Listmania!
Cook like a champ
By an Amazon.com customer
Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Vol. 1Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Vol. 1 by Julia Child
Buy new: $19.00 / Used from: $14.95
The standard...
Essentials of Classic Italian CookingEssentials of Classic Italian Cooking by Marcella Hazan
Buy new: $23.10 / Used from: $13.95
Where to start with Italian Cooking
The Professional ChefThe Professional Chef by Culinary Institute of America
Buy used from: $22.95
Learning the basics
The French Laundry CookbookThe French Laundry Cookbook by Thomas Keller
Buy new: $30.00 / Used from: $34.49
How to impress your friends
Bones: Recipes, History, and LoreBones: Recipes, History, and Lore by Jennifer Mclagan
Buy new: $23.07 / Used from: $15.99
How to startle your friends (in a good way).
Charcuterie: The Craft of Salting, Smoking, and CuringCharcuterie: The Craft of Salting, Smoking, and Curing by Michael Ruhlman
Buy new: $23.10 / Used from: $24.03
Never buy shrink wrapped sausage again!
Wüsthof Classic 8-Inch Cook's KnifeWüsthof Classic 8-Inch Cook's Knife
Buy new: $99.95 / Used from: $93.99
A good knife is an absolute must!
Wüsthof Classic 9-Inch Bread KnifeWüsthof Classic 9-Inch Bread Knife
Buy new: $79.95
You need a sharp bread knife too.
KitchenAid KSM150PSWH Artisan Series 5-Quart Mixer, WhiteKitchenAid KSM150PSWH Artisan Series 5-Quart Mixer, White
Buy new: $269.99 / Used from: $255.99
Once you have one, you'll wonder how you lived without it.
KitchenAid FGA Food Grinder Attachment for Stand MixersKitchenAid FGA Food Grinder Attachment for Stand Mixers
Buy new: $44.99
Grind your own chuck (safer and more control of flavor and texture) and make your own sausage. Oh, and, lamb burgers anyone!?
Northern Industrial 5-Lb. Sausage StufferNorthern Industrial 5-Lb. Sausage Stuffer
Buy new: $99.99
Stuff your own sausage. Trust me, the KitchenAid is good for grinding meat, not stuffing it. This will make your life much easier.
Cuisinart DLC-2011BCN Prep 11 Plus Food Processor, Brushed ChromeCuisinart DLC-2011BCN Prep 11 Plus Food Processor, Brushed Chrome
Buy new: $179.00
Make your life easier.
KitchenAid KPRA Pasta Roller Attachment for Stand MixersKitchenAid KPRA Pasta Roller Attachment for Stand Mixers
Buy new: $139.99
Make fresh pasta in the food processor and roll it with this. Easy, fast, and very, very good. Use the recipe from the French Laundry.
KitchenAid KICA0WH Ice Cream Maker AttachmentKitchenAid KICA0WH Ice Cream Maker Attachment
Buy new: $71.85
And for desert... fyi: this does take some getting used to. Freeze it for 18-24 hours and, if you can, set your freezer a bit colder than normal.