Rassa Christmas Gift Guide: Top 10 Gifts For The Homecook

Looking for a gift for the foodie that has everything? Getting something special for your favourite home-cook? Here are our top 10 picks for Christmas 2021.

Tom Charman

Nov 19

4 mins

Nov 19

4 mins

With Christmas now fast approaching (I know - where did this year go?!) - the search for the perfect gift for the home cook in your life is on! But we’re going to try and save you a panic or three by giving you a couple of ideas on what to buy. From stylish kitchenware that will last a lifetime while bringing any kitchen to life - to a virtual test kitchen that will equip any home cook with the skills they need to explore cuisines from around the world - we’ve got you covered. And there are no points for the one that we’d pick (it’s the last one on the list). One thing is for sure though - we’re certain that any of the gifts below will impress just about any foodie or home cook this holiday season. You can thank us later!

1. Le Creuset Cast Iron Round Casserole (£250)

A favorite amongst home cooks and professionals, the classic Le Creuset Cast Iron Round Casserole is perfect for cooking pot roasts, stews, soup, casseroles, baking, you name it. Available in eight sizes and 13 different colors, this is an ideal holiday gift for those looking for a reliable, long-lasting, and fun casserole suitable for any dining occasion. And…for the die hard Harry Potter fans, Le Creuset have an exclusive collection this year with Hogwarts Houses dessert plates and a he-who-must-not-be-named casserole dish.

2. Spirited: Cocktails from around the world (£35)

Spirited: Cocktails from around the world is a great recipe book no matter your skill level, from the novice drink-maker to expert bartender, with a nice balance of photos and step-by-step instructions to help you craft your favorite drinks at home. The book also teaches you about a new spirit every month and offers suggested food pairings for each drink, so you can make cocktails based on your dinner choice. There’s a nice balance of the lesser-known regional specialties to the renowned classics and you’re introduced to the backstory and the inspiration behind them. After all, who doesn't like to wind down with a nice drink with their food?

3. Hawksmoor Restaurant Kit (£200)

Due to the pandemic and lockdown restrictions, many of us were unable to eat at our favorite restaurants, but that inspired a range of at-home restaurant kits. The steak institution Hawksmoor has also recreated their restaurant experience for the comfort of your home. Self-described as heavily decadent in a Tudor banqueting hall sort of way - you’re in for a lot of meat and a lot of alcohol. In your box you’ll find sour cherry negronis, Rioja agrado wine, smoked salmon with cream cheese and soda bread, 35 day dry-aged fillet steak and a 35 day dry-aged porterhouse for sharing and all the delicious sides you could want *and…exhale*. Of course, no meal would be complete without dessert and they’ve got you covered on that front with sticky toffee pudding and clotted cream. The ideal alternative to the soggy takeaway!

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4. MIYABI 6000 MCT (£249)

A favourite of Rassa Chef Daniel Hannigan, the Miyabi 6000 MCT is comfortable to hold, making it the perfect partner to work with in the kitchen. Miyabi has its origins in Seki, otherwise known as Japan’s capital of sword and knife production. Each knife is made by skilled artisans crafted according to the rich tradition of Japanese samurai swords. Their knives are designed to be very sharp so they can handle delicate dishes like sashimi which require ultra fine slicing. The Miyabi is an ideal gift for someone looking to level up their kitchen skills from home cook to budding chef.

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5. Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender (£349)

It's an "if you know, you know" case with Vitamix blenders, and if you ask anyone who has one, they'll tell you that it’s the best blender they'll ever own. Despite their steep price, their conveniently sized blender offers more than most other options. With its trademark motor power, you can blend creamy smoothies and purées, crush ice for frozen desserts, or even whip up some hummus and guacamole. Not only is it strong but it is durable, and cleans itself within a minute of blending water and dish soap!

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6. Cuisine gift sets & hampers from Sous Chef (£120)

Hampers and gift sets are perfect for introducing the home cook to new and hard-to-find ingredients that might spark curiosity and creativity. From the ‘Paella Set’ to the ‘Authentic Vietnamese Cooking Set’, you will find ingredients from all over the world, accommodating any home cook’s curiosities. You can’t go wrong with The Best of Italy Hamper because boy do the Italians know the pleasure of good food done with simple, high-quality ingredients. Indulge in pistachio and white chocolate pralines or some delicious white truffle oil (delicious with fresh pasta or fish!).

7. The Indoor Smart Garden 3 (£120)

Garden herbs and vegetables in the comfort of your home with this Indoor Smart Garden. If the person you’re buying for doesn’t have the best, uh, track record of keeping things alive, the machine has its own self-watering system that makes sure their plants are taken care of and comes with an app in case they get stuck at any point. Simply drop the plant pod capsules into the machine, add the water, plug it in and let the LED lights simulate natural sunlight and help your plant adapt to any kitchen environment. The hardest part? Picking what to fill the smart garden with, but they do have some pre-selected kits to help with the choosing including a mix of fruit and veggies, salad plants and a selection of herbs so they can make their own fresh teas.

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8. KANA London Beautiful Mess Collection (£305)

Ana Kerin started KANA in 2012 with her background in fine art and sculpture and has since built a loyal following for her elegant stoneware and dinnerware. Inspired by the individuality of nature, the “Beautiful Mess” collection consists of plates, bowls, and mugs with artsy abstract designs that will invigorate any dish with a natural aesthetic. Ana often works with a unique mix of clays and her own glazes rather than traditional ceramics and instead of turning on the wheel she prefers to build by hand so that each piece is as individual as nature itself. So, you’re sorted if you want to gift a bit of flair and create the perfect dinner party conversation piece.

9. Zassenhaus End Grain Carving Board (£125)

The Zassenhaus End Grain Carving Board is the rugged yet stylish carving board your home cook has been looking for. The board features grooves to collect juices from meat, as well as an oak wood end-grain finish perfect for a charcuterie or cheese board. You will also find the board used frequently by chefs in the Rassa kitchen, so you know it’s reliable!

10. The Chef's Perfumery (£199)

In our humble opinion, no gift guide would be complete without mentioning our Christmas special - The Chef's Perfumery. Learn about Irish, Israeli and Filipino cuisine from food experts and chefs, who will guide you through unique techniques and ingredients, but also the culture behind the dishes. Unlike other cooking courses, we've curated a selection of specialist ingredients, provided you access to live workshops, chef Q&As, and a tailored online community where you can connect with others and share your experiences. There’s even a custom Rassa apron to keep you stylish in the kitchen!