This Christmas season, I’ve decided to look at some great gift ideas and in my opinion, their not as great counterparts. This way, when you’re out shopping for your favorite home cook, you won’t be suckered into buying the fanciest and highly excessive products.

Talking Thermometer - Really?

Instant read thermometer vs. talking thermometer

My first example has to do with thermometers. I was really hoping for an instant read thermometer under the tree this year, and after doing some research on them I couldn’t wait any longer, so I purchased one just in time for Thanksgiving.

You must beware though; there are many thermometers out there that say they are “instant read” where in fact they can take up to 1 minute to get an accurate reading. I know, I own two of them and they work fine but take forever (10 to 20 seconds) to give you an accurate reading. Your food would definitely get a little chilly with the oven door open that long.

So, do your research before purchasing. Or have a look at mine. I purchased the ThermoWorks Super-Fast Thermapen and haven’t looked back. Its readings are almost instantaneous. I say almost because no thermometer is going to give you a completely instant reading, that’s magic. But a few seconds into your food and the reading is accurate.

This instant thermometer is not cheap.  I picked my up at Amazon for $96 bucks. My wife thought I was out of my mind but  after seeing how well it worked on Thanksgiving, she was OK with it.

Talking Thermometers, Really?

While looking online for other thermometers, I came across a couple that boasted their ability to talk. Yes, you read correctly—talking thermometers. Why, I thought, would anyone need a talking thermometer?  For most leave-in or remote thermometers, an alarm would suffice.

An example of an unnecessary thermometer is Grill Alert Talking Remote Meat Thermometer. While I like its remote capabilities and its big, easy to read screen, it just seems needless to have a thermometer talking to me as I’m grilling some chicken.

Not to mention, the settings of the thermometer are set to USDA guidelines for meat doneness temperature. For example, the turkey setting is set at 180 degrees F. If you were using those guidelines for roasting your Thanksgiving turkey, you’d come out with one dry and most likely burnt gobbler!

So if you are looking for remote thermometer for half the price that works just as well, find one that doesn’t talk.

Slap Chop vs. Food Processor

I’m sure you’ve all seen this product in the stores or on T.V., The Slap Chop. The spokesman claims that you’re going to be “slapping your troubles away with the Slap Chop.”

I always laugh a little when I hear that. While I do like the convenience and size of the slap chop as well as how easy it is to clean, it seems too good to be true. The television ad shows the host chopping onions and garlic with the skin on and easily removing the skin once chopped. This seemed a little far-fetched, and it seems some users online had complaints about the Slap Chop not living up to its expectations.

I have to be honest here, I do not own a Slap Chop and have never tried one so if anyone reading this post has had a great experience with their unit, I would love to hear from you.

How About a Mini Food Processor

While a knife may suffice in most situations, I prefer using a food processor for easy chopping, dicing especially when prepping for a big dinner party. I particularly like food processors with the mini bowl attachment, like KitchenAid’s 9-Cup Food Processor with 4-cup Mini Bowl. The 9-cup bowl is great for bigger culinary feats whereas the 4-cup mini bowl is great for smaller tasks such as chopping nuts, onions, mincing garlic and more.

The food processor comes with many added accessories like a dough blade, shredding disc, spatula, cleaning tool, stainless steel multi-purpose blade and instructions with recipes. The bowls, blades and discs are all dishwasher safe and the chrome body is easy to wipe clean. For more professional results, definitely choose a food processor over the suspicious Slap Chop.

Vinturi vs. Clef du Vin

One of my favorite wine gadgets is the Vinturi wine aerator. This little device is placed over a glass or a decanter and you pour your favorite red wine through the Vinturi.

As the Wine Enthusiast says, the Vinturi is great at “mixing just the right amount of air with your wine at the precise moments, this see-through aerator allows your reds to breathe instantly.”

This supposedly leads to a much more enhanced flavor and smoother wine. I’m not sure if I agree with everything they say, but it does aid in aeration and is a lot of fun to break out when entertaining. It makes a unique whirling - sucking sound that never fails to impress my friends.

The Vinturi aerator comes with a standing base, both dishwasher safe. You can also purchase the Vinturi Tower, which suspends the Vinturi aerator, allowing you to aerate your wines without having to hold the device but come on – is that really necessary.  It also comes with a grate base for catching any drips. Now that’s innovative.

Under the You Have To Be Kidding Category

Another product that Wine Enthusiast endorses is the Clef du Vin Pocket Wine Tasting Tool. The tool claims to “Mature young wine instantly.” I had a good laugh when I continued to read about it.

Basically, Clef du Vin claims that if you dip its metal alloy tip into your wine it will replicate the aging process, stating that if you leave it in your wine for 1 second, it will age your wine 1-year. So you’re telling me, I thought, that if I leave this thing in my wine for 30 seconds, it would possibly turn to vinegar??

I ventured to the Internet and found some positive reviews about the Clef du Vin, saying that it enhanced the flavor of their wine and definitely seemed more mature. I also read some reviews of people finding that their wine wasn’t enhanced, but rather ruined because of the device.

Many people felt that the $99 could be spent on better wines than this product. One customer purposely left it in their wine for 30-seconds and found that their wine was no longer enjoyable. Talk about a vintage wine.

Although I have not experienced the Clef du Vin, my recommendation is to go with the Vinturi instead and definitely invest in a good quality decanter and make sure you let your wine breathe for at least half an hour before drinking. But again, Just My Opinion!  I would love to hear from you if you have had any experience with this tool.

I know these suggestions are really late and most of you already have your shopping done, but they would all make fine New Year’s Eve gifts. Happy Holidays

Culinary Schools Texas

Every day I receive emails from parents, students and people looking to change careers who want to get into the food industry and why not, it is still a thriving, growing segment of the economy. I have lots of good culinary school resources on the web site but each month I would like to focus on one individual state.

If you have a passion for food and a love for Texas, then you’re in luck. Texas has a thriving culinary community and combined with its culturally diverse cities, there is a lot to learn in Texas. Last month you may have noticed I highlighted Arizona Culinary Schools; today I would like to focus on the lone star state.

If you’re currently living in Texas, planning on relocating there in the future or are considering your options, I hope this post will give you some wanted insight into the state’s culinary industry and what’s available for you.

Why You Might Want to go to School in Texas

The largest state on the mainland, Texas contains some of the largest cities in the country. The fourth largest city in the U.S. is Houston; the seventh largest is San Antonio, while Dallas- Fort Worth and Greater Houston are the fourth and sixth largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. Texas is home to a variety of geological terrains. While many people associate Texas with the arid deserts and tumbleweeds of the Southwest, most of the states populated areas are covered with grasslands, forests, mountains, swamps, prairies and coasts.

Known for its rugged cowboy image, Texas is actually an economic hub of the United States. Texas and California are tied for having the most Fortune 500 companies, leading in many industries such as agriculture, electronics and aerospace. The culture in Texas comes from a variety of influences including Mexico, the Southern United States and the Western United States.

Not to mention, Texas’ high immigration rate adds to this diversity. This melting pot of culture means that there is a lot going on in Texas. Between Houston’s thriving performing arts scene, Dallas-Fort Worth’s art museums and Austin’s live music scene, there is so much to appreciate in Texas. Austin, named “The Live Music Capitol of the World,” is home to the world famous South by Southwest music festival and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.

The mean annual salary for all occupations in the state of Texas in 2009 was $41,100, with the mean annual salary for food preparation and serving occupations being $18,930.*

The state of Texas is home to many colleges and universities, most notably The University of Texas, Texas A&M, University of Houston, University of North Texas, Texas State, Texas Tech, Baylor University, Southwestern University, Rice University, Trinity University, Texas Christian University and Southern Methodist University. In addition to these fine institutions, Texas has many top culinary, restaurant management and hospitality management schools.

Restaurant Industry in Texas

As of 2008, there were approximately 35,805 eating and drinking places, employing 996,300 people in Texas. Restaurant and foodservice jobs represent 10 percent of the state’s employment. The largest areas of employment in this field are located in the Dallas, San Antonio, Houston and Austin areas. There is a projected 16.4% job growth expected by 2020 for the restaurant and foodservice industry.**

Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management Schools in Texas

Culinary Academy of Austin - This popular culinary school offers a Professional Culinary Arts Diploma program and a Pastry Arts Diploma program.

The International Culinary School at the Art Institute of Austin - Established in 2008, this branch campus of the Art Institute of Houston offers an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Management.

Texas Culinary Academy Le Cordon Bleu Programs in Austin- Le Cordon Bleu’s partnership with the Texas Culinary Academy offers an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts, Certificate in Culinary Arts and Certificate in Patisserie & Baking.

The International Culinary School at the Art Institute of Dallas- This well known culinary school offers a Certificate in The Art of Cooking, an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts, an Associate Degree in Baking & Pastry, a Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Management, Certificate in Culinary Arts and an Associate Degree in Restaurant & Catering Management.

Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts in Dallas - This fine culinary institution offers an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts in a 60 week or 84 week program.

Remington College in Dallas - The only Remington College of the 17 campuses to offer a Culinary Arts program, the Dallas campus offers an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts.

The International Culinary School at the Art Institute of Houston - Accredited by the American Culinary Federation, this school offers an Associate of Applied Science in Restaurant & Catering Management, an Associate in Baking & Pastry, an Associate in Culinary Arts, a Bachelor’s in Food & Beverage Management, a Bachelor’s in Culinary Management and a Diploma in Culinary Arts.

Culinary Institute Alain & Marie LeNotre in Houston - This culinary institution founded by the LeNotre family with decades of culinary experience offers a variety of programs. These include: An Associate in Culinary Arts, an Associate in Baking & Pastry, a Diploma in Sous Chef de Cuisine, a Diploma in Sous Chef de Patisserie, a Diploma in Culinary Arts Specialty in Cuisine, and a Diploma in Culinary Arts Specialty in Baking & Pastry.

DeVry University of Houston, Houston/Galleria, Austin, Forth Worth and Irving - The Keller Graduate School of Management offers a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) in Hospitality Management, intended for those who have completed their Bachelor’s degree.

The International Culinary School at the Art Institutes Online - The Art Institutes offer online culinary degrees including: Bachelor’s in Culinary Management and a Bachelor’s in Hotel and Restaurant Management.

Sullivan University Online - Sullivan University Online offers two Bachelor’s programs in Hospitality Management.

*According to the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) May 2009
** According to the National Restaurant Association

It’s that time of year again. Time to decorate the tree and get the lights out of the attic. It’s also time for another holiday tradition- shopping. Many people find this to be one of the more stressful aspects of the holiday season, but I’m here to help.

Are you trying to find the perfect holiday present for your favorite home cook? Do you have a child at home that likes to play chef? Or a home cook that craves the latest kitchen gadgets? How about that home cook that loves to plan romantic dinners? Does your sister like to shake things up with some ethnic cuisine? You’ll find gifts for all the home cooks in your life at the Reluctant Gourmet Amazon Store.

There are so many great products on the market these days that holiday shopping can get overwhelming. At the Amazon Store I’ve put together a list of my favorite cooking items that any home cook will appreciate finding in their stockings or under the tree. Instead of fighting the holiday crowds at the mall, stay at home to find the perfect holiday gift.

Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of holiday shopping online. I understand why some of you may be skeptical to shop online, but as you’ll see there are very few cons to getting your holiday gifts online.

Pros:

• Can do all the shopping from your office, home, even bed
• Much larger selection of products
• Amazon can show you similar products or recommend items
• Can price shop to find the best deal
• You will know if your item is in stock
• Can find online coupons
• Can get many things in one place without having to change stores
• Can see reviews of the items you’re interested in

Cons:

• May pay for shipping- although many companies will ship for free if you spend a certain amount. Some have free shipping altogether
• Can’t hold product to see how it feels (can be important for items such as kitchen knifes or cookwares)

Amazon began as a place to purchase books but it has turned into the Mecca of online shopping, selling everything from computer software to clothing to even groceries. By visiting my Amazon Store, you’ll be sure to find the perfect gift for any type of home cook on your list. And, if you don’t like what you’ve ordered, Amazon has a full refund return policy if you return the item within 30 days of delivery.

Happy shopping & Happy Holidays!

Small Print: Yes, I am an affiliate of Amazon and if you buy something I get a small commission. These revenues help me defray the cost of hosting this sight so I don’t mind this shameless marketing of The Reluctant Gourmet Amazon Store. Merry Christmas.