You may notice the tide changing in the James River as soon-to-be brides are franticly ticking off items from their wedding to-do lists. If you are fortuitous enough to partake in such a climate changing celebration, you’re thinking about what you’ll wear and what you’ll give. As a bridesmaid to one of my dearest friends this month, I will be practicing my due diligence and maiden responsibilities to help this party-girl become domesticated—something she’s been working on since she said “yes.”
Any of these gifts are sure to inspire the new couple to concoct healthy and delicious, homemade meals together. Because when the honeymoon is over, and the looming question of “what’s for dinner?” is asked by the new bride and groom, the response should not be a painstaking duty, but a labor of love.
Chef’s Knife: 7” Wüsthof Classic Ikon Hollow-Edge Santoku Knife.
This knife’s weight and feel is remarkable. Most importantly, it provides effortless precision and control. For me, a chef’s knife can make or break a cooking experience. The blade must be sharp and have enough weight to glide through whatever it is you’re cutting. The knife does all the work. Unfortunately, it’s an investment that novice cooks take for granted because they can be pricey. There aren’t many deals on this product per se—but you get what you pay for. Added bonus: If you purchase the knife from Williams Sonoma, you can opint to have the blade monogramed.
Where to buy: williams-sonoma.com, amazon.com
Reference Books:
The Joy of Cooking (Irma S. Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becker, Ethan Becker), Tools and Techniques (Williams-Sonoma), How to Cook Everything Vegetarian (Mark Bittman)
“The Joy of Cooking” is one of the most published books in America and has been in print continuously since 1936. It is hands-down the cook’s bible to the most popular dishes made in American kitchens.
My husband gave me “Tools and Techniques” for my first birthday that we celebrated together as a married couple. I love it not only for that reason, but also because of how visual the entire book is. The book covers step-by-step guides for topics like: how to cut fresh herbs, how to butterfly a chop, how to make your own pasta dough, and more. I love how the book also goes through the basic kitchen tools. Kudos to Williams-Sonoma for such a nonchalant marketing tool, but this is an excellent book
for any home cook.
“How to Cook Everything Vegetarian” is so well written that it appeals to everyone from health-conscious omnivores to die-hard vegetarians. The Washington Post called it “a more hip Joy of Cooking.” As a non-vegetarian myself, this book has made vegetarian cooking much more approachable and has instilled healthier cooking practices in some instances allowing me to splurge guiltlessly on dessert.
Where to buy: amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com
Wine Club: WSJ Wine from Wall Street Journal
I’ve been quite pleased with all of the wines I’ve received from this club. Every time the shipment arrives it’s like Christmas. Apart from trying new wines and paving the way for romantic evenings for two, your newlyweds will enjoy the tasting notes and food pairing notes that come along with each package. It will also inspire them to create some of the recommended dishes to pair with their wine.
Where to buy: wsjwine.com
Food Subscription: Hampton’s Lane
I love this particular subscription right now because of the option to opint in or out of the monthly box based on its theme. So your newlyweds will only get the collections that they choose. Some of their previous box themes were “50 Shades of Chicken,” “The Pasta Box,” and “Coastal Italy.” All of the boxes include swank foods, kitchen tools and serveware for recipe lovers.
Where to buy: hamptonslane.com