8 amazing cooking gifts – as recommended by the UK's top TV chefs
Wondering what to give the master chef in your life? Take inspiration from the pros…
Raymond Blanc
Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Blanc is a regular on TV screens. His book Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is out now (Bloomsbury)
The simplest gift?
I love the atmosphere and the decorations at Christmas. I also enjoy buying gifts for my sons. They both love to cook – I think this year I will buy a new wooden chopping board made from acacia wood, perhaps, so it lasts them for some time.
What luxury would you like?
A new cashmere scarf – I am constantly losing mine in London taxis, so it’s good to have an extra one.
A must-have kitchen item?
A Kenwood Chef Titanium – it is just brilliant and can be used for so many things, which is always great around Christmas. It also gives you more time to enjoy catching up with the family
Antonio Carluccio
The chef and restaurateur co-hosted Two Greedy Italians with his friend Gennaro Contaldo. Carluccio’s restaurants’ new Christmas menus launch mid-November.
The simplest gift?
Christmas treats, such as a panettone or prosecco, or some homemade preserve. I love making jams and preserves earlier in the year using berries, grapes, quince or any fruits from my garden.
What luxury would you like?
I love antique tools, particularly kitchen gadgets. Things like a Spong bean slicer that was used to evenly cut runner beans with a turn of the handle. I don’t use them, I just like to collect them.
A must-have kitchen item?
I would suggest a food dehydrator (they can be bought easily online) for drying slices of mushrooms and fruit. It’s great to be able to prepare your own dried porcini or mango.
