This is NOT a sponsored post. 

My best friend’s grandmother, Pauline, was a dietitian. She was one of my biggest supporters and inspiration for me pursuing my career in nutrition and dietetics. Before she passed away in May 2018, she gifted me with a necklace that said, “Follow Your Dreams.” Pauline was the best hostess and planner. I believe most dietitians are. She also had the best variety of essential kitchenware and gadgets. This day and age, many kitchen gadgets seem useful for a time or two before making its way to a dark corner of our cabinets, is anyone still using a George Foreman grill?

I want to share the perfect holiday, timeless gifts for anyone’s kitchen this holiday:

Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole

If you’re tired of dieting and ready to change your relationship with food, this book is for you. More importantly, this book is for anyone who eats. Around this time of year, we’re inundated with diets and detoxes which leave most of us feeling deprived and desperate and worst off than from where we began. Intuitive Eating will be the beginning to the end of chasing diets that just don’t work. BN dietitians reference IE frequently with our patients.

As you make reading goals for 2020 add Intuitive Eating to the list, and while you’re at it, schedule an appointment at Banister Nutrition and one of our dietitians can discuss with you how to apply these concepts to your life.

Chef’s Knife

A chef’s knife is the most universal knife you will ever own (and they make you look like a pro). I use my chef’s knife every day, from cutting fruits and vegetables to cutting meats and tofu. The worst thing is you can do in the kitchen is an attempt to cut ANYTHING with a dull knife. It’s much more dangerous to cut with a dull knife than a sharp one. You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg on the most expensive chef’s knife, however, if you do, they will last FOREVER. Remember, always handwash and sharpen occasionally.

If using a chef’s knife intimidates you, check out videos on YouTube on how to use them correctly, or take a local class.

Cast Iron Skillet

Did you know cooking in a cast iron skillet can add iron to your food? Cast iron cookware is durable and practically indestructible and unlike other cookware, cast irons get better with time. Old cast iron skillets are a common find at thrift stores, antique shops, and flea markets for a reasonable price. Or if you’re lucky, maybe a family member has a few they are willing to part with.

Toddy Cold Brew System

Cold brew coffee is all the rage and it is not slowing down. Cold brew coffee is unique because the cold water brewing and filtering system cut the acidity of coffee by almost 70%. As a student, caffeine gets me through the day (and night). I’ve lost track of how many projects I’ve done on caffeine (and wine). I make a batch of this every week for my husband and me, and it definitely saves on our Starbucks bill. I’ve found cold brew made with a single-origin coffee tastes much better.

KD