Learning to Cook/Magic Bullet Question

[LiddyRules]

I've decided to learn to cook for some reason (it'll probably go by the wayside but until then, it's an interesting plan) and my kitchen pretty much just has a frying pan (which I just learned is the same as a skillet) and a pot. For any culinary Wackbaggers, what are some worthwhile things to buy for a novice who isn't looking to magic food miracles or spend a lot of money?

Also, is The Magic Bullet gadget a worthwhile investment or is it just a hunk of shit?

[NortonsGravyLeg]

I've decided to learn to cook for some reason (it'll probably go by the wayside but until then, it's an interesting plan) and my kitchen pretty much just has a frying pan (which I just learned is the same as a skillet) and a pot. For any culinary Wackbaggers, what are some worthwhile things to buy for a novice who isn't looking to magic food miracles or spend a lot of money?

Also, is The Magic Bullet gadget a worthwhile investment or is it just a hunk of shit?

My girlfriend got one as a gift from her parents. She doesnt stop using the fucking thing. I would suggest getting the full kit. I have used it a bunch of times myself and I think it's awsome. I took a cream of chicken soup added milk cheese a whole bunch of spices and it came out great. We were hesitant about buying it to but wound up not having to obviously. I mean you cant used it for every thing but I think it's worth the investment.

[generoso]

Get a nice set of knives. Nothing expensive but a full set. And set of oven pans> i'll never be a great cook, But being a single parent you learn quick, Also a crock pot is great to use to make soups,pot roast, chili, etc. Never used a the bullet thing have a nice food processor that works well. But sharp knives makes all the diffrence in food prep.

[NortonsGravyLeg]

If you are going to start cooking I would work on some baseline stuff. A good sauce that you like the ingredients to. Don't just heat up some Prego and call it done. Get the makings, cans of tomato sauce and puree are good and maybe some diced tomatos if you like it a little chunkier. Get fresh garlic some basil and oregano you can get the jared minced garlic if you don't want to chop it. You can get them in the supermarket pretty cheap. Don't be afraid to add a bunch of different things in moderation and constantly taste the sauce after it heats up a bit. Thats a good beginner thing to do because it's your sauce and you can't really fuck it up. Best thing is you can always change the way it tastes throughout cooking it. Then get a pound of spaghetti heat it up and maybe get a package of Italian sausage and you're good to go.

[mascan42]

Don't forget the $600 set of pots. And the George Foreman grill.

[wes mantooth]

I've decided to learn to cook for some reason (it'll probably go by the wayside but until then, it's an interesting plan) and my kitchen pretty much just has a frying pan (which I just learned is the same as a skillet) and a pot. For any culinary Wackbaggers, what are some worthwhile things to buy for a novice who isn't looking to magic food miracles or spend a lot of money?

Also, is The Magic Bullet gadget a worthwhile investment or is it just a hunk of shit?

A cast-iron skillet is really nice and versatile. It should come with instructions on how to season it or you can buy them pre-seasoned. You never have to clean it except to wipe it out with a paper towel and Kosher salt if needed. I've got one pan that hasn't seen detergent or soap in over 15 years. You can buy one on-line cheap too. An average size one sells for about $20.00.

[The Sarge]

As the cook in my family...I will share some things for all...

1. Wooden cooking utensils are best. No plastic. (i.e.--wood spatulas, wood spoons, etc). The plastic shit is just not good.

2. Garlic is your best friend and your heart's mistress.

3. Olive oil is the greatest thing to cook with.

4. Those table-top grills (George Forman types) are a beneficial investment.

5. Improvising (after learning the basics) can make all the difference.

One last thing...

Remember this...only a real man can make a woman say..."that was delicious".

[BCH]

Don't forget the $600 set of pots. And the George Foreman grill.

Dude! I cut you a nice check. Find It!

[generoso]

A cast-iron skillet is really nice and versatile. It should come with instructions on how to season it or you can buy them pre-seasoned. You never have to clean it except to wipe it out with a paper towel and Kosher salt if needed. I've got one pan that hasn't seen detergent or soap in over 15 years. You can buy one on-line cheap too. An average size one sells for about $20.00.
Great point...I still use my Great grand mothers Iron skillet from the early 1900's. Even heat great to cook with. I'll take a picture of this skillet must weight like 5 tons. I'll stay from cooking tips that will come in time. But can never go wrong with cast iron.

[Death Metal Moe]

http://www.plumbingstore.com/images/sinks-r-us-pastastrainer.jpg

A MUST! This will help you drain cooked foods, clean fresh produce and lots of other things I can't think of right now.

http://www.xs-stock.co.uk/shopimages/products/normal/Brababtia--Pot.jpg

A nice deep pot at least this deep is another MUST. Cook stews in it, soups, pastas, corned beef and cabbage (a specialty of mine), vegetables, pot roast. The possibilities are endless here.

http://www.texmex.net/Graphics/steamerbasket.gif

I guess this could be a 2nd string purchase, but NOTHING cooks fresh vegetables like a steamer basket. Just put all your veggies like fresh cut green beans in it, fill the bottom of your pot with water and steam it until the veggies are to your desired tenderness.

[Sinn Fein]

You need to ask Arlen Specter about the Magic Bullet...


(someone had to)

[Exanimate]

I used to cook all of the time. Always loved it. My grandmother was a chef, so I was always cooking with her when I was a kid. I wanted to go to culinary school, but my life took a different path. Once I got married, I stopped cooking as much, but lately I have started again.

I was actually thinking last night of a good recipe thread for baggers.

One last thing...

Remember this...only a real man can make a woman say..."that was delicious".

That is the truth. If you are a guy, and you cook a nice dinner for a lady, your chances of getting laid go way up.

[Death Metal Moe]

I used to cook all the time while unemployed. It was great, but hey, the real world came crashing in and I had to go back to the work force. I cook when I can now but I'm sure my skills are somewhat rusty.

And I'd be all for a recipe thread. One my favorite things to make that are fucking dirt simple are popovers. Just a few things in a metal cupcake pan, and in like 10 minutes they puff up to a glorious little baked good.

[d0uche_n0zzle]

If you are a guy, and you cook a nice dinner for a lady, your chances of getting laid go way up.

Especially, if you add a 'secret ingredient' a.k.a. roofie or two. :icon_mrgr

[Death Metal Moe]

Does anyone have a good recipe for Pity Sex?

[LiddyRules]

Does anyone have a good recipe for Pity Sex? Limp noodles boiled in tears?

[Death Metal Moe]

Limp noodles boiled in tears?

Woah, that IS pitiful! I might bang ya for thinking it up...


no homo.

[DeltaPin]

Get a nice set of knives. Nothing expensive but a full set. And set of oven pans> i'll never be a great cook, But being a single parent you learn quick, Also a crock pot is great to use to make soups,pot roast, chili, etc. Never used a the bullet thing have a nice food processor that works well. But sharp knives makes all the diffrence in food prep.


Just started to use a food processor. I was a little heavy-handed on the pulse switch the first few times & just liquified everything. Starting to get the touch though now.

[Exanimate]

Just started to use a food processor. I was a little heavy-handed on the pulse switch the first few times & just liquified everything. Starting to get the touch though now.

I really need to get a good food processor. I still use the good ol' blender.

[THE FEZ MAN]

the most important thing to remember is,,, there is more than two settings on your stove, high and off are for extream measures only. once you learn your stove and oven. you can cook anything. oh and as mentiond before. a good knife, i sugest at least 3, a small very sharp pearing knife, a nice chinese cleaver . and a long flexable bread knife. a nice heavy cast iron pan 10" and a small saute' pan, and a large pot to boil shit in, all nice and heavy, aluminum or clad stainless

[BCH]

Magic Bullet (http://www.metrokitchen.com/kyocera/kyotop.html)

I know it's expensive. But you'll thank me. My wife wanted to kill me when I started buying her these but now she would sooner cut off a finger than give one back.

Oh Cutting off a finger is a real danger with these as well. If you're a novice cook you might want to consider chain mail gloves.

Also, you'll have to throw away your magnetic knife holder upper.

[Hudson]

A cast-iron skillet is really nice and versatile. It should come with instructions on how to season it or you can buy them pre-seasoned. You never have to clean it except to wipe it out with a paper towel and Kosher salt if needed. I've got one pan that hasn't seen detergent or soap in over 15 years. You can buy one on-line cheap too. An average size one sells for about $20.00.
NEVER SOAP DOWN A SEASONED SKILLET!!!!!!! You'll Roon it!...My ex-Girlfriend thought she was doing me a favor by scrubbing out and soaking my grandmother's skillet while I was at work. She was all smiles when I got home and proud of what she did...I almost Killed her!

[d0uche_n0zzle]

I almost Killed her!

Liar! You did, which is why you fled to the middle of bumfuck.

[MONKEY]

Cast iron skillets are the best. A friends wife recently gave me a small LaChrushea(sp?) enameled cast iron skillet. She didn't know the thing must of cost about $50-70.

The biggest thing to learn in cooking is patience. You can't rush cooking, if you do you will just burn your food. You have to take your time and pay attention to what your cooking.

[invisible76]

A crock pot, a foreman grill, and a really good wok. Woks are super versatile and retarded easy to clean.

In terms of pots and pans, you can pretty much get away with a small, medium, and large sized pot, and a small and large pan. Will cover everything you need.

[THE FEZ MAN]

woks are only great if you have a gas stove. mine sucked it was electric, im going to get a new one and use my turky fryer burner "ala" alton brown but they are the best for real stir fry
and popcorn

[NortonsGravyLeg]

woks are only great if you have a gas stove. mine sucked it was electric, im going to get a new one and use my turky fryer burner "ala" alton brown but they are the best for real stir fry
and popcorn

I fucking hate electric stoves. When I finally buy a house I will be converting to gas.

[Death Metal Moe]

Yea, someone brought up a food processor and it is another must. I was just thinking heavy pots and metal stuff, but that has to be in any kitchen.

Someone else did mention a crock pot. Great shit too. The original Set it and Forget it.

But to start, I'd get some of the basic shit everyone has stated. A few good knives, a large pot, quality skillet, a sauce pan or two and that food processor.

[MONKEY]

You can probably get one of those mini food processor cheaper at wal-mart or k-mart cheaper than one of those magic bullet things. They do about the same.

[Death Metal Moe]

That's a good point. Hell, to start, I'd hit up a Wal Mart kind of store for most of this shit in their brand of semi-crap quality, then move on to nicer stuff after you see if you want to continue to cook for yourself.

[B54]

I would learn to cook, except I am not a woman.

[Death Metal Moe]

I would learn to cook, except I am not a woman.

OK, then sit around and wait for a woman to cook for you. What are you gonna do when she's mad at you, starve like "A Man" would do?

I prefer to be a man and not need to depend on anyone to take care of me. What, you still want your mommy to take care of you?

[MONKEY]

I would learn to cook, except I am not a woman.
You would be surprise how much you can surprise a girl when you tell them you can cook. It really impresses them. Plus it's cheaper to cook your own meals and better for you instead of going out to eat all the time.

[LiddyRules]

OK, then sit around and wait for a woman to cook for you. What are you gonna do when she's mad at you, starve like "A Man" would do?

I prefer to be a man and not need to depend on anyone to take care of me. What, you still want your mommy to take care of you? Well there's always eating out for those who want food with taste. But, I don't know, I need a hobby and as Fezman mentioned, that cursed Alton Brown makes it look so fun.

And I found a food processor for $13 at my local store so I have that taken care of.

[invisible76]

I would learn to cook, except I am not a woman.


Not to mention what easier way is there to slip something into her drink/food then if you are cooking it for her.

Also, why should you put yourself in a position to be dependent on someone else for a basic need of life? Cleaning, ironing, decorating, fine...let them do that shit. Be a fucking man and control your own survival.

[B54]

OK, then sit around and wait for a woman to cook for you. What are you gonna do when she's mad at you, starve like "A Man" would do?

I prefer to be a man and not need to depend on anyone to take care of me. What, you still want your mommy to take care of you?

Jesus Christ, calm down everyone, it was a joke. :icon_lol:

Seriously though, I know how to cook a little. Enough to get me by when I am alone.

[THE FEZ MAN]

i have never dated a woman that can cook, ive been cooking for years, and love it. the only thing i hate is when i fuck something up so bad i have to toss out 50$ worth of food, oh thats another thing. if you fuck up or are in doubt "throw it out" ive given myself food poisoning a time or too

[Deadbent]

Yeah.
Everyone's mentioned the staples.

Quality knives you're comfortable with.
Cast Iron Skillet. (Though you might not get into one right now, being such a wet-ear. Later, you'll appreciate it.)
Any kind of steamer. (please note, a cleveland steamer is not so good)
Flat baking pan (pizza pan works).
Oven/microwave safe bowl/crockpot/dish 4 inches deep.
More than one pot/pan.
A good set of spices. (e.g, more than salt and pepper)
A good variety of cooking oils.
(peanut, olives, etc)

Other shit you can improvise, but the above are things you can't.

[Lil'GlubGlub]

an immersion blender.

that way you can blend your soups or sauces right in the pot.


maybe a mixer. hand held or stand



your best bet, find a restaurant supply store near you. the quality of the commercial grade cookware is far superior to the home grade.

[Grace]

If you get a cast iron skillet, use Alton Brown's cornbread recipe in it. it's real good. I'm sure most of this is repetition, but here is my input
- A good pot set, you don't need anything too fancy, especially if you are just starting out. a pot rack that hangs on the wall (crate + barrel) works wonders for storage.
- A spice rack with good spices, as in not the ones it comes with. I just trash them and use mccormicks... don't buy them all at once, just get the small containers as you need them.
- knife set. Dont' put them in the dishwasher, I never knew that and ruined a decent set.
- Get a couple of cutting boards too, so you dont' have to worry about cross-contamination, including a flexible one.
- a Tivo. Why a tivo? Set it up to record every single episode of Good Eats, and watch them all. oh that Alton, how I love him.
- I dont know what a magic bullet is, but I use a chef's chopper and a food processor, they both work great for different needs. I have a smaller one I use for cooking and a giant one I use for baking.
- Good cookbooks - Betty Crockers big red cookbook and both of Alton's should be more than helpful. They tell you what you need to know as well as have good recipes. Not really good desserts though, except for Alton's strawberry shortcakes. Those are f-ing awesome. Get a loaf pan and a pie plate, to make Betty's meatloaf (mmmm with mashed potatoes on the side) and Betty's chicken pot pie using Alton's savory pie crust. They are my two favorite things to make for dinner.
- oh and Kosher salt and a salt cellar.
- and a good whisk

I'm more of a baker, so that's what my kitchen is designed for.

[Hudson]

Tip...For steaks, to tell how well done the meat is..make a fist and press on the fleshy part between your thumb and index finger an go up by joint...closest to thumb is rare, below joint just before index is med rare, 1st after hand knuckle is Medium, then Medium well, then well done.....Always wash hands and learn to feel the texture through the utensils.
Crock Pot is Great!!! Soups are easy to make. Just time consuming to cook down bones properly.

[Deadbent]

Surprised Hudson didn't say a Bears tooth, or some other montana-wildnerness utensil :p

[Hudson]

Ass hat! I haven't gone Local..yet...
Besides everyone knows a bear tooth is used to test if Elk meat is done.

[BravoSierra]

I just got a job as a cook at a fine dining restaraunt 2 weeks ago and had no idea how easy cooking actually is. Olive oil, some veggies (even if it's a veggie you don't like), a pan, tortillas, and cheese..... you may surprise yourself with this combo. Even though it's a new job, I'm really looking forward to it on a daily basis. It's really just a matter of figuring out which foods go with which.... and what ingredients destroy food when too much is added. Good luck, and find a cook book that your kids would like... if you have any. Easy to cook, and 100% sure it'll taste good.

[wetandstickyjim]

The Betty Crocker cookbook is nice and basic with simple recipes. Start with a nice tomatoe sauce and pasta, add some suasages. It's hard to fuck that up and you can get a feel for different spices. Think of what you like to eat out and try to mimick it. Check out epicurious.com ahd foodnetwork.com and use the recipe search function. Once you make something a few times deviate from the recipe and mix things up a bit. Different cheeses and spices. Add your own touch.
Good knives are a must as is a good non-stick skillet. Careful with the garlic. Fresh always, skip the jarred stuff. don't burn it. cook it real low or add it towards the end of a recipe just before you add the liquid and you'll not only NOT burn it, but will capture more of the flavour befoe it can get bitter.
Do you have a grill? Fuck Foreman. Go Weber if you have the $$.
Good Eats is great cuz he explains why things are cooked certain ways.

Just have fun with it. It's a great outlet and you can be creative.

I love it and would do it all day if I could.

[DoughBoy]

I agree with many others. My must haves:

A good knife set.
A few BIG pots for sauce, chili, etc.
A few good cutting boards (wood, or plastic... none of that shit that is going to destroy the knives like glass or stone) along with a flexible cutting board.
A wok
A good cast iron skilet
A good saute pan or two
A griddle
A BBQ Grill and Smoker(outdoor)
A food processor
A stick blender
A Grater
A zezter/microplane

[Hudson]

oh...of you do meat on a choping board...ESPECIALLY CHICKEN!
WASH THE BOARD REALLY WELL AFTER THE MEAT IS ON IT......ESPECIALLY IF IT IS CHICKEN!!!.
WOODEN CHOPPING BOARDS ESPECIALLY!....get some cleaning agent with bleach in it and wash between Meat/ Veggie chopping or do the Veggies first and the meat last and then wash. Else you risk food poisoning.

[DoughBoy]

Oh yeah. NEVER wash your fucking pans. Keep them ripping hot and wipe them with some paper towel and a damp rag(if needed). Soap and water are not needed.



oh...of you do meat on a choping board...ESPECIALLY CHICKEN!
WASH THE BOARD REALLY WELL AFTER THE MEAT IS ON IT......ESPECIALLY IF IT IS CHICKEN!!!.
WOODEN CHOPPING BOARDS ESPECIALLY!....get some cleaning agent with bleach in it and wash between Meat/ Veggie chopping or do the Veggies first and the meat last and then wash. Else you risk food poisoning.

That's why you use multipel boards and flip them over from meat to veggies (unless they're all being cooked together, then who gives a fuck.


Don't forget your cooking utensils:

Tongs
Forks
Whisks
HIGH TEMP Spatulas (have a few in various sizes)
Spatuals for flipping.
Wooden spoons
Slotted spoons

[Grace]

Check out epicurious.com ahd foodnetwork.com and use the recipe search function.

Another good recipe site is allrecipes.com, you can see how people rated the recipes and go by their reviews on changes.

[wes mantooth]

Chefs.com is my favorite site. Easy to navigate. No pop-ups. Really good easy recipes.

[turdfrgsn]

i don't know why they call it hamburger helper
it's good all by itself!!:action-sm

[D.H. Jenkins]

Stay away from thin cookware!

Stainless is best, with a nice thick base. The idea is to get cookware that will retain heat AND keep temp. fluctuations to a minimum. Hard-anodized aluminum is good stuff, too - far better than teflon.

Gadgetry is all fine and dandy, but the simpler, the better, unless you have lots of space. I have a catalog full of kitchen gadgets - bread makers, pasta machines, mixers, cuisinarts, etc...but I honestly only use them 10% of the time I cook.

Here's what I'd buy if I lost everything:

Chef's knife
Bread knife
paring knife
kitchen shears
knife steel (for quick-sharpening)
large (carving) fork
silicone spatulas - large and small
flat metal spatula
4-sided (box) grater
10" egg pan - nonstick
12" saute pan - steel
4 qt. stock pot - steel
2 qt. small pot - steel
Assorted wooden spoons
Whisk

There's not much you can't do with just the above items, and you can get most of them used on e-bay so you don't have to spend a fortune.

[generoso]

I'm suprised nobody said this little household object

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/2198/honeymoonersfk6.jpg

[Lil'GlubGlub]

I'm suprised nobody said this little household object

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/2198/honeymoonersfk6.jpg


Today, 01:32 AM #39
Lil'GlubGlub




an immersion blender.

that way you can blend your soups or sauces right in the pot.


maybe a mixer. hand held or stand

[generoso]

Today, 01:32 AM #39
Lil'GlubGlub




an immersion blender.

that way you can blend your soups or sauces right in the pot.


maybe a mixer. hand held or stand
Silly not the mixer....Have you ever seen The chef of the future gizmo..

[Jimmy's Dignity]

pots, pans, knives, etc...check out Overstock.com. I got a $600 set of pots and pans for only $180

I'm not a bad cook...made a bangin chicken dish tonight just by fucking around. Remember Liddy, garlic is your friend

[D.H. Jenkins]

Oh yeah, get a big chopping block (wood or anti-bac. plastic). The small ones are convenient, but when you're doing lots of prep work, nothing beats a big one for space and stability.

A couple good books to check out are:

I'm just here for the food (by Alton Brown) has excellent explanations and of recipes, procedures and alot of "how" & "why" information on all aspects of cooking

Fast Food My Way (by Jaque Pepin) has tons of recipes for very quick & easy (and cheap) meals that have a very gourmet flair.

[Lil'GlubGlub]

Silly not the mixer....Have you ever seen The chef of the future gizmo..


you mean the thing the guy on the left has in his hands?

that is an immersion blender, also called as a stick blender or burrmixer.

[Wetback78]

As the cook in my family...I will share some things for all...

1. Wooden cooking utensils are best. No plastic. (i.e.--wood spatulas, wood spoons, etc). The plastic shit is just not good.

2. Garlic is your best friend and your heart's mistress.

3. Olive oil is the greatest thing to cook with.

4. Those table-top grills (George Forman types) are a beneficial investment.

5. Improvising (after learning the basics) can make all the difference.

One last thing...

Remember this...only a real man can make a woman say..."that was delicious".


Or "This is very Tasty!"

[Leslie Anne]

Since you're just starting out...you will need to make sure that you've got plenty of storage for all of your new pots and pans. If you're limited in space, go to the container store(or where ever you want). Purchase some steel or plastic shelving. Get some extra strong wire too. Suspend it from the ceiling (securely on a stud/beam) in your kitchen and hang your pots and pans.

[LAX]

Ohhh...I was way off...
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c198/drkn2foget/8258-2.jpg
I was wondering what this had to do with food preparation!:icon_mrgr

[Lil'GlubGlub]

Oh yeah, get a big chopping block (wood or anti-bac. plastic). The small ones are convenient, but when you're doing lots of prep work, nothing beats a big one for space and stability.

A couple good books to check out are:

I'm just here for the food (by Alton Brown) has excellent explanations and of recipes, procedures and alot of "how" & "why" information on all aspects of cooking

Fast Food My Way (by Jaque Pepin) has tons of recipes for very quick & easy (and cheap) meals that have a very gourmet flair.

good suggestions.

Alton brown is an excellent choice for ideas.

[icepick3383]

speaking of immersion blenders, this bad boy is an immersion blender, chopper and mixer all in one. Alton hates uni-taskers and so do I. Definately pick up one of these bad boys!! (Braun M880)

http://www.braun.com/na/products/fooddrink/foodpreparation/multimix/models/m880.ImageJPG.539.300.80.jpg

[generoso]

you mean the thing the guy on the left has in his hands?

that is an immersion blender, also called as a stick blender or burrmixer.
But can it core a apple...."I'll do it the old fashion way................There done now chef so how quick it is ".....

[tar_baby]

"and of course our favorite"

(all chime in...including that old cunt smoking the whole time)

"frozen drinks"

[BeezerBlanks]

I love cooking, used to do alot of baking few years ago. I'd recommend a cooking tstat. It'll come in handy for when cooking meats that you don't want people dying from.
The foreman grill is so goddamn versitile its amazing. I have just a regular one and I use it for all my morning goodies. The trick is since mine doesn't have that new option to turn it into a flat griddle, I just use a folded oven mitt to raise up the front. That way you can cook eggs, pancakes etc on it w/o spillage. Grill cheese w/o butter is yummy and quick too.
Pretty much all the basics have been mentioned in here. If you don't already, check out some stuff on the food network like 30 mijnute meals. While rachel ray can be a little too hyper at times the meals are relatively quick and easy, and at the least it'll give you ideas for some of your own meals. I made a chicken salad by paula dean few months back that was fucking fantastic.

[Hudson]

The Betty Crocker cookbook is nice and basic with simple recipes.
That's why you use multipel boards and flip them over from meat to veggies (unless they're all being cooked together, then who gives a fuck.
Both are true..although, if space is limited and you only have one chopping surface...clean it after you prep with both sides.
Also...accept cookbooks as gifts..but don't try to do meals that are in cookbooks like "The Silver Palate Cookbook" unless you are positive you have all the basics down. Trust me, I learned the hard way.
ALSO, KEEP LOTS OF BAKING SODA AROUND JUST IN CASE AND NEVER THROW WATER ON A GREASE FIRE!!!

[D.H. Jenkins]

I'm all for a recipe thread - I threw together a "fake" puttanesca last night that made everyone stuff themselves.

[Jimmymakesmewet]

As a cook, I could not live without a good, METAL spatula. Not a food turner (which everyone likes to call a spatula) but an actual spatula. I second the knives thing, and also, a crock pot is great for when you want to make a soup or chili in a small quanity that takes hours to cook, you just do the prep work and it is relatively safe to leave on unattended.