The amazing jess asks:
as a total screw-up in zee kitchen, i’d love a column on ‘if you don’t cook, start with this’ type of thing.
Wow, a lot of ground to cover and I am still recovering from Christian’s win on Project Runway. (I must admit, though…I never met a ruffle I did not like. I kinda dug his collection, but it may have been the champagne misguiding me…) Let’s see if I can piece it together.
So, I have stated before: pan sets, starter sets, and bakers sets are a total crock of shit and a conspiracy to steal money from you. All anyone needs–for the basics–is: a sauce pan, a fry pan, a soup pot, a cookie sheet, a great knife, a mixing bowl, a wooden spoon, a spatula, a cutting board, a pair of tongs (I originally had a typo in here that said a pair of thongs…Aunt LifeSaver astutely pointed out they are nice but not necessary…I think it depends on who you are cooking for…), and a few good ideas. Of course, like anything in life, what becomes essential grows at the same rate as your skill, but this is how you get it started. Also, tip of the century: kitchen goods are deeply discounted on Amazon. I buy all my calphalon pans on there at half price. If your kitchen is empty, it is a great place to stock up. And while we are speaking of discount kitchen items: get thee to a TJ Maxx. I have uncovered some gems in their admittedly chaotic kitchen/home section.
If you are just beginning, and have some interest in baking, why not try a technique class at Williams-Sonoma? They are free, they are informative, and they only take an hour of your life. Annie Birdie (who was kind enough to find these and sign us up) and I headed over to one of these in Friendship Heights this past Sunday and it was well worth it. I consider myself fairly versed–but in no way an expert–in baking, but I still found substantial value in this class. Who knew you should cream butter for eight minutes? NOT ME. The instructor at my class was sweet and knowledgeable, though a bit disorganized. I was expecting to be pressured in to buying something at the end of the class, but refreshingly, was not.
Hope this gets ya started, dear.
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{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
I didn’t know W&S had a free technique class. I took a basic skills class at L’Acaedemie De Cuisine. It was a four week class, but the best money I ever spent. If you’re a guy who knows how to cook, it’s like being rich, good looking and hung like a horse.
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I actually like the first option better. Tongs didn’t do much for me, but maybe that thong thing will open up a whole new set of possibilities in my life.
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hin: Truer words have never been spoken…Men, learn to cook something. Just one dish is all you need. It will lure her in. (Also, I would love to hear more about the class at L’Academie…it is a thought that has crossed my mine more than once.)
AuntLifeSaver: “Thongs and Tongs”–I see a new business venture for us.
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Ugh, sounds like too much work. I prefer having meals cooked FOR me. Preferably, by women in their underwear.
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I’ve taken a class at L’Academie in Bethesda. It was on Spanish cooking. It was really good, but it was a demo class. I’d rather do a participation class. Plus, the chef kept complaining at the equipment – a few of their burners don’t work.
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From those of us who watch their Project Runway via TiVo days (or sometimes weeks) later … thanks for the spoiler!! Dang.
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Arjewtino: I am sure the Princess takes care of you.
redhead: Funny you say that…the woman at W-S was complaining about their decorating tips and said we should buy them elsewhere. I appreciated her honesty.
rothko: Someone else said the same thing to me, but I pointed out I have, like, 3 fans. So I am sure CNN and People.com have ruined this for waaay more people than me.
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Thanks for spreading the truth about “sets” . . . I agree wholeheartedly. With respect to fry pans, I strongly recommend a large cast iron skillet . . . 12 inches or so . . . they’re cheap (under $20), can be found at many hardware stores . . . and they truly rock. Another thing I’d add is that it pays to buy high-quality equipment . . . especially since you won’t be throwing down for a whole set. A single awesome 8″ chefs knife, for example, may cost you $80, but it’ll last you a lifetime. And one final tip . . . restaurant supply stores are great places to shop. If the pros use it, it’ll probably be good enough for you! And the prices are way, way better at restaurant supply shops than Sur La Table, Williams Sonoma, etc.
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FRM: Thanks for adding to this–much appreciated. Cast iron skillets are an awesome investement and as I preached on here more than once…a high quality knife is the best tool a home cook can have.
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I second rothko. I haven’t seen the finale yet, have been consciously avoiding all spoilers, then WHAM! Thanks lemmonex.
TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross- all are great for quality kitchenwares. Costco is great too, and their Kirkland brand of pots/pans are stellar.
And as for cast iron, DO NOT BUY PRE-SEASONED. Season that shit yourself. You’ll thank me later, believe me.
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ohhh thank you!!! i just read this now b/c i’m slow out of and IN the kitchen
i’m so excited to get started! and i’m right near a williams + sonoma. i had no idea they had free classes! i am so going to amazon and ordering knives. i forsee their use in case i end up babysitting in a remote home by myself with a psycho killer on the loose. double bonus!
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belmong: I am sorry! Don’t hate me.
jess: See, another reason a knife is a good investment…it has dual purposes. Glad I could help. xox
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Chiming in: A couple of great cookbooks are helpful as well. The New Way to Cook by Sally Schneider; Moosewood by Molly Katzen; The Joy of Cooking; and Fields of Greens by I don’t remember will set you off well on your way. The Culinary Institute of America’s cookbook is excellent as well if you want to learn technique and a several hundred of the classics. It weighs about a million pounds though, so you might need to start lifting weights before you lift *it*.
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didn’t know W&S had a free technique class. I took a basic skills class at L’Acaedemie De Cuisine. It was a four week class, but the best money I ever spent. If you’re a guy who knows how to cook, it’s like being rich, good looking and hung like a horse.
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