![\"Gourmet](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.josephbender.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/christmas-culinary-haul.jpg\")
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1.\u00a0Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition 8″ Chef’s Knife<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Growing up, my mother had a set of Chicago Cutlery walnut-handled steak knives we used with every meal.\u00a0After a few years, the grips smoothed out and felt almost soft to the touch. They began to feel like home when in the palm of your hand. She used to rave about them being the greatest cutlery she ever bought, and her gifting them to me this year was a metaphorical passing of the torch. I already know I will have this knife for the next decade or more, and I can’t wait to put it into action.<\/p>\n 2.\u00a0Hammer Stahl Santoku Knife 5.5″<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Woah is this knife cool. In direct contrast to the Chicago Cutlery chef’s knife, this Santoku knife seems more built for speed and versitility. One a broadsword, and the other a katana. The\u00a0rivets in the blade prevent veggies from sticking to the blade and reduces weight. Less sentimental, but comes with a sweet box! This is a sexy cooking weapon.<\/p>\n 3.\u00a0Thomas Keller’s Ad Hoc At Home C<\/em>ookbook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n I’ve become shamelessly enamored with gourmet food lately and it’s Thomas Keller’s fault. I had a phenomenal meal at his bistro\u00a0Bouchon\u00a0<\/em> while in Vegas on Christmas night, and may have slipped to my Dad late that I was obsessed with his cooking. Now this is my bible and I’m making up for lost time. Fortunately, this cookbook is all about bringing good cuisine into your home kitchen! Stay tuned for my review of my experience that night in The Venetian on the Vegas Strip.<\/p>\n 4.\u00a020 oz Stainless Steel Milk Frothing Pitcher<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n See number 8, the beast of an espresso maker. This turns espresso into cappuccino, in style.<\/p>\n 5.\u00a0Red Handled Utility Whisk<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n So last year my roommate and I got motivated one afternoon, probably from HGTV, and painted one of our kitchen walls red. Some called us misguided because we didn’t necessarily get permission from our landlord beforehand, but you would be surprised how much a little color accent can add style to a room! Regardless, red is our jam. This goes perfectly with the kitchen, and can you really have too many whisks?<\/p>\n 6.\u00a0Tuscan Kitchen\u00a0Olive Oil Collection<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n At a young age, my mom made the horrible mistake of making me fall in love with good bread, dipped in olive oil, with salt & pepper. As a result, I go through EVOO dangerously quick. Variety pack with chill wooden holder? Yes please.<\/p>\n 7.\u00a0Moscow Mule Copper Mug<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Now this one was my girlfriend knowing me too well. We will admit proudly that our favorite hobby is to go out and get a drink somewhere dark and full of hipsters. Everyone knows all the cool bars have copper mugs now for mules! I’ve been envious of them for a while, and I’m like a little kid now that I finally have one. If I could only\u00a0get some nice vodka….<\/p>\n 8.\u00a0De’Longhi Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n I’m freaking out a bit about this. I am a huge fan of coffee, and start every morning with a steaming french press. However, that was before I got this monster. Now I am making cappuccinos on the regs and can feel the caffeine in my veins. I feel like Wolverine, but instead of adamantium, there’s molten espresso being injected into my bones when I take a sip. Still working out the kinks and figuring out the best technique, but this is my new best friend.<\/p>\n 9.\u00a0William Sonoma Monogrammed Espresso Cup<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n My dad got my girlfriend Emma and I a pair of monogrammed espresso cups, and I could die they are so cute. She was visiting when I first fired the machine up. It was absolute bliss sitting in the morning at the kitchen table, sipping piping hot mud, and letting the sun pour in through the blinds.<\/p>\n 10.\u00a0Rufus Teague “Fixed Up This” Dry Meat Rub<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n My dad got me some of this a couple years back and it did not last long. I remember it being so smoky and tasting great on anything. \u00a0A full spice rack is a chef at peace.<\/p>\n 11.\u00a0Ken Hom 20cm Mini Wok<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n I have a confession to make, I have never owned a wok. My mom wasn’t super into Asian food when I was young, but lately I have been getting educated. When in New York visiting Emma, it is impossible to not end up in a cramped and\u00a0delicious Thai, Japanese, Korean, or Chinese spot.<\/p>\n 12.\u00a0OXO Good Grips Jar Silicone Spatula<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Was there ever a time that silicone utensils didn’t exist? I’m glad I never lived in those dark ages.\u00a0People as crazy and obsessive\u00a0as myself get off from the satisfaction\u00a0received while\u00a0wiping a mixing bowl clean of dough with this tool. This one feels great. Baking is my guilty pleasure on a boring afternoon, this will be used very soon.<\/p>\n 13.\u00a02009 Domaine de L’Echevin Cotes du Rhone Villages Saint-Maurice Guillaume de Rouville<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n My dad came out of left field and gave my girlfriend and I this superb\u00a0bottle of wine. He has a personal cellar, and it was generous of him to part with one. I am a huge craft beer guy, but lately Emma has been turning me onto this more eloquent, refined beverage. I am completely joking, I’m a huge rookie. I do know it gets you drunk quicker though!<\/p>\n