Sunday, May 18, 2008

A Cook's Guide To The Affordable Gourmet Kitchen


Calphalon Commercial Hard-Anodized 2-1/2-Quart Shallow Saucepan with LidCalphalon Commercial Hard-Anodized 2-1/2-Quart Shallow Saucepan with Lid



Buy new:
$28.49
/ Used from:
$69.99
The best inexpensive saucepan money can buy




Calphalon Commercial Nonstick 8- and 10-Inch Omelet Pans, Limited Edition SetCalphalon Commercial Nonstick 8- and 10-Inch Omelet Pans, Limited Edition Set


These are ideal for omelettes and countless other delicate and/or sticky things




Philippe Richard 5-Piece Deluxe Bakeware Set, SevillePhilippe Richard 5-Piece Deluxe Bakeware Set, Seville



This should cover all of your baking needs




Farberware Pro Forged 8-Piece Cutlery Pine Block SetFarberware Pro Forged 8-Piece Cutlery Pine Block Set


Expensive sets are luxuries. A well-made set such as this will handle anything you can throw at it.




Farberware 3-Piece Wood Cutting Board SetFarberware 3-Piece Wood Cutting Board Set



Wood boards are more versatile than synthetic ones...and prettier too




Pyrex Kitchen Etc. Logo 2 Cup Measuring Cup with Kitchen Etc. LogoPyrex Kitchen Etc. Logo 2 Cup Measuring Cup with Kitchen Etc. Logo


Boiling hot or freezing cold, Pyrex can measure (and/or hold) it all




Browne & Company Ovale Stainless Steel TurnerBrowne & Company Ovale Stainless Steel Turner



You'll need a basic spatula for metal surfaces




Pedrini Black & Satin  6-Piece Nylon Utensil SetPedrini Black & Satin 6-Piece Nylon Utensil Set


...And a set of spatulas, spoons, etc. for everything else




Exeter Stainless Steel Vegetable PeelerExeter Stainless Steel Vegetable Peeler



This isn't fancy. But fancy isn't necessary to effectively peel a carrot or potato




Cuisinart DLC-1SS Mini-Prep Processor, Brushed Stainless SteelCuisinart DLC-1SS Mini-Prep Processor, Brushed Stainless Steel


Buy new: $29.95
This will suit 99% of your needs for WAY less than the cost of an equal-quality full-size processor




Black & Decker BL600 12-Speed 42-Ounce ProBlend BlenderBlack & Decker BL600 12-Speed 42-Ounce ProBlend Blender



Buy used from: $24.99
A blender's basically a blender as long as it has a glass jar (plastic jars get yellow and stain over time)




Homeworld Easy Steeper Black Infuser Teapot 48 Oz.Homeworld Easy Steeper Black Infuser Teapot 48 Oz.


Teapots simply yield better tea than teabags




Sabatier Chef's ApronSabatier Chef's Apron



Something will inevitably spill. Why have it ruin your clothing?




How to Cook Everything: Simple Recipes for Great FoodHow to Cook Everything: Simple Recipes for Great Food by Mark Bittman


Buy new:
$23.10
/ Used from:
$8.91
Need to know how to make something? It will probably be in here





Mastering the Art of French Cooking (Volume 1)Mastering the Art of French Cooking (Volume 1) by Julia Child


Buy new:
$19.80
/ Used from:
$12.78
This is THE classic French cookbook




Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Vol. 2Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Vol. 2 by Julia Child



Buy new:
$47.04
/ Used from:
$13.49
This is THE classic French cookbook, part 2 (look for a boxed set containing both volumes for much less)




The Way to CookThe Way to Cook by Julia Child


Buy new:
$26.37
/ Used from:
$17.25
The recipes are great. But, more importantly, Julia shows you how to do each and every step/technique





The James Beard CookbookThe James Beard Cookbook by James A. Beard


Buy used from: $4.25
A culinary bible...by the man who inspired the prestigious James Beard cooking award