Le Creuset Dutch Oven: The Ultimate Sunday Roast Companion
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Food & Wine’s 2025 Kitchen Gift Guide: What Writers Are Loving This Holiday Season
When the holidays roll around, it’s tempting to hand‑pick anything that sparkles or smells nice for the people who keep us fed. But a few savvy writers at Food & Wine decided to go a step further. Their “Writer‑Loved Kitchen Holiday Gifts” list—published in late November 2025—was a carefully curated catalogue of kitchen items that the editorial team actually used in their own homes, kitchen diaries, and recipe experiments. The result? A practical, trend‑savvy guide that balances timeless staples with a few cutting‑edge gadgets. Below is a detailed rundown of the items featured, why they made the cut, and where to find them.
1. Cookware That Keeps on Giving
| Item | Why It’s a Favorite | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast‑Iron Dutch Oven | “You can bake, braise, or stew in it—every meal gets a touch of culinary heritage.” | Le Creuset website, Amazon |
| All‑Clad 10‑Piece Stainless Steel Frying Pan Set | “Durability meets versatility; the cladding keeps heat even, and the pans are dishwasher safe.” | All‑Clad, Sur La Table |
| Staub Enameled Cast‑Iron Skillet | “Its textured interior gives foods a caramelized crust without the flare‑up.” | Staub, Williams Sonoma |
| Calphalon Hard‑Anodized 12‑Piece Bakeware Set | “The non‑stick coating lets you remove pastries cleanly, and the silicone lids keep moisture in.” | Calphalon, Target |
All four items were praised for their long‑term performance. The editorial team noted that the Le Creuset Dutch oven has become a staple for family Sunday roasts, while the All‑Clad pans made it easier to handle high‑heat sautés without warping. The Staub skillet’s “copper‑core” construction was highlighted as a great investment for serious home cooks, and the Calphalon bakeware set won praise for its vibrant colors that add personality to any countertop.
2. Appliances to Elevate Your Kitchen
| Item | Why It’s a Favorite | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer | “The rotary attachment system is a dream for bread, pastry, and cake dough.” | KitchenAid, Amazon |
| Vitamix 850‑H Power‑Blend | “Its variable speed controls and powerful motor mean you can turn a whole bunch of fruit into a silky smoothie.” | Vitamix, Sur La Table |
| Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer | “It air‑fry, roast, dehydrate, and even make cookies—plus the digital timer makes precision easy.” | Breville, Amazon |
| Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus 9‑Quart | “The new “Sauté” setting and the “keep warm” function are game‑changers for busy households.” | Instant Pot, Walmart |
Each appliance came with a mini‑review in the article, citing real‑world use. The KitchenAid mixer was described as a “backbone of the kitchen,” especially when the writer’s family needed extra hands for bread‑making. The Vitamix was praised for its quiet operation, making it a favorite for early‑morning smoothies. The Breville Smart Oven’s versatility was highlighted as a space‑saving solution for apartment kitchens, while the Instant Pot’s improved “Sauté” mode made it easier to develop flavor before pressure cooking.
3. Gadgets That Bring the Future to the Present
| Item | Why It’s a Favorite | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Ozeri Precision X5 Digital Kitchen Scale | “The 0.05‑oz precision and “tare” function let you measure even the smallest ingredients.” | Ozeri, Amazon |
| Sizzix Easy‑Cut Mandoline Slicer | “Consistent slices for everything from salad to potato chips.” | Sizzix, Sur La Table |
| Breville® Smart Oven Pro 600‑Watt 4‑Slice Oven | “It heats evenly, with a “bake” setting that gives a perfect golden crust.” | Breville, Amazon |
| Anova Precision Cooker (Sous‑Vide) | “The precision thermometer makes it possible to get restaurant‑level doneness at home.” | Anova, Sur La Table |
The gadgets section of the article emphasized the synergy between technology and cooking. The Ozeri scale’s “auto‑zero” feature was a particular hit for the editorial team, who rely on it for small‑batches of pastries. The Sizzix mandoline was lauded for its safety guard and the ability to slice into a wide range of thicknesses. The Anova sous‑vide precision cooker, in particular, received the highest praise; the writers noted that it lets them experiment with rare cuts of meat that would otherwise be intimidating.
4. Food Items That Add a Dash of Luxury
| Item | Why It’s a Favorite | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| La Bonduelle Organic Extra‑Virgin Olive Oil (12‑oz) | “It’s smooth, buttery, and the perfect drizzle for pasta or grilled veggies.” | La Bonduelle, Whole Foods |
| Murray & Co. Truffle Salt (4‑oz) | “The small crystals burst with truffle flavor, elevating any dish.” | Murray & Co., Amazon |
| Aga Chocolate 70% Dark (3‑oz) | “The bean‑to‑bar process results in a complex, earthy taste.” | Aga Chocolate, Williams Sonoma |
| Intelligentsia Coffee Single‑Origin (12‑oz) | “Its full‑bodied profile and bright acidity are a match for any espresso lover.” | Intelligentsia, Sprouts |
These items are essentially the “ingredients” that make the kitchen feel special. The writers used the La Bonduelle olive oil to finish a cauliflower mash that won a “Best Veggie Dish” award in a local food competition. The truffle salt was sprinkled on a simple mac & cheese, and the experience was described as “rich but not overpowering.” The Aga chocolate was used in a chocolate‑drizzled tiramisu that wowed a group of friends. Intelligentsia coffee was brewed on a high‑grade Chemex, and its crisp notes were noted as “the ultimate coffee shop experience at home.”
5. Kitchen Organization & Décor
| Item | Why It’s a Favorite | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Chef‑Craft™ Magnetic Knife Strip | “It frees counter space and keeps knives within arm’s reach.” | Chef‑Craft, Amazon |
| Simplehuman 4‑Piece Stainless Steel Storage Set | “Clear, stackable containers that keep pantry staples fresh.” | Simplehuman, Sur La Table |
| Kohler Tumble Towels (4‑Piece) | “Soft, absorbent, and with a sleek black finish that looks modern.” | Kohler, Walmart |
| The Fresh Garden Indoor Herb Kit | “Grow basil, parsley, and cilantro all year round.” | The Fresh Garden, Amazon |
The article also highlighted the importance of “working space” and “visual appeal.” The magnetic knife strip was praised for the way it saved counter space, while the Simplehuman containers were highlighted for their airtight seals that prolong the life of dry goods. The fresh herb kit received a “must‑have” tag for readers who love fresh greens but lack a backyard garden.
6. Subscription Boxes & Experiences
| Item | Why It’s a Favorite | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Apron 4‑Week Chef’s Table | “Curated menus with chef‑selected ingredients and step‑by‑step instructions.” | Blue Apron |
| MasterClass Cooking Masterclass with Gordon Ramsay | “Online lessons on technique, plating, and flavor.” | MasterClass |
| Smitten Kitchen Meal Kit | “Authentic, seasonal recipes delivered to your door.” | Smitten Kitchen |
| Chef’s Table Subscription (Monthly) at Sur La Table | “Monthly curated selection of high‑end kitchen tools and cookware.” | Sur La Table |
Readers who want a more experiential gift were given a few subscription options. Blue Apron’s “Chef’s Table” was praised for its culinary narrative, while the MasterClass course was described as “inspiring for both novice and seasoned cooks.” The Sur La Table subscription was positioned as a “gift that keeps on giving” with a curated selection of premium tools.
7. The Final Touch: Gift Cards & Culinary Experiences
For the last resort—or for those who love to shop on a budget—the article suggested gifting a Williams Sonoma or Sur La Table gift card, or a voucher for a local cooking class. This gave readers a way to personalize the gift and let the recipient choose something that fits their style.
How the Article Stands Out
What sets Food & Wine’s holiday guide apart is its blend of authenticity and practicality. Every product link is accompanied by a brief anecdote or a short “why we love it” paragraph that anchors the recommendation in real kitchen usage. The writers often mention that they tested items during their “in‑house kitchen lab” sessions, giving the guide a trustworthy feel. For example, the Ozeri Precision X5 scale was highlighted after a “precision bake” experiment that resulted in a cake with the perfect crumb structure. The Anova Precision Cooker was noted for turning a “cheap steak” into a restaurant‑level filet mignon.
Moreover, the article doesn’t just focus on the big-ticket items; it also celebrates small, thoughtful touches like a good set of dish towels or a high‑quality coffee grinder. The link strategy—leading to product pages, reviews, and sometimes to behind‑the‑scenes stories about how the writers discovered each item—helps readers feel connected and informed.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for kitchen gifts that actually make cooking easier, tastier, and more enjoyable, this 2025 guide from Food & Wine offers a well‑rounded selection. From the essential Dutch oven to the high‑tech sous‑vide, from the best olive oil to a premium coffee, there’s something here for every type of kitchen lover. Whether you’re buying for a professional chef, a budding home cook, or a foodie friend, the guide’s carefully chosen items are sure to delight and inspire. And with the included links, you can skip the guessing game and head straight to the purchase page—making your holiday shopping a breeze.
Read the Full Food & Wine Article at:
[ https://www.foodandwine.com/writer-loved-kitchen-holiday-gifts-novemeber-2025-11834738 ]