- CHOW for sassy, edgy cooks who like a little naughtiness in the kitchen,
- Saveur for the cook who likes a side of travel and wine talk with their main course of food, and
- Cooks Illustrated for the cook who wants some scientific backing behind why this chicken casserole recipe is better than that, sans photos or advertisements.
To make the gift even more special, include a pair of beautiful scissors like these from the MOMA Store* - no sense in those magazines piling up - if there's a recipe or article of inspiration, it should be clipped out and used. Don't let those suckers stack up.
*Buy online at the MOMA store now through December 11th using online code 5VIP6 and receive 20% off your order!
I mentioned this in one of the earlier threads, but this looks like a good place for it too so my apologies for the repeat! I love Cuisine At Home (http://www.cuisineathome.com).
I bought my first copy because my sister-in-law made the best turkey I've ever had based on the December 2004 issue. I then made other dishes from that issue, and loved them all. Then I bought a subscription for myself, and gift subscriptions for my mom and sister-in-law.
The magazine also has tips, Q&A, buying guides, and other neat things. And it explains the reasons for steps within the recipes, which I love. But.. one of the things that I like best about it (other than the unfailing recipes) is that there isn't TOO MUCH. It comes out every two months, and there are enough recipes and ideas in each to go through without trying too hard within the two months. And there aren't any other ads within it -- it's all stuff I want to read.
Anyway, I like it :)
One more thing .. all issues come 3-hole punched, so they're easy to store in a binder. I've got my new binder for 2006 ready to go :)
Magazines are a great gift. I usually end up giving away a couple for that person who has everything.
Another great magazine is Everyday Food from Martha Stewart. Great for the busy mom or everyday cook. Recipes are simple with easy ingredients. Every issue has a "try it" ingredient, "freeze it" recipe, and plan ahead menu.
I swear by Cook's Illustrated. It's so entertaining and useful.
My ex got me a subscription to Cooks Illustrated for Christmas a few years back, and has been renewing it every year since as an annual gift. It's probably my favorite cooking magazine despite it not being the flashiest publication out there.
I received a Cuisine at Home subscription as a gift last year. I'd never heard of it before, but have seen many references to it since then. Many of the recipes have become mainstays and as Chickpea says, it's bi-monthly delivery does not overwhelm you with a culinary to-do list sense of obligation.
I'm a big, big fan of Cook's Illustrated. I really love the explanations they give for why they do what they do. You can then apply that to so many other recipes. It's a real education. Of course no ads is great too.