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it's good to have goals...

one of my goals since we bought the house was to get my kitchen in complete "working order," and I have to say it's almost there.

now, that's not to say that I'm a good cook, but i wanted to be able to make any and everything that i saw without having to buy new utensils or pans or spices or whatever.

thanks to Big Bear going out of business, I've been able to really expand our spice cabinet. thanks to christmas sales, and christmas lists, and the motivation of a thanksgiving party, i was able to update most everything else.

months ago, when i found alton brown's website (altonbrown.com) I was inspired. let's see how i've done on the "kitchen essentials" (or "elements" as he called them):

  • Cast Iron Skillet
  • Fat Handled Vegetable Peeler
  • Polder Probe Refrigerator Thermometer (dont foresee a need)
  • Oven Thermometer
  • Mini Food Processor
  • Dough Blades
  • Stick Blender
  • Honing Steel/Knife Sharpener
  • Heat Proof Spatulas
  • Can Opener
  • Pepper Mill
  • Potato Masher
  • Pizza Stone (again, not really needed)
  • Electric Knife (cant find it... found the blade, dont really need)
  • Electric Tea Kettle (I dont see the need, but perhaps it uses less energy than the stove. Definitely quicker.)
  • Spring Loaded Tongs (cheap, just havent bought)
  • Cigar Cutter (he swears this comes in handy for cutting carrots, green onions, etc, but I see no need)
  • Perfect Beaker (he sells these too, i think)
  • V Slicer (I remember when these were "as seen on tv" and snake-oil specials)
  • Splatter Screen (we do need this)
  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Terry Heat Mitts/Welding Gloves
  • Duster/Sifter
  • Pump Oil Can (dont need)
  • Food Thermos (dont really need either)

It seems to me that there are many things he's missing, and many things which folks can do without. But, you know, I'm getting more and more confident and happy with my kitchen. I also started to reorganize, to make a few things easier to find. Have I said lately how much I love my new kitchen? I know, but it's true.

Comments

what about a stand mixer? I don't know what I did without mine..

and - did you buy one of those hand-blenders that also have a mini food processor attachment? They are SOOO hot. I bought one for my mom for christmas, and almost kept it for myself (and was kicking myself for not keeping it when she didn't seem as excited about it as I thought she should).

I bought my first pair of tongs about 3 months ago. I'll never go back again.

Cast iron rocks.

I LOVE my vintage stand mixer. It was an eBay find for only $15, and it's chrome and streamlined, and matches all of my other kitchen stuff.

I dont have the mini-food-processor stick blender. That would be nice, though. I think mine is fine as is.

I was really sticking to Alton Brown's necessities list for this entry... one of the other things I need now is a jelly roll pan. Unfortunately, I didnt buy it when I was at Big Bear getting Pyrex measuring cups a couple weeks ago.

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