Immersion blenders are so great for hot soup instead of messing with a blender

Anonymous wrote:How about a can of soup.

Costco sells a dozen a pack. Tie a ribbon around it, voila!

Anonymous wrote:Dutch oven

They probably have it. Try a pair of ladle and throw in some nice dinner napkins.

I love fancy soup bowls!

We have switched to using nice big metal spoons for stirring and serving —moving away from black plastic. So those might be a nice addition to the gift.

Anonymous wrote:I think I might get a Dutch oven (and some other items). I have a Le Creuset but hear Staib may be better (as a poster above also said). Can anyone compare them, what makes one better than the other? Is one more lightweight?

They are similar but I feel like my staubs are heavier.

I like staub for casserole dishes, but I like le creuset for Dutch ovens. The reason is that staub cast iron baking dishes have a black interior, which I like for gratins and baked dishes, etc , while le creuset has a white interior, which I prefer for cooking on the stovetop. It’s harder for me to develop a fond and brown butter in a vessel with black interior.

How about a can of soup.

I'd be really surprised if someone who likes to make soup doesn't already have the equipment, but Rancho Gordo and Penzey's are great ideas.

You could also print some recipes for savory granola and pull together the ingredients. Nice alternative to croutons.

Good-quality dried beans and spices
Nice stainless ladle - Rosle is a good brand
Oven-safe soup crocks - Emile Henry or Staub

Spices!!

I think I might get a Dutch oven (and some other items). I have a Le Creuset but hear Staib may be better (as a poster above also said). Can anyone compare them, what makes one better than the other? Is one more lightweight?