Holiday Gift Ideas from CRR Columnists

Posted @ Dec. 15 2011 01:36PM by Susan - food-drinks

Presents of Mind ~ Here are some "special interest" suggestions for those like-minded people on your list

HOOK, LINE & SINKER by John Perry
For outdoor enthusiasts
One seasonally-appropriate idea (especially appreciated by those who spent all their money on Christmas presents) is a new 2012 fishing license, which will be needed starting January 1st.
Everyone who ventures off the beaten path should carry a survival kit in the trunk of their car. Food, water, flashlight, Space blanket, wooden matches, flares, rain gear, knife, etc. Pack items purchased separately in a dedicated container and give as Christmas gifts to those on your list who explore the back country.

Fishing License Fees
Oregon
Angling $33.00 (non-resident $106.50); Steelhead/salmon/sturgeon tag $26.50 ; Juvenile angling (14–17) $9.00 (non-res. $20.25) Steelhead/salmon/sturgeon tag $8.50
Shellfish $7.00 (non-res. $20.50)
Washington
Freshwater angling $27.50 (non-res. $82.50); Saltwater angling $28.05 (non-res. $57.75); Fishing/shellfish combo $52.25 (non-res. $121.55); Shellfish (all) $14.30 (non-res. $33.00); Razor clam (only) $11.00 (non-res. $18.70); Youth (age 15) Fishing/shellfish combo $8.25
Prices shown are for annual licenses; one, two or three day permits are available at lower cost as are senior licenses Licenses may be purchased online and/or at most sporting goods stores.
For more nfo: dfw.state.or.us/ or wdfw.wa.gov/

NORTHWEST GARDENER by Nancy Chennault
“Gotta Have It” Gifts for Gardeners
Felco Pruners (#2) last a lifetime. Mine are 20 years old. The blades are replaceable, but sharpen easily. You can purchase all parts including the spring. Watch out for “knock offs” that look like the Swiss-made Felco Pruner. They are less expensive, but a big disappointment. Check your independent garden centers. If they don’t have them, they will order them for you. Or check online at www.felcostore.com
Hellebore niger (Gold Collecction) Josef Lemper Blooming now. Often referred to as “The Christmas Rose,” this new collection has outstanding blossom production and longevity. They are hardy, evergreen and widely available at independent garden centers throughout the Pacific Northwest, thanks to the production and distribution by Skagit Gardens in Mt. Vernon, Washington.

TOM MYKLEBUST ON SPORTS
Tom’s Top Christmas Gifts for the Sports Enthusiast
Most people that play and/or watch sports would appreciate gear to protect from weather: hats, gloves, scarves, thermal underwear/Under Armor, umbrellas, etc. Gift Certificates to any sporting goods store are a great bet! Card, board and video games (preferably the ones that require physical activity, too). Binoculars, cameras, small radio with headphones, MP3, etc. for seeing, capturing, listening to the activity. Guidebooks with maps, tips, etc for the activity of interest. Tickets to Black Bears, Blazers, Winter Hawks of other upcoming sport events are always appreciated. Or you can address the most common New Year activity with your Christmas gift, a membership to a health club!

MAN IN THE KITCHEN by Paul Thompson
Kitchen-related Gift for a Chef
Finding something appropriate can be daunting. Of course, you want it to be useful, not an item just shoved to the back of a drawer. Yet, you don’t want it to be simply another one, duplicating tools he may already have. One option is to replenish items that need frequent replacing, like rubber spatulas. Considering the way the edges get frayed, with chunks missing, they’ve become part of our diets.
Another good option for any chef is a stack of plain white kitchen towels. Forget the decorative patterns. These are to be used, not displayed. They also convey a subtle compliment, suggesting a more serious level of culinary expertise than ordinary cooks whose towels feature roosters, rolling pins or smiling apple motifs. And, of course, as guests, we want our chef to have every opportunity to have clean hands.
I recently purchased a flat grater, like one side of the more common box grater. They are sold in fine, medium and coarse grits. I purchased a medium grit, for starters. I like it. Grating ingredients over and into a pot or bowl, is so much easier than grating them separately and then transferring them. This could be the perfect gift for the chef that has everything...else.