Top 10 Gifts for the Beginning Chef

Let's face it: cooking is huge these days. With the economy in the doldrums, more and more folks are looking to hit the gourmet tip right in their own kitchens. Here are ten fantastic gifts for the beginning Rachael Ray wannabe:

	1	KitchenAid Professional 600 Series 6-Quart Stand Mixer Every kitchen needs a quality mixer, and they don't come any better than KitchenAid. Plus, once you gift a KitchenAid, you'll have an endless supply of follow-on gifts when you start buying the available attachments. How 'bout some home-made ice cream?
	2	Mundial Future 10-Piece Block Set A great set of knives not only makes cooking more enjoyable, it makes it safer. Nothing ruins the build-up to a dinner party faster than cutting yourself with a dull knife. Make sure that doesn't happen with this awesome set of knives from Mundial that carry a lifetime warranty. Nice!
	3	Rachael Ray 10-Piece Stainless-Steel Cookware Set Say what you want about Rachael Ray, the woman knows how to put together a decent set of stainless steel cookware. Don't look like a newb with a set of cheap non-stick pans - real cooks use stainless. And you'll love the flair of orange color on the handles of these stylish pans! Includes all the essentials to get you started on the right foot.
	4	Simply Calphalon Nonstick 6-Piece Bakeware Set If your friend is a beginning baker, nonstick baking pans will help establish their confidence as they enter the sometimes frustrating world of baking. This set from Calphalon covers all the essentials at a reasonable price.
	5	MIU Stainless-Steel 7-Piece Measuring Cup Set Talk about essential! Ask any chef and they'll tell you that nothing makes cooking more enjoyable than using good tools. This heavy-duty set of measuring cups will be the only one you'll ever need.
	6	iSi Basics Flex-it Measuring Cups Someday, your favorite budding chef will cook with a splish of this and a splash of that. But to start off successfully, accuracy is essential. This set of flexible measuring cups from iSi will ensure that their baked goods come out perfectly - without the risk of broken glass all over their granite countertop!
	7	CorningWare French White 17-Piece Bake and Serve Set Cooking's not all about sex and sizzle: sometimes, you just want to throw something in the oven and let it bake. With this set from CorningWare, you're all set to cook a roast, bake lasagna, or attempt your first quiche.
	8	Oxo Good Grips Everyday 15-Piece Kitchen Tool Set Oxo is famous for taking necessities and making them beautiful. This set of 15 kitchen utensils is sure to put a smile on the face of your favorite beginning chef!
	9	Lodge Logic 12-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet Ah, the humble frying pan. Talk about the foundation of your kitchen! Everyone needs a great cast-iron frying pan, and this award-winning model from Lodge Logic is pre-seasoned and ready-to-go. At just over $15 bucks, this one's a steal.
	10	Cuisipro 13" Splatter Guard OK - so maybe this isn't essential. But you've got to know that there's nothing worse than cleaning up grease splatters after a decadent BLT lunch. Borrow a trick from my grandma when you put this slick 13" splatter guard to work in your kitchen. You'll love it!

These items should get your favorite beginning chef cruising down the path to culinary greatness. And who knows: maybe they'll be so appreciative you'll score a couple free meals!

Happy shopping!