Bamboo cutting board
I do a lot of cutting and chopping, so having a good cutting board is essential. Not only is it a renewable resource but bamboo also resists bacterial growth and it’s attractive. The cutting surface has a nice give which means your knifes stay sharper longer. Find good ones at Sur La Table or Whole Foods. You can even shop online at Totally Bamboo and have them delivered right to your door.

Microplane grater
When it comes to grating Parmesan, lemon zest, or fresh ginger, I can’t live without my microplane grater. I even take it with me when I’m cooking at friends’ houses. Find a variety on Sur La Table's web site.

Old Vine Zinfandel
If you know someone who loves a full, juice red wine, pick up a bottle of The Pines Old Vine Zinfandel. Rumored to be oldest vines in Oregon, this powerful yet elegant wine is something every wine collector wants in his or her cellar. Find it at on The Pines web site, Whole Foods or Wizer’s Market.

Lemon Olive Oil
My cupboard is never without a tin of O&Co’s lemon olive oil. Its fresh and light flavor elevates ordinary dishes to the extraordinary. Drizzle it over pasta, salads, fresh vegetables, or whatever else your heart desires.

Cookbooks
Williams Sonoma has an extensive collection of cookbooks in a variety of topics: holidays, salad, seafood, slow cooker, Asian, etc. Each recipe is accompanied by easy to understand instructions, cook’s tips and techniques, and full color photos.

Fleur de sel
Clean, briny, airy salt from France makes any dish come alive with flavor. Fleur de sel (translated as flower of salt) is a hand harvested sea salt that usually hails from Brittany and Normandy. Sprinkle just a tiny amount on meats, vegetables, salads, and pastas to make flavors sing. Find it at cooking stores and gourmet markets like New Seasons or Zupan’s.

Santoku knife
Knives are an extension of our hands and a sharp knife is crucial. No dedicated cook should be without them. Santoku knives have hollowed out “divots” on the side of the blade to prevent sticking. They make chopping, dicing, and slicing a true delight. My favorite comes from Wustof but Henkels or Shun are just as good. Find a variety of brands and prices at Sur La Table.

Pasta maker
Once you’ve had hand-made pasta, you’ll never want the cellophane-wrapped, dry stuff again. With just water and flour (and sometimes eggs), you can create wonderful noodles and sheets perfect for fettuccini or ravioli. The machine simply clamps to the counter top.

Chez Tse gift certificates
Still searching for the perfect gift? How about a Chez Tse gift certificate? Your family and friends can choose either a meal prepared in their home or a private coking class with yours truly. Just email me and together we’ll create a unique gift to place under the tree.