Learn from top-rated chefs
If your giftee loves cooking and is always looking to expand their repertoire, there's no better gift than a professional chef guiding them step-by-step through a new skill or recipe. These are a few of our favorites.
The Chef & the Dish private cooking class Here is all the fun and know-how of a private cooking class from world-class chefs, but from the privacy of your home. The Chef & The Dish brings Michelin-level culinary masters into your kitchen via video chat, from places as far away as Italy, Japan, Singapore, Spain, New Orleans, Turkey and Thailand. Dinner is going to be awesome from now on. Classes for two start at $299, plus $50 for each additional person, making a four-person class as inexpensive as $100 each. You can also purchase cooking class gift cards and let them choose the lesson themselves. See at The Chef & the Dish Close
Sur La Table online cooking classes Did you know Sur La Table offers some of their cooking classes online too? Instead of heading to a retail store for the class, the food lover in your life can learn from the pros in the comfort of their own kitchen. These classes are very affordable too -- starting at $29. Each lesson is 90-120 minutes, and it's the same price no matter how many guests "attend" the Zoom class from the recipient's home. Offerings include tamales, Thai stir-fried noodles, lemon macarons and more. See at Sur La Table Close
Rouxbe online culinary school Rouxbe is flexible and comprehensive, offering courses for both professional certification and first-time cooks. It's great for helping people learn the fundamentals of cooking, since it offers everything from knife skills to how to make a salad dressing. You can even take courses with a more a plant-based focus. See at Rouxbe Close
Yotam Ottolenghi's Middle Eastern cooking MasterClass Few chefs today have a better handle on cooking vegetables and legumes in creative ways than Yotam Ottolenghi. His MasterClass course explores plant-based spreads and dips, including labneh, muhammara and other tasty mezze that are perfect for the serial entertainer or host. Explore all of MasterClass' food and drink lessons here. A subscription is $180 for one year and gives access to the full library of classes across dozens of categories and practices. See at MasterClass Close
Make a meal at home
There's something incredibly satisfying about a home-cooked meal, especially when it doesn't require much planning or a long list of new ingredients. It's even better when you can share that satisfaction by gifting someone one of these cooking kits, all personally vetted by our CNET experts.
Urban Cheesecraft Deluxe DIY Cheese Kit If you know someone who loves cheese, this kit is sure to bring them joy -- and plenty of cheese. All the cheese lover needs is basic kitchen equipment and their favorite milk to make portions of mozzarella, ricotta, burrata, string cheese, paneer, queso blanco, goat cheese and farmer's cheese. Are you already drooling at the thought? The cheeses can be further customized with their favorite herbs and add-ins, like honey or red pepper flakes. Yum. The best part? Making cheese with this kit isn't overly complicated or time-consuming -- it can be made in less than an hour. Quick, easy and delicious? Count us in. $60 at Williams Sonoma Close
Momofuku bestseller pack Looking to boost your favorite foodie's pantry? Look no further than the Momofuku bestseller pack. It contains the brand's signature original Chili Crunch, of course, as well as 25 individual servings of the brand's noodle packs and sauces (five of each flavor), a soy sauce and seasoned salt. They'll think of you every time they need a quick and delicious meal -- and when they put a scoop of Chili Crunch on their eggs, BBQ or pizza. $90 at Momofuku Close
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