Suggestions for a Birthday Present

[keiramax]

I have a family B'day coming up.  I thought I'd make up a hamper of goodies for cooking Indian.  She owns a TM and has the Indian cookbook.

What would you include or what you would love to receive in way of an Indian inspired hamper?

Thanks for your suggestions. 

[judydawn]

If you have an Indian grocery nearby Keiramax, hop along to it and buy her an assortment of spices in bulk - they are so much cheaper than buy those little packets and bottles from the supermarket. You name it, they have it for all the Indian recipes in that book.

[snappy]

Even if it wasn't just Indian, I think a big hamper of lots of different spices would be a fantastic and thoughtful birthday present.  Since having a TMX I've had to assign a whole kitchen drawer just to spices and dried herbs.

Maybe some nice little glass jars as well for storing the pastes etc she will be making up?

[Cuilidh]

You could make this mango chutney as a basket filler, or perhaps this Mango and Pear chutney Sauce from the Spanish book translated by Julia Baliba.

[cookie1]

Lovely idea. I'd head to the Indian store with the book and select things she may use.

[cecilia]

Does she have a Thermomat already?  Would be hand for making naan.  $60 from our consultant.

[courton]

When you go to the Indian shop ask to see a spice container. It is typically round stainless steel box and has 5 or 7 removable compartments where you can store spices. I have 2 of them ...invaluable since you do not have to repeatedly open little containers to take out the spices. And if you are feeling generous a small box of saffron threads!

[Merlin]

If she is really into Indian cooking I would buy whole cinnamon quills, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, fenugreek seeds, mustard seeds, cardamom pods, garam masala (or make your own)and nigella, as a start. Also, Atta flour and various  types of rice woud be great as well.If you look in the Indian TM book that will give you an idea of what ingredients tend to repeat themselves. All I can say is , a very thoughtful and lovely gift from you to your family member. I wish mine were as thoughtful sometimes!!

[meganjane]

When you go to the Indian shop ask to see a spice container. It is typically round stainless steel box and has 5 or 7 removable compartments where you can store spices. I have 2 of them ...invaluable since you do not have to repeatedly open little containers to take out the spices. And if you are feeling generous a small box of saffron threads!

This is exactly what I was going to suggest. I have one that was given as a gift with the spices to go in it and I adore it.  I'd love another one...

[mcmich]

The containers sound wonderful. Do any of you have a photo?

[courton]

I do not know how to attach photos from my ipad but if you google indian spice containers you immediately come across the photos. Or even use the filter for images

[keiramax]

Thanks for your suggestions - will be off shopping this week

[achookwoman]

kieramax,  wonderful suggestions.  How about a couple of Photocopied recipes from the Forum.  Ones with lots of good reviews.

[cookie1]

I just googled the spice box. They are lovely.

[courton]

These spice containers make such a difference when you are cooking... no need to reach for different bottles, opening them, closing them etc etc