 | The Professional Chef by Culinary Institute of America
Buy used from: $24.99 If you could have only one cooking book, this would be a good choice.
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 | Polder 3-in-1 Kitchen Tool
When cooking meat or baking, it's good to measure.
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 | Braun MR430HC Multiquick Deluxe Hand Blender & Chopper
With this, you can puree soups, sauces, smoothies, salad dressings, whipped cream, lassis, and so on in situ. Chop nuts, too.
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 | Lodge Original Finish 15-1/4-Inch Skillet with Assist Handle
Buy new: $59.99 The very essence of skillet. In fact, why not get two. When you're not cooking, you can use them as dumbells, doorstops, or weapons.
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 | Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 6-3/4-Quart Oval French Oven, Red
Buy new: $240.00 For your moist cooking needs (braises, stews, soups). Another case where heavier = better. :-) (More selections elsewhere on the internet...)
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 | Kuhn Rikon Safety Lid Lifter Can Opener
Buy new: $15.28 The best can opener in the Western world. I got one--and liked it so much I got two more for friends.
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 | Wüsthof Classic 8-Inch Cook's Knife
Buy new: $99.95 If you could only have one knife...
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 | Dexter-Russell Cutlery, Bread Knife, Offset Scalloped 9''
Buy new: $24.19 Powerful enough to rock through baguette. Who knew a bread knife could be this satisfying? Best bread knife in the Western world. (Available elsewhere with a plastic handle.)
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 | Vacu Vin 3-Piece Wine Saver Pump and Stopper Gift Pack, White
Buy new: $14.13 / Used from: $8.50 Air is what makes wine turn to vinegar. If you remove most of the air from your wine bottle, the wine will keep longer.
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 | Calphalon Commercial Hard-Anodized 12-Inch Everyday Pan with Lid
Buy new: $39.99 / Used from: $36.99 Easier to deal with than the big iron skillet. Also better for wet things and acidic things.
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 | Calphalon Tri-Ply Collector's Edition 3-Quart Chef's Pan with Lid
Buy new: $49.95 If you could have only one saucepan, this would be it. Tri-ply = even heating, incl up the sides; curved bottom = easy whisking--important for roux, custards, hollandaise, etc.
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