5. Pan for bacon. We all have to splurge at some point and what could possibly be better than bacon?

The Non-Cook

1. Stand mixer. To make her fabulous desserts.

2. Vitamix. I think we have already bestowed the virtues of this one.

3. Great chef’s knife. Why dirty more knives?

4. Large skillet. He needs the space for the perfect steak on Valentine’s day.

5. Set of wine glasses. She needs something to do while waiting for that steak.

Every bride is unique and different, so keep in mind what you like and what you will actually use in your new wedded life and choose accordingly. The wedding is important, but you have to live with the gifts much longer. Getting the right items from the start can make your happily ever after come true.

Paul Ayo is chief pot stirrer at E’s Kitchen along with his wife, Jenine. He has been a passionate cook since he was a child and also offers cooking classes at his Parc Lafayette shop on Kaliste Saloom Road. Register for your wedding by visiting www.eskitchen.com.