Appalachian bow saw bread knife Robert Linn’s handmade (and razor sharp) knife looks like a weapon but it works beautifully on the heartiest bread as well as succulent Creole tomatoes. The knives have high carbon steel blades and are crafted of fine hard woods. $22.95 AppalachianBowSaw.com.
Ed. Note: Unfortunately the Appalachian Bow Saw Bread Knife is no longer available at the website printed. However, many items like this are available online at myriad retailers; please search "Appalachian Bow Saw Bread Knife” if you’re interested in doing so.
Oysteria oyster plates, holiday ornaments and serve ware. In addition to being supercool and locally made, Oysteria products are food safe, microwave, dishwasher and oven safe. From $10, OysteriaNola.com or Mitch’s Flowers, 4843 Magazine St. 899-4843.
The P&J Oyster Cookbook (Pelican Publishing 2010) Experience our native mollusk in all its alluring tastes with this beautifully photographed book from author Kit Wohl and the Sunseri family chronicling the company that has been noted for generations for the fine quality of its oysters. Selections include Oysters Benedict, Baked Oysters with Asparagus and Crab Meat and an array of sauces for raw applications. $35 at better bookstores everywhere and at Amazon.com.
Membership to the SoFAB Institute. Now housed in swanky new digs on a bustling stretch of Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, this nonprofit living history organization is dedicated to the discovery, understanding and celebration of the food, drink and the related culture of the South. Members enjoy discounts to most ticketed events of the SoFAB Institute, the Southern Food and Beverage Museum and the Museum of the American Cocktail. In addition, all members enjoy the benefits of membership to the Greater New Orleans Federal Credit Union, a full-service financial institution offering an array of financial services including savings and checking accounts; direct deposit and payroll deduction; low interest rate loans; credit cards and mortgages. Starting at $35, SoFABInstitute.org.
Lodge’s apple-shaped pot of enamel-clad cast iron. This cheerful pot can be used on all cooking surfaces, including induction. Even if the intended gift recipient doesn’t cook, this beautiful three-quart number will look fabulous just sitting on the counter or pressed into service as a cookie jar. It comes in brilliant Cherry red as well as Granny Smith green. $107.50, Lodgemfg.com.
Lodge Cast Iron Nation (Oxmoore House 2014) Packed with classic regional casseroles, soups and stews, new twists on old favorites and desserts, this cookbook is packed with 200 recipes curated from the foundry’s network of high-profile chefs (including Ryan Prewitt of Pêche Seafood Grill and Stephen Stryjewski of Cochon) and cast-iron cookware fans from around the country. $25 at better bookstores everywhere and through LodgeMfg.com.
New Orleans Classic Creole Recipes (Pelican Publishing 2014) The latest installment in prolific cookbook author Kit Wohl’s Classics series. If the recipient is really special, give him or her the entire series: Desserts, Appetizers, Gumbos & Soups, Brunches, Cocktails and Celebrations. $16.95 at better bookstores everywhere and at Amazon.com
