8 Great Budget-Friendly Gifts for Your Favorite Cook

A person who appreciates wine often also likes to cook. But while at first glance you’d think it’s easy to buy a gift for a cook, I’ve found it daunting. What utensils do they already have? Would they use a rice cooker or a bread maker? Do they have space for a large crockpot or platter?

To make it easier, here are eight great budget-friendly gifts for your favorite cook that we discovered this year and recommend. They’re all reasonably priced and available online. Some can also be found in certain stores.

Hot-Off-The-Presses Cookbooks

Cooks often like to experiment. These new cookbooks are full of wonderful recipe ideas and new twists on old favorites.

1.     101 Things to Do With Pork

A lot of people are turning to pork as a more affordable, environmentally-friendly alternative to beef and lamb.  

101 Things to Do with Pork is a great way to add pork to the table. Written by Eliza Cross and part of the best-selling “101 Things” series, the book includes creative recipes for all types of pork, including ham, bacon, pork belly, chorizo, and ribs.

The book also includes hints about handling pork and recipe notes, such as how to substitute one type of salt for another. It’s $12.99 on Amazon and at many major stores, like Target.

2.     Hidden Vegetables Cookbook: 90 Tasty Recipes for Veggie-Adverse Adults

Only one in 10 adults in the United States eats the recommended number of vegetables a day. The Hidden Vegetables Cookbook by Heidi Herman, designed for adults, adds vegetables to various recipes without affecting their taste but boosting their nutritional value. For instance, the beef bourguignon includes hidden carrots and beets; the chocolate cake has undetectable zucchini in it. The book also outlines how to buy, cook, and store vegetables. It’s available on Amazon for $24.99 in paperback or $7.99 on Kindle.

3.     Ramen Remix

Budget-minded cooks need to consider the cost of ingredients. Ramen noodles are much more than a simple, inexpensive basic for college students. Ramen Remix, by Jessica Harlan, shows just how versatile this staple can be. The cookbook includes more than 50 ramen recipes, including salads, homestyle comfort food such as Ramen Bolognese, Asian-inspired classics like Pad Thai, and desserts. It also includes extras, such as how to poach a chicken. You can find it for $19.95 at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other stores.

4.     The I Love Trader Joe’s Party Cookbook

Looking to give a gift to a Trader Joe’s fan? Look no further! The I Love Trader Joe’s Party Cookbook is full of recipes and entertaining ideas using products from the iconic grocery store.  Written by Cherie Mercer Twohy, this Fifteenth Edition of the cookbook organizes over 150 recipes around 30 kinds of get-togethers, such as major holidays, wine tasting parties, game night, and afternoon tea.  

The book also includes strategies to get the most out of Trader Joe’s, such as tuning into its podcasts and learning how to hoard favorites that may become discontinued. It’s $19.99 on Amazon and most stores, including Walmart.

Cooking Oils

Cooking oils are another great budget-friendly gift for your favorite cook. Here are a few we were introduced to this year that we recommend.

5.     Olive Oil from The Groves on 41

All cooks use oil, and olive oil is all the rage these days.

But you don’t have to import olive oil from Spain or Italy to find olive oil of great quality.  We fell in love with the olive oil from The Groves on 41, which produces Greek and Spanish olive oil in Central California, as well as olive oils infused with different ingredients such as basil, garlic, and cinnamon.  

We came across these delicious oils at a farmers’ market in Paso Robles, California, this year, but you can also order them directly online. The prices range from $10 for a bottle to $40 for a gift pack.

 6.     Nut Oils from Fresh Vintage Farms

And while we’re talking oil, how about considering branching out to tree nut oils for a slightly different taste? For instance, Fresh Vintage Farms produces artisanal almond oil, walnut oil, and related products that are cold-pressed and full of nutrients, such as Omega-3s. The oils go well with stir fry, pasta, salads, you name it. The nuts are all locally sourced in Central California; the owners are third-generation almond farmers. The website includes recipes and cooking guides. A bottle currently sells for $16.99 online.

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Healthy Alternatives

These days, many people are seeking healthier substitutes for traditional foods. Here are two we found this year that we really like.

7.     Flour Made from Breadfruit

What about that friend or family member who loves to bake but needs to avoid gluten, or is looking for a healthy alternative to regular flour?  Consider giving flour made entirely from breadfruit.

Amasar, a Puerto Rico woman-owned company, is pioneering breadfruit as a naturally gluten-free and nutrient-dense flour. It's completely plant-based, prebiotic, and chock full of fiber. Breadfruit is grown widely in tropical regions and is a staple in numerous cultures. Many liken the taste of the fruit itself to freshly baked bread, so it’s a natural fit for flour.

A 24-ounce bag sells for $15.99 on the company’s website or at select stores around the country.

8.     Calamari Jerky

Does your favorite cook like beef jerky? A tasty and unique alternative is jerky made from calamari, from The Hermit. The jerky, made with American wild-caught squid, is all-natural, high-protein, and gluten, dairy, and soy free. The snack, which originated in Asian food markets, is made with organic spices and olive oil, and comes in three flavors: Thai chili lime, ginger scallion, and Italian herb. While technically it's ready to eat, it’s something that your favorite cook can nibble on while cooking. Prices start at $11.99 a package and can be purchased directly on the website.

I hope that these suggestions of eight great budget-friendly gifts for your favorite cook help make your gift giving easier – or spur you to indulge in some yourself.

If you have additional gift suggestions, please share! We’re at info@winewithourfamily.com. As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions or feedback.

If you enjoyed this post, visit our website and check out some of our related articles: 

 5 New Digital Gifts for Your Favorite Wine Lover

 6 Great Wine-Related Gifts on a Budget