Don't you just love giving gifts? And it doesn't matter what the occasion—giving is just such a source of joy. Of course, with Christmas quickly approaching, let's think in those terms.

Unless you know FOR SURE that your receivers don't like to cook or eat, this quick list of ideas might be the perfect answer for the folks on your gifting list. Whether you make them yourself or buy them already made, kitchen- and food-related gifts are proverbial favorites.

• A loaf of warm bread with the recipe and a package of Irish butter included.



• Speaking of butter, people love homemade herbed, spiced, or fruited butters.
• After-dinner chocolates or peppermint bark in a reusable container.
• A basket of herbal teas with a tea ball tucked in.
• A bag of dried vegetable pasta and a jar of marinara or spaghetti sauce.
• A bottle of herbed vinegar paired with a bottle of herbed olive oil.
• A basket containing mixed nuts along with a variety of dried fruits (cranberries, blueberries, tart cherries, etc.).
• A kitchen candle with matching container of liquid hand soap.
• A container of Dutch cocoa (or other high-quality cocoa powder) with your favorite brownie or hot cocoa recipe attached. And what the heck, if you have time, add a batch of your homemade brownies!
• Home-baked or purchased cut and iced cookies, and cookie cutters included.
• A specialty food unique to your locale or region.
• A basket with new dish towels and a pair of beeswax candles.
• A small, unique kitchen tool that makes a process easier, such as a lemon zester, a garlic press, or superb vegetable parer (RADA would be my choice).
• A packet of 5 to 10 of your favorite recipes tied with a ribbon. (And Cook'n 11 makes this idea super fast and easy!)
• A new cookbook that you're head-over-heels about. (I know I'm gonna sound self-serving here, but may I suggest Everyday Gourmet?)
• And as long as I'm on a roll, why not give Cook'n 11 recipe organizer? Every time I give this software the receivers hug the breath out of me! Really, isn't that the best gift of all—one you'd want to receive yourself? Cook'n 11 fills that bill for sure!