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Mike's Minimalist Kitchen
By an Amazon.com customer
Lodge Original Finish 12-Inch Cast Iron SkilletLodge Original Finish 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
Quite inexpensive, fantastically capable of doing a whole range of cooking chores, and will last a lifetime. It is heavy. Some may wish to consider the 10" size instead, but the additional area of the 12" adds quite a bit of versitility. The 12" size doubles as a wok, cooks for 1-6. USA made
Lodge Logic Pre-Seasoned 5-Quart Dutch Oven with Loop HandlesLodge Logic Pre-Seasoned 5-Quart Dutch Oven with Loop Handles
Buy new: $31.97
5 quart cast iron Dutch Oven with lid is essential cooking gear. A good cast iron Dutch oven can be used as a stock pot, a casserole, a slow cooker, a braiser, a roaster, a bread pan, a rice cooker, a tangine and a just generally useful all around item. From bread to brisket, from soups to stews, from poultry to pasta, this is one capable vessel. USA made
Victorinox 10-Inch Chef's KnifeVictorinox 10-Inch Chef's Knife
Buy new: $26.99
excellent value
Chicago Cutlery Centurion 3-1/5-Inch Paring KnifeChicago Cutlery Centurion 3-1/5-Inch Paring Knife
Buy new: $5.99
A reasonable parer, at a reasonable price for larger hands.
Anchor Hocking Oven Basics Baking Trio 3-Piece Value Pack includes 2-Quart Baking Dish, 3-Quart Baking Dish and 5-Quart Baking DishAnchor Hocking Oven Basics Baking Trio 3-Piece Value Pack includes 2-Quart Baking Dish, 3-Quart Baking Dish and 5-Quart Baking Dish
Buy new: $19.99
What you need: ie lasagne dish and baking/reheat dishes. USA made
Bodum Bistro 8-Cup Coffee PressBodum Bistro 8-Cup Coffee Press
Much better than drip coffee pots or tea kettles for retaining fine, subtle oils, aromas and flavors, and can be used with any source of hot water.
Pyrex Prepware 8-Cup Measuring Cup, Clear with Red Lid and MeasurementsPyrex Prepware 8-Cup Measuring Cup, Clear with Red Lid and Measurements
Buy new: $15.99
mixing bowl/tea pot/re-heating in the microwave vessel/jumbo measuring bowl/store leftovers in the fridge device, USA made
Pyrex Prepware 1-Cup Measuring Cup, Clear with Red MeasurementsPyrex Prepware 1-Cup Measuring Cup, Clear with Red Measurements
Buy new: $4.49 / Used from: $4.00
essential, USA made
Kitchen 3-pc. Cutting Board SetKitchen 3-pc. Cutting Board Set
Buy new: $19.99
Granite Ware 8 Quart Stock PotGranite Ware 8 Quart Stock Pot
Buy new: $17.95
About the lowsest cost, functional stock/crab/shrimp/pasta pot on the market. A little flimsy but it works. USA made
Sabatier Kitchen ShearsSabatier Kitchen Shears
Cuisinart 4-Piece Stainless-Steel Kitchen Tool SetCuisinart 4-Piece Stainless-Steel Kitchen Tool Set
Buy new: $24.99
Lansky 8" Ceramic Sharp StickLansky 8" Ceramic Sharp Stick
Buy new: $10.22
much more versatile than a conventional "steel"
Maurice Sporting Goods #BPFN6SH1 Fish 'N Fillet KnifeMaurice Sporting Goods #BPFN6SH1 Fish 'N Fillet Knife
Buy new: $14.99
not just a fish knife, but a great bread knife, boning knife, veggie knife and utilty knife if properly maintained
Lodge Logic Pro 20-by-10-7/16-Inch Cast-Iron Grill/GriddleLodge Logic Pro 20-by-10-7/16-Inch Cast-Iron Grill/Griddle
Buy new: $45.87 / Used from: $37.87
technically, not necessary, but darned nice, USA made
Pyrex  Smart Essentials 8 Piece Mixing Bowl SetPyrex Smart Essentials 8 Piece Mixing Bowl Set
Buy new: $21.99
batter mixes to salads to reheats, great versitility, USA made
Pyrex Bakeware 1-1/2-Quart Loaf Dish, ClearPyrex Bakeware 1-1/2-Quart Loaf Dish, Clear
Buy new: $8.05
fantastic product, price can be substantially beat elsewhere USA made
Rolling Pin - TaperedRolling Pin - Tapered
Buy new: $7.00
a basic, functional rolling pin
Staff Meals from ChanterelleStaff Meals from Chanterelle by David Waltuck
Buy new: $19.77 / Used from: $3.87
good hearty food that's easy to prepare