Constantly Cooking 2022 Summer Gift Guide

A selection of seasonally-appropriate suggestions!

We love pulling together these roundups of some of our favourite products and based on the traffic our gift guides generate, it seems they really resonate with readers. As always, we have put the items below through their paces and are glad to recommend them as we feel they performed extremely well. Whether you need some inspiration for host or hostess gifts, birthday or wedding presents, some of these ideas might be perfect for the cook or eater in your life. Be sure to check the articles section of this site for more culinary gift ideas.

Beat the heat with a homemade sweet treat

The KitchenAid stand mixer was already getting a lot of action in the Constantly Cooking kitchen and now, it’s busier and more versatile than ever, thanks to the KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker attachment (compatible with all models except the Artisan Mini 3.5 quart). Simply prepare the base mixture for a batch of ice cream or gelato (using milk, cream or plant-based beverages) or fruit sorbet then add to the pre-frozen bowl and watch as the mixer does all the work to produce tasty frozen treat in less than 30 minutes. The instruction manual includes a few recipes to get you started and you’ll have fun experimenting too. Full details available at kitchenaid.ca

Celebrating fresh foods

Easily one of the most attractive and accessible cookbooks we’ve ever seen, Peak Season is a love letter to seasonal produce best enjoyed at the height of its freshness. Celebrated recipe developer and local food expert Deirdre Buryk explores Ontario’s abundant seasonal bounty, offering delicious inspiration specifically curated for each month of the year (easily adapted to other growing regions). In addition to delivering a collection of 101 tantalizing recipes, the book also offers a healthy serving of key secrets well known to local farmers, foragers, food producers and farm-to-table chefs. Learn more from her publisher, Penguin Random House, then visit your local bookseller to grab a copy before you head to the farmers’ market.

Maximum efficiency, inspired by nature

ZWILLING took inspiration from sharks’ teeth when developing the new technology featured in their 7-in-1 Multi-Grater. It includes four interchangeable blades, making it a versatile two-way grating and slicing tool that can replace several other pieces of kitchen equipment. It’s got built-in safety features and includes a handy removable food storage box plus it’s compatible with their medium and large Fresh & Save containers. All components are dishwasher-safe. Find out more at https://www.zwilling.com/ca/z-cut/

All the fun flavour with none of the fuss

Welcome to you the new age of cocktail creation. Quebec company Poseidn has created the world’s finest-looking cocktail bombs (they call them 3D printed drinks) made from fruit juices, herbs and spices, carefully blended to create exquisite beverages. All are vegan, gluten-free and peanut-free. Simply put the recommended spirit for the flavour profile of the drink in your glass, then add the 3D Printed Drink (bomb) to the glass. Stir to help it dissolve, top with sparkling or still water, add ice and enjoy! Available in an ever-expanding array of flavours and funky designs. We’re big fans of the Shaman and the Passion Sangria. Visit Poseidn’s website to see the full range and locate a local stockist (or place an order online).

Get bugs to buzz off

For many people, enjoying a summertime meal in the great outdoors can be challenging when getting bugged by bugs. One of our favourite host/hostess gifts these days is a compact, refillable Thermacell mosquito repeller which keeps bugs at bay without having to slather on greasy repellent. We’re partial to the USB-rechargeable Thermacell E55 Radius – it creates a 6 metre (20 foot) zone of mosquito protection and is people and pet friendly. We’re also loving the even more portable MR300 model (with a 4.5 metre/15 foot zone of protection) which is great for hiking, fishing, and camping. Check out the full product line at thermacell.com.