 | KitchenAid K5SSWH Heavy Duty Series 5-Quart Stand Mixer, White
Buy new: $279.86 The 5 quart model is the ideal size. Any color is good except for black and chrome. They always look dirty!
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 | Waring MBB518 Professional Quality Food & Beverage Blender, Stainless Steel
Buy new: $129.00 The Waring blender is the best for doubling as a food processor if you don't have one. Works great for making batches of pesto. Also transfers to bar use easily.
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 | Demarle Silpat 11-3/4-by-8-1/4-Inch Nonstick Silicone Baking Mat
Buy new: $13.15 I have several of these and have used them for years without ever having to throw one away. I'll never use parchment paper again!
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 | Calphalon Commercial Hard-Anodized 9-Piece Cookware Set
Buy new: $159.99 Calphalon makes the best overall cookware by far. Make sure you don't get the non-stick - food doesn't cook nearly as well. Never put in the dishwasher and wash with Comet (seriously.)
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 | All-Clad Stainless 10-1/2-Inch Flambe/Shallow Sauté Pan
You need at least one of these for sauces. It's the best!! Don't melt butter in anything this shallow or it will burn.
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 | Calphalon Professional Hard-Anodized Butter Warmer
You need one of these for melting butter. Don't ever melt it in the microwave. You'll be surprised at how many other uses you'll find for it!
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 | Emile Henry Artisan Collection 3-Quart Lidded Round Casserole, Miel/Honey
I think Emile Henry makes the best bakeware. I prefer the Artisan series (just because I think it's prettier), but all of his lines are great. Williams Sonoma has a good selection.
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 | Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 7-1/4-Quart Round French Oven, Cherry Red
Buy new: $230.99 I have these french ovens in three sizes, 13, 7 & 4 quart. I like the round for the 13 & 7 quart sizes and the oval for the four quart so you can bake with it.
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 | Emile Henry Couleurs 6-Ounce Ramekins, Set of 4, White
Buy new: $29.00 Get a set of 12 ramekins and always use white so you can serve them with whatever dinnerware you might be using. I have two sets - both round and oval, depending on what I'm using them for.
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 | BonJour Professional Chef's Torch
I know you don't believe me, but you must have one of these. Not just for creme brulee (although that's reason enough), but for anything you need to brown without having to wait on the broiler.
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 | Oxo Good Grips Salad Spinner
Buy new: $29.99 You need both sizes - the regular and the mini. The mini is perfect for herbs or salads for just two people.
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 | Oxo Good Grips 12-Inch Stainless-Steel Locking Tongs
Buy new: $10.99 I love OXO's tools and I'll list all the ones you really should have. Tongs are a must in any kitchen and for use on the grill. Get at least two.
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 | Oxo Good Grips Potato Ricer
Buy new: $20.00 This thing is a godsend at Thanksgiving and Christmas. I couldn't live without it!
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 | Oxo Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener
Buy new: $19.99 This is the best can opener. Electric ones are crap!
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 | Oxo Good Grips i-Series Swivel Peeler
Buy new: $9.99 The grip on this is the best of any peeler I've tried.
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 | Oxo SteeL Spaghetti Server
Buy new: $11.99 Don't ever use a plastic pasta server, they stick. Get a nice sterling one for dinner parties, but this is the best for everyday and you can put it in the dishwasher.
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 | All-Clad Stainless Balloon Whisk
Buy new: $21.95 I like All-Clads whisks the best (OXO's aren't so great). You need three - small, large and flat.
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 | H.A. Mack French Beechwood Mixing Spoon 12-in.
Buy new: $2.75 H.A. Mack makes the best wooden spoons. Get lots of them in several sizes. You'll use them for everything.
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 | J.A. Henckels International Everedge 13-Piece Knife Set with Bonus Cheese Knife
Buy new: $44.95 I love Henckels knives and use them for everything. Make sure you get a set with the scissors included.
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 | Chef's Choice 120 3-Stage Diamond Hone Professional Sharpener Plus, White
Buy new: $134.95 You definitely need a knife sharpener if you want to really get the most out of your knives. We have this one and it is great!
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 | New Cook Book, 75th Anniversary Limited Edition by Better Homes and Gardens
Buy used from: $17.81 It's cheesy, but it's a great basic cookbook to have. I think every kitchen should include one of these.
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 | Barefoot Contessa Family Style: Easy Ideas and Recipes That Make Everyone Feel Like Family by Ina Garten
Buy new: $23.10 / Used from: $13.77 My favorite cookbook.
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 | Barefoot in Paris: Easy French Food You Can Make at Home by Ina Garten
Buy new: $23.10 / Used from: $15.19 Second favorite.
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 | Nigella Bites: From Family Meals to Elegant Dinners -- Easy, Delectable Recipes for Any Occasion by Nigella Lawson
Buy new: $23.10 / Used from: $4.95 Torn between this and Giada for number three. Both are great!
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