| Posted by | Message |
lsugrad35 
LSU Fan
Gonzales, LA
Member since Feb 2007
253 posts
| Christmas wishlist (Posted on 11/20/12 at 11:40 am)
Hey guys. I'm new here and fairly new to cooking (I use a lot of your tips). I'm making my Christmas wishlist and wanting to incorporate some cooking items. I figured it would be interesting to see if anyone is getting anything cool for Christmas this year. Pots, paddles, new gadgets? Thanks for all of the info on this board 
|
| Back to top | Share on  |
BlackenedOut
The Big Sleazy
Member since Feb 2011
1751 posts
| re: Christmas wishlist (Posted on 11/20/12 at 11:59 am to lsugrad35)
This is what you really need.
A large, solid wooden cutting board. If you cant imagine a Thanksgiving turkey fitting on it comfortably, it is too small.
A very good chef's knife. You dont need a set. 8-10 inches will do (thats what she said). Pay once, cry once. I like my MAC Professional series knife. A paring knife is a good idea as well. And a serrated knife is a bonus for tomatoes, bread, etc... A sharpening stick would be a good idea as well.
You need a good set of quality pans. I'd get one 10 inch or less, non-stick pan for eggs. And use it only for eggs. I'd get one large saute pan. I'd get one cast iron pan and a dutch oven (Le Creuset is my brand of choice for Dutch, Lodge for Cast iron). You need a sauce pan with lid (about 2 quarts), a roasting pan, and a pasta/stock pot. Your best bet is to go to a restaurant supply store to buy all of the above.
That is literally all you need. If you can cook well with those tools, you can cook. Everything else is just a sub for those tool. Not that you shouldn't get them, but learn first than take shortcuts.
ETA: After that, I like an immersion blender, Kitchen Aid Mixer, food processor, and ice cream machine.
This post was edited on 11/20 at 12:01 pm
|
| Back to top | |
lsugrad35
LSU Fan
Gonzales, LA
Member since Feb 2007
253 posts
| re: Christmas wishlist (Posted on 11/20/12 at 12:14 pm to BlackenedOut)
 Thanks BlackenedOut. Thats great info. I actually got 2 cast iron pots last year. Unfortunately, I have not seasoned them yet. I hear you have to sand them down first and I'm not exactly sure how to go about doing the whole process. But thats another topic  I'm trying to refine my skills a bit as I get ready for LSU baseball tailgating. I really appreciate the information.
|
| Back to top | |
BlackenedOut
The Big Sleazy
Member since Feb 2011
1751 posts
| re: Christmas wishlist (Posted on 11/20/12 at 12:18 pm to lsugrad35)
You probably dont need to sand down. Are they lodge pans? If so, already seasoned. If not, coat them with vegetable oil and park in a 350 degree oven for a few hours. That'll get you there.
|
| Back to top | |
alajones
LSU Fan
Barksdale AFB
Member since Oct 2005
19181 posts
| re: Christmas wishlist (Posted on 11/20/12 at 12:19 pm to lsugrad35)
I never sanded mine down. I just oiled the crap out of it and put it in the oven at 450 for a few hours.
Anyway, that's a pretty solid list for pots and pans and such. You also could always use digital thermometers, grill tongs, grill hooks, spice blends, etc.
I also always recommend a 12" electric skillet to all single folks. It is an absloute must for one serving meals with small kitchens.
|
| Back to top | |
Fratastic423
LSU Fan
Baton Rouge
Member since Feb 2007
4173 posts
 Online
| re: Christmas wishlist (Posted on 11/20/12 at 12:32 pm to BlackenedOut)
quote:
A large, solid wooden cutting board. If you cant imagine a Thanksgiving turkey fitting on it comfortably, it is too small.
This. We got a Boos cutting board, and for a while it sat off to the side and we never used it. Recently i put it on our main counter and it stays there. Use it every day.
|
| Back to top | |
Pork Que 
New Orleans Saints Fan
Member since Jun 2010
400 posts
| re: Christmas wishlist (Posted on 11/20/12 at 12:32 pm to BlackenedOut)
quote:
coat them with vegetable oil
I prefer to use shortening. Veg oil tends to leave a tacky surface....at least in my experience.
|
| Back to top | |
GynoSandberg 
Clemson Fan
Member since Jan 2006
26514 posts
| re: Christmas wishlist (Posted on 11/20/12 at 12:34 pm to lsugrad35)
Check out Greg Arceneaux in Covington for a very nicely made cutting board
|
| Back to top | |
Degas
Member since Jul 2010
4779 posts
Online
| re: Christmas wishlist (Posted on 11/20/12 at 12:38 pm to lsugrad35)
Wireless digital thermometer
Once you get one, and I love this unit, you'll wonder what took you so long in the first place. Imagine a roast or bird telling you when it's done, rather than relying on weight and time. This particular unit also monitors the pit temp (or oven) as well.
|
| Back to top | |
bdevill
LSU Fan
Baton Rouge, LA
Member since Mar 2008
8127 posts
| re: Christmas wishlist (Posted on 11/20/12 at 1:29 pm to BlackenedOut)
A Hand Immersion Blender is a good tool for making smoothies, soups, and getting beans to the desired creaminess. I use mine just about every day.
Also, a good food processer for chopping/cutting massive amounts of onions, bellpeppers, garlic and celery and emulsifying sauces or liquids.
A large, good quality non-stick pan is good to use for omelets, bacon, chicken and veggies.. and things that tend to stick. A non-stick pan usually doesn't come with a lid, so use that big wooden cutting board as a makeshift lid when you need to.. It works.
This post was edited on 11/20 at 1:33 pm
|
| Back to top | |
Rohan2Reed
Grambling Fan
Auerbach's Tavern
Member since Nov 2003
58645 posts
| re: Christmas wishlist (Posted on 11/20/12 at 1:31 pm to Degas)
Why in the world would you pay $50 for that? I got one at home depot for 10 bucks that works perfectly.
|
| Back to top | |
Degas
Member since Jul 2010
4779 posts
Online
| re: Christmas wishlist (Posted on 11/20/12 at 2:19 pm to Rohan2Reed)
Not sure which unit you picked up, but this particular remote receives a signal up to 300 ft, and the probes are good up to 700 degrees. Besides my 12" cast iron, dollar for dollar it's probably the best money I've spent.
|
| Back to top | |
trillhog
Elite Membership
Member since Jul 2011
13211 posts
| re: Christmas wishlist (Posted on 11/20/12 at 2:28 pm to lsugrad35)
|
| Back to top | |
foreverLSU
New Orleans Saints Fan
Member since Mar 2006
15826 posts
| re: Christmas wishlist (Posted on 11/20/12 at 2:37 pm to lsugrad35)
Crock Pot
Grill Griddle for Veggies
Cuisinart Food Processor
|
| Back to top | |
trillhog
Elite Membership
Member since Jul 2011
13211 posts
| re: Christmas wishlist (Posted on 11/20/12 at 2:39 pm to foreverLSU)
this is key
This post was edited on 11/20 at 2:40 pm
|
| Back to top | |
Degas
Member since Jul 2010
4779 posts
Online
| re: Christmas wishlist (Posted on 11/20/12 at 2:42 pm to trillhog)
Or you can simply place the asparagus across the grate. 
|
| Back to top | |
lsugrad35
LSU Fan
Gonzales, LA
Member since Feb 2007
253 posts
| re: Christmas wishlist (Posted on 11/20/12 at 2:49 pm to foreverLSU)
Got the crockpot last year. I make some killer chili in that thing. I can't wait until it gets a little colder so I can make more.
|
| Back to top | |
TinyTigerPaws
LSU Fan
Member since Aug 2004
34305 posts
| re: Christmas wishlist (Posted on 11/20/12 at 3:09 pm to lsugrad35)
I've struck out with my crock pot. Used it three times and was unimpressed each time. The flavor profiles are just not there and everything comes out tasting flat.
Degas, thanks for the thermometer link, I've been wanting/needing one! Will it do stove top as well? I'm always afraid of undercooking chicken to the point that I overcook the hell out of it.
|
| Back to top | |
lsugrad35
LSU Fan
Gonzales, LA
Member since Feb 2007
253 posts
| re: Christmas wishlist (Posted on 11/20/12 at 3:12 pm to TinyTigerPaws)
quote:
I'm always afraid of undercooking chicken to the point that I overcook the hell out of it.
I see you cook like me. I've got the same problem.
|
| Back to top | |
Kingwood Tiger
LSU Fan
Katy, TX
Member since Jul 2005
10343 posts
| re: Christmas wishlist (Posted on 11/20/12 at 3:12 pm to lsugrad35)
They are pricey, but worth it. I highly suggest you try to get a Le Creuset Dutch oven!
|
| Back to top | |
