Becoming a French chef is no easy feat. I say this from second-hand experience, since I watched my own maman graduate top of her class at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, and I can vicariously confirm that it was no joke!
If you’re determined to give it a go, scroll down to find all the basics to get started, like gold standard Le Creuset cookware and must-have Wüsthof knife sets. If ovens and Pâtisserie are more your bag, try your hand at baguette baking or macaron making with a full starter kit from Le Gourmandise—and if you’re feeling ambitious, use the baking mold below to serve up a batch of classic French canelés.
More interested in just looking the part of a kitchen whiz? Make like Rémy the Ratatouille mouse and step into a traditional striped apron and ceremonial chef’s hat that’s sure to impress. It’s all happening today for Day 6 of The Chic American Holiday Gift Guide.
French Gifts for the Chef | Holiday Gift Guide: Jour 6
LE SPLURGE ($50 and Up)
Le Creuset 6 Piece Nonstick Cookware; $389.95
Sur La Table
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”Now four times stronger than their previous nonstick, Le Creuset’s Toughened Nonstick PRO cookware delivers superior results. The stainless-steel interiors feature textured nonstick surfaces that heat up quickly and provide exceptional searing and browning. Glass lids seal in moisture while allowing you to monitor food as it cooks.”
French Macaron Kit; The Gourmandise School $52
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”Our French Macaron kit includes everything you need to create these delectable treats. Your kit includes: heavy gauge half sheet pan, parchment paper, silicone spatula, piping tips (2), piping bags (4), flour sack towel, and 1 lb of almond flour. You’ll also receive our own special French macarons recipe.”
WÜSTHOF Classic Knife Block Set; $699.95
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”Precision forged from a single piece of tempered high-carbon steel, each Wüsthof Classic knife is engineered for outstanding strength and performance. Producers of fine cutlery for close to two centuries, Wüsthof pairs impeccable craftsmanship with modern materials and techniques to create knives fit for both amateur enthusiasts and professional chefs.”
Emile Henry Baguette Baker; $124.73
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”Made in France. Made of all natural materials and manufactured using Emile Henry's proprietary Flame technology. Easy to use, the holes in the base and lid help the dough to rise and create a dry, crispy crust. Thanks to the ribs, the dough will not stick, and the lid creates the right level of humidity for baking delicious baguettes. The holes in the lid help creating a thin, crispy crust so special to French baguettes. Recipe book included.”
Brushed Copper Utensil Wall Rack; $149.95
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”Running out of room in your kitchen cabinets, drawers and countertops? Create more space with this curved rack from Enclume. This easy-to-install rack includes six hooks to hang utensils, pots, pans, towels, mugs and more.”
Le Creuset Eiffel Tower Rectangular Baker; $119.95
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”The versatile shape of these limited-edition bakers makes them ideal for casseroles, desserts and roasted side dishes. The enameled cast iron is fired at high temperatures for increased strength, while the nearly nonstick glazed interior releases your food for easy cleanup. The Eiffel Tower embossed lid adds a chic French flair.”
12 Copper Canele Molds; $98.90
French Copper Kitchen
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”The canele is a must-eat delicious classic French pastry. To be eaten as a dessert, with a cup of tea or even breakfast, it is the pride of the Bordeaux region in France. With milk, flour, eggs, sugar, vanilla, butter and a beautiful copper canele mold, you can make gorgeous home-made caneles with a crisp outer-edge and a melting custard interior and have a bite of France in you own home.”
French Laguiole 5 Piece Serving Set; $82
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”Serve your homemade creations with an extra helping of Parisian charm with this stylish five-piece serveware set. Featuring a traditional design that translates effortlessly to the modern table, French Home's classic Laguiole collection is modeled after a style that originated in 1820s France.”
LE STEAL ($50 and Under)
The Commis Signature Chef’s Apron; $49.50
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”Designed by cooks, for cooks and built to handle life in restaurant kitchens, our new signature aprons can take whatever comes their way. The Commis Chef apron is made of heavyweight 9.15-oz. cotton with sophisticated Breton stripes and contoured silver hardware that won’t snag.”
French Rolling Pin; $46.90
AG Fine Wood Turning
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”The French Rolling pin is a tapered pin that is used for rolling out any kind of dough. It is more efficient at flattening a ball of dough in comparison to the traditional pin. We use flame to give the pin a beautiful patina and then hand sand it until it is silky smooth. No lacquers, stains or chemicals used in creating this rolling pin. Moisturized with food grade mineral oil to bring out the depth and beauty of the grain.”
French Country Cooking; Mimi Thorisson; $40
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”Readers everywhere fell in love with Mimi Thorisson, her family, and their band of smooth fox terriers through her blog, Manger, and debut cookbook, A Kitchen in France. In French Country Cooking, the family moves to an abandoned old château in Médoc. While shopping for local ingredients, cooking, and renovating the house, Mimi meets the farmers and artisans who populate the village and learns about the former owner of the house, an accomplished local cook.”
Classic Chef’s Hat; $9.95
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”Even a novice cook can look and feel like a pro in this timeless white chef’s hat. Made of comfortable 100% cotton, featuring a Velcro closure to ensure that one size fits most cooks.”
Le Creuset Eiffel Tower Petite Cocotte; $19.95 (reg. $25.95)
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”Embossed with the iconic Eiffel Tower, these petite cocottes are perfect for mini mac and cheese, crème brûlée, personal ice cream sundaes or individual pot pies. They’re also great for holding condiments, spices and meal prep ingredients. The superior heat retention of the enameled glazed stoneware and small size means that food cooks quickly and stays warm longer.”
The Art of French Pastry By Jacquy Pfeiffer; $24.99
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”What does it take to perfect a flawless éclair? A delicate yet buttery croissant? To pipe dozens of macarons?By teaching you how to make everything from pâte à choux to pastry cream, Pfeiffer builds on the basics until you have an understanding of the science behind the ingredients used, how they interact with one another, and what your hands have to do to transform them into pastry. This yields glorious results! Expect to master these techniques and then indulge in exquisite recipes.”
Copper French Whisk; $29.95
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”Chefs have known for centuries that egg whites beaten in the presence of copper form more voluminous and stable foams. This clever whisk delivers all the advantages of copper without the bulk and expense of a copper bowl.”
Paris Michel Oven Mitt; $14.99
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”Beautifully designed padded oven mitt with coordinating solid color back. Extra length for added protection; quilted interior. Classic landmarks, poppies and roses combine in a chic but playful tribute to a beloved international city.”
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