October 23      # 618           The Newlyweds Kitchen

 A few weeks ago Al went to a wedding where he witnessed two wonderful young people exchange vows and pledge to share their lives together.  At the reception he had few minutes to speak with them, and the conversation quickly turned to food and just as quickly stalled.  They didn't have a clue how to set up their kitchen.  So as our wedding gift to them, we'll give them a few ideas on the essentials.  And since most newlyweds are on a tight budget, we'll suggest where you can economize and where you should consider investing in superior quality gear. 
Essentials
(* denotes a quality item you should invest in)           
Set of three stainless steel sauce pans  (Al likes Cuisinart, and Revereware)
Non-stick skillet with shallow sloping sides (inexpensive is OK since it doesn't last)
*Deep skillet, with lid (get a good one , it will last)
Optional:  a heavy cast iron skillet (not sexy, but it will last a lifetime)
*Dutch oven or large ovenproof pot, with lid (a million uses)
A set of ½ dozen nesting stainless steel bowls (again, a million uses)
A set of ceramic mixing bowls (2 or 3, just like Mom has)
*Set of assorted non-stick cookie sheets  (get good ones, and they'll last)
Measuring cups, measuring spoons
A meat thermometer
*A small set of high quality knives (paring, 5" all-purpose, 8" chef's, serrated slicer)
*An electric knife sharpener (arguably an indispensable piece of equipment)
*A good quality blender or a decent mid-priced food processor (not high end, but good)
An electric hand mixer (inexpensive is just fine)
A set of pyrex baking dishes and pie dishes (very handy)
A set of wooden spoons and scrapers
A set of silicon spoons, scrapers
A good pair of tongs
A  stainless steel icing spreader (a spatula like this was Pierre Franey's favorite gadget)
Sieves, strainers, colanders

Nice to have
Submersible blender (a Radio Kitchen favorite…saves time and mess)
*A big set of high quality knives (a big investment, but worth it for the serious cook)
Mandolin (a real luxury, but shop around on Ebay)
Professional strainers (for ultra smooth sauces)
Large professional roasting pans (great at Thanksgiving)
Stock pot (also for soups, stews, chilies)
Tart pans, springform cake pans (for ambitious desserts)
Copper coated cookware (a treat when you're older and can afford them)
Dedicated spice grinder
Marble pastry surface
Pastry bag with assorted tips (useful for more ambitious recipes)

Griddle (pancakes always taste better cooked on a griddle)

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