Perfect Gifts For The Chef

Scratching your head, trying to cook up ideas for gifts for the chefs on your holiday list?

It would be difficult to find anyone better to offer suggestions than Tori Ritchie who is, of course, a chef herself.

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The segments, which originated from the Williams-Sonoma store at Columbus Circle in New York City, were hosted by The Early Show co-anchor Hannah Storm. She was joined by Ritchie, a San Francisco-based food writer, cooking teacher and host of the long-running "Ultimate Kitchens" on the Food Network. Her latest cookbook is "Party Appetizers: Small Bites, Big Flavors" (Chronicle Books, Fall 2004).

Ritchie's suggestions ranged from the inexpensive to the indulgent, all appropriate gifts for anyone who enjoys stirring things up in the kitchen.

For the Baker

'Tis the season for lots of baking. Why not consider a gift for the Betty Crocker in your life?

Professional Cookie Press: Pastry chefs use these types of presses to turn out large quantities of cookies in a short time. Simply fill the barrel with dough, squeeze the handle, and dough is piped through a disk onto your baking sheet. Multiple cookie disks create all sorts of cookie shapes. $24

Silpat Non-stick (Baking Sheet) Liner: Non-stick silicone liners let you remove baked goods without breakage and keep cleanup to a minimum. The reusable flexible liners are ideal for cookies and sheet cakes, and they're excellent surfaces for rolling out pastry dough. $20

For the Novice

Think basic! Those who are just beginning to discover the culinary arts will need to build up their kitchen arsenals.

Melamine Bowls & Silicone Spatulas: Mixing bowls are essential equipment for cooking or baking. Consider a set that is lightweight with a non-slip rubber base, as well as a contoured lip for easy pouring. $24

Pair mixing bowls with matching spatulas that won't chip, crack or lose their shape. Silicone spatulas withstand heat up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and are dishwasher safe. Also available in cup-shaped spoonulas designed for stirring as well as scraping bowls and cookware. $6-$9 each

Wusthof Santuko Knife: Based on a Japanese design, this multipurpose tool is the cross-trainer of all knives. Excellent for mincing, dicing and slicing. $90

For the International Cook

For those who enjoy all sorts of cuisines of the world.

Foods of the World Cookbooks: Three volumes featuring the flavors of some of the World's most remarkable cities: Paris, Florence, and Barcelona. $24 each or $60 for set of 3. (CDs, $15, sold separately)

Ruffoni Copper Fondue Pot: A big craze in the '70s, the traditional Alpine meal of fondue is now experiencing renewed popularity. The one-pot meal offers a wide range of courses, from appetizer to entrée to dessert. $189

For the Breakfast Lover

For some, breakfast foods are a favorite. Why not give a kitchen-related gift that caters to this simple pleasure?

VillaWare Belgium Flip Waffle Maker: New waffle maker from VillaWare creates fun waffle sticks perfect for dipping in syrups -- from maple to decadent hot fudge. Bakes 6 4-3/4 inch X 1-1/2 inch thick sticks in less than three minutes. $120

All-Clad LTD Nonstick Griddle: Commercial size griddle makes it simple to prepare pancakes, sausages or grilled sandwiches for a crowd. Comes with maple syrup, pancake mix, and spatula. $100

For the Ultimate Cook

The serious cook will appreciate any new tools and equipment that will enhance his or her culinary skills.

All-Clad 1.5 Quart Reduction Pot: New 1.5 Quart Reduction Pot with measured amounts marked off on the interior of the pot makes a very useful tool for the serious cook. $125

Hot Spot Pot Holders: New silicone non-clip pot holders provide a safe and steady hold on hot cookware, withstanding 675 degrees of heat. Also, dishwasher safe. Perfect hostess gift, stocking stuffer, or companion to any other kitchen gift. $8 each

Jura-Capresso Impressa S8 Coffee Maker: The ultimate coffee and espresso machine orchestrates every step of the coffee-making process. Completely automated, the machine features seven programmable coffee push buttons. An LED screen displays messages in one of several languages indicating settings, such as cup size, coffee strength and temperature. The machine also pre-grinds coffee, can top your espresso or coffee with a layer of cream, and pre-warm your cup. $1,999