Vinegar maker at Arthur Quentin

 Time’s a wasting when it comes to holiday shopping, which means if you haven’t yet wrapped that last present, it’s time to focus. Allow me to be of some assistance when it comes to picking up a gift for the gourmet on your list. Here are some of my favourites from this year’s columns to offer that foodie friend or loved one:

Vinegar maker.

For the advanced cook, my top pick would be a vinegar maker, as there’s no smarter way to use up those last bits of leftover wine than making your own vinegar. This chic, French-made porcelain container sits right on the kitchen counter at the ready for all your vinegar needs. Just add wine to the vinegar starter (known as the “mother”) and soon you’ll have excellent wine vinegar to call your own. ($130 at Arthur Quentin, 3960 St. Denis St.).

Chef’s knives.

Nothing thrills a serious cook more than a serious knife, and the best in town are the Japanese chef’s knives at L’émouleur. For the ultimate Christmas gift, check out the “santoku,” made with 256 layers of Damascus steel and sold for an eyebrow-raising $900! (Knives starting at $100, L’Émouleur, 1081 Laurier Ave.).

Mandolin slicer.

For the beginner cook, however, I would forgo the fancy knife in favour of the Beringer Japanese Mandolin Slicer. This is the first gadget I ever ran in the paper, and it’s the slicer chefs use. Razor sharp, the Beringer can turn a potato into potato chips and a carrot into the finest julienne in seconds. Available in two formats (the wider one is good if you’re using large potatoes) this slicer really must be used with its guard. (about $24.99, available at most kitchenware shops).

Teas and teapots.

For the tea lover, you can’t go wrong with any of the teas sold at Camellia Senensis, which carries some of the finest teas from China, India and Japan. The stores also sell a wide selection of tea pots and tea paraphernalia. (Camellia Sinensis, 351 Emery and 7010 Casgrain Sts.)

A tea sampler.

I’m also a fan of the Kusmi tea gift box of nine blends, including green tea with spearmint, breakfast blend, citrus with vanilla and spices, and – my favourite – Earl Grey with lemon and orange blossom. (about $59, available at most gourmet specialty stores and the Kusmi Tea store, 3875 St. Denis St.).

The variable heat kettle.

To make a great cup of tea, you need a good kettle like the Breville variable heat kettle, which boils water to the exact temperature for making green tea, white tea, oolong and the highest “boil” setting for black tea. There’s also a “hold” button for maintaining the water temperature, as well as a removable scale filter, a chime when the water is ready, a cordless design to make for easy pouring, and dry-boil protection to keep your kettle from heating when the water runs out. ($149.99. Available at Le Centre du Rasoir, The Linen Chest, Boutik Electrik, and Deco Découverte.)

Macarons from Le Point G.

For the friend with a sweet tooth, I’d pick up some of Le Point G’s macarons. Made by pâtissiers/owners Thierry Andrieu and Julien Reignier, these burger-shaped, almond-based cookies are sold in classic flavours like chocolate, vanilla, lemon and raspberry, but don’t miss the house specials like salted caramel, chocolate/hazelnut, and mandarine. ($1.50 each, or boxes of six for $9, nine for $13.50, 12 for $18, 15 for $22, and 28 for $37 at Boutique Point G, 1266 Mont Royal Ave. E.)

Oven-to-table porecelain.

For the stylish hostess, I’d opt for Sophie Conran tableware. I’m in love with this oven-to-table porcelain, designed by Terence Conran’s daughter, Sophie. Not only are these pieces affordable (they are cheaper in Canada than in England and France), but they are oh-so elegant. Sold in white, blue and beige, this oven-to-table porcelain is dishwasher and microwave safe. This butter bowl makes a nice start to a collection, as does the teapot, cake stand, and salad and serving bowls. (starting at $19.99 at The Bay and La Maison d’Emilie, 1073 Laurier Ave. W)

Reusable produce bags.

For the tree hugger in your entourage, pick up some “Credobags” reusable produce bags. These 100-per-cent organic cotton bags can be used to hold your beans, your salads, your apples, your potatoes and so much more instead of the usual plastic. They’re also handy at the market, where you can ask the merchants to tip the contents of a basket straight into your bag. Made in Montreal. ($25.99/4 bags, at Cuizine at the Jean-Talon Market, Maitre Boucher 5719 Monkland Ave., Le Panier 300 Lakeshore in Pointe-Claire, and Hogg Hardware 4833 Sherbrooke St. W.)

Springfoam moulds.

The best item I’ve seen for a baker this year is Lékué’s silicone and porcelain springform mould, a springform pan with a flexible silicone surround that wraps around a scratch-resistant porcelain plate. The plate is also oven proof, which means that when your cake or cheesecake is baked, all you have to do is remove the rim and the cake is already on its serving plate. Smart, and easy to clean as well. ($39.50, at 1101 Laurier, at 1101 Laurier Ave. W.)

Enameled cast-iron pan.

What I’m pining for this Christmas is Le Creuset oval “Au Gratin” dish. Made from enameled cast iron, this pan can go from stove top to oven to table. Use for gratinéed potatoes, lasagna, macaroni and cheese, this pan also works beautifully for baked apples, stuffed peppers and oven-roasted vegetables. Expensive, but built to last, it’s a boon to any kitchen. ($205, at all outlets of Ares Kitchen and Baking Supplies, Quicaillerie Dante, 6851 St. Dominique St., Arthur Quentin, 3960 St. Denis St. and Les Touilleurs, 152 Laurier Ave. W.)