Sam Gamgee's Frying Pan
Besides the obvious use, it also can be used in combat.
In a skill challenge, using the Frying Pan to prepare a meal as part of a Charisma skill check (cooking a meal to generate goodwill) grants Advantage on the check.
Sam hit the Moria Troll with a frying pan and knocked it out cold - his first effective blow in combat. "Hey, I think I'm finally getting the hang of this!" Treat as a +1 Club.
A cookbook could be used to annul any penalties for "cooking an unfamiliar dish" because you have the instructions. If you have the right cookbook.
But in combat it's just an improvised weapon, sorry.