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DEL.ICIO.USWhat Cooking Gear Gets You Going?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
WANT GREAT CORNBREAD? Bake it in a cast iron skillet.
Photo: William Berry/AJC
A friend who likes to cook asked me the other day what one cooking utensil, gadget, pot, pan, etc. I would absolutely NOT be able to live without.
Hmmmm … so much gear, so little time. I finally whittled the list down to two things: My iron skillet, which is the best thing to happen to man since the discovery of fire; and my silpats — thank goodness for this tidy French invention that makes baking such a breeze. I broke down and bought silicone muffin bakers, too, which I love. Cupcakes pop out gorgeous. And I use a 9 X 9-inch silicone baking pan for brownies, marshmallows — anything.
As for my iron skillet, I have two: a 10-inch and a 12-inch. Not only do they add trace elements of iron as you cook in them, they get very hot for deep-fat frying (like chicken or chicken fried steak) or to stir fry. You don’t need a wok, trust me. I cook Everything in them, from pancakes to Dover sole. And of course, baking cornbread.
Here are other items I really can’t live without:
Pastry bag and tips
Dough/bench scraper
My Kitchen Aid 5-quart mixer
My knives — all of them, especially my French and paring knives
Small copper pots for cooking sugar
French rolling pin
Really good vegetable peeler
Offset spatulas
Ice cream scoops for scooping muffins, cupcakes and ice cream
You can get great professional kitchen gear at J. B. Prince.
I’m working on an upcoming column about things you can’t live without in the kitchen. I’d love your input. What kitchen gear is your favorite?
Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment | Categories: Dining
Comments
By Rodney
February 10, 2009 3:43 PM | Link to this
Aside from a couple of knives and my cast iron skillet, I’d have to say my mandolines. I have two - one hand held and one hefty - and I use them for everything from slicing cheese to running up potatoes for hash to garnishing salads (the small one works wonders on an onion).
I also feel discombobulated when, if at a friend’s house and asked to chop or mise en place something, they don’t have a good, sturdy cutting board.
By JJ
February 11, 2009 8:42 AM | Link to this
I love my Henckle (sp) knives, and use them all the time.
My other favorite is my stove top grill pan. I use that thing just about every night and cook everything on it. I have rarely used my oven since I got the grill pan.
Oh, and my 5 cutting boards. Yes, I have 5 cutting boards and use every single one of them.
By buckheaddad
February 11, 2009 10:48 AM | Link to this
Having read your “review” of Frank Ma’s South, I made a special trip there.
Soooooooooooooooo far from “delightfully doughy mouthful(s)” as to only suggest that kitchen equipment would be even more remote than your level of knowledge and appreciation.
Like most reviewers, you obviously do not enjoy a background in better food, let alone “fine” food.
buckheaddad
By Jason Greene
February 11, 2009 6:54 PM | Link to this
To a fellow South Soul Mate, the basics of a good Southern Kitchen, is the cast iron skillet! Right on! And yes, we cook everything in ours, also!