Chow Bella's Gift Guide for the Food Geek

By Ando Muneno Fri., Nov. 30 2012 at 6:26 AM

Categories: Gift Guides 2012, Seasonal

Clockwise From Left: Ando Muneno, Sandwich Video, Molecule-R, Modernist Cuisine, Think Geek.

Clockwise From Left: Go Lb Salt, Aeropress, Molecular Gastronomy Kit, Modernist Cuisine Excerpt, Star Trek Pizza Cutter.

What? Not done with your holiday shopping? Yeah, neither are we. But we've been making lists -- and checking them twice -- and we've got some suggestions for the nice people on your list. Today, Chow Bella's Gift Guide for the Food Geek.

Aeropress Coffee Maker:

AeroPress "Ritual" from Sandwich Video on Vimeo.

It's like a French press coffee maker but more or less self-cleaning and much more compact. Load up a filter ($5 buys 350 of them) boil your water (you're using a thermometer for optimal brew temp right? Right?), pour water over grounds, give it a quick stir and press. The company claims you'll press out a cup of espresso. That's not exactly true but you will end up with a coffee concentrate suitable for dilution and immediate consumption or for use in recipes calling for fresh espresso.

Custom Chicken Coop from Rise & Shine Custom Coops
We know you're already using Google SketchUp to layout plans for a 500 gallon aquaponic system. The promise of creating a mostly closed loop self-sustaining fish farm/garden is just too great for you. But have you thought about diversifying your protein a little? Why not throw a couple of chickens into that plan? Better yet, why not shower your money on a local business that'll deliver a custom designed coop to your door rather than buying one of those mass produced coops that look like re-purposed playground equipment? These are coops any chicken would be proud to live in.