Gifts for the Home Cook
- Every new homesteader needs a canning set! While you can accomplish canning at home with tools you already have on hand, it is nice to have the proper equipment to get the job done. I love hot water bath canning instead of pressure cooker canning (for some reason pressure cooking scares me!), and I have a similar set that I just adore using. I actually lost a few pieces over the summer, particularly the can gripper, and it made my experience so much more difficult! You need that can gripper if nothing else!!
- Have you seen these reusable mesh bags all over Instagram? They are everywhere, and I think The Handmaid's Tale had a lot to do with that. The handmaids in the show used these bags as well, and I have to admit, they're pretty cool. I love hanging them about the house with fresh produce so I can see it. They also can store quite a bit of food! Not a fan of the mesh bag? Definitely take a peek at our own printed reusable shopping bags.
- Brushes! Our brushes have gotten so much use over the years, and they still look good. Almost brand new! There is really nothing better than a quality dish brush. Not to mention they're aesthetically pleasing! I get all of our brushes from Freckled Hen Farmhouse. If you're not sure where to start, I suggest the wooden dish brush, the round wooden dish brush with knob, and vegetable brush!
- Are you looking into having a more sustainable, waste-free kitchen? Getting rid of plastic/aluminum food preservation is a great start! Try out these reusable beeswax food wraps. I have used them many times, and while they take some getting used to, if you take good care of them they can work really well.
- This is the one new kitchen tool that I recommend to any first time homesteader - a cast iron skillet! I use our skillet for just about everything, from pancakes to stir fry to bread to breakfast.
- Not going to lie, I just used my birthday money to buy myself this fun artisanal bread cloche. These mimic professional bread ovens that result in perfectly crispy crust and a high oven spring. Yes, please!
- Are you more of the handmade gift type? There are so many awesome free patterns for knit dishcloths! This is always my go-to gift for friends and even my grandma. Knit dishcloths are almost superior to the cheap version you can grab at the dollar store. Check out these patterns: one | two | three | four
- Have a bread baker who's looking to step up their game? Using a banneton or bread proofing basket can be a fun little gift to share; they are baskets used by professional bakers to create an interesting pattern on the crust of the bread. I love mine!
xoxo Kayla
