for newbies

essential cooking gear

I’m not going to lie to you: At the end of the day you can still make a fantastic meal with one serrated knife and a medium-sized pan.…Then again, both a Benz and a Chevette can get you to Point B. Choose your tools wisely, because the ride counts for a lot.

GOOD CHEF KNIVES

You know a knife is high-end if you shell out over a hundred bucks for it and lose chunks of your fingers the first time you use it. Why would you want to spend a small fortune to get maimed? Because once you get the hang of it, it’ll provide you with the smoothest prep experience ever, forever.

• Serrated bread knife

• Small paring knife

• Chef’s knife

• Knife sharpener

QUALITY POTS & PANS

Pots and pans should be minimum 3-ply stainless or very thick-bottomed so they transfer the heat evenly. When opting for non-stick pans make sure that they’re new and not corrosive. If you’re still using your mam’s hand-me-down nonstick pans, throw them out, they’re probably cancerous.

• 3-quart chef’s pan

• 4-quart saucepan

• 8-quart stockpot

• 8-inch frying pan

• 12-inch frying pan

• 8-cup casserole/soufflé dish

• Cast-iron grill (or a Cast-iron grill pan)

• Set of 4 heart-shaped ramekins (see page 93)

TOOLS

• Zester

• Cheese grater

• Vegetable peeler

• Food processor

• Juicer

• Jars with lids (large and small)

• Measuring cups

• Large wooden cutting board

• Set of wooden spoons

• Slotted metal spoon

• Spatula

• Ladle

• Set of mixing bowls (very large to very small)

• Fine wire mesh sieve

• Silicone basting brush

• Colander

• Kitchen scissors

• Wine opener

• Chopsticks

• Pepper mill

• Tongs

• Metal skewers

DRAWER STUFF

• Aluminum foil

• Plastic wrap

• Baking sheets

• Parchment paper

• Large and small freezer bags

• A cool apron