This week’s cold spell only serves as an extra reminder that
December is now upon us. Once again, we turn our attention towards
holiday gift giving. For those of you who have a griller in the
family, I have compiled a few more
”
must have
”
gift items.
This week’s cold spell only serves as an extra reminder that December is now upon us. Once again, we turn our attention towards holiday gift giving. For those of you who have a griller in the family, I have compiled a few more “must have” gift items.
Silicone products for the kitchen have grown into a tremendous number over the past few years. Until recently, baking mats and spatulas were the only silicone products available. In most applications, silicone products have become a miraculous kitchen material. Silicones’ ability to withstand extreme heat, along with its easy use and care, are just a few factors that has led to its increased popularity.
Silicone Glove
I selected the silicone glove as one of my grillers’ gift picks this year. A silicone glove is great to use when holding the hot handle of a grill basket and when removing your rotisserie from the grill. The silicone can withstand the heat from the metal of the shaft and it can be easily washed when holding the hot meat on the shaft. Many models have a textured surface to prevent slipping. When your meal is in the house, although it should have the chance to cool slightly, it can still be extremely hot. Attempting to use a serving fork to slice roasts and to separate ribs may be difficult. Your hands are always one of the best tools in the kitchen. Using a silicone glove can help make the job of holding these hot items much easier. Unlike other heat barriers, a silicone glove is easily washed with the rest of the dishes. Most silicone gloves on the market can be found in the $10 to $15 price range.
Thermometer
In many of my columns, I mention that food must reach a specific temperature before it is safe to consume. Of course, a thermometer is used for this task. Unfortunately, lifting the lid of the grill to test a roast, chicken or other thick-cut piece of meat will cause a loss of heat.This problem has been solved with wired or wireless instant-read thermometers.
I cannot fully express what a great product this is. The probe is placed into the roast before it is set onto the grill. The extension wire from the probe is connected to the base portion of the unit and the base unit is turned on. I think this is the best way to monitor the progress of internal temperature while the roast is cooking on a grill. The lid of the grill only needs to be lifted to reposition the meat or to add more fuel to the fire. Many units have a built-in timer. They also have a mechanism that when programmed, signals you when the proper temperature is reached. I also use this device to monitor the temperature of the grill if I am doing some “low and slow” barbecuing or smoking. This is a great gift for any griller who wants to go beyond simple grilling techniques. While the wired models of thermometers can be found for around $20, the wireless models run in the $60 price range.
Carving Knife
My final gift idea this year is a carving knife. A knife may not be that exciting, but it is very important for grilling. Without it, you would not be able to slice a perfectly grilled tri-tip or leg of lamb with absolute precision every time. A good carving knife should be at least 10 inches long. I prefer the ones that have a straight edge blade as opposed to the ones where the blade starts to curve as it approaches the tip. The straight-edged knife has a more fluid movement and produces a better and more attractive slice.
Make the knife a little extra special and dress it up. Take it to an engraver and have the recipient’s initials or name etched into the knife. With an engraving, the knife becomes a cherished keepsake. If you carve a roast at another individuals home, the knife will already has the mark of the owner. A good carving knife will easily set you back $60 to $100 or more while the engraving can be an additional charge of around $10.
As the holidays approach, let’s not forget that the old saying is true: “It is better to give than to receive.” When you give a gift, you bring joy to the recipient. A gift that has been selected for the griller will let him or her know that they are special. These three gift ideas seem simple, but I guarantee that each item will be well used and enjoyed for years to come.
