Dec 13, 2017 By Joe Carei for The 4 min read

I had a friend call me the other day and ask me about grilling on Himalayan salt blocks. His dad was thinking about getting one for his mother for Christmas. He was wondering about how much salt it imparts when cooking.

Alas, I had no answer for him and after a bit of research, found out it depends what you are cooking. But it does impart salt to whatever is cooked on it. Towards the end of the conversation, I found out that the friend’s mother is on a low-sodium diet. I told him that I would assume that if his dad gets her the salt block, I can pretty much guess what he’s getting for Christmas: a divorce.

So my advice when buying a kitchen-based Christmas gift is to think about what you are buying and for whom you are buying. Some things to remember: First and foremost, the giftee should want to cook — you cannot and do not want to create a reluctant cook. Next, make sure you or they have room for what you are going to surprise them. Also, make sure you are going to give them something they are going to use.

Make sure this person has a desire to cook. Hint’s like “I hate to cook,” or “I will never cook as long as there are restaurants,” are pretty good indicators to get something else, like fine jewelry. But, if they indicate that they like to or want to learn, you are in business.

For the seasoned cook, try to hint around what they are looking to learn new. If they have always wanted to make sushi, then a sushi kit with a rice cooker would be a great idea. If they are a new cook looking to get started, quality basics would be a start. Good knives, pots and pans or cookbooks/cooking apps should be high on the list.

Make sure that there is room for what you are buying. Are you looking to buy that salad and herb spinner that is the size of a stock pot for your cook? First, make sure they have a problem with wet lettuces and that they use fresh herbs regularly. Then make sure they have room or are willing to make room. We have made room for larger items such as our air fryer (great) and put the electric griddle (never used) into the basement and then the last yard sale.

It is pretty disappointing to get a gift that you know you are not going to use. You want to get something that the cook is going to want. The sea urchin scoop may join the hands free egg cracker and the banana keeper in the junk drawer and make it to the previously mentioned yard sale. But, if you know they love to use corn in recipes, love fresh herbs or can tomatoes, a corn stripper, herb scissors and tomato shark will have a place in their gadget drawer, and you will have a place in their heart.

If the person or persons you are buying for are still foodies, but not interested in cooking, go the local route. Locally prepared and signature items are a great option.

Treat your favorite person to a gift certificate from a locally-owned restaurant. If you know you screwed up on whatever you got, get a pocket wine aerator and a bottle of wine as a backup. Within an hour, they will love whatever you gave them. After all, it’s the thought that counts…right?

Chef Joe Carei has been an award-winning chef in Fayette County nearly half of his life. The former PA Restaurateur of the Year now operates Ellie Mae’s Catering and Food Clubs. He can be reached at joe@elliemaescatering .com.