# The Bite With Mark Bittman Vol. 3: Mark’s Gift Guide - Made In Mark Bittman’s gift guide for the holidays includes some of his favorite pieces of Made In Cookware that he believes anyone would be thrilled to unwrap. There was a (long) time that I was not known for my gift-giving talents. I famously brought daughter Kate, then maybe thirteen or fourteen, a set of leather button covers back from Montana. She was, at that point, wearing Columbia puffer jackets in men’s XL, and tee shirts that practically went down to her knees. She was not pleased; I still don’t get it. Now, I’m better — a vintage blazer or, honestly, a check. Simple. Kathleen, my partner, is one of the most generous people you’ll ever meet and is also an _extremely_ talented gift giver. (Actually, I don’t know that anyone’s ever been disappointed in a gift that she’s given.) We’ve been together for almost a decade, and I like to think that the joy she experiences in gift giving, and how good she is at it, has rubbed off on me a bit. One thing I’ve learned over the years on my own, though, is that cookware is, in my circles at least, a pretty foolproof gift, especially when it’s good quality and looks nice. I _like_ to gift pots and pans and things, too, and they’re always well-received, at least evidently. You all know how much I love Made In — it’s almost all I use at this point. So I want to share a few of my Made In staples, in hopes of making your gift giving a little easier this year — or if you want to get something nice for yourself, something that calls to you, makes your cooking life that much more pleasurable. ```json { "_key": "d778c4a258bb", "_type": "tableOfContents" } ``` ## Stainless Clad Saucier ```json { "_key": "3fade7186c11", "_type": "variant", "data": { "_id": "variant-12396728975439", "badges": [ { "_key": "Best Seller", "logoAsset": null, "title": "Best Seller" } ], "collegiateAsset": null, "computed": { "compare_at_price": 179, "discount": 11, "isAvailable": true, "isPrimary": false, "offset": 19.00999999999999, "price": 159.99, "status": "forSale" }, "handle": { "current": "3-quart" }, "imageBadges": null, "media": [ { "_key": "ef186fb8b6d7", "description": null, "hotspots": null, "image": { "asset": { "altText": "A person is pouring rice into a stainless steel saucepan on a gas stove while stirring with a wooden spoon.", "metadata": { "dimensions": { "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions", "aspectRatio": 1.499267935578331, "height": 5464, "width": 8192 }, "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYHAv/EACQQAAICAgIABgMAAAAAAAAAAAECAwQABQYRBxIUIUFxEzFR/8QAFwEAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEEBf/EABoRAAICAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARARIhUWH/2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA/AIlBDtLF5YPUIrnpgO/jK7uNpBx/jGsjq1RFYZe5ZmfsMev19ZO9pSOhYWKc7epR/aQj4/nWZls3dlSW3btvIFb2iYArkKstGk6z0Za/Mp7kf5H18UzA+Uuo7GGNnhzrqsvGY5DCgLyMSAPrDFgD/9k=" }, "url": "https://cdn.sanity.io/images/fr9flhkd/main/076f96d7c50deca81f3c35f9ff6a4ccc55270b7a-8192x5464.jpg" } }, "tags": [ "gallery", "secondary" ], "type": "image", "video": null }, { "_key": "590f7580f46f", "description": null, "hotspots": null, "image": { "asset": { "altText": "A person in a denim shirt adds shredded cheese to a pot while whisking a mixture on the stove.", "metadata": { "dimensions": { "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions", "aspectRatio": 1.4992503748125936, "height": 1334, "width": 2000 }, "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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" }, "url": "https://cdn.sanity.io/images/fr9flhkd/main/8cb36f0daab7bec029a85aa474857be31d8dfefa-2000x1334.jpg" } }, "tags": [ "gallery", "secondary" ], "type": "image", "video": null } ], "meta": { "hasCollegiate": false, "hasTrial": true, "hasWaitList": false, "isCollegiate": false, "isDiscountEligible": true, "isFinalSale": false, "isHidden": false, "isOnSale": true, "isSet": false, "promoDates": null, "promoPrice": null, "warranty": "lifetime" }, "product": { "ranking": 13, "rating": { "rating": 4.95, "rating_count": 4977 }, "shopify": { "handle": "saucier", "id": 509269082142, "image": { "alt": null, "height": 1500, "src": "https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2131/5111/files/Web_Stainless_Saucier_3qt-wLid_1x1_Hero.jpg?v=1762197932", "width": 1500 }, "title": "Stainless Clad Saucier" } }, "shopify": { "handle": null, "id": 12396728975439, "image": { "alt": null, "height": 1500, "src": "https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2131/5111/files/Web_Stainless_Saucier_3qt-wLid_1x1_Hero.jpg?v=1762197932", "width": 1500 }, "option1": "3 QT", "option2": "Stainless", "option3": null, "title": "3 QT / Stainless" }, "taxonomies": [ { "handle": { "current": "3-quart" }, "title": "3 QT", "type": "size" }, { "handle": { "current": "induction-compatible" }, "title": "Induction Compatible", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "oven-safe" }, "title": "Oven Safe", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "dishwasher-safe" }, "title": "Dishwasher Safe", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "pfas-free" }, "title": "Free of PFAS", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "stay-cool-handle" }, "title": "Stay Cool Handles", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "third-party-tested" }, "title": "Third-Party Tested", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "united-states" }, "title": "United States", "type": "country_of_origin" }, { "handle": { "current": "stainless-clad" }, "title": "Stainless Clad", "type": "material" }, { "handle": { "current": "cookware" }, "title": "Cookware", "type": "product_category" }, { "handle": { "current": "saucier" }, "title": "Sauciers", "type": "product_type" } ], "title": "3 QT" } } ``` This is the piece I use the most. I love the rounded, cornerless shape. A great piece for finishing up pastas, making sauce — just about anything. Super durable and super easy to clean, which are two musts in my kitchen, ‘cause I go kinda hard. ## Blue Carbon Steel Wok ```json { "_key": "e1baabe6828c", "_type": "variant", "data": { "_id": "variant-21756676276303", "badges": [ { "_key": "Best Seller", "logoAsset": null, "title": "Best Seller" } ], "collegiateAsset": null, "computed": { "compare_at_price": 139, "discount": 29, "isAvailable": false, "isPrimary": true, "offset": 40, "price": 99, "status": "outOfStock" }, "handle": { "current": "12-inch" }, "imageBadges": null, "media": [ { "_key": "38337a6888c0", "description": null, "hotspots": null, "image": { "asset": { "altText": "wok lifestyle", "metadata": { "dimensions": { "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions", "aspectRatio": 1, "height": 1440, "width": 1440 }, "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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" }, "url": "https://cdn.sanity.io/images/fr9flhkd/main/42bb54cd2fbdd16420b0c970a3564522b29b80ef-1440x1440.jpg" } }, "tags": [ "gallery", "secondary" ], "type": "image", "video": null } ], "meta": { "hasCollegiate": null, "hasTrial": null, "hasWaitList": false, "isCollegiate": null, "isDiscountEligible": true, "isFinalSale": true, "isHidden": false, "isOnSale": false, "isSet": false, "promoDates": null, "promoPrice": null, "warranty": null }, "product": { "ranking": null, "rating": { "rating": 4.84, "rating_count": 4056 }, "shopify": { "handle": "blue-carbon-steel-wok", "id": 2461964959823, "image": { "alt": null, "height": 1500, "src": "https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2131/5111/files/Web_Carbon_BlueCarbonSteel_Wok_12in_1x1_Hero.jpg?v=1740005960", "width": 1500 }, "title": "Blue Carbon Steel Wok" } }, "shopify": { "handle": null, "id": 21756676276303, "image": { "alt": null, "height": 1500, "src": "https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2131/5111/files/Web_Carbon_BlueCarbonSteel_Wok_12in_1x1_Hero_a2e6d2a6-aec3-4877-8cdb-6e4e4a320a41.jpg?v=1740005960", "width": 1500 }, "option1": "12\"", "option2": null, "option3": null, "title": "12\"" }, "taxonomies": [ { "handle": { "current": "carbon-steel" }, "title": "Carbon Steel", "type": "material" }, { "handle": { "current": "cookware" }, "title": "Cookware", "type": "product_category" }, { "handle": { "current": "best-sellers" }, "title": "Best Sellers", "type": "merchandising" }, { "handle": { "current": "wok" }, "title": "Wok", "type": "product_type" }, { "handle": { "current": "induction-compatible" }, "title": "Induction Compatible", "type": "features" } ], "title": null } } ``` This wok. Best wok ever. This could actually replace 90% of the cookware in my house, except the saucier. It stays on my stove. ## ProCoat Non Stick Set ```json { "_key": "384b028f5c61", "_type": "variant", "data": { "_id": "variant.42307679682639", "badges": [], "collegiateAsset": null, "computed": { "compare_at_price": 666, "discount": 10, "isAvailable": false, "isPrimary": false, "offset": 67, "price": 599, "status": "outOfStock" }, "handle": { "current": "6-piece-set-graphite" }, "imageBadges": null, "media": [], "meta": { "hasCollegiate": null, "hasTrial": null, "hasWaitList": false, "isCollegiate": null, "isDiscountEligible": false, "isFinalSale": false, "isHidden": false, "isOnSale": true, "isSet": false, "promoDates": null, "promoPrice": null, "warranty": null }, "product": { "ranking": 2, "rating": { "rating": 4.94, "rating_count": 437 }, "shopify": { "handle": "non-stick-set", "id": 4822975414351, "image": { "alt": null, "height": 1500, "src": "https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2131/5111/files/Web_NonStickSet_7p_Graphite_1x1_Hero.jpg?v=1745422166", "width": 1500 }, "title": "ProCoat Non Stick Set" } }, "shopify": { "handle": null, "id": 42307679682639, "image": { "alt": null, "height": 1500, "src": "https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2131/5111/files/NonStick_6piece_NonStick_Set_Graphite.jpg?v=1745422166", "width": 1500 }, "option1": "6-Piece Set", "option2": "Graphite", "option3": null, "title": "6-Piece Set / Graphite" }, "taxonomies": [ { "handle": { "current": "non-stick" }, "title": "Non Stick", "type": "material" }, { "handle": { "current": "sets" }, "title": "Sets", "type": "product_category" } ], "title": null } } ``` The [saute pan](/products/non-stick-saute-pan/3-5-quart) is one of Kate’s favorites, so I got myself one (I already had the rest of the stuff in this awesome set). It’s got great depth and nice heft, and is just big enough; nothing unwieldy about it. I do like non stick for almost everything now. ## Stainless Clad Stock Pot ```json { "_key": "9a5a51ba90ce", "_type": "variant", "data": { "_id": "variant-48003943690", "badges": [], "collegiateAsset": null, "computed": { "compare_at_price": 249, "discount": 20, "isAvailable": true, "isPrimary": false, "offset": 49.00999999999999, "price": 199.99, "status": "forSale" }, "handle": { "current": "8-quart" }, "imageBadges": null, "media": [ { "_key": "71962f0517e2", "description": null, "hotspots": null, "image": { "asset": { "altText": "A pot of boiling dumplings cooks on a stovetop.", "metadata": { "dimensions": { "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions", "aspectRatio": 1, "height": 1800, "width": 1800 }, "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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" }, "url": "https://cdn.sanity.io/images/fr9flhkd/main/fc7c09ddd6b5a9957b9e15b66de3cd127c885804-1800x1800.jpg" } }, "tags": [ "gallery", "secondary" ], "type": "image", "video": null } ], "meta": { "hasCollegiate": false, "hasTrial": true, "hasWaitList": false, "isCollegiate": false, "isDiscountEligible": true, "isFinalSale": false, "isHidden": false, "isOnSale": false, "isSet": false, "promoDates": null, "promoPrice": null, "warranty": "lifetime" }, "product": { "ranking": 14, "rating": { "rating": 4.95, "rating_count": 3209 }, "shopify": { "handle": "stainless-steel-stock-pots", "id": 11937095946, "image": { "alt": null, "height": 1500, "src": "https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2131/5111/files/Web_Stainless_Stockpot_6qt-wLid_1x1_Hero.jpg?v=1762197927", "width": 1500 }, "title": "Stainless Clad Stock Pot" } }, "shopify": { "handle": null, "id": 48003943690, "image": { "alt": null, "height": 1500, "src": "https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2131/5111/files/Web_Stainless_Stockpot_8qt-wLid_1x1_Hero.jpg?v=1719872244", "width": 1500 }, "option1": "8 QT", "option2": "Stock Pot", "option3": "Stainless", "title": "8 QT / Stock Pot / Stainless" }, "taxonomies": [ { "handle": { "current": "stainless-clad" }, "title": "Stainless Clad", "type": "material" }, { "handle": { "current": "cookware" }, "title": "Cookware", "type": "product_category" }, { "handle": { "current": "best-sellers" }, "title": "Best Sellers", "type": "merchandising" }, { "handle": { "current": "stock-pots" }, "title": "Stock Pots", "type": "product_type" }, { "handle": { "current": "induction-compatible" }, "title": "Induction Compatible", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "8-quart" }, "title": "8 QT", "type": "size" }, { "handle": { "current": "pfas-free" }, "title": "Free of PFAS", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "united-states" }, "title": "United States", "type": "country_of_origin" } ], "title": "8 QT" } } ``` If you don’t have a stock pot, I’m not quite sure what you’re waiting for. ([Chicken Stock](https://bittmanproject.com/recipe/chicken-stock/). [Vegetable Stock](https://bittmanproject.com/recipe/vegetable-stock/). [Parmesan Stock](https://bittmanproject.com/parmesan-stock/). [Mushroom Stock](https://bittmanproject.com/mushroom-stock/).) There’s also one with a [pasta insert](/products/stainless-steel-stock-pots/pasta-set), which Kate loves, but I prefer to make a huge mess, and a pasta insert is a bit too tidy for me. ## Entrée Bowls ```json { "_key": "e8be9e7b012d", "_type": "variant", "data": { "_id": "variant-32526509768783", "badges": [], "collegiateAsset": null, "computed": { "compare_at_price": 129, "discount": 30, "isAvailable": false, "isPrimary": false, "offset": 39.010000000000005, "price": 89.99, "status": "soldOut" }, "handle": { "current": "4-pack-red-rim" }, "imageBadges": null, "media": [ { "_key": "34e33b0adb57", "description": null, "hotspots": null, "image": { "asset": { "altText": "entree bowl red rim lifestyle", "metadata": { "dimensions": { "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions", "aspectRatio": 1, "height": 1440, "width": 1440 }, "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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" }, "url": "https://cdn.sanity.io/images/fr9flhkd/main/0b5fbeeaa3dc3ca7fac71b0011256abc160db0e6-1440x1440.jpg" } }, "tags": [ "gallery", "secondary" ], "type": "image", "video": null } ], "meta": { "hasCollegiate": false, "hasTrial": true, "hasWaitList": false, "isCollegiate": false, "isDiscountEligible": true, "isFinalSale": true, "isHidden": false, "isOnSale": true, "isSet": false, "promoDates": null, "promoPrice": null, "warranty": "lifetime" }, "product": { "ranking": 39, "rating": { "rating": 4.95, "rating_count": 3779 }, "shopify": { "handle": "entree-bowl", "id": 4768022364239, "image": { "alt": "entree bowl 4 pack white", "height": 1440, "src": "https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2131/5111/products/Web_P1_Undecorated_10in_EntreeBowl_Top.jpg?v=1762198027", "width": 1440 }, "title": "Entrée Bowls" } }, "shopify": { "handle": null, "id": 32526509768783, "image": { "alt": null, "height": 1500, "src": "https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2131/5111/files/Web_Tabletop-EntreeBowls-4p-MadeInRed_1x1_Hero.jpg?v=1740005965", "width": 1500 }, "option1": "4-Pack", "option2": "Red Rim", "option3": null, "title": "4-Pack / Red Rim" }, "taxonomies": [ { "handle": { "current": "tabletop" }, "title": "Tabletop", "type": "product_category" }, { "handle": { "current": "bowls" }, "title": "Bowls", "type": "product_type" }, { "handle": { "current": "red" }, "title": "Red", "type": "color" }, { "handle": { "current": "oven-safe" }, "title": "Oven Safe", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "dishwasher-safe" }, "title": "Dishwasher Safe", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "pfas-free" }, "title": "Free of PFAS", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "freezer-safe" }, "title": "Freezer Safe", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "england" }, "title": "England", "type": "country_of_origin" } ], "title": null } } ``` I got these and used them so much that I promptly bought a set for each of my daughters. A very satisfying size — perfect for pasta or a big salad. The red rim is my personal favorite. _I am so thrilled to be sharing my thoughts and experiences with you for Made In, one of my favorite brands. I’ll be back next month!_ --- URL: https://madeincookware.com/blogs/the-bite-with-bittman-gift-guide