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Everybody has that one friend who hates to cook but loves to eat. This year, instead of giving them another quick-fix cookbook or an intimidating Instant Pot that will probably just collect dust while they enjoy yet another night of takeout, give them something that’s actually useful. Or at least something immediately edible.
Ready-to-eat charcuterie
The fact that someone hates cooking shouldn’t keep them from enjoying delicious food at home. In fact, they probably need a stash of high-quality protein more than those who actually enjoy cooking for themselves. Treat your hungry friend to a selection of cured meats from Spain, or go all out and keep their fridge full with a limited (or ongoing) gift subscription.
Really good cheese
Good cheese is another great go-to for the non-cooking crowd, and it’s even better when it arrives on their doorstep with cheese knives, jam pairings, and instructions on how and when to enjoy it.
Quality kitchen shears
Some people claim to hate cooking because they simply don't know how to do it. And, unfortunately, all of the easy recipes in the world won’t help if they’re not comfortable using a knife. Whether they lack any knife skills whatsoever or they prefer not to have a blade anywhere near their fingers, a good pair of kitchen shears can alleviate some of that fear and cut through raw meat, veggies, and more. It won’t result in the perfect chiffonade, but it can at least get them one step closer to a homemade salad. And if nothing else, they can use them to rip into cheese and charcuterie packages.
Three months of ready-to-eat meals
In theory, mail-order meal kits are a great solution for people who don't like to cook. But in reality, many of those meals require almost as much prep as something you'd make from scratch. Instead of sending a gift that might be a drag (and end in a bunch of food waste) consider a three-month subscription of warm-and-eat entrées from Portland's Elephants Delicatessen in partnership with Williams Sonoma.
Brooklyn Delhi Simmer Sauces
Making a good sauce is an art. It can also be super time consuming. For those who have no clue where to start, or who just can’t be bothered to slowly simmer aromatics and layer flavors until everything is just right, there’s Brooklyn Delhi—an Epi-favorite purveyor of Indian condiments and sauces. A jar of the brand’s simmer sauce has everything you need to transform meat or veggies into a flavorful home-cooked dinner.
A smart countertop oven that thinks for them
For the friend or family member who hates cooking so much they use their oven to store sweaters, consider the Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro. It’s a countertop appliance that’s marketed as a smart toaster oven and air fryer in one, but does so much more. In addition to toasting and air-frying, this multi-oven has an impressive number of presets that make it nearly impossible to mess up dinner—whether dinner is a roasted chicken, a slow-cooked stew, or a frozen pizza. Even those of us who love to cook are big fans of this do-it-all device.
Smiling oven mitts
And who could say no to these adorable smiling silicone oven mitts? Because when your friend who hates to cook does take that prepared meal or frozen dinner out of the oven, they’re going to need something to protect their hands.
Nespresso Vertuo Plus
If they hate cooking, there’s a good chance they also don’t want to take the time required to make a pour-over or fuss with an espresso machine every morning. If you’re tired of seeing your friend spend so much money at the coffee shop down the street, give the gift of caffeine convenience in the form of Nespresso Vertuo Plus. This single-serve coffee and espresso maker is life-changing for someone who just wants good coffee quickly, because other than keeping the water tank full and descaling it every six months or so, it requires literally no maintenance or cleaning. If they’re a cappuccino or espresso drinker, spring for the bundle with the Aeroccino milk frother.
