By TM Petaccia

The great thing about giving kitchen gifts is that they cover all price points and all levels of recipient experience. They could be anything from a stocking stuffer to a guaranteed “wow” present — and for all from the budding school-aged home chef to the seriously dedicated home foodist. Once again, you can fill your shopping list with items crafted and created in the Carolinas. Here are a few of our favorites.

Cookbooks

Culinary books written by local authors are a great gift for home cooks. TM Petaccia/UP

Bruce Moffett Cooks: A New England Chef in a New South Kitchen. One of the area’s most notable chefs and restaurateurs, Bruce Moffett has gained national notoriety, not only for his Charlotte restaurants (Barrington’s, Good Food on Montford, and Stagioni), but also as the primary caterer for the recent wedding of ​​Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck. This 309-page book offers 120 recipes showcasing his unique take on Southern cuisine inspired by his New England roots. $37.50.

Deep Run Roots: Stories and Recipes from My Corner of the South, Vivian Howard. Her success at the innovative Chef and the Farmer in Kinston, N.C. led to Howard hosting the Peabody award-winning PBS series A Chef’s Life. Coming in at a hefty 576 pages, this deep dive into North Carolina cuisine offers over 200 recipes along with Howard’s engaging insights and anecdotes. $45. 

Savor the South series. A comprehensive collection of 25 books, published by The University of North Carolina Press, each focusing on an individual ingredient. Among our favorites: Pecans, written by Charlotte author Kathleen Purvis, $20; Pie, written by Durham’s Sara Foster, $15; Pickles and Preserves, written by Raleigh’s Andrea Weigl, Amazon price: $21.00; and Buttermilk, written by Raleigh’s Debbie Moose, $15.

Tools

Keith Nix Knives. Keith Nix has been crafting high-quality knives in Black Mountain since 2017. Depending on intended use, he forges knives using different grades of stainless and high-carbon steel. Currently his website lists paring knives, chef’s knives, carving knives, boning knives, and cleavers – plus a selection of hunting knives. He also takes custom orders (if you don’t mind waiting until after the holidays). $70-$240. Order from the website.

Vintage cookware. For a bit of nostalgia, Etsy has many Charlotte-area vendors selling items like 1960s-era Pyrex casseroles (MoJoVintageFinds), vintage enamel/cast iron cookware (AprilsVintageKitchen), and antique 1940s-era mixing bowls (RobertJoyceVintage). Prices vary.

Ingredients 

Hawley’s Harvest. Charlotte artist Wendy Hawley imports high-quality Tunisian olive oil as well as white and dark balsamic vinegars from Modena, Italy and blends them with a wide variety of unique flavors. Olive oil flavors include blood orange, harissa, and black truffle. Balsamic examples include bourbon-maple, spicy mole, and black garlic. $20/375ml bottle. Order from the website. Can also be found at Charlotte Regional Farmers Market and occasionally at South End Farmers Market.

HBX Wing Dust. Chef Michael Bowling’s own special seasoning that he uses at his Hox Box “Next Level Kitchen.” As the name says, it’s great with wings as well as all the other poultry parts – but we also love it on French fries, popcorn, plus (don’t knock it until you try it) green beans and broccoli. $7/bottle. Order from the website as well as pick up at Hot Box’s location inside Southern Strain Brewing in Concord.

Lusty Monk mustard gift box. Made in Asheville, this trio of small batch mustards — Original Sin, “Burn in Hell” Chipotle, and “Temptation” Honey Mustard — brings a delicious kick to any number of dishes. Makes for a great secret ingredient in marinades and salad dressings. It also brings deviled eggs to a whole new level — then there’s always elevating sandwiches and charcuterie boards. Set of three: $34.95. Order from the website. Individual jars can also be purchased at The Common Market, Orrman’s Cheese Shop, Pasta & Provisions, and The Culture Shop.

Cooking Classes

These not only make for great presents for the home cook on your list, but they also can also a be “shared experience” gift – something you and the lucky recipient can enjoy together.

Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen. Chef Alyssa Wilen and her crew have been conducting nationally recognized cooking classes for kids and adults since 2015. Current offerings include “Basic Knife Skills,” “Basic Meals Boot Camp,” “Comfort Foods Done Right,” and “Winter Vegetarian.” $70-$90. Purchase on the website. 

The Foodie School. Located in Fort Mill, Mara Norris and her staff hosts a series of cooking classes covering a range of topics and cuisines. Current classes include “Dumpling Workshop,” “Tik-Tok Treats,” “Bougie Nights,” “Rustic Tuscan,” and “Warm Winter Baking.” $75-$95. Purchase on the website. 

Sweet Spot Studio. Jossie Lukacik has created a class event space especially for those who like to create on the sweet side. She offers classes for kids and adults ranging from cookie decorating to making French macarons to a series of advanced workshops and bootcamps. The 2023 schedule is still being developed, but you can buy class gift cards so the recipient can choose her or his own class. 

Note: The links above may be affiliate links, which means Unpretentious Palate earns a small commission on any sales of the items above. Since nearly everything is available on Amazon these days, this has no influence on which items we feature. Prices are as of this writing and are subject to change.

Be sure to check out our other 2022 holiday gift guides:

For the cocktail lover
For the host
For the lover of local
For the wine lover