Mother’s Day Gift Ideas from Mimi Thorisson

Photo credit: Oddur Thorisson

 

Growing up between Hong Kong and France, author Mimi Thorisson has always been deeply passionate about food. When she and her husband, Icelandic photographer Oddur moved with their growing family from the bustling heart of Paris to the quiet French countryside, the meals she cooked in her new, bigger kitchen inspired her blog, Manger, and her cookbook, A Kitchen in France. “Life is much wilder in the country,” says Thorisson. “There is so much around us – farms, hunting and wine!”

 

Take inspiration from some of Mimi’s favorite kitchen items for Mother’s Day! Here are her top 5 Mother’s Day gift picks:

 

Photo credit: Oddur Thorisson

 

Black cast-iron Staub 5.5 q round cocotte

 

“It’s my first ‘kitchen’ love, the heart of my stove. One of my favorite chefs and friend, Christian Constant, once told me Staub make the best cocottes in the world.  I am forever thankful for his tip. I have been collecting Staub cocottes in all shapes and sizes, but this round black cast-iron was my first one ever.”

 

 

Zwilling pro traditional knife 8″ (my most useful basic tool)

 

“Quality comes first in the kitchen, and good knives are a must for any cook. I get so much satisfaction from slicing tomatoes with a perfect knife. This Zwilling pro traditional knife is the answer. Good knives equals better tasting food.”

 

 

Kitchen Aid professional stand mixer in satin copper (the color and quality are outstanding)

 

“Another ‘can’t live without’ tool for my kitchen. I am always whisking, especially egg whites and heavy cream.  That satin copper color is so beautiful, it looks timeless, like jewelry for the kitchen!”

 

 

Bernardaud Cristal dinnerware (the ultimate elegant dinnerware)

 

“I often find beautiful vintage dinnerware in antique stores with lovely designs, colors, flowers. This Bernardaud collection, however, is so simple, clean and elegant, it’s an easy classic for everyday dining.”

 

 

Pillivuyt Coupe Porcelain Cups & Saucers (I am always searching for beautiful yet simple white porcelain cups – these are just about perfect)

 

“Years ago in Paris I found lovely coffee cups, sadly they all broke during our move to the Médoc. They were quite perfect, simple white porcelain, and I have never been able to find something that matches their finesse. These Pillivuyt porcelain cups looks marvelous. I get so much pleasure drinking from a beautiful porcelain cup – it’s a classic, like a perfect white shirt. A bare necessity.”