Best pots & pans according to redditors

Here are 4 things that I think will allow you to cook about 90% of everything you see on the internet.

A decent 8" kitchen knife. The Victorinox is a heavy lifter without breaking the bank.

A solid dutch oven. Here I recommend a Lodge, but Le Cruset is fantastic as well. A dutch oven allows you to do tons of one pot meals, braising, frying, soups, sauces, baking bread etc..

A 12" fry pan. This is for proteins, sauteing, all kinds of breakfast applications (eggs, homefries, shakshuka, etc).

A 3 qrt saucier. This one is pretty pricey, but you can get other good, cheaper options if you do a little research. This can double as a pot to boil water, make sauces, curries, and candy. A sauciers smooth sides are much easier to clean and can serve as a good compromise between a saucepan and a saute pan.

I've listed them in order of importance. A knife and a dutch oven can do a ton by themselves. I'd also recommend a pair of kitchen tongs, a handheld fine mesh strainer, and am immersion blender. In fact, I'd try to get those before the fry pan and the saucier, they open a lot of doors for you.

I've used a T-Fal professional near daily for five years now. I don't put it in the dishwater and I don't use metal utensils on it, but other than than I don't follow any other precautions. It stills works like new.

lazy people! ive linked everything in the thread just read it!

cast iron

boots

pants

knife

socks

bed

And clearly marked as a 3.5" mini skillet. Exact same pic. So either your wife's a moron or you're a big fat phony.

Thats a good idea that came out awesome. As far as drawer hardware for this one you need to find a baby skillet and use it as the pull..... just found this Lodge LMS3 Miniature Skillet, 3.5", Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LXA9YI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_4cqmDb1Z3E966

> I researched dutch ovens about two years ago and came to the conclusion they weren't worth the money

You certainly know what's best for your own situation, but I can tell you that my enameled dutch oven is a workhorse for me and looks to last for decades (already had mine over 10 years). Again, YMMV, but I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss them in general.

Nonstick is okay in certain circumstances. I have a good quality 12" Nordic Ware pan which I got off Woot and is great for some purposes. If you're warping your pans, you're probably getting it too hot and then throwing it in the sink. Even a high quality pan is not immune to thermal shock.

My biggest advice is to NOT buy a set but to buy individual pieces as you need them. If you must buy a bunch at a time, I advise going à la carte.

Here's what I recommend:

• A 6 qt enameled Dutch Oven - Mine is made by Tramontina but Lodge and Le Creuset make some great ones as well (just expect the French made Le Creuset to be far more expensive.) This pan is a great multitasker and you can make bread in it, cook stew, boil down bones for stock etc.
  
  
• 2 qt and 4 qt saucepans. Look for high quality welded handles instead of rivets. Tri-Ply (where a layer of aluminum is pressed between two layers of stainless) is your best option and All-Clad is a nice made in the USA option, but Tramontina (sold at some Walmarts but also Walmart.com) and Sur La Table's store brand are also excellent.
  
  
• A 12" stainless skillet - again, go with TriPly from Tramontina or Sur La Table (All Clad if you are rich)
  
  
• A 12" Cast iron skillet. These are a pain in the ass for the first year or so and you'll get a lot of circlejerking and such about the best way to season (expect lots of stupid old bacon jokes and rednecks talking about cooking "critters" they ran over and stuff like that.) Wading through that mess, you can find that cast iron is essential but not the only thing to cook in.
  
  
• 12" T-Fal Non-stick skillet Again, not BIFL but a good quality piece that will make cooking eggs a lot easier if you aren't willing to deal with cast iron.

One of the greatest pots in the world -- and I'm not exaggerating -- is nice and inexpensive: the bare cast iron dutch oven. Reddit's cast iron cult is loud and persistent (and I'm proud to be a member of it), but that doesn't detract from the fact that a cast iron dutch oven is enormously useful. You can cook nearly anything in it, from slow-cooked stews to high-temperature seared and braised meats, both on top of your stove and in the oven. It's nearly indestructible, and you can use metal utensils on it without fear of scratching or damaging it. One of these is a must-have for any burgeoning cook: take care of it by treating the cast iron right (keep it oiled and seasoned to prevent rust), and it will produce outstanding dishes for decades to come. (New cast iron doesn't like tomatoes, though; for pasta sauces and other acidic dishes, use an enameled pot.)

Alright- I'm gonna throw at you my standard 'I've got cash to buy new cookware: what do I get' list. It's pretty much the same for a guy/gal who just got divorced, a dude/lady moving out of the dorms and into their first apartment, or really anyone who is working with nothing but some bare cash and wants to turn it into food.

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1. 10 or 12 inch cast iron pan - Lodge. Goes for $18 on amazon. You want this for 'general purpose' preparations; that's essentially putting heat on anything that isn't fish or eggs (more on that later). You're gonna get it pre-seasoned so some regular maintenance (eg. make bacon in the pan once or twice a month) will keep it just fine. Wash it with soap and water after each use, dry it thoroughly, don't ever let it sit in water (it can and will rust). It'll last longer than you. This isn't going in the dishwasher- sorry. But it's easy to clean and will reward your patience. Steaks, pan pizza, shallow frying, roasting a chicken, fajita veggies, making quesadillas, pan nachos, whatever it is that isn't fish or eggs goes in this pan.
   
   
2. 6qt enameled dutch oven - Also lodge. Goes for 50 bucks on amazon. This is your big-deal saucepan for building tomato sauces, stews, soups, deep frying (get a fry thermometer), braises- anything where you need a lot of liquid and need to put some heat on that. It's enameled because acids can leech into raw cast iron and alter the flavour of your food; and tomato is acidic (for example). Making short ribs? Sear 'em on the stovetop, move the pot into the oven for a final braise. This sucker will also last longer than you. Yea- it's dishwasher safe, but if you want it to stay pretty wash it by hand- it takes a few seconds and she's a pretty looking thing. Treat her right.
   
   
3. 12 inch stainless pan Tramontina, 18/10, Tri-Ply, fully Clad 60 smackos on the 'zon.com. You don't really need this per-se if you've already got your 12" cast iron, but if you go 10" on the cast iron (which I recommend, they're heavy and 10 is easier to manipulate), snag this puppy in 12". She's your go-to roaster for things that won't fit in your 10", for example. Or if you're prepping a multi-course meal she's available when your cast iron isn't.
   
   
4. Nonstick pan any cheapass pan will do this one is $12, so whatevs. This pan has exactly two uses, so listen carefully. Eggs. Anything egg-based (except quiche since that goes in the oven- but fuck quiche, and poached eggs since they go in water)- so omelettes, eggs over easy, eggs over hard, eggs scrambled, crepes. Fish. If you need to put heat directly on fish it goes in this pan. Abuse the piss out of this thing if you want to, but the second anything starts sticking to it- throw it out and have a new one shipped amazon prime. This is disposable just like every piece of nonstick cookware in the world because none of them last forever, and ignore anything that tells you differently.
   
   
5. Stock pot specifics are also unimportant this one is 22 dollarydoos. This pot has 3 major requirements- it needs to be big, it needs to have a lid, and it needs to be big. Nothing crazy or special about this thing because it only has a few major uses: bringing liquids to a boil/simmer is one of the major ones. This is where you'll make your stocks, boil your pastas, and really that's about it. Water should be the first thing in this pot most of the time.
   
   
6. Saucepan don't really care about this one either- here's one I think it's $30. Just like your stock pot- this is for liquids (sauce pan- duh) except smaller. Late night ramen, rice, and steamed milk are going to be its biggest uses initially. Over time? It'll take anything your dutch oven doesn't have to do, and anything your stock pot doesn't want to do. Requirements? Lid. Handle. That's about it.
   
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   You'll notice the startling lack of any 'set' or anything of that sort here. That's because sets of pots you don't need are dumb. You'll note none of these have glass lids, that's because glass breaks. You'll note none of this stuff costs a fortune, and that's because it doesn't have to. This setup can handle 95% of cooking tasks without breaking a sweat, and without your credit card company celebrating the new statue they can build outside their main office because of all the money you spent. Leftover cash? Buy a knife, get a few wire racks and baking pans, and buy a nice cut of steak, some pasta, some salmon, and veggies to try out your new gear.

"I'm too poor for nice cast iron"

Cast Iron $16: https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-L8SK3-Skillet-Pre-Seasoned-10-25-inch/dp/B00006JSUA/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1486658136&sr=1-1&keywords=lodge+cast+iron

Maple Syrup $18: https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Springs-Organic-Maple-Formerly/dp/B00COBZH06/ref=sr_1_2?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1486658154&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=Maple%2BSyrup&th=1

I bet you can find a used one at Tag Sale and re-season it for less.

Below is the recipe - I also added broccoli :

Ingredients -

• 1 package super firm tofu
  
• 1/4 cup Hoisin sauce
  
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  
• 1 teaspoon sugar
  
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
  
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  
• green onions for garnish
  
• rice for serving
  
  Instructions -
  
  
• Remove tofu from packaging. Place about 4 paper towels on a plate. Set tofu on top of plate and cover with more paper towels. Place a cast iron pan or something else that is heavy on top. Let sit 30 minutes.
  
• In a medium bowl, stir together Hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sugar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
  
• Cut tofu into bite-sized pieces. Place in bowl with sauce and toss to coat. Let sit 30 minutes.
  
• Heat olive oil in a medium cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Once really hot, add tofu. Once nicely seared on the bottom, flip over. Continue to cook until seared on bottom.
  
• Drizzle with sesame oil and remove from heat.
  
• Sprinkle with green onions and serve with rice.

Easily concealable

Whats so funny about a dutch oven?
http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-EC6D43-Enameled-Island-6-Quart/dp/B000N501BK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407013173&sr=8-1&keywords=dutch+oven

This is great advice. The only addition (or substitution for the Aluminum Skillet if you're on a budget) I would make is a cast iron skillet. Not as 'non-stick' as the caphalon but will literally last a lifetime.

I got a 12" Lodge cast iron skillet off Amazon for $17 bucks a few months ago. It's pre-seasoned and fantastic, and Lodge is a great brand. Ships free too. I absolutely adore it.

Check it out: http://amzn.com/B00006JSUB

Actually looks like the 6” model in the pic based off the pour spouts and space taken up on the cutting board underneath.

Edit: yup 6.5 pictured https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Skillet-Miniature-Individual-Desserts/dp/B000LXA9YI/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8

Poor ass college student's guide to cooking episode 3

Shokugeki no Soma is one of my favorite anime of all time, if nothing else because it showcases the amazing world of cooking to weebs like us. However, it isn't a guide, and it seems that too many of you guys here need a good lesson on how to get stuff done. Trust me, it's worth it and you'll feel much better about yourself after each episode, and maybe even want to try some stuff in the show out!

Lesson 3: Embrace the poverty. You really can make spectacular food with el cheapo ingredients

Today's dish was bœuf bourguignon, beef burgundy wine style, or basically beef stew. The TL;DR version being turning a big tough hunk of cheap beef into a tender, rich, and filling meal worthy of French fine dining. Obviously high end bourguignon can use lots of high quality ingredients, but none of that for now. I'm a poor ass college student after all, and time/money are both very important to me.

I've linked my favorite beef stew recipe below, but there are some important values you should know before that.

1. Let's use cheap meats
   
   Bulk beef like chuck and shoulder roasts are perfect for tender stews. Buy the large hunks, the tiny cubes are the same thing chopped up and hiked up in price. Chicken is another MVP. Thighs in particular are even cheaper and more tender. Pork rounds up my top three. Chops and tenderloin seem like premium cuts, but this is pork so it's cheap.
   
   
2. Tenderize meats before using
   
   Ain't nobody got time for waiting, so tenderize or marinate your meat so that you can cut down on time. To do this you need some kind of enzyme containing juice, like the proteases mentioned by Chapelle this episode. Popular ones include lemon, onion, apple, pineapple, and yogurt (or my personal favorite: beer). A bonus is that they add great veggie flavor to the final product. Unlike this episode, your best bet is to throw the meat in the juice in a ziploc bag and leave it in the fridge overnight. That way there's zero waiting and you get meat so tender you don't need teeth to eat it.
   
   
3. Embrace the Veg
   
   Veggies and Fruits are for some reason almost always cheaper than meats. So make use of them. This doesn't always mean salad. I hate salad. But having a tupperware of roast veggies, stir fry, or steamed broccoli, etc will make for some epic side dishes that both enhance your meal and lower the cost
   
   
4. Spices are your friend
   
   If expensive ingredients add more flavor, give them the finger and add your own flavor. Just don't go overboard.
   
   Ingredients/Spices of the day (two ingredients, one spice)
   
   Onions
   
   One of the essential veggies in every Western dish, it plays many roles. It can tenderize meats, give a sharp or mellow texture depending on how its cooked, and provide a sharp or sweet flavor depending on how its cooked. The sweetness in particular is what's often desired. When onions are cooked (mostly fried) for a while, their sharp tasting carbs break down into sugars. This can be seen visually as they become translucent then golden brown in a "caramelizing" reaction. When used fucking raw, they provide a pleasant sting to salads or a crunch to sauces.
   
   Fresh is better, but lasts a good few weeks
   
   Mushrooms
   
   Quite possibly my favorite ingredient of all time, they are a family of amazing... veggies? They are also one of the only veggies that is so flavorful, it can make a broth by itself. Adds an amazing smokey flavor which changes drastically depending on which type you use. A mainstay in the traditional Japanese side-dish miso soup, as well as stews like those made in this episode. Unfortunately not very cheap or common in the US besides white ones.
   
   Freshness is paramount. Doesn't last much longer than a week.
   
   Bay Leaves
   
   A product of the laurel plant, it is a spice often used in slow cooking meats like pork and beef. A common component of the Bouquet Garni, which was the bundle of herbs Megumi was holding this episode for the beef stew. The aroma is very Mediterranean.
   
   Skill/Gear of the day: The trusty 10/12 inch frying pan and caramelizing onions
   
   This is an essential usage of heat control, and the basis for so many dishes. Video Very easy for today. Same process for different veggies and even meats.
   
   They don't come cheap but like knives, they are fundamental to your cooking, and it's not like they will ever break or go bad. Cheap ones aren't my favorite for a many reasons.
   
   Here is a rundown of types and their pros/cons:
   
   

1. Aluminium: Reactive to acidic foods (bad). Very thermally conductive but not evenly. Cheap, but not much else to say.
   
2. Cast Iron: Reactive to acidic foods (but iron, so its fine). Even heat distribution, but takes a long time. Ridiculously heavy. cheap. Great for searing/steaks.
   
3. Nonstick: No metal tools (knives etc). May or may not produce carcinogens. Wear away after some usage. The linked cheap one.
   
4. Copper: Reactive to some foods (BAD). Even and quick heat distribution. Expensive.
   
5. Stainless: Nonreactive. Even quick heat distribution, especially with aluminium/copper cores. Semi-expensive (linked).
   
   Recipe of the Day: Beef in beer stew
   
   Presentation of the day: Drinks and Glass
   
   Make sure to serve any dish worth enjoying (even to just yourself) with a glass of something good. This can be anything from the booze to just iced tap water. Soda is not my thing, but if you want that, use a glass and not just the can you bought it in, and with ice. Turns 7/10 meal into a 8.5/10 instantly. Make sure to use a good glass though, which should be very clear. To maintain it, it may be a good idea to wash it by hand instead of the dishwasher.
   
   
   Look at it.
   
   none of this shit.
   
   ---
   
   Tell me what improvements I can make to this guide! I hope that by episode 10 I won't be seeing any more cereal comments in these rewatches!
   
   Episode1)
   
   Episode2

The 10.25" Lodge skillets is $14 and pretty much holds at that price on Amazon. They are BIFL as long as you season it correctly and condition it after every use.

Also, on a side note, consider getting the roommate a very cheap cast iron pan.

It's EXCELLENT at searing things, and pretty much indestructible. Here's a super cheap, very reliable cast iron pan.

That way you can avoid strangling him later if he does it again ¯_(ツ)_/¯

Just about any enameled cast iron dutch oven will serve you equally well at a fraction of the price. Cuisinart, KitchenAid, Lodge, Henkels, among many others, regularly go on sale at Walmart, Target, Canadian Tire (if you're north of the border), Marshalls, etc. for $50 or less and will perform exactly the same.

Edit: For example, this 6qt Lodge will do exactly what a 6qt Le Crueset does.

Cast iron pans are not as expensive as you think they are

• +1 for $30.59 cast iron and $30.00 non-stick. See if you can get a non-stick that is oven safe. It will be more versatile.
  
• $13.58 Make sure to get a high temp silicone spatula so that he can use them in his non-stick pan. Nothing sharp in the non-stick, ever.
  
• $39.95 Get him a decent, sharp knife. The Victorianox is a good knife that you can get for cheap.
  
• $5.78 Tongs, metal tongs from the asian market are about 3 bucks but totally useful.
  
  Total ~119.90
  That leaves you ~$80 to get ancillary things like measuring cups and spoons, cutting board, and a sauce pot.

Lodge cast iron.

I've gotten a 12 inch skillet ($20 at Target) and a 5 quart dutch oven with a 10 inch skillet lid ($33 on Amazon). I use them almost every day and they're my favorite tools in the kitchen, as well as my sturdiest.

I also got a Saddleback medium bifold wallet that's been perfect for the last couple years. I anticipate many more decades to come with it!

Going through this thread, I've remembered a couple more. I now have 2 Orion belts that I wear almost every day! The first is the hot dipped harness leather belt, and the second is the tan harness leather belt that I got for around $28 on Massdrop.

The last BIFL item I've gotten is a pair of Ex Oficio briefs this Christmas. They've been great so far...hopefully they hold up!

That must have been a fun find!

Fortunately, we can all get lucky, but I know it's more fun to stumble on cast iron in a store unexpectedly. (I found this link only because your post set me to googling ...)

No, absolutely not, that cooker is not designed for canning.

You'd get more mileage and resale value out of a dedicated canning cooker. If you like it, yay! You have a real canner! If you don't no big deal, you resell it on ebay and lose maybe $50 over whatever price you paid.

Or for $20 more dollars over the one you listed you can get a real one from Presto for $70 right now.

Also, canning 3 jars at a time is a waste of energy, imo.

Couldn't sleep so I just made coffee and stayed up making doughnuts in my lodge combo cooker.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009JKG9M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_-SD5Cb27754S0

Used this recipe

https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/dessert/cake/moms-raised-doughnuts-3.html

> So the toxic-leaching fear-mongers have finally gotten to me

Well stop that. Teflon is chemically inert; that's what makes it stick-resistant in the first place. You could eat a spoonful of the stuff and it would pass through your body unchanged, coming right out the other end.

Buy this. It's the best nonstick pan for home cooks currently on the market. Done.

Cholesterol you eat has very, very, very little bearing on your blood serum levels. Bad-cholesterol levels are tied to genetics and inflammation. Good news! Eat all the eggs you want. Bad news! Stress contributes to inflammation.

How much longer are you going to be in this situation? Would it be worth it to pick up a cheapish chef's knife and a dutch oven? Because my-oh-my what you can do with a dutch oven on a stovetop is amazing and I am just full of recipes.

Also, these caffiene stir sticks have been getting popular at my local college.

I can't do much to help you, but if you want some recipes I can help out a bit with the stovetop cooking. (In the interest of transparency, some of these recipes are from my own blog.) As far as the smell goes . . . fuck it, the crab hates you anyway so just make like a duck and let her roll off your back.

Seafood Stew - I say dutch oven for this, but you can totally use a regular pot.

Cheeseburger Tacos

Carnitas Tacos

Chicken Paprikash

If you've got a broiler in the oven that works Eggs in Prugatory is a favorite of mine.

If you're feeling up to making dumplings, I have a recipe for pierogies that is pure comfort food.

And I could go on about eggs the way that Forest Gump's buddy did about shrimp.

The enamel Lodge pots have an average rating of 4.5 with over 1300 reviews on Amazon, and they are less than $50.

The Le Creuset is probably better, but that's a ridiculous amount of money to spend on a pot imo. Even if you replaced the Lodge pot every 5 years, it would take you almost 30 years and 6 pots before you sunk enough money in them to equal one 1 Le Creuset pot.

This one is pretty sweet, but I recommend you get yourself a virtual skillet. Coming off an addiction as serious as yours you can't just jump straight into cookware like that man.

Have you considered a seasoned cast iron skillet?
The Lodge ones are cheap and will last forever if you wash them properly after use.

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00006JSUA/

I got one of these 7 years ago after a few years of wasting money on the usual variety of non-stick pans and its still going strong.

You need to take a little care in how you clean it after use, but its great to cook with.

For the cast iron, don't spent hundreds of dollars. Lodge makes awesome heavy duty skillets that will last a lifetime for under 50 bucks. They are much more heavy duty than either the Caphalon ones or the Utopia Kitchen ones.

Look at the weight of a cast iron skillet for an idea of how well it will retain heat (this is what cast iron does super well). The Lodge one is almost 20% heavier than the calphalon one, and is even heavier than the larger Utopia Kitchen one.

If you're on a budget then the Utopia one is OK, but if you can spend a bit more, the Lodge one will be something you can hand down to your kids.

I have, maybe six, pans I use for 90%+ of my cooking:

1. 12" All-Clad stainless skillet - perfect all-purpose fry pan. Steak, chops, pasta sauces, pan roasting, sauteing, you name it, this pan does it well. $89 from Amazon is a steal!
   
2. 6qt Lodge Dutch Oven - braising, soups, stews, for the price it's well worth it, though I'm not sure how long it'll hold up.
   
3. 3.5qt non-stick Calphalon sauce pot - great for making sauces, boxed macaroni and cheese, steaming veggies, etc... Very versatile, could easily be stainless too, I just happened to be given non-stick.
   
4. 2qt All-Clad stainless sauce pan - great for sauces (duh) and all kinds of other stuff, super versatile.
   
5. 12" Nordic Ware non-stick skillet - non-stick pans should be treated as "disposable". I replace mine every 12-18 months. Nordic Ware is cheap, and well designed. Handle can take enough heat that you can put it in a sub-375F oven and it won't melt, if you care about that. Mine is most often used for Sunday morning fritatas, finishing pasta in a sauce, and egg things.
   
6. 12" Nordic Ware Stock pot (and a lid) - Gotta have a stock pot, and for the price this one is fantastic!
   
   Runners up - stuff I use enough that I'm glad I have them, but if I didn't wouldn't really notice:
   
   
7. 8" Nordic Ware non-stick skillet - awesome for making omelets, roux, etc...
   
8. Stainless saute pan - really big, flat bottom, straight sides, with long handle, and a loop on the opposite side. It looks a lot like the All-Clad 3qt saute pan, but it was a hand-me-down and definitely isn't all-clad. It's great for braising or when you just need a ton of pan space.
   
9. Calphalon 11" griddle pan - when I need me some french toast or pancakes!

Eggs. So many eggs. I suggest steaming them instead of hard-boiling them because it's just more user-friendly, but you can just do so so much with them with recipes from any cuisine.

You don't necessarily need to drop Trader Joe's outright, because some of their snack foods are actually a hell of a deal if you're going to be buying those things anyway—their nuts and trail mixes are great compared to the Planter's prices you'll get at a Key or a Met—but depending on your neighborhood you should acquaint yourself with your local produce shops; not the Key or the Met, but not the bodega either. The small grocers that have six-packs of garlic for .99 and bags of onions for 1.50. Which borough are you in? Happy to make recommendations.

If you do meat, chicken parts (quarters, thighs, drumsticks and occasionally whole chickens on sale) are your friend, as are pork shoulders and frequently chops. Both are consistently inexpensive and extremely versatile in just about every cuisine, and both can be cooked in bulk (and refrigerate well) and then used in different recipes through the week so you don't get bored. This recipe will take care of baked chicken parts for you. If you have a dutch oven this recipe will expand on that. If you don't have a dutch oven, buy this immediately. It's a Le Creuset without the price tag. $60 feels hefty up front, I know, but you'll end up living out of this thing for years as long as you don't use any metal utensils in it.

This recipe is outstanding for a big pork shoulder; it should make you feel fearless about buying seven pounds for one person and cooking it through an entire day off. Really; my SO is a Miami Cuban so I feel like I know this blogger, her recipe is legit.

Beans are just so useful and can be used in so many ways, and their cooking is mostly inactive. I have a 2 1/2 hour black bean recipe going right now that I'm stirring every twenty minutes or so but it's otherwise set-and-forget, and it's awesome. They can be used in any meat-based or vegetarian/vegan recipe, they're inexpensive in bulk and they last on the shelf FOREVER.

Rice is also super inexpensive to buy in bulk—I spend about $25 on a 25lb bag every couple of months for my SO and I, and we are serious rice eaters so we tear through it and it still lasts about eight weeks. "Splurge" and buy jasmine rice from Thailand; it's hands-down the best deal on rice in terms of being satisfying to eat, forget about anything by Canila or Goya (sorry Goya, I love ya).

One of my Brooklyn kitchen's best aces in the hole is something called gravlax. It's basically sashimi. You buy a pound or two of fresh farmed salmon, generally $10/lb whether you're at Key Foods or Whole Foods, you slather it in salt and sugar and plastic-wrap it and forget about it in the fridge for a few days. Blammo, sushi-grade salmon that you can use in any recipe.

So liver sounds super unappealing, but bear with me. This classic French paté is unbelievably easy to make, delicious, refrigerates great, and is a super-cheap nutritional powerhouse. You do need a food processor or at least a mini-chopper (for a coarse, country style) but it is hands-down one of the most inexpensive dishes I've ever come across.

My last tip, if you have a blender, is this smoothie. It'll sound weird but trust me.

C'mon OP...

• Bialetti Moka pot
  
  
• Lido 2 hand grinder
  
  
• Lodge cast iron skillets one large one small
  
  
• Lodge enameled cast iron dutch oven
  
  
• All clad copper core sauce pan
  
  
• Miele washing machine
  
  
• Miele C2 vacuum cleaner
  
  
• Vitamix 5200
  
  
• Duralex glasses - tumblers??
  
  
• Zojirushi NS-LLH05 rice cooker - only 1 left!
  
  
• Cuisinart Perfectemp Kettle
  
  
• OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Food Scale
  
  
• OXO Good Grips Cutting board
  
  
• Corelle winter frost dinnerware set
  
  
• Light my fire titanium fork-spoon-knife - spork?
  
  
• Darn Tough socks
  
  
• Exofficio briefs
  
  
• Felco 2 Secateurs
  
  
• Wahl Peanut beard trimmer
  
  
• Dualit Toaster
  
  
• P38 can opener??
  
  
• Zwilling J.A. Henckels knife set
  

Also, Lodge makes enameled cast iron as well. It's good stuff too.

http://www.thehungrymouse.com/2011/06/06/dutch-oven-battle-lodge-vs-le-creuset/

> spiceindiaonline.com/crispy-chicken-65/

I'm inclined to mostly agree with /u/Amnizu. I dont think I've ever seen deep frying in a pot like that, even if it is heavy bottomed, the outside is not heavy so it will not retain the temperature of the oil as well as cast iron would. A $20 Cast Iron pan is usually my go to for frying. Even safer and probably better would be something like this. A Quart of Oil is actually quite a bit in that kind of pot. When using the Cast Iron get an 1-1.5 inches of oil up to temp then slowly add in each piece of chicken. The recipe you are using has water in the ingredients which is ok, as long as you don't have excess sauce on the chicken when you put it in. Water and frying are not friends. You might even want to reduce the amount of water just a little. To be safe keep some Baking Soda near by to put out any potential grease fires. I'm no pro so take what I say with a grain of salt. I usually use a cast iron pan and it comes out great, makes the house smell though. Hope this helps.

Everyone should own a cast iron skillet.

They are like $15 on Amazon

You wouldn't download a Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet - 12 Inch Classic Cast Iron Frying Pan with Assist Handle (Made in USA).

This is a pretty good skillet and it's well under budget. http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-L10SK3-Pre-Seasoned-Skillet-12-Inch/dp/B00006JSUB

Solid job! Definitely better than my first steak-cooking experience. A few recommendations, echoing the other ones here:

1. Try and cook at a higher heat. You started to develop a nice crust, but getting the cast iron scorching hot will give it a complete, brown, and crispy exterior. While you're prepping, stick your pan in the oven at 400 degrees to get it hot and then throw it on a high burner just before cooking.
   
   
2. If you're pan searing, adding a few knobs of butter + garlic + thyme about halfway through cooking will add a lot of flavor. If you choose just one of those though, make it the butter. Basting it [Gordon Ramsay style] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEx9gPhtjzs) will really complete what you've got.
   
   Again, nice work - happy cooking!
   
   EDIT: Took a second look and I noticed it was a nonstick. I can't recommend highly enough investing the $30 in a [Lodge cast iron skillet] (http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-L10SK3-Pre-Seasoned-Skillet-12-Inch/dp/B00006JSUB). It'll last you a lifetime and cook considerably better than anything else!

Get an Instant Pot. It is a good enough slow cooker, but it is an outstanding pressure cooker, and for the big majority of what you do that is better than a slow cooker. (And if you really want to hit that $150 mark, add a cast iron dutch oven)

it’s this guy

Great combo small dutch oven that uses the skillet as the lid.

Get cast iron! It will outlast you. Check local places for second-hand if you can, otherwise order Lodge cast iron from Amazon.

Here's a link to a combo cooker I got recently:

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-LCC3-Logic-Pre-Seasoned-Cooker/dp/B0009JKG9M/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1320194383&sr=8-4

Check Lodge's website if you want to see the full range of products. For a full set of cast iron, I recommend getting a skillet, a griddle/grill pan, and a dutch oven.

Great job! If you get really into it look for a lodge, cast iron duo pot/lid to get the best crust on that bread you could imagine.

Lodge 3 Quart Cast Iron Combo Cooker. Pre-seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, Fryer, Dutch... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009JKG9M/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_ipDCCbNX8KY63

http://pinchmysalt.com/baking-from-tartine-bread/

My wife has been into this for a few years now, and we are never devoid of crispy, crackly bread!

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-LMS3-Miniature-Skillet-3-5-inch/dp/B000LXA9YI

In multiple sizes!

Lodge pans are cheap.

https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Cast-Skillet-Pre-Seasoned-10-25-inch/dp/B00006JSUA/ref=sr_1_3?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1503956693&sr=1-3&keywords=lodge+cast+iron

I got mine for $18 at a Target. Not sure where you are but those prices are way too much.

If you have a stovetop pressure cooker that can reach 15 psi (~105 kpa), you have an autoclave :) You can find a good one for about $75-100 on Amazon. Here is the not-so-fancy one I have for pressure canning meats and veggies.

They also make "legit" stovetop autoclaves that are made from heavier duty cast aluminum and are larger and a bit more rugged.

edit: That said, not all plastics deal with autoclaving well. A lot of medical plastics are sterilized by irradiation because they will warp under extreme heat and pressure (polystyrene is one of them.) So if you're experimenting around, don't be surprised if something pops out from the autoclave looking like a booger.

Buy a better canner, and stop using super high heat all the time. You need to maintain a boil, not try to melt the pot. If they are doing a ton of canning, they might want to invest in one of these monstrosities.

A perfect chef's knife is the first place to start (that's my preference, the Wusthof Ikon Classic 8", $160). Go to a kitchen supply store, or even Bed Bath & Beyond, and test drive some steel - see how comfortable it is in your hand, how balanced it feels. If you want to save money for other things, you can't go wrong with the Victorionx Fibrox 8" chef's knife, at an extremely reasonable $40. The chef's knife is an impossibly versatile tool all on its own, but if you want a smaller knife for detailed work, grab a paring knife from whatever manufacturer you choose for your chef's.

A huge, heavy cutting board ($88). For most of my life, I went with the $20 3-packs of plastic OXO or other cutting boards, ranging from small to extremely small - nothing will slow down your cooking more than an inadequately sized cutting board. Things roll off, you pile up your chopped veg and run out of space, you feel constantly crowded, and you can never carve a whole chicken or roast. Buy a piece of non-slip material (usually used for carpets) ($9), place it under the cutting board when you use it, and it will never slip or slide around - more convenient and safe.

A Thermapen. Expensive - it's $100, but it's the fastest and most accurate kitchen thermometer money can buy. A less expensive alternative would be the Lavatools Javelin at $24 - not quite as good, but a damn sight better than any other digital food thermometer you'll get your hands on. This is essential for cooking any meat, deep frying, baking - it will change your game.

An All-Clad Sauté Pan ($129). Also expensive, but an absolute essential tool for everything from sautéing to braising to deep frying. Do not go cheap with your stainless - you can do cheaper than All-Clad, but even heating, comfort, and build quality are absolutely essential.

An inexpensive but awesome nonstick set($164 for 11 pcs). Alternately, you could get a very versatile 12" TFal Professional Total Nonstick, an impossibly stickless, oven safe, dishwasher safe wunderkind.

A 12" Cast Iron Skillet ($34). These are kind of a pain to take care of, but are invaluable for searing, baking, even serving. It'll last you a lifetime if you take care of it.

The only thing better than a cast iron dutch oven is the a cast iron dutch oven where the lid is a skillet.

Stainless steel will last you forever and is easier to clean than cast iron. Here's one that comes highly recommended. (It's thesweethome.com's pick for best fry pan)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FUF5K8W

One of the things that really works for me is limiting the cooking pieces I have to a few, high quality, specific pieces. Don't buy a 12 piece pan set filled with crappy pans and non-universal lids. I have one high quality stainless steel 12" skillet, one 3 qt SS saucepan, one non-stick for eggs and cheese, and a couple dutch ovens.

Those literally take care of 90+% of my cooking. If you only have a couple pieces, it's way easier to keep clean, since nothing can pile up. Also, having a far fewer number of pieces allows me to spend an equal amount of money as people do on sets, but on higher quality cookwear. I'm very happy with my setup, and it's easy to store and clean.

> Carbon steel pans

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KENOTK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I bought this one, love it. My way to judge, eggs don't stick!

I'm a huge Kenji fan myself. I've cooked nearly half of the Food Lab book, and dozens of his recipes from the website, great stuff!

My thoughts on gifts

Lavatools PT12 Javelin

A Nice carbon steel wok

A good Dutch Oven

A torch for searing, or Creme Brulee

An awesome knife

Another awesome, but cheaper and well rounded knife

The list could go on, and on, and on....just some thoughts though.

$5 on amazon, 3.5"
https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Skillet-Miniature-Individual-Desserts/dp/B000LXA9YI

It's for eggs, reheating meals, or melting bries if you're fancy. I take it you do not own pans or cook much.

I'll throw my vote in for a sharpening stone. If he doesn't already have a nice sharpening set, maybe consider getting him something like a nice diamond sharpening stone; I've seen them for $50 or less.

Tools are always nice. Here are some suggestions to think about:
~ microplane grater
~ Japanese mandolines can be fun to have around.
~ Fish spatulas can be a handy tool.
~ Does he have a good quality peeler? Everyone has a "normal" peeler, but I like to have a good quality horizontal peeler, like one of these, to use sometimes.
~ Does he do a lot of baking? If so, maybe some silicone baking mats for his baking sheets, or maybe some parchment paper.
~ Does he like to use fresh citrus juice very much? Does he have a citrus reamer?
~ Does he like to use fresh garlic? Maybe a garlic press?
~ Silicone spatulas?
~ Does he have a pepper grinder for fresh ground pepper?
~ Does he have a set of mise en place bowls or something to use to keep his stuff organized when he's working?
~ Does he have a scale? You can find plenty of options for home-use digital scales that can weigh up to 11 or 12 pounds, and use either pounds, or grams (if he's doing anything metric.)
~ Something like a good quality cast iron pan can be a lifetime investment, because if they're well cared for, he'll be able to pass it on to his grandkids someday.
~ A dutch oven will always be useful to serious home cooks. The enameled cast iron type are very popular, but they come in many different sizes and shapes, so keep that in mind when picking one out.
~ Knives are always nice. Paring knife, utility knife, serrated slicer, etc.

Those are just a few suggestions that popped into mind. Good luck, I hope you find something nice for him.

This 23 quart Presto will serve you quite well.

Should be possible if you can DIY the electrics or know someone who can...

• Kettle, $125
  
• BrewBag, $30
  
• HotRod, $60
  
• Element, $30
  
• 30A Cable disconnects, $20
  
• SSVR + Heat Sink, $40
  
• Spa Panel/GFCI, $80
  
• Breaker, $15
  
  ... that's $400 not incl shipping. Still need a bunch of 30A cable at $3/ft, a project box of some sort to mount the SSVR in (I use a $6 toolbox), maybe a chiller.
  

Check out /r/Homebrewing and just start saving. Even 2 dollars a day with you and a friend and you could be rolling in a couple months.

edit: also start saving glass bottles that require a bottle opener. Those are reusable.

edit2: Things you'll need. Feel free to find similar products.

cooler with spigot

valve(I'm not sure of the size on that igloo)

bazooka screen

bottles(make sure they're brown)

caps

capper

some sort of gas stove. say a propane stove, a turkey fryer, or a kitchen stove.

a large pot

starsan

I'm probably forgetting things.

TL;DR warning

Are you willing to invest in some tools? Do you like Five Guys? (skinny burgers) The fastest burger procedure that I know of is Kenji's Ultra-Smash technique, which makes a pair of thin patties in no time. Takes about a minute per burger (two patties with cheese). Details here:

http://www.seriouseats.com/2014/03/the-food-lab-maximize-flavor-by-ultra-smashin.html

You can also do a regular smash burger, which is thicker (McDonalds-thin), but takes longer (~1.5 minutes per side, about 3 minutes total per burger):

http://aht.seriouseats.com/archives/2012/09/the-burger-lab-smashed-burgers-vs-smashing-burgers.html

The advantage of the ultra-smash is that it's super quick & you can toss a piece of cheese to melt between two patties, so you can pump out a ton of burgers in no time. You will need a few tools, namely:

1. A metal cooking surface
   
2. A hi-temp heat source
   
3. A smashing tool
   
4. A high-quality spatula
   
5. A scraper (if doing ultra-smash)
   
6. A cheap IR temp gun
   
7. A cheap digital kitchen scale
   
   It's not rocket science, but getting a proper setup will let you have a workflow that makes cooking for a crowd a breeze. I have a big extended family, so I cook in bulk a lot, but I also use this for just my immediate family because it's so fast to get setup. There is an up-front investment required, but everything you'll buy will pretty much last forever, so it's worth it if you like to eat burgers!
   
   So the first two things you need are a metal cooking surface & a heat source that can pump out a lot of heat. I don't recommend a regular grill because they simply don't get hot enough; you need 600 to 700F to do this. You can either do a compact setup (a 2-burger surface with a single burner) or invest in a quality flat-top setup (more expensive, but lets you do more burgers at once). The ideal surface to do this on is a Baking Steel, which is very expensive. There are knockoffs for cheaper, but I like BS because they have a Griddle version with grooves to catch the grease:
   
   http://www.bakingsteel.com/
   
   You can also do it with cast iron. Lodge has a griddle for $25:
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-LDP3-Double-Reversible-Griddle/dp/B002CMLTXG
   
   If I'm just doing a single regular smash burger at a time, I use a 12" cast-iron pan. $28:
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Cast-Iron-Skillet-L10SK3ASHH41B-12-Inch/dp/B00G2XGC88/
   
   If you do get into cast-iron, read up on this seasoning procedure (i.e. the way to keep it smooth & slippery without Teflon). It's a bit of a pain, but it's worth learning because anything you buy in cast-iron can be handed down to your kids because it lasts forever:
   
   http://sherylcanter.com/wordpress/2010/01/a-science-based-technique-for-seasoning-cast-iron/
   
   You will want a heavy smashing tool as well. I have this massive 2.5-pound cast-iron press. It fits inside the 12" pan above (but not the 10"). $13:
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Update-International-Heavy-Weight-Hamburger-Commercial/dp/B002LDDKZ6
   
   If you plan on doing ultra-smash burgers, you'll need a scraper. This is the one Kenji recommends, but you can probably find something locally: (Home Depot or Lowes)
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Plextool-Wall-Paper-Stripper/dp/B00AU6GQLQ/
   
   Anyway, getting back to the cooking part: you'll need a hi-temp burner. I like Bayou Burners, they sell them on Amazon. I have an SP10: ($50)
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classic-SP10-High-Pressure-Outdoor/dp/B000291GBQ
   
   I use that with my 12" cast-iron pan for when I'm just doing a few burgers for the family. 15 minutes = 5 burgers. You can also slap a flat surface like a cast-iron griddle or Baking Steel on that puppy. Also comes in a square version (not sure how the BTU's compare). I also have some KAB4 burners that I use with my Baking Steel, among other things. More expensive, but larger shell & burner: (more even heat over the cooking surface)
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classic-KAB4-Pressure-Cooker/dp/B0009JXYQY/
   
   For cooking more at a time, you can get a cooktop. Blackstone has a 36" cooktop available, but it doesn't get very hot (don't get me wrong, it's an awesome tool, but I've had trouble breaking 500F on mine, which means you're not cooking 1-minute burgers on it, plus the heating is kind of uneven, so you have to work in the hot spots for faster cook times). Also comes in a slightly smaller 28" version (but it's only like $50 less, so it makes more sense to get the full-sized version because you get so much more cooking area). The nice thing with this setup is that for $299 (or a bit less if you shop around at places like Cabela's), you can cook like 20 burgers at a time, it's absolutely insane! I make epic breakfasts on it. Plus it folds up for transport, which is really handy. We use it for all of our family events & holidays:
   
   http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DYN0438
   
   A better version is from Tejas Smokers. They make camping stove carts that have burners built-in & have griddles available separately. They get super hot, downside is the cost: you can easily spend $700 on a nice setup.
   
   https://tejassmokers.com/Camp-Stove-Carts/23
   
   Oh yeah, Blackstone did just come out with a compact outdoor griddle which can run off those little one-pound green tanks if you want. They go for around $99 ($79 if you have an Ace Hardware near you). I have not tried this, but it gets good reviews. I'd be curious to see what kind of temperatures it can achieve:
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Blackstone-Portable-Griddle-Outdoors-Camping/dp/B0195MZHBK
   
   So that's a basic introduction to the cooktops: you need some kind of decently-sized metal surface, a hi-temp burner, a smashing tool, and optionally (but recommended) a scraper. You will also want to get a strong, high-quality spatula. A good one is $32:
   
   http://www.seriouseats.com/2010/07/equipment-the-due-buoi-wide-spatula-my-new-fa.html
   
   Available here:
   
   http://www.duebuoi.it/x/uk_usd/catalog/p/spatulas~805-16x10.html
   
   If you opt for cast-iron, get an infrared temperature gun (doesn't work too well on shiny metal surfaces like steel tho). $17:
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Lasergrip-1080-Non-contact-Thermometer/dp/B00DMI632G/
   
   A cheap digital kitchen scale is useful too, for measuring out the proper amount of meat. $14:
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Ozeri-Digital-Kitchen-Capacity-Stylish/dp/B003E7AZQA/
   
   This collection of tools ensures that you have the proper workflow: a metal surface to cook on, the ability to bring the surface to a high temperature (and know what that temperature is for precise control), the ability to weigh your meat so you can pre-measure out what you need, the ability to smash the burger down, and also to properly scrape it off. Again, it's not rocket science, but if you have a wussy grill or a crappy surface or weak smashing/scraping tools, you're gonna have a bad time. You just need the right setup to pump burgers out fast!
   
   So on to prep. For ultra-smash, you do a pair of 2-ounce ground beef balls. In the tutorial above, they use a mix of meat for 25% fat. I just grab some regular 80/20 ground plus some salt & pepper. For regular smash burgers, do a single 4-ounce ball (optionally 5 ounces...useful if you have a big cooktop for a bunch of burgers at one time & are only doing a single patty per burger). The nice thing is, there's no special prep required for the meat, so you can make all of your burger balls ahead of time. If you have 10 people & are doing ultra-smash, let's say half of them get 2 burgers, so 15 burgers total, or thirty 2oz balls. If you have 20 people & are doing regular smash, again with half getting an extra burger, that's 30 burgers total or thirty 4 or 5oz balls. So that takes care of prep...adjust as needed. If you're feeding mostly dudes, you'll want to add more seconds (and thirds) to the equation.
   
   There are a variety of buns you can get. Crap buns will make for a crap burger. See if you can find potato buns or brioche buns. Those are pretty soft. Buns aren't overly hard to make, but I have yet to find a decent recipe that takes under 40 minutes, so I usually only doing fancy home-baked buns for my family rather than a crowd. Buying 5 or 10 pounds of ground beef & making smash balls out of them will take you all of ten minutes, but making buns can take forever. Here's a good recipe if you want to try it out tho:
   
   http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2009/07/light-brioche-burger-buns/
   
   Or this, if you wanna get crazy:
   
   http://www.seriouseats.com/2015/05/fresh-cemita-rolls-mexican-sandwich-burger-bun-bread-food-lab-recipe.html
   
   Or this one, nom nom nom:
   
   http://amazingribs.com/recipes/breads/brioche_hamburger_buns.html
   
   But eh, just hit up Sam's/Coscto/BJ's and buy some hamburger buns in bulk, problem solved. Or find a local bakery that has good rolls. There's a good shootout of buns here:
   
   http://aht.seriouseats.com/archives/2011/04/the-burger-lab-whats-the-best-bun-for-my-burger-taste-test.html
   
   (continued)

I've moved on from using to nonstick to stainless. It'll take a few more minutes to clean at night but nothing cooks better and nothing will last longer. I don't recommend using Teflon coated pots and pans because of their health ramifications. Pros use stainless. You'll learn how to use it soon enough.

http://amzn.com/B009JXPS6U

I also have my trusty 10" Lodge cast iron pan. It's my favorite piece in my kitchen and never leaves the range because I use it everyday for breakfast and dinner. It will soon become your favorite in a few years because you have to learn to care for it.

http://amzn.com/B00G2XGC88

If you keep it well seasoned it will be fine. For cleaning I just wash my gently with water and little soap, dry and wipe with canola oil after each use. I haven't ever had a problem.

The pot in the picture is a Lodge Dutch oven. The lid doubles as a skillet, makes a nice piece.

Sounds like OP has one of those 'convertible' dutch ovens - like this - which has a lid with a flat base that doubles as a skillet. I don't think this technique would work so well with a regular dutch oven lid!

I gotchu

this is better than any store brand, pretty much the best you can get without spending 2-300 on a creuset

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Color-EC6D43-Enameled-6-Quart/dp/B000N501BK

i got mine for 40 but 50 is still a great deal

Easy recipes huh?

Well, I am from Louisiana, born in NOLA, love to cook.

Jambalaya:

Celery (stalk)

Onions (2)

3lbs of smoked sausage (Conecuh or sim)

Chicken soup base, chicken stock or water

Long grain rice

Olive oil (any oil. Or shortening or butter or margarine)

Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic, cayenne)

Prep:

You need a generous pot (I use a 6qt) with a thick bottom (avoids burning) here is mine.

https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-EC6D43-Enameled-6-Quart-Island/dp/B000N501BK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1527677444&sr=8-3&keywords=lodge+dutch+oven+6+qt

Chop your celery and onions up (smallish, but not tiny) I leave the leaves on the celery, prefer to have it for a little garnish value when using in rice dishes. So I just chop right off the whole stalk and add leaves and all. You want to put equal amounts of celery and onion, about half a stalk of celery. I chop onions in two halves then dice face down each at 90 degrees.

Slice your smoked sausage to no larger than 1/2” - (bite size)

Combine in pot with just enough olive oil to keep it from sticking, high heat initially then turning down as the sausage begins to cook, cook medium, covered, stirring often, until onions are changing to translucent and celery is softer and sausage is leaking.

Measure out two cups cups of rice and add to mixture, measure out twice as much water as rice and add. (Any seasoning you add to water will flavor the rice, so I tend to substitute chicken soup base or chicken stock for my water to give the rice some flavor)

Stir until well mixed, add seasonings. (Dash salt, dash pepper, half dash cayenne or Cajun seasoning (Tony chachere’s w/e).

Bring to a full boil, cover, then turn off, and ignore for twenty minutes.

This makes enough for dinner plus guests and leftovers.

You want to make sure that you get the sausage and veggies sautéed well, because the cooking stops when you add the water. What you have then will be what you get when the rice is done. The rice will cook, but be prepared for a mushy rice the first few times. When you bring the mixture up to a boil, the longer you cook it, the gummier and mushier the rice will be. This isn’t a problem for most folks, but if it bothers you then keep in mind that after adding water, bring up to boil quickly and as soon as it does, cover, turn off, and let the magic happen.

Edit spelling

You're an adult now, just cook. It can be tough cooking for just one person because but it's doable.

Learn some basic, cheap recipes and get comfortable eating leftovers.

Here's one for you:

Hamburger Gravy

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (get the cheap stuff 75%/25%, you're a poor student)

1 1/2 cup white rice (uncooked)

1 family size can of Campbell's Cream of Mushroom soup, (low sodium is healthier but doesn't taste as good).

Cooking

I cook my rice in an Instant Pot, it's very fast, easy, and requires no supervision. Takes about 10-13 minutes depending on how much rice I'm making. I used to have an amazing Zojirushi Fuzzy Logic Rice Cooker that was the most amazing thing ever, but an ex-girlfriend stole it, so... Use the Instant Pot, it's cheaper and faster anyway.

Rice cookers and Instant Pots typically come with a cup for measuring rice which actually measures about 3/4 of a cup, and the inside of the cooking vessels have graduated measuring lines showing you how much liquid to add for the amount of dry rice you're cooking.

Put the two "cups" of rice (1.5 cups actual measure) into the Instant Pot and fill it with water to the "2" line. Close it up and make sure the pressure valve is closed (I've failed to properly cook my rice too often because I am dumb and don't check this). Once everything is set, just hit the "rice" button.

While the rice is cooking put the soup in a sauce pan along with a can full of milk, any milk works but I prefer whole milk myself. Put the sauce pan on the stove, medium low and stir frequently.

Now that the rice is cooking and the soup is warming put the ground beef in a skillet. I like a good [cast iron skillet] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006JSUA/) myself, they're cheap and indestructible, and because of the heat transfer properties of iron they tend to cook foods evenly without burning.

Cook the beef on medium high until it's browned, then drain all the water/grease out into a Tupperware container, do not pour grease down the drain! you can seriously make life hell for yourself and your neighbors if you do.

Add the beef to the soup, increase the heat to medium/medium-high and continue to stir frequently. You want the soup hot enough to bubble a bit, but not a full boil.

By now the rice should be just about done. Let the pressure out, take the lid off, wait a few seconds for the steam to abate then, with a large plastic spoon (you don't want to scratch the bottom of the Instant Pot), "fluff" the rice, just scoop and turn the rice in place, loosening it up, and letting more steam out.

To serve, scoop some rice on a plate, ladle some soup onto the rice, season with a touch of black pepper, and eat.

The rice is enough for 2-4 servings depending on your appetite, while the gravy is enough for maybe twice that. Typically it would be enough for two dinners for me, a 6'4", 225 pound man) and my girlfriend who is pretty petite.

Cost:

Beef: get the cheap stuff, depending where you go and the quality you get, this can be between $2-$5/lb. If your super poor, get a 10 pound tube of ground beef at Smart and Final for like $25, then break it up into 1 pound portions and freeze, otherwise it's about $5/pound most places. So let's say $5.

Rice: the cheapest food on Earth, and it's healthy too! You should probably plan on this being about $1/pound. Get a 10 or 25 pound bag and you'll be set for at least a quarter. Pro-tip: rice goes with literally everything. Add it to all of your meals for some good, clean carbs. Pair it with smaller portions of what you'd normally eat to get the same caloric intake but healthier and cheaper. Anyway the rice in this recipe has a marginal cost of maybe $0.15.

Soup: I think Ralph's usually has the family size can of Cream of Mushroom soup for $2-$3.

So, all in for one person, you could probably make at least 5-6 servings for $8, and it takes maybe 15 minutes to cook.

Store the rice and gravy separately in Tupperware in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Mix together in a bowl and b reheat in the microwave for 90 seconds to 2 minutes for leftovers. I prefer to make fresh rice each day, but making one larger batch then reheating it works as well.

Alternatives

• You can swap the rice out for a baked potato or mashed potatoes if you're feeling fancy.
  
  
• I've tried it with shredded chicken breast and Cream of Chicken soup, but it takes a bit longer, is a bit more work, is a little more expensive, and I don't like it as much, so I basically never do it, but you do you.
  
  There you go, cheap, quick, not totally unhealthy home cooking.

Can someone tell me if I'm doing something wrong? Bought this Lodge Cast Iron about 7 months ago. Cook in it almost every day. Lots of bacon. Generally my method of seasoning is after I finish cooking I wash the skillet in hot water and use my scrubber, dry with a paper towel, put back on the stove until it heats up a bit, and then rub in a thin layer of some standard vegetable (soybean) oil. A few days I spent oiling the skillet and heating it in the oven at 525 degrees about 3 times a day for a few days. It is definitely a little bit seasoned but just not the way I want it. After I wash and dry it it seems a bit dry. From what I've read I am not getting the same results and I would think after all this time it would be better. Any advice?

Thanks! 5 Quarts

These were the things I initially bought when gathering cookware.

Enameled cast iron dutch oven

Cast Iron Wok or a carbon steel wok.

Stainless steel cookset

Pressure Cooker

Cast Iron skillet

Stainless steel roaster

*Pyrex Bakeware

a proper cast iron setup

a great cookbook

a set of unique spices or ingredients in the style of his favorite cuisine?
italian, french, mexican, indian, spanish, chinese...

deep dish chicken fryer with reversible lid... http://www.amazon.com/LCC3-Pre-Seasoned-Combination-Skillet-Shallow/dp/B0009JKG9M/ref=sr_1_2?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1405659069&sr=1-2&keywords=lodge+chicken+fryer

thanks! i'm using theLodge 3qt combo cooker - i had the same concerns but in the end it was more than enough space. not sure how it would handle a loaf of a more oblong shape, but i'm very pleased so far!

Ikea makes a really good non stick for 25$ or so. It has all the things you described.

Also the tfal prof 12.5 has a thicker bottom and does a great job. It's also around 25$.

If used both and enjoyed both. The Ikea one is much heftier. But the tfal pro is very slick and makes the perfect French omlette.

Edited: 7 years is a good life span for a non stick. Mine last a year to two years depending on how much I abuse them. So 25$ ever 1.5 years puts you a little behind your 100$ u year investment.

Edit edit:

Ikea pan with lid
https://m2.ikea.com/us/en/p/oumbaerlig-frying-pan-70292095/

Tfal

T-fal Nonstick Fry Pan, Professional 12-Inch Nonstick Pan, Thermo-Spot Heat Indicator, Black, Model E93808 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GWG0T2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_rrEwCb32CNRBH

That sure is the truth. I never thought I'd be remotely interested in actual cooking, but I got my first cast iron (a Lodge 5-quart double dutch oven) about two months ago, and I've been finding excuses to use it at least twice a week ever since. It's extremely motivating to have a decent piece of very flexible equipment that actually requires a bit of care.

These are $4 on Amazon!

Lodge Miniature Skillet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LXA9YI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_FfJbBb3MS2HMF

Just get one. It's totally worth it. If you cook soups, stews or braise meats you can use them for that too. Multipurpose, baby! I use mine all the time. I got mine for bread but have since moved on to baguettes so I use it more for the stuff mentioned above.

I recommend [this one](Lodge EC6D43 Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Island Spice Red https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000N501BK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_3Q4oybQAKHVA5)but you might be able to find it cheaper other places. I think I got mine for $59 a few years ago.

The best non-stick pan by far is the T-FAL E9308 for $25.74. This is a case of paying less and getting more. The pan has decent weight, it heats relatively evenly (they seem to dome, with a high point in the center), has a lifetime warranty, and most importantly the coating is absurdly slick. I'm not a T-Fal guy, probably like you, and first went to a $160 pan, but this is simply a better pan.

http://www.amazon.com/T-fal-Professional-Thermo-Spot-Indicator-Dishwasher/dp/B000GWG0T2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453570389&sr=8-1&keywords=t-fal+nonstick

The T-Fal outperforms the $120 All-Clad, $160 Scanpan, and $100 ceramic coated pans. The All-Clads are pure trash -- amazing steel pans but their non-stick doesn't actually prevent sticking. The Scanpan is great but the coating died for me after a year with med-high heat. Others on Amazon have the same problem and there doesn't seem to be a serviceable warranty.

Edit: lots of grammar

[Matfer Bourgeat] (https://www.amazon.com/Matfer-Bourgeat-062005-Frying-8-Inch/dp/B000KENOTK/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1540054719&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=matfer+bourgeat+black+steel+frying+pan&refinements=p_n_srvg_2947266011%3A2972982011) black steel pan.

It's not a beautiful piece of cookware like stainless steel, but after seasoning this is the best pan I've ever had. Lighter than cast iron and indestructible.

The non-stick surface can be restored anytime with any high heat oil.

My pan is a Matfer Bourgeat Black Steel Round Frying Pan, 11 7/8"

It's 100% amazing. I love this thing and I use it almost every day. By far the best fry pan I've owned. Would mostly definitely recommend it.

Is a hand blender really essential? I would add these things:

non-stick skillet

enameled dutch oven

normal kitchen tools

stockpot with steamer insert - many other options for this kind of thing too

And then probably a couple of normal saucepots.


If you want to roast poultry it's nice to have a roasting pan, too.

Both. This is the one I have, and you can use it on the stove or in the oven.

They're not even expensive. It takes a little work to get it seasoned at first, but nothing monumental. 100% worth the effort.

Here's the link for those interested in this deal

​

https://smile.amazon.com/Lodge-Skillet-Pre-Seasoned-Skillet-Stovetop/dp/B00006JSUA?keywords=lodge+cast+iron&qid=1537280771&sr=8-5&ref=sr_1_5

I think that was the Lodge ones https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00006JSUA/ Haven't bought one yet but certainly will do in the future

Lodge cast iron Skillet. I know you said you don't like the weight, but you also said you are a student and it's hard to beat $15 for something that will last forever. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006JSUA

If you need something smaller, they also make smaller ones.

If you really need something lighter though, look into carbon steel. Lodge also makes those, but I don't have any experience with them.

Pot:6.5qt Enamled Dutch Oven $50

Pan:Lodge 12" Cast Iron Frying Pan $19

Knife:Henckels 7" 4 star Santoku $75

People bag on Henckels for being expensive but they have a lifetime warranty so if i break it (or chip it) i can get a new one for free.

If it were me, I'd probably go with something like this:

• Cast iron skillet - https://smile.amazon.com/Lodge-Seasoned-Cast-Iron-Skillet/dp/B00006JSUB $20
  
• Nonstick skillet (mostly for eggs and the like) - https://smile.amazon.com/Ozeri-PFOA-Free-Stone-Derived-Non-Stick-Coating/dp/B00GG5FBKW $21
  
• General purpose saucepan - https://smile.amazon.com/Cuisinart-Classic-Stainless-Saucepan-719-16/dp/B00008CM69 $17
  
• Stock pot - https://smile.amazon.com/McSunley-606-Stainless-Stockpot-Metallic/dp/B01CS5C49Y $15
  
• Half-sheet pan - https://smile.amazon.com/Nordic-Ware-Natural-Aluminum-Commercial/dp/B000G0KJG4 $12
  
  Total: $85, leaving you some headroom for another saucepan or a specialty pan (cake pans, roaster, casserole etc.)
  
  That said, I'd take a good look around thrift stores, craigslist and the like too.

Looks like a Lodge.

Pot 44qt and Burner Same price, free shipping and better in every way imo. If you plan on doing all grain I would recommend dropping an aditional $30 and getting this concord 60qt pot instead.

All-Clad Stainless Steel

also, if the non-stick is no longer non-stick, throw that shit out. Peeling teflon or whatever isn't good for anyone.

The presto 23 quart is a nice unit. Also includes a pressure gauge so you can glance at your operating pressure $90.

Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000BYCFU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_L0YKzb5SDJTTT

You could try out a heavy cast iron wok. Let it heat up on medium until it's evenly hot, then crank up the heat and get cooking. The pot holds a lot of heat, so the temperature of your dish doesn't fall to lukewarm every time you add an ingredient. Still not perfect, but better.

may I suggest this An unmatched combo; skillet + pot = dutch oven! For $35 it's a steal and you can start throwing away all the other pots and pans that cause such a clutter.

I feel like for 50 bucks you can find a nice dutch oven or one of those cast iron cookers. I've heard people have great results making bread in these.

On another note, that website's play on the word "artisan" has me really irked.

I don't know about other brands, but I know Le Creuset sells a multifunction pot where the lid is a skillet and you place it upside-down onto a base that turns it into a dutch oven. The bigger one is like $350. (I used to work there.)

OP: I'd go with a dutch oven and a cheap nonstick. The nonstick will barely weigh anything and should be relatively small (I wouldn't go bigger than 10") so it should be portable. The nonstick is a small addition for way more convenience.

Edit: Boom, Lodge multifunction. Best $30 you'll ever spend.

Here are all the things you need to know to start canning foods at home.

Canning Basics

Only Pressure Canning is recommended by the USDA for home canning of Meats or Vegetables. I recommend this large capacity pressure canner

Fruits, Jams and Jellies, Tomatoes and Salsas can be Water Bath Canned in most cases. This is a nice kit to get started with from Jarden

Ignore the steam canner, microwave canner, open water bath kettle, and any "reusable" canning lids---these are all a quick way to discover food poisoning.

Buy standard canning jars at garage sales and thrift stores---I like the wide mouth jars best. I also run an ad on craigslist offering to buy jars when I need them. I pay $2.50 per dozen for the pint size and $4.00 a dozen for the quart size. Carefully check each jar's rim to make sure there are no flaws or chips. (Always store empty jars with rings on them to avoid getting chips.) New jars with lids and rings are available in most grocery stores for $9-$14 per dozen. Buy brand name jars only---this is not a time to use cheap knock offs. Each jar should be clearly imprinted Ball, Mason or Kerr. There are many brands of vintage jars and all of those should be fine as long as the rim is sound. Save the boxes and dividers that come with new jars and use them to store the finished products.

Always use new canning lids Never reuse this part!

Remember, you don't have to grow a garden to benefit from home canning--now is a great time to buy produce while it's cheap!

Today's Buy of the Day: 12 ounce bags organic green beans-already trimmed and washed at 2/$1.00 = 24 quarts of green beans with bacon and shitaki mushrooms(33 cents a pack!) now in the pantry for about 50 cents per quart!

Grill pan and a travel charger thingy.

dutch oven

or

food processor

I would recommend this since the shallow skillet is perfect to use as the base. Easy to score when the bread is in it too.

Idk what cookware you do have but roasts (like a pork loin or whole chicken) tend to be cheap and pretty easy to cook. Eggs is a staple for cheap food. White fish or tuna are cheap too but don't eat tuna more than a couple times a week because of mercury. Protein powder is a very cheap source of protein however the upfront cost can be jarring.

Frozen veggies are my preferred choice but canned is good too.

The only spices you really need are salt and pepper. Kosher salt and a pepper mill are god tier. After that I'd say garlic powder, paprika, cinnamon, cayenne, cumin, ginger powder.

If I had to pick cookware that was reliable af I'd easily choose a cast iron skillet, enameled Dutch Oven and a small nonstick pan. The first two are both Lodge brands and you can do like 95% of cooking in just those two... possibly just the Dutch oven. There's also this 2 in 1 combo that might actually be the best of both worlds.

I'm a big fan of the Dollar Tree for kitchenware. One of the best purchases I made was a micro shredder and I use it for blocks of cheese. Way cheaper that pre-shredded. The only thing I wouldn't buy from there or any shopping center would be a knife. On a budget I love my Kiwi brand knife (~$8) and I've heard great things about Kuma but haven't had the opportunity to try one yet. Most cooks recommend Victorianox Fibrox but I can't recommend that on an extreme budget.

Also replacing breakfast with only coffee is a great way to save money. I had something else to say but I can't think of it at the moment. Cooking delicious on a budget is a hobby of mine.

Edit: oh yeah, DRINK WATER

I just got this thing last week:

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-LCC3-Pre-Seasoned-Cooker-10-25-inch/dp/B0009JKG9M/ref=pd_sim_k_3

ITS AMAZING. SO many uses

Yep, and that'd be high up on my list of things to add (along with a couple gadgety doodads). I left it out because cast iron could be a bit intimidating for a beginner to start out with. I have this Lodge Combo Cooker, which gives me a 10" skillet and a deep walled 3QT dutch oven, all in one for about $35.

It's toast. Don't buy another one; replace it with this pan, the T-Fal oven safe 12" non-stick. It's recommended and used by America's Test Kitchen. I have one, and I love it, but it's also $28, so when it dies in another 2 years, I won't cry when I have to buy another one.

I learned this lesson with my Scanpan 9" skillet, which lasted a good 5 years or so before getting so scratched up that it's not really non-stick anymore, but that cost $75. Buy a good one, but buy cheap, and assume it's disposable and replaceable on a ~2-3 year cycle.

Different surfaces for different things.

One decent nonstick pan is great to have for things like eggs, but isn't great at high heat applications like searing meat. You'll never build a good fond in nonstick, and having pots lined with nonstick coating is just unnecessary. A couple of pans -- a larger one for cooking fish or day-to-day "I'm just browning some ground beef" kind of stuff, and a smaller one for fried eggs or whatever -- will be plenty. You don't want to spend too much on a nonstick pan, though, because by their nature their lifespan is limited.

One cast iron pan is great to have because it's great at really high-heat applications, but can also be used for any number of other things -- you can sear a roast in it, you can bake a deep-dish pizza in it, or brown off some chicken and then braise it in the same pan. It can become pretty nonstick over time, with the right care, but that's a long-term process. Cast iron is heavy, though, and requires different care than other pans (it's not difficult to take care of, just... different. You can't chuck it in the dishwasher and walk away.)

For an all-purpose workhorse, look for stainless steel. It's good in a wide range of applications, and can do almost anything reasonably well. It's a little more prone to sticking (which is a good thing in many cases), but it's also durable enough that you can scour the fuck out of it on those occasions when you need to.

More important than the surface of a pan, IMHO, is the base. Avoid anything with a thin base; over time, it'll warp, and that creates hotspots and wobbles that make cooking a pain in the ass. You want pans that have a pretty thick base. If you can get something that has a layer of aluminum sandwiched in, that's great. Aluminum conducts heat better than steel, so pans will get hot faster with some aluminum included. You don't really want to cook directly on aluminum, though, so something with steel and aluminum layers in the base is ideal.

You're probably not going to find one single set that covers absolutely everything; I'd advise one base set of stainless steel, and then a few add-ons as time/money allows. I know Cuisinart does a pretty nice set of tri-ply stainless steel pots and pans that runs under $200, and goes on sale for even less regularly. Add a T-fal nonstick pan or two, and one good Lodge cast iron skillet, and you'd be well-equipped for most things.

Dont listen to these guys. You have an absolutely sick pressure cooker. These are highly sought after, specifically because they are so well manufactured and will last many lifetimes. You'll need to replace the gauge though. Get a nice geared pressure gauge, shouldn't run more than $20.

Amazon still sells this exact product. Seriously, please dont throw it away. Use it. Its an absolutely beautiful tool.

Here is the gauge: http://www.amazon.com/All-American-pressure-cooker-guage/dp/B000S8I0YW/ref=sr_1_7?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1421020100&sr=1-7

Here is the slightly bigger version of the PC you have:
http://www.amazon.com/All-American-921-2-Quart-Pressure/dp/B00004S88Z/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1421020100&sr=1-1


I monitor this subreddit, every time someone posts a picture of an all american people discourage them from using it. Such a shame. Sell it to me, ill use it.

No. I highly recommend AGAINST getting the T-FAL Clipso. It doesn't operate at the full pressure as most stovetop pressure cookers do. That means you won't get the full benefits of pressure cooking and you'll have to constantly alter the timing of any recipes from high to medium pressure. The closing mechanism on the lid overly complicates what's normally a simple process - for what purpose??? To be able to operate the lid with one hand, they say. That's utterly ridiculous. How are you going to get it to the stove with one hand when it only has two handles on the sides? I can move a pressure cooker with one long handle around with one hand.

Here's a better pressure cooker from Amazon that's cheaper and works like a pressure cooker is supposed to operate. I own 2 of them, a 6qt and a 4qt, and the lids are identical so they act as backup for each other. The 4qt. size is better to cook for 1-2 people, and it's usually better to use the smallest pressure cooker needed for the job to reduce the time it takes to build up and release pressure, so long as the pot isn't overfilled above 75% full.

Got 15 bucks? Lodge L8SK3 Cast Iron Skillet, Pre-Seasoned, 10.25-inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006JSUA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_FL-CybYXPF8PK

You really need to get yourself one of these skillets they are the BEST!!! I no longer need one since /u/Utinni was sweet enough to gift me mine for my birthday yesterday.

Seriously though, you NEED one!

Good luck with your move!

The expensive brands in that same price range:

All-Clad, Le Crueset, Henckel, and Mauviel.

This five piece set is worth it's weight in... well, copper. Cuz copper is super expensive.

At a much more reasonable price range you've got Cuisinart, Calphalon, Lodge, Victorinox and a few others.

-------

Here's a list of things they could get (an entire kitchen revamp) for under $1000:

A $300 knife set with 4 steak knives (note: the 7 piece classic set is available from Costco online for only $80 if you have a membershit, same blades, no fancy handles. The steak knives can be got for $10-15 each, so the entire set is like $130 if you don't want rosewood)

Anova sous vide cooker for $110. Toys are fun.

Lodge enameled dutch oven for $60

Mauviel carbon steel pan for $40 (needs to be seasoned), or a pre-seasoned Lodge for $20

Lodge cast iron for $10-20 (depending on 8 inch or 10 inch).

Scrapers (super important!) and maybe silicon handles for $10

and the most important thing they'd want, is the Calphalon tri-ply set for $225 (which I think is also cheaper over at Amazon).

An Instapot (combined pressure cooker + slowcooker + ricecooker, this thing is like a slowcooker on crack). You can also opt for just a regular $30 slowcooker, too.

If they don't care about fancy looking handles, the Fibrox handles actually have a great grip, and Victorinox knives are sharp as shit.

Other things:

OXO good grips tools/spatulas/measures/everything for about $100 depending on what they want.

The Costco membership would probably be worth it just so you can buy the Victorinox knives (and I think also the Calphalon pans?)

---------

Total price: ~$1000 if going with the rosewood handles (I personally didn't bother), and instapot (I would highly recommend the instapot, though!)

If going with regular handles and instapot, $850 <--- my choice

If going with regular handles, instapot, but no sous vide, $750 <--- probably most economical choice

If going with regular handles and regular slowcooker, and no sous vide ~$650

Just regular Victorinox Fibrox knives, and Calphalon Tri-Ply set and one cast iron skillet: ~$400

Hilariously it's cheaper straight from Amazon and if you have Prime, Amazon will get it to you in 2 days free.

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00006JSUA/

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-L10SK3-Pre-Seasoned-Skillet-12-Inch/dp/B00006JSUB

They look pretty thin to me, and I don't like the idea of a riveted joint. this is my favorite, and Cook's Illustrated agrees - they rated it their number 1 cast iron skillet.

So far as I know, anodizing is a process that doesn't work on stainless steel pans - anodizing is basically induced oxidization ('rust') of aluminum. The anodized surface is kind of non-stick, though many anodized pans are also coated with additional non-stick materials. Anodizes surfaces can scratch pretty easily, too.

Both pans are 'safe' to use over high heat, though thermal shock can warp or crack them - one of the reasons that cast iron is preferred for intense heat. Slow to heat, slow to cool (never from the range to a sink, for instance) will help prevent damage. That's pretty much the same advice for any pan, however.

There are concerns (read: arguments about) how some of the pans with additional non-stick coating handle high heat, the material may degrade and (here comes the controversial part) offgas some material that you don't want to be inhaling.

If cast iron pans cost $100 in Oz, I'm going to start exporting them. They're relatively cheap in the States - you can buy a decent quality 12" Lodge pan for less than US$20, including shipping...

This bad boy right here works very well, bought mine in 2011, still going strong

Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000BYCFU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_i5SYDbJCTKVM9

If you buy a no messing around Teflon pan, you CAN throw them into the dishwasher and use metal utensils. Buy this...if you don't love it, I'll paypal you $10 if asked. I back up my advice with cash, come at me bro!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GWG0T2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you don't like it, look for pans (regardless of maker) that use Teflon Platinum finishes...they are just as good.

Carbon steel, affordable, and durable. Easily the best pan I've ever owned. This was the highest recommended carbon steel pan from cooks illustrated too.

Matfer Bourgeat 062005 Black Steel Round Frying Pan, 11 7/8-Inch, Gray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KENOTK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_FKUmzbFRZEKZP

The biggest game changers for me have been preshaping properly to develop sufficient surface tension and getting a [cast iron combo cooker ](http://www.Lodge.com/ L8DD3 Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven, 5-Quart https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LEXR0K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ER.PAbR4HMAZC)

You don't really needed it, but a dutch oven is by far the best thing for baking bread next to a commercial steam injected oven. I highly recommend it. You don't need to buy something super fancy or expensive. Lodge makes a super basic dutch oven that will do a great job. I've tried all of the other steaming methods. Really, if your making hearth style loaves, nothing compares to using a banneton, a cast iron dutch oven, and stupidly hot oven.

Here's one:

https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Miniature-Skillet-Pre-Seasoned-3-5-inch/dp/B000LXA9YI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1503966733&sr=8-2&keywords=mini+skillet

Yall got it all wrong. Thats what theseare for!

ooo I like this game.
A small microplane is great.
A good quality paring knife too I love the garnishing set from opinel. Or any opinel paring knife for that matter.
handheld little blowtorch (check amazon, there are some decent ones for under 30$)

as a woman of the cheffy persuasion I always love getting little gourmet ingredients in my stocking too.

Have you ever had "Noble" syrup? https://www.mikuniwildharvest.com/shop/product/noble-tonic-01-tuthilltown-bourbon-barrel-matured-maple-syrup/

the tiny bottles of this product are ridiculously adorable.

I also love getting infused salts.

A tiny pestle and mortar might be cool too! They are around 10$ or so.

Also a little cast iron pan. And then suggest that she bake a chocolate chip cookie in it and that you top it with ice cream and you eat it together. Then you're pretty much a hero.

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-LMS3-Miniature-Skillet-3-5-inch/dp/B000LXA9YI/ref=sr_1_27?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1449512537&sr=1-27&keywords=cast+iron+pan

plus it's cast iron, so will last forever. like your love. (aww)

I second all the people commenting that you should wait for her input about furniture and decorations. You have a good heart OP, I know it's meaning well, but for most women decorating a new house is the FUN part and I'm sure she's been waiting to do that with you. Otherwise it won't feel like her house to her at all, it'll all just be your stuff.

But as far as kitchen stuff goes, I recommend a good Dutch Oven. Lodge has a good one for $70 on Amazon, but I've seen them at Fred Meyers for $50. We got a crap ton of stuff for our wedding, my two absolute favorites have been our Dutch Oven and our bread maker. In the 6 Qt one, you can cook a whole chicken. Soups, pasta, fish, nearly anything you can make with it. It's essential in my home.

Dutch oven!

At that point, get an enamel dutch oven. http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Color-6-Quart-Dutch-Island/dp/B000N501BK

I use my dutch oven for everything I used to use my slow cooker for, since I don't really leave my slow cooker unattended either. You get much more control, and it's much more versatile. If I had to go down to one pot or pan, it would be an enamel dutch oven.

Le Creuset is a bit overrated. I've cooked with dutch ovens like this and this and there is very little difference other than the price tag.

Most are ceramic coated cast iron which retains heat just like the plain cast iron ones. Lodge makes a great ceramic dutch oven at a very reasonable price.

They're just as good for browning and deglazing - if not better as acidic liquids (vinegar, tomato sauce) can be used to deglaze without any concern.

Yeah, it is enameled. It's very much the same item:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000N501BK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1479674762&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=lodge+dutch+oven&dpPl=1&dpID=41UmRh4zzOL&ref=plSrch

That ridge will prevent you from putting in a false bottom that fits. I have one of their aluminum pots with the same ride, and ran into that problem.

https://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classic-1060-62-Quart-Stainless-Steel/dp/B000VXHKMC?th=1

Also available on amazon prime for 52, larger size for 60~

Personally, I'd buy a cheaper knife.
Like: http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Swiss-8-Inch-Fibrox-Straight/dp/B008M5U1C2/

Then I'd buy a real 12" skillet:
http://www.amazon.com/All-Clad-Stainless-Tri-Ply-Dishwasher-Cookware/dp/B00FUF5K8W/

If thats not enough, buy a real thermometer.
http://www.amazon.com/ThermoWorks-Splash-Proof-Super-Fast-Thermapen-Thermometer/dp/B002GIZZWM/

American here. I use a Lodge Carbon Steel 12" skillet, cast-iron Lodge and Field 12" skillets and a stainless steel, aluminum core All-Clad D3 12" skillet.

I like all these skillets and all have their own niches in my cooking with plenty of cross-over.

I still have a non-stick Calphalon skillet too but I no longer use it. I get plenty of non-stick characteristics with my other pans and I feel the other pans are more versatile and healthy.

My go to suggestion for a starter equipment kit is the Northern Brewer Essential Starter kit. It includes (almost) everything you need to get started, as does most other starter equipment kits, but they also include an ingredient kit for your first batch.

Some other things you will need that are not included in the kit:

A kettle. I would recommend the 10G Bayou Classic Stainless Steel. You can start with something as small as a 5G kettle, so if you already have something that big at your house, then don't worry about it. If you have to buy a kettle new, get the 10G one so you don't wind up just having to replace ther 5G one down the road.

You will also need empty bottles. You should try to get brown ones, that are not twist-off. You can buy them empty, or just get a couple cases to kill before you are ready to bottle. A 5G batch is about 2 cases / 50 bottles or so.

That's all you need to get started. Another thing that is nice to have: wort chiller. Some would say this is mandatory. Strictly speaking, it isn't mandatory, but it would make chilling your wort on brew day much much much easier.

You should also review the Guide to Fermentation Temp Control and see if you want to invest in any of those options. Again, not strictly necessary, but would make for a better finished product. If you can't control fermentation temperature control for your first batch, then don't worry about it, but it should be high on the list of things to do.

This community is great, and so are the homebrewtalk.com forums, both with a wealth of information and helpful people. Good luck!

If I'm reading that right, it is 15.5" deep and 14.5" in diameter. Plugging that in to wolfram|alpha gives you 11.1 gallons.

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=pi+*+%2814.5%22%2F2%29%5E2*15.5%22+in+gallons

I bought this 44qt Bayou Classic a couple weeks ago with the intent to use it for BIAB as well.

I tried to do a lot of research before picking the kettle. You might need to use some DME to do a really big beer like a barleywine, but most regular ABV beers should fit just fine.

I also bought some Reflectix to wrap the kettle during the mash.

Here's the kettle wrapped up in the Reflectix blanket: http://imgur.com/T5WMk

A 15 gallon stainless steel beer keg is perfect, much better than rigging a large pot. Amazon does sell lots of big ol' pots though.

The nice thing about a standard 15gal keg is it has a 2" triclamp fitting on the top, perfect for attaching a 2" dia column to. They can be had for cheap either as scrap or from a good liquor store/distributor.

No problem! I actually add peppers/onions as well (Kroger's frozen mix because lazy) and jalapenos as well; they go very well with the tempeh!

> How would you suggest that I steam it?

I picked up a cheap metal steamer basket like this a few years ago and use that in a larger pot, but apparently boiling it for 10-15 minutes achieves the same result re: the bitterness!

If you're doing BIAB, this one is pretty spiffy.

You don't need a false bottom in the kettle to BIAB. Use a cheap stainless vegetable steaming rack ($10 max). Use it to keep the grain bag off the bottom of the kettle, that's all you need it for with BIAB.

The thermometer is nice. But long as you've got a good handheld thermometer anyway it isn't hard to take temps. And with BIAB you'd have to deal with the probe poking the bag as well, which I'd personally pass on.

The valve is nice to have though.

Question 1 - I just finished my 11th Extract Brew. The majority have turned out amazing, but I think I am ready to start upping my game. I have seen all the tiered-mashing systems on here recently, but I think the next step for me would be to do BIAB. I currently have a 6 gallon aluminum pot which I don't think will be big enough.

I am debating between getting the 8 Gallon or the 16 Gallon. Pros and Cons of going bigger from the start? Or will an 8 Gallon do for what I want and be usable for the future?

EDIT: If it helps - this is currently what I am brewing on: Brinkman Turkey Fryer. It probably won't fit a bigger pot inside the ring, but I assume as long as it sits on top of the ring, it should still work?

Yes, do try it with the leftover bacon grease. It's even better in a cast iron pan - $25 dollars at Amazon

How about Amazon?

I got this on amazon, it's very affordable and comes pre seasoned and with the silicone handle.

Lodge Cast-Iron Skillet L10SK3ASHH41B, 12-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G2XGC88/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_zVPIwbQ4B6J1Y

The reason the handle is off in the oven is because it's not oven proof and can melt.

I’d suggest a large cast iron skillet instead of a pizza stone—similar result for pizza, can be used for other things too

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00G2XGC88/ref=dp_ob_neva_mobile

I think these skillets are amazing and I want one so bad! Everyone should definitely own one!

https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Skillet-Pre-Seasoned-Skillet-Stovetop/dp/B00006JSUA/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1538510630&sr=8-3&keywords=lodge+10.25

This is a little over 15$ but if your mom cooks cast iron pans are awesome! 😂
here

Or this one. Never buy another pan and leave it to your descendants.

Lodge. I'm a little confused as to what you meant by your second question, but I needed a cast iron skillet, that's what they had at City Target, and I'd heard good things about Lodge! I've been using a lot of olive oil, but it's making lovely food.

My parents' house burned down around Thanksgiving and they asked me for pot & pan recommendations as they rebuild. Here's a list I sent them of things that ought to last forever but won't break the bank (no Mauviel, Staub, All-Clad, Le Creuset, etc). #1 on the list is a 12" Lodge skillet, just like the one we have. :)

• 12" cast iron skillet, along these lines: http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-L10SK3-Pre-Seasoned-Skillet-12-Inch/dp/B00006JSUB/
  
• 8-12qt stock pot. Here's a reasonably priced 10qt model: http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-76610-26G-Classic-10-Quart-Stockpot/dp/B007HN67KU
  
• 2.5qt sauce pan (optional)
  
• 3.5qt chef's pan (not optional), similar to this (the rounded bottom/edges is critical): http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinox-Elite-Quart-Covered-Chefs/dp/B001BKKB3Y
  
• Stainless roasting pan (root vegetables, turkey, etc): http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-MCP117-16BR-MultiClad-Stainless-Rectangular/dp/B0041Q409G
  
• 5-7qt enameled cast iron dutch oven (we use this as our primary soup pot. We only use our stock pot for pasta or when we're making soup for a really large crowd): http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-EC6D43-Enameled-Island-6-Quart/dp/B000N501BK
  
• Cuisinart electric kettle (this is SOOOOOOOOO much more efficient than either the microwave or the stovetop -- we never knew what we were missing until we bought it): http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-CPK-17-PerfecTemp-1-7-Liter-Stainless/dp/B003KYSLNQ
  
• Measuring cups and spoons: http://www.amazon.com/Kitchenmade-Stainless-Steel-Measuring-Stackable/dp/B00IRQNHTK and http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-Stainless-Steel-Piece-Measuring/dp/B000P0W4MC
  
• Pyrex measuring cups (a 2qt and a 4qt)
  
• Nesting glass mixing bowls: http://www.amazon.com/Luminarc-Stackable-9-Piece-Bowl-Set/dp/B000V6W5ZG
  
• Large stainless steel (lightweight) mixing bowl. I'm not sure exactly how big ours is, but it's probably similar to this. We use it when we make salads for crowds, or any time we don't want to crowd whatever we're preparing. http://www.amazon.com/Thunder-Group-Mixing-Bowl-13-Quart/dp/B001E0HQSO
  
• Colander (pasta, veggies): http://www.amazon.com/Bellemain-Micro-perforated-Stainless-5-quart-Colander/dp/B00O97D0DO
  
• Strainer (berries, rinsing beans):http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-8-Inch-Double-Strainer/dp/B00004OCLX

Cast Iron will give you what you are looking for:

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-L10SK3-12-Inch-Pre-Seasoned-Skillet/dp/B00006JSUB/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341688485&sr=8-1&keywords=cast+iron+skillet

They do require a bit of care but its not bad at all. Never use soap on it.

This was my list for a previous, similar post -

I would buy the following items in this order, if it were my $80:

1. A $29 Victorinox Chef's Knife
   
   
   
2. A good cutting board for $12-15
   
   
   
3. A cast iron pan for $15-$20
   
   
4. A utensil set of some kind for $15-20
   
   
   
   From there I'd get a solid set of pots and pans and/or a dutch oven. A rice cooker also is pretty helpful. I use mine constantly. Good luck!

I'm not experienced with that stove on particular, but as a cook and cooking gear junkie I'll give you my thoughts/concerns (for whatever they're worth). Sorry in advance for the novel.

Immediately, the first thing that caught my eye was how small the left burner area is. If you're using the grill to cook the protein, you're pretty much stuck with a small pot on the left. Fine if you're just cooking a can of beans or whatnot, but maybe not so fine if you want the option of using an 8-10" sauté pan for something (like one of my favorite camp sides, asparagus).

I initially was concerned that 11k BTUs on the grill side wouldn't be enough to really get a good sear over that large of a cooking area, so I browsed through a couple YouTube reviews. Seemed to do okay. Better than I expected on one where the guy was cooking 4 burger patties at once. Not great, but probably adequate fire power for something like that. Holy crap, though... The flare ups from the rendered fat were awful. Shooting up over the top of the back plate and completely engulfing the food. Given the compact nature of the design, it's going to be damn difficult to make sure the drippings don't splatter right into the burner and ignite. And I couldn't imagine that was fun to clean, either.

Speaking of clean up, the drip tray under the grill seems to be woefully undersized. Guy in one video went to cooking on a pan over the grill because a couple sausage links' worth of grease filled it. That's not such a great idea either, IMO. First of, what's the point of having a grill if you're just going to cook with a pan on top of it? Secondly, the grill surface is Teflon coated. The metal on the bottom of a pan is likely going to destroy that coating. Seems to be an issue anyway, since multiple videos complained about the coating chipping off after one or two uses. Teflon doesn't like high temps, and large chunks of cow sear best with lots of heat. Those things can't coexist, unfortunately.

I think your concerns over it being a mediocre grill with a crappy stove are probably reasonable. Personally, I'd just get a regular camp stove and a decent grill pan if you're really set on having grill marks. Should be able to snag a [Lodge cast iron one for like $20-30](Lodge L8SGP3 Cast Iron Square Grill Pan, Pre-Seasoned, 10.5-inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000CF66W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_3cZzzb415C3R4), assuming you don't already have one.

Yeah... To be honest I used a standard non stick pan on mine. I ordered This cast iron pan the other day and it comes in today. Can't wait to try it out.

Agreed with the other poster here, I've had no problems with a Le Creuset enamel Dutch oven at high heat. Generally the handles are the least durable; the stock plastic ones are rated to ~450° iirc.

I bought a Lodge combo cooker Dutch oven for baking, and love it. The low sides on the skillet top make loading a loaf and scoring it super easy. I burned my hand once wrangling a sticky, difficult loaf into my high sided Dutch oven. Here's a link to the lodge [dutch oven](Lodge LCC3 Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Combo Cooker, 3.2-Quart https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009JKG9M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_8sFYxbAPY4PN1).

Just a regular plain home oven and this exact cast iron combo cooker.

I just bought this combo cooker off Amazon a few weeks ago and I love it. Like everyone says, the more you use it, the better it is. I have used it to sear steak, cook fish, fry bacon and eggs, make skillet potatoes, a giant cookie, a deep dish pizza, etc...and that's just with the LID part of the cooker which doubles as a skillet.

I love the fact that it's two separate pieces that combine to make a dutch oven which I have made some pretty awesome crusty bread in.

Cast iron isn't some magically cooking device and like everyone says...don't listen to the people that say you need to pamper the crap out of it. Just USE it! It's so easy to use, it stays hot and it's easy to move your food into the oven to finish cooking. Did your get stuff stuck to it? No problem! Usually while it's still hot I just poor some water it and it sizzles that stuff right off! If worse comes to worse, I have a scrubber I use only for the pan and after it's dry I just wipe it with some canola oil. It's a lot more low maintenance than people think as long as you use common sense. Don't scrub it with soap and don't leave it sitting in your sink with water in it.

$40 Chef's Knife

$15 Cutting Board

$40 Cast Iron Dutch Oven

$10 Stainless Steel Cooking Utensils

$99 Food Processor

$205 is the best I could do.. you could probably get a cheaper cutting board.. but.. that was the best large plastic one I could find..

Huh? I used this Lodge set which is advertised as a dutch oven: https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-LCC3-Cooker-Pre-Seasoned-3-2-Quart/dp/B0009JKG9M


 


https://www.rei.com/product/100411/lodge-dutch-oven-combo-cooker-32-qt

Lodge has a a Dutch Oven in which the lid is actually another frying pan.

“3.2 Quart Seasoned Cast Iron Combo Cooker. The Lodge Cast Iron Combo Cooker does it all. A deep skillet, a fryer, a Dutch oven in one, plus a lid that doubles as a shallow skillet or griddle. This versatile piece is perfect in the kitchen or great outdoors.”


I loved the versatility aspect. The bonus is you also have a unbreakable container to store precious items when in transit. I think it will be my next purchase.

Here’s a link for you, and happy camping.

I use this dutch oven. Best part is using the flatter part as the bottom so you can just slide your dough onto it.

Personally, $250 would be a lot for a 16 year old. I'd teach him how to cook for himself...get a Lodge cast iron, season it, and get expensive steaks, bacon, and eggs.

If you go with watches, get one with sapphire crystal. Seiko and Citizen are top brands.

Nonstick is the best for frying eggs but they aren't going to be BIFL. That said, if you take care of a good one it should last you for years. The best value I have found is T-fal. Get whatever size is most appropriate for your cooking. I have had mine for about 5 years now. It says safe for metal utensils but I always use only plastic or wood on it. I also hand wash instead of using the dishwasher.

If you want truly BIFL, go for cast iron and make sure you season it well.

Got this after America's Test Kitchen ranked it best non-stick skillet, hasn't let me down yet:

T-fal E93808 Professional Nonstick Oven Safe Thermo-Spot Heat Indicator Fry Pan / Saute Pan Dishwasher Safe Cookware, 12-Inch, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GWG0T2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_g5PExbB45FJ3S

Someone recommended this one when I asked for suggestions here, and I've been very happy with it! The big advantage is that there's no knob on the lid, which means you can flip it over and put the dough ball on the lid and use the pot on top. It's a lot easier to put the dough ball on the lid rather than trying to drop it evenly into the pot.

This is what convinced me to get a Dutch oven as well. I had been looking into the several hundred dollar le creuset ones, but after reading reviews about chipping of the enamel, I sprung for this $35 lodge one last year and it's incredible http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-5-Quart-Double-Casserole-Skillet/dp/B000LEXR0K/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1346088063&sr=8-11&keywords=lodge+cast+iron

Some dutch oven lids are reversible and can be used as a skillet. Lodge L8DD3 Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven, 5-Quart https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LEXR0K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ienQzbBFWR9DD

I use this one. I would advise against enamel coated and also the 7qt. Larger isnt always better. If you have high hydration dough, it could spread the loaf out too wide. the smaller oven will limit how much it can spread.

I use the lid as the base and put the deeper part on top. just makes it easier to score it and get it out without accidentally burning yourself.

>So, do you personally think a Lodge skillet is good enough or should I go >for a Wagner/Griswold? People on /r/castiron seem to frown upon Lodge, >but when I check Amazon and the reviews are amazing.

It's really down to personal preference. I like the smoother cast iron, though I do have a Lodge grill pan. I think if you're wanting to dip your toes into cast iron without having to go all out, Lodge is a good, cheap way to go. Plus it helps alleviate hunting for any on ebay or in shops. I like treasure hunting, but in a year of going to Goodwill just about every weekend, I've only accumulated four or so pieces.

Thanks to the rougher texture a Lodge pan won't be nonstick quickly though, so just use extra fat when you cook. Again, it depends on what exactly you're looking for. For trying out cast iron, Lodge is pretty great. If you're looking for jet black nonstick beauty right off the bat, you might be better off looking for a Wagner or Griswold.

>In the end do you think a dutch oven is worth it over a regular stainless steel pot?

I have both. I don't like using cast iron for, say, boiling pasta. If you're looking for minimum to get you by because you're a college student (I was there not too long ago!), I'd get a stainless steel pot and a cast iron skillet. Stainless steel also can go from stove to oven (as long as it's fully stainless, no froo-froo silicone handles or glass lids; if you're unsure, the packaging/instructions will usually mention its ovenability) so the pot can double as a casserole dish.

As far as finding an enameled cast iron dutch oven, Lodge is pretty much the best way to go for what you get versus what you pay. It's $65 on Amazon right now but if you happen to be near a Fred Meyer, I highly recommend that you go check out their kitchen section. I was just there an hour ago and saw their Lodge 6 quart enameled dutch ovens on sale for $45 and my husband had to drag me away from buying one :) That's as cheap as I've seen them though, I can't recall seeing them much lower.

You can get enamel cast iron skillets, but because of the enamel, the price is higher so I'd honestly just get bare cast iron. Again, whether it's Lodge or old school smooth is completely up to you, what you can find and your price range.

If you'd like advice on lazy seasoning: what I normally do when I get a pan home if it's brand new is honestly read the label: it'll mention whether it's preseasoned (most new Lodge are) and if it needs a scrub. I usually give them a scrub with just hot water and a scrubby sponge, nothing too hard, just enough to get the store dust off. Then I dry it very thoroughly and put it on the stove at roughly medium-low to make sure it's warm and dry. (Do not walk away! I've done this and burned a ring in the pan :) It's by no means ruined if you do this, just annoying.) Preheat your oven to about 350 degrees or so. Grab a paper towel, put it up against a bottle of vegetable oil and tip it over twice to just get a bit of oil on it, then take the hopefully not-too-hot skillet and wipe it all over. Make sure to get inside, outside, the rim and the handle too. Once it's all rubbed up, take a dry paper towel and rub it down to get as much oil off as possible. It won't look like much is left, but that's a good thing. Also, if it's a Lodge, do your best to get off any shredded bits of paper towel off, since the texture can be rough. If your paper towel comes back really oily, wipe it down with another dry paper towel until it's barely giving off any oil; you want a very thin layer on it. Then put it in the oven upside down and let it sit for an hour or so, then turn the oven off and let it sit until it cools down. (Maybe put a post-it note by the oven so you don't turn it on again the next day and forget that your pan's in there.) Once it's cooled down, that's your first seasoned layer. I've used it after that process, sometimes I do another layer which is repeating the same thing with the thin oil layer and rubdown. Other times I just do it once and cook the crap out of something in it. I got a mini skillet once that holds just two eggs basically, so I did one layer of seasoning and then melted three tablespoons of butter into it and cooked eggs. They slid right out, and on cleanup once I got the egg residue to slide out, I took a paper towel and rubbed the butter all over it, buffed it down to a thin layer and put it upside down in the oven (I was baking biscuits at the time so it was just lucky timing). Like I mentioned before, it's fat + heat = seasoning. You can always argue finer points, but in the end, it'll get seasoned.

Yikes, I should probably stop rambling at some point! I like cast iron just a bit. :) tl;dr: your best bet is probably a cast iron skillet and a stainless steel pan with an oven-safe lid, that'll cover you for most cooking applications. Let me know if you have any other questions!

I use one of these and I've been pretty happy with it. Not quite Le Creuset, but works just fine.

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Color-6-Quart-Dutch-Island/dp/B000N501BK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1331392165&sr=8-1

Get this, it's $50 and works wonders.

Le Creuset = enameled cast iron. Lodge = bare cast iron, at least until recently. Bare cast iron requires seasoning and all that jazz, while enameled cast iron does not. Thus the apples to oranges line.

Lodge's enameled products are roughly half to a third the cost of Le Creuset's stuff, but they're made in China, while Le Creuset stuff is exclusively made in France, as far as I can tell. Is there a difference? I don't know, but they seem to get fine reviews on Amazon.

I know this will sound callous, but, you live and you learn. $120 non-stick pans just aren't worth the extra money. The nature of the beast is that, unlike a hardened metal like stainless steel, or a super thick metal, like iron, your non-stick coating will wear out. Maybe it was overheated and the non-stick surface doesn't release as well or maybe it just starts flaking off.

Whatever the case, I regard my non-stick cookware as near-disposable. As such, I wouldn't worry about buying a primo non-stick pan. America's Test Kitchen ran several pans through a gauntlet of tests and rated the Inexpensive T-Fal 12" pan as one of their favorites, so you have that veneer of scrutiny. I have a similar pan (older from TJ Maxx) and it works well for what it is. Higher end pans will likely be thicker with a layer of less heat conductive metal in order try help maintain a steady temperature. All aluminum pans will have far more hot spots and make it easier to burn food.

I always say to never buy a set. I think you pay too much for things you will not use.

I would say you only really need 4 things:
A good non-stick skillet. Tfal has a great 12in non-stick oven safe skillet for only around $35. Necessary for cooking fish and eggs.

A good dutch oven. I suggest an cast iron enamel. Tramontina makes a great 6.5 qt dutch oven that WalMart sells for only $65. Perfect for soups, frying, pasta, and even roasting.

A stainless tri-ply saute or skillet. I recommend one that if fully clad, but those usually run >$100. One with a tri ply base should work. You can fry, saute, brown, and do just about anything in one of these. This is my primary pan.

Finally, a large (4qt) stainless saucepan. This is for any sauces, some frying, potatoes, and lots of other things.

Just get this. ATK recommended it and it's all you'll need. If it ever wears out I'll buy another.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GWG0T2

Except for the whole part where anyone, who has any basic knowledge of cooking, knows you can get scratch-resistant non-stick pans (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GWG0T2?pldnSite=1&th=1). Teflon itself isn't scratch resistant.

I highly recommend this non-stick pan. It was featured in Cook's Illustrated magazine as their top pick for inexpensive non-stick pans.

I have enameled cast-iron Dutch ovens, which I use quite a lot. And yes, they work great. You are correct that cast iron handling characteristics are comparable to my steel skillets. The noticeable difference is that the skillets are much more responsive to me adjusting the heat of the burner.

As a first approximation, you can compare going from a cast-iron pan to a steel pan as a similar epiphany to what you'd experience when going from an electric stove to a gas stove. Things are similar in principle, but adjustments take effect immediately and cooking is much more straight forward.

The other difference is that many cast iron pots/skillets have a very rough surface. Even after seasoning them, they still tend to be somewhat sticky, whereas steel doesn't have this issue. Enamel can address that, but it has its own pros and cons (e.g. enamel cannot be seasoned).

My ideal choice for a basic set of cookware is:

1. carbon steel skillets and wok
   
2. enameled cast iron Dutch ovens
   
3. stainless steel clad stock pots and sauce pans
   
   I linked a couple of products that should be a good starting point. I tried to go with choices that I know to be good quality, but where possible avoided paying extra for well-known brand names. Of course, you can pick alternatives, if your preferences are different. Also, for a well-stocked kitchen, you probably want multiple different sizes of each.

The answer is seasoning! When we open we crank it and put a few thin layers of oil on it which burn on, creating a wonderful nonstick surface just like you would on a cast iron pan. If you're looking for a pan that performs exactly like a flattop's surface, look into carbon steel. They develop a beautiful patina that is so nonstick, gliding your fingers over the surface will make you giddy.

Stainless steel could be seasoned, but that's kinda missing the point of stainless. Best forget about doing scrambles in them and get yourself a nice carbon steel pan or griddle.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000KENOTK/ref=dp_olp_all_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=all If you aren't opposed to open box, dented or 'used'. There's a few for around 35 bucks.

I have 2 Lodge 5q "combo cookers" I make all of my bread in. I prefer a combo cooker because I put my bread on the preheated skillet side and put the pot on top as the lid, this way you don't have to reach down the sides or flip a hot loaf out of hot Dutch oven.

https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-L8DD3-Double-Dutch-5-Quart/dp/B000LEXR0K

Thats the fun part :)

currently I'm looking into getting a dutch oven / skillet combo to reduce the types of pots/pans.. like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LEXR0K/ref=psdc_289818_t1_B01C4MPTWK

Dutch ovens are the bomb.

https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-L8DD3-Double-Dutch-5-Quart/dp/B000LEXR0K

This one has a lid that's also a skillet. It's pretty cheap too and will last long after you're dead.

I keep recommending this one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LEXR0K

I have a different 5 qt Lodge that is a good size for the loaf you're looking to bake. I like this one more because you can bake the loaf in the lid.

The following is link to a old school crock pot called a dutch oven.

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-L8DD3-Casserole-Skillet-5-Quart/dp/B000LEXR0K/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1373772660&sr=8-4&keywords=dutch+oven+ceramic

The Lodge Double Dutch may be what you're looking for. The lid flips over and can be used as a skillet/frying pan, although it doesn't have a long handle.

Also, look into using your slow cooker as a rice cooker (google for instructions). If you're cool with the results, you can drop the rice cooker and get that wok.

I'm still learning but I do have some comments for you. Regarding the salt + 50g water - keep that step as is. You need that extra bit of water to get the salt to dissolve and mix into the dough.

One thing I've done to help with shaping (my nemesis) is reduce the water content. You won't get exactly the same crust and crumb, but no one will know and it still tastes fucking amazing. Try 50g less and see how that goes. I also use a LOT more flour than recommended with shaping. I kept losing surface tension from the dough sticking to my hand or bench scraper and it would have a massive impact on how my bread turned out l. Sad and deflated bread from that. I also watched a ton of videos on shaping and tried a bunch of different techniques until I found what worked for me.

I do my bulk fermentation on the counter, shape, put into bannetons and then fridge overnight. I don't think that part makes much of a difference.

Last tip: transferring the dough to the hot as hell Dutch oven. Get a Dutch oven that has a lid that doubles for a pan like this one. Then you can bake in the smaller side and don't have to put your hands near the tall sides. I also flip my dough out of the bannetons onto a parchment lined pizza peel. I slash it there and then drag it from the peel to the Dutch oven using the parchment. Lid (the big side) then goes on and you're good! Preheat the lid next to the bottom too so you don't have to lift if off, add bread, and then put it on. Saves one very hot step from the process.

Ok. One last last last thing. Slashing. I sucked at this for a long time. Asked on here and someone told me speed is key and they were absolutely right. Watch a few videos of professionals and you'll see they make the slashes very fast and don't meet a lot of resistance or drag from the dough.

G'luck!

Soooo jealous right now.

I've been trying to do that same thing with this.

A dutch oven is a heavy pan with a tight fitting that can go in the oven (or in yesteryear the fire). These days they are usually enameled cast iron.
They're not cheap, but well worth it. And it's cast iron so it will outlive you.

I have one made by Lodge (curiously the price has gone way up, I got mine for $39.99 in 2007), but LeCruset is the big brand name and is still more than twice the price.

I'm building up my cooking equipment in a really utilitarian way. As in if something can be used in multiple ways then I'm going to get it and use it forever. And thus so far I have:

• A bunch of utensil like things like tongs, slotted/solid flippers, and wooden spoons.
  
  
• A 12 inch cast iron skillet that's basically my everything pan whether it be steaks, eggs, pork chops, bread, whatever.
  
  
• A 4 quart All Clad French skillet that's for everything else that should go into a pan. I also use it like a wok (it's not designed like one, the bottom is way bigger, but it has really nice heat distribution making it super easy to make stuff like stir fry in it). I also use it to braise ribs.
  
  I'm actually heading to the states (New Jersey) in about 7 hours so when I'm there I'm going to see if I can get a 6 quart Enameled Dutch oven and a really basic knife set.
  
  If you're interested in other shit to get or just want to read up on all this crazy stuff, you should head over to /r/AskCulinary

Buy the Lodge 5 qt double Dutch Oven, it's designed to be used for baking like that.


But also buy a Lodge enameled dutch oven, for stews and roasts and the like.

It's enameled cast iron. here are some examples.

They were actually lodge brand. I have the same blue one.

Lodge EC6D43 Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Island Spice Red https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000N501BK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_WXtdzbQ7A931Y

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000N501BK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_xqMUBbW7TSQEQ

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00063RWYI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_hrMUBb7XNG2YA


Comparatively cheap and good quality. I use the first.

7.5 quart blue enameled dutch oven comes out to $79.99 shipped. (the link defaults to 6qt red, so make sure to select the blue 7.5qt). You won't find a larger capacity enameled dutch oven for less, so you have to compromise on capacity or enamel (there's a bare cast iron lodge 8qt for ~$65).

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Color-Dutch-Island-6-Quart/dp/B000N501BK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344730369&sr=8-1&keywords=lodge+dutch+oven

Alright, so the way to get from where you are now to this is to use a cast iron pot and follow Jim Lahey's directions here. Go to the library and get his book, both that one and the new My Pizza are awesome. The cast iron pot traps steam which combined with the high heats lets you get good 'spring' and a nice rich crispy crust. I've done this recipe with lots of diffent flours and they have much less of an effect on the overall outcome than good technique. It can be a bit scary handling a 500 degree cast iron pot but after a few attempts it gets pretty easy. A Lodge cast iron dutch oven like this will work great but I suggest replacing the knob on top with a metal version found here. Good luck!

I have a big 6-7 quart lodge dutch oven that has become my go-to for pretty much everything. All cast iron works with induction.

It’s like $60 on Amazon and will last forever if you treat it right.

Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven. Classic Red Enamel Dutch Oven (Island Spice Red) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000N501BK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HVNRCb36A2J04

I have a Lodge dutch oven that works really nicely and is very inexpensive compared to Le Creuset: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000N501BK/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00006JSUF&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1MP0B87KHG10R83F04M1

A Dutch oven is a large pot made of cast iron which can be coated in enamel. It can go on the stove and in the oven.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000N501BK/ref=mh_s9_acsd_top_b1DOU_c_x_1_w?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=mobile-hybrid-4&pf_rd_r=XB3PMKW1HBDWD48NQB3P&pf_rd_t=30901&pf_rd_p=85eb1b4d-f0d2-5d34-b279-fb67ac2b2298&pf_rd_i=289818

Yes. The All-American line. More costly up-front, but in exchange, they will outlive you.

I still have, and use, the one my mother got as a wedding gift.

In 1956.

They rely on a flat metal seal, so no rubber gasket to age and rot!

Absolutely! We got ours from Amazon after a bunch of research. I can't recommend the one we got more. They are not cheap, but this is a tool that you will buy once and it will be inherited by your next generation.

Called All American pressure cooker. We got the 21 1/2 pint unit. Was just under $250.00 Again, they are not cheap, but this is a unit you will buy once.

I just opened a can of salmon that I had on the shelf for 4.5 years, and it was as good as the day I made it. Pressure cooking for canning and long term storage is the way to go, and something that our grandparents used to do. It is really neat to see it coming back into the public eye again.

I also highly recommend the Ball Complete Book of Home Canning. This is the bible on how to preserve all kinds of foods. It is my one and only go-to book for knowing how to get things done right.

Hope you get into it! I scour thrift stores and yard sales for canning jars you can never have enough glass. And the glass is reusable! I have jars that were handed down to me that are from the 70s, and still are great.

Once you get into canning and preserving you will never go back and wonder "why didn't I do this sooner?"

Best of luck, let me know how it goes. I love sharing the information and insight.

PS: I would not go under the 21 1/2 pint size pressure cooker. Pressure cooking takes time (the fish I do takes 90 minutes per batch at 10LB of pressure), so you want to do as many cans as you can at one time. If you can go bigger, do! You can never have too much space to can in, but it is easy to not have enough. But bang-for-buck I found the 21 is really the best overall size and deal going.

All American brand might be what you are looking for. Except it is aluminum, not stainless steel. Available on Amazon. Heavy duty, gasket free. They are expensive, but will last forever. I use mine as a pressure canner for vegetables, non-acid food, especially tomatoes. Can be used as a pressure cooker or as a water bath canner without the pressure valve in place.

http://www.amazon.com/All-American-921-2-Quart-Pressure/dp/B00004S88Z/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1426139931&sr=1-1&keywords=all+american+pressure+canner

The pressure cooker doesn't have any settings. I have a presto and I just put it on my stove burner on the highest setting until the top thing starts rocking, then I turn the heat down to 1/3, which will keep the thing on top rocking for the duration I cook. That's how I cook everything. Most meats ~10 minutes, cool under the sink. Most vegetables ~1 minute, cool under the sink. I cook rice for about ~2mins, then set it aside for ~5mins, then cool under the sink.

I've never seen one like this so I can't comment on the quality or anything.

I have a very inexpensive, no-frills Presto. It's not expensive but it works great. It's got a nice, heavy bottom that makes it great just to use as an extra saucepan as well. You can also buy an alternate weight for it (part number 50332) that will allow you to use varying pressures (5, 10, 15psi) with it.

Kheema: serves 3

Ingredients

• 1lb Ground Beef
  
  
• 1 large russet potatoes skinned and cubed (inch)
  
  
• 1 large red onion
  
  
• 3 cloves garlic minced
  
  
• 3 jalepenos diced
  
  
• 2 serrano peppers julienned
  
  
• cilantro 4 stalks diced
  
  
• canola oil 2tbsp
  
  Spices:
  
  
• 1tbsp: cumin powder, coriander powder, indian red chilli powder,
  
  
• 1tsp: salt, garlic powder, ginger powder
  
  
• 0.5tsp turmeric powder
  
  Method:
  
  In a pot on medium heat, add oil, onions and stir fry it till it become translucent
  
  Add jalapenos and garlic and story fry till light brown
  
  Add ground beef and mix well. Fry for 10mins constantly stirring on medium
  
  Add all the spices. Fry for 10 constantly stirring on medium.
  
  Add the pototes, mix, and fry for 10 mins on medium.
  
  Add 3/4 cup water, cover with tight lid and reduce heat to simmer.
  
  In 10 mins add serrano peppers. Cover and cook 5 mins.
  
  Add diced cilantro. Turn off heat.
  
  Let it cool for 5 mins and serve with rice, naan and daal.
  
  
  
  
  
  Daal: Serves 8
  
  Ingredients
  
  
• 1 large red onion
  
  
• 3 medium roma tomatoes diced
  
  
• 2 cups spinach diced
  
  
• 5 cloves garlic minced
  
  
• 6 serrano peppers whole (stems cut off)
  
  
• cilantro 5 stalks diced
  
  
• canola oil 2tbsp
  
  Dried beans:
  
  
• 4 cups yellow lentils (toor daal) (washed and drained)
  
  
• 2 cups red lentils (masoor daal) (washed and drained)
  
  
• 2 cups dried red kidney beans (washed and drained)
  
  
• 2 cups black eye beans (washed and drained)
  
  
  Spices:
  
  
• 2 tbsp: coriander powder
  
  
• 1tbsp: indian red chilli powder, mustard seeds, coriander seeds.
  
  
• 1tsp: salt, garlic powder, ginger powder
  
  
• 0.5tsp turmeric powder, cumin powder
  
  
  In a large pressure cooker, add oil and mustard seeds and coriander seeds.
  
  Add onions and fry till translucent,
  
  Add serrano peppers, fry for 8 mins on medium
  
  Add all dried beans and mix well
  
  Add tomatoes, spinach, and all spices, mix well.
  
  Add enough water (should be about 3/4 full in a 6quart pressure cooker like [this] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006ISG6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
  
  Wait till the pot starts bubbling, then add the pressure cooker lid and let pressure build up on medium/medium-high.
  
  Once pressure is built up, cook time is about 8 mins of constant 15lbs pressure.
  
  Rapid depressurize the pressure cooker.
  
  Add cilantro
  
  Let it cool for 10 mins and serve with rice, naan and kheema or a dollop of fat free yoghurt.

dude a brand new cast iron pan is only like 16 bucks. Why would you even bother with the Shittily designed Farberware for the same price?

I cook almost everyday, and usually, at least twice a day. The only kitchen thing that I cannot live without is a Lodge cast-iron skillet. I use it to cook everything. Steak and all the breakfast stuff! I think it is a must have for everybody who cook a lot or like to cook. The 10-inch one is perfect for individuals. Go with the 12-inch one for batch cooking or cooking for the family.

Let's do it in the kitchen.

Amazon!

Your order needs to be over 25$ for free shipping. May I suggest my proven Amazon free-shipping order booster?

omnomnom

You can't go wrong with a #8 (10.25") or #10 (12") Lodge skillet. They are both pretty cheap on Amazon or at Walmart.

Do read through all the great tips and information in the FAQ. Cast iron is different than most other modern cookware, so learning cooking, cleaning, and care tips is important.

For searing steaks, I like to use the "reverse sear" method, and Alton Brown's method works great.

BACKPACK



Better Pan

Here's a Lodge on Amazon for $15.

Stay away from the non American-made pans as there are reports of some Chinese cast-iron containing high amounts of lead.

The regular is on sale as well
http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Pre-Seasoned-Cast-Iron-Skillet-10-25-inch/dp/B00006JSUA/ref=pd_sim_k_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=1F1Z9E5Q7FY5PGKYRCYC

Cast iron skillets are pieces of cookware.
Cast iron cook ware comes in a multitude of forms for various applications.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00006JSUA/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494513171&sr=8-1&pi=SL75_QL70&keywords=cast+iron+skillet

This is the standard issue skillet.
The absolute best bang for your buck.

They're like $15 on Amazon...

Tried to think of a gifts in that price range.

• How about a Thermapen. It's a fantastic instant-read thermometer.
  
  
• Le Creuset Dutch Oven. We love this thing. Having said that, the price seems to have gone up from $200 to $240. Unknown if it's from holiday pricing or inflation.
  
  
• KitchenAid Blender. Not sure which model is best but any one should be awesome.
  
  
• Lodge Logic Cast Iron Skillet. One of the best buys we've ever made. Great pan, comes pre-seasoned, and AFFORDABLE!
  
  Oops, I just remember that America's Test Kitchen reviews products! Someone put together a list on Amazon of their 2012 Best products. See also one of their books.
  
  Note: Sometimes you can't view their content because it's behind their paywall.

Do cast iron skillets have to be so expensive? I've seen them for reasonable prices on amazon, such as this one: http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-L10SK3-Pre-Seasoned-Skillet-12-Inch/dp/B00006JSUB/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393865220&sr=8-1&keywords=cast+iron+skillet
And its pre-seasoned...
Is it good, or is it cheap because its crap?

Yup. Get a good cast iron or carbon steel skillet.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006JSUB/?tag=atkyoutube-20

and it should only cost you $20 tops. maybe 25. but definitely not 30.
edit: Are we talking the 12 inch skillet?

I bought my 12" cast iron skillet at Target for...I can't remember...but it was really reasonable. It's a Lodge, really heavy, and it was already pre-seasoned. I've had it about 9 months and it performs great, haven't had any issues yet.

You don't have to wait for your granny to die!

Edit: I found it on Amazon

Get this

I've been putting together a birthday/Christmas gift list...

• Outlier Nycos
  
• Taylor Stitch Townsend denim
  
• Booze (Bulleit Bourbon)
  
• Wool socks
  
• Gift cards to BB, J. Crew
  
• Kiva microloan (try it free!)
  
• A decent camp knife
  
• Cast-iron frying pan
  
• Good kitchen tongs
  
• Paracord
  
• Any hobby stuff - for me it's ski goggles, ski lessons, firearms course fees, rifle locker, etc.

this will carry you far, young one.

I really enjoy my take on Hamburger Helper:

1 lb ground beef

1 package of Shirataki noodles

1 small onion

2tbsp powdered cheddar (any cheese will do here)

4 oz of heavy cream.

In a 12" cast iron skillet, brown the meat on high. Reduce to medium heat, add onions until they are translucent. Turn to low heat, add cream, cheese, and drained noodles. Simmer and stir often for 5-10 minutes.

PS Everyone needs a good cast iron skillet. Get one ASAP and never wash it with soap :)

YES! Winter canning! Canned soups, chili, beans, and chicken stock are my favourites. My garden isn't quite large enough that I need to can green beans and whatnot, but when it is, I'll be canning those too! I got this one two years ago and it has more than paid for itself already. You'll never go back to the commercially canned soups and chili etc after making your own. There's no comparison with respect to the quality of the finished product. I also find it's more fun. If you enjoy cooking, you'll like pressure canning things. Making vats of chili or chicken stock is so different from hunkering down with 50 lbs of apples.

I feel your pain re the pears. I put up around 100 half-pints for our lunch pails last summer.

As ShannonOh says, you'll need a pressure cooker. I use mine to can stews, chili, pork curry, basil chicken, and tom kah gai soup. If you end up getting a pressure cooker, work up small batches until you get the flavoring right. The pressure cooking process bleeds a lot of the flavor out.

I bought this pressure cooker, this kit, and this book. I like the book and the cooker, but the kit was somewhat low quality and is already in need of replacing.

You can also use a pressure cooker for just regular cooking too. The book talks about taking completely frozen roasts and cooking them in a couple hours! I haven't tried it yet, but I will.

I have a glass top stove and I use a Presto. I have both the Presto 23 Quart and the Presto 16 Quart. I use the 16 quart more though because it is just easier to handle with the low clearance of the microwave.

If you're interested in getting into canning, you could pressure can any amount of shelf-stable vegetable broth.

https://www.amazon.com/Presto-01781-23-Quart-Pressure-Canner/dp/B0000BYCFU/

https://www.bernardin.ca/recipes/vegetable-stock.htm?Lang=EN-US

This is one I got and it’s $70

Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000BYCFU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_iUqKDbT8V0XE5

A few reasons, some real, some myth that is still considered real. There is always an argument, but there are 2 main problems:

You can't use an oxygen based cleaner like oxyclean or one-step, which makes it a pain in the ass.

You have to bake the thing for a few hours before you use it because you need to build up an oxide layer.

There are some myths about them causing Alzheimer's and some other bad things, there are studies showing it is not true, but TBH if there is even a small chance I want no part of that.

I guess to each his own. When I was doing 5 gallon batches, and I still occasionally do, I used 2 of these

http://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classic-1044-44-Quart-Stainless-Steel/dp/B000VXHKMC/ref=sr_1_2?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1410760703&sr=1-2&keywords=Bayou+classic+pot

For the price and quality, you can't beat it. 11 gallons is a good size for 5 gallon batches because of boil overs ( depending on the weather, out here in a 90 min boil during a 100 degree day in the summer I easily boil off 1.5 gallons, so an 8 gallon pot doesn't work as I can start anywhere from 7.5-8 gallons of wort. Depends on where you are and stuff like that, but IMO 11 gallons plays it safe. )

If you are going to be serious, get a good SS pot and it will last forever. Might be a small bit pricier at first, but the quality, longevity, ease of cleaning, and not having some question in the back of your head that you might get Alzheimer's, if it is true or false, is worth it

An 8 gallon pot is probably a bit too small. Most 5 gallon all grain recipes end up wanting 6.5-7.5 preboil gallons of wort, so at 8 gallons, you are in some real boilover danger. I have this 44 quart stainless pot from Amazon as my kettle, and couldn't be happier with it. It goes on sale pretty regularly - my wife bought it for me for $68.

I actually use my old 6 gallon pot as my hot liquor tank (aka pot to heat hot water in). Most people use 1.25 - 1.5 quarts of water per pound of grain for their mash, so you only end up actually lifting ~4 gallons at any given time. You then drain that into your brew kettle. Next, you sparge with another ~3-4 gallons or so of water.

You could use your 8 gallon pot as the HLT, though if you were very careful, I uppose you could get away without it ad use it to boil in. You could heat water in smaller pots, say, on your stove.

A valve is a nice thing to have, I'm sure, but I do just fine without one. I can handle four gallons of water just fine for the mash/sparge. The only heavy part is the 7.5 gallon pick up, but that's only from the ground to my burner... and if I was smart, the kettle would already be on my burner. I don't have a fancy brewstand, but I put my mash tun/cooler up on sawhorses. Puts it at a nice height for access and draining.

For the record, I love all grain.

I make soup in my rice cooker! Just toss in the ingredients and wait for it to bubble. Give it a stir every now and then to make sure nothing's stuck to the bottom.

For steaming stuff you can get a collapsible steaming basket that fits inside the pot (like so: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0029728H0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_NK6jDbQ8ZF9JN), or rig one with a steamer stand and a cake pan (or aluminium tray/pan with holes punched in).

As an example I have used my rice cooker to steam potatoes to make mashed potatoes! :)

We generally get home at 6 and can often eat dinner by 7; I've found a lot of things I can get done in 30-40 minutes. what's been a huge help for me is that I get stuff going and I can walk away and do other things - like help my son with his homework - and not be rushing to the stove all the time. So things might take longer than 30 minutes, but I can get stuff done during that 30 minutes. I have a cookbook or two for mine, and I honestly don't use them. I use blog posts and a Facebook group. I google what I want to make and add "instant pot" to the search. :)

I use the trivet that came with my instant pot, an inexpensive metal veggie steamer basket, my 1qt white corningware casserole dish, and a stainless steel bowl. I have a bundt pan as well but use that rarely. The only things I had to buy were the steamer basket and the bowl.

We quite often will make pasta and meatballs; pasta and water in the pot, meatballs on top. Cook. Add in sauce. That one I can usually have done in 20 minutes. A small pork tenderloin on the trivet, steamer basket balanced on top with red potatoes is a 15 min. cook time; about 10 min. to come up to pressure and I wait 5-10 to release pressure. Anything with chicken breast is really fast. The other day I did a chicken rice and broccoli dish that took under 30 min. Last night we had a baked egg casserole. Taco Pie is another favorite here, but it works best if you have a 7" springform pan.

Mmmm wings ....

Baked Wings:

• Steam wing for 10 minutes. I use one of these and do them in batches.

• Place on cooling rack(s) set over a lined baking/cookie sheet. (Line with newspaper, paper towels or parchment paper to catch grease.)

• Place baking sheet with the rack of steamed wings in the fridge, uncovered, for several hours. This step is critical if you like crispy skin on your wings!
____

• Pull wings from fridge long enough to take the chill off the meat and baking sheet. About an hour, depending on your house temp. You don't want to throw the cold meat and tray in the oven, it will drop the oven temp.

• Preheat oven to 500°F = 260° C

• Reline baking sheet with fresh parchment paper ... or Reynolds Wrap© 🙄 😀, and place wings directly on lining, in a single layer and space around each wing. (They tend to stick to the rack and it rips the skins, so I don't use a rack.)

• Bake for approximately 20 minutes, then turn each wing and bake for approximately another 20 minutes. Keep a close eye while baking, ovens differ. Timing depends on how crispy you like the skins and it doesn't take much for these to overcook and become sad, dried, little mummified things.

• Spin in your favorite sauce. We do two sauces. Hubs likes the traditional hot wings Frank's© style sauce, while I like a mix of his and BBQ sauce.

We serve ours with bleu cheese dip instead of ranch. If your interested in wing sauce and/or the bleu dip recipes, let me know. I haven't found a good* recipe for ranch that doesn't involve a packet of ... stuff. Yeah, stuff.

spend the $30 for a actual bag over a paint strainer bag. i would pay extra for the 15 gal over 10. a 10 will not handle anything over 13lbs of grain and a 90 min boil without sparging.

best bang for your buck kettle would be the Bayou classic with the ball valve on it.

i got my bag from Brewinabag.com.

thats all you need. i would reccomend buying a $20 refractometer off amazon to check gravities after mash and preboil. it will help you gauge if you need to boil longer before starting your additions or add DME to get your gravity where it needs to be.

Hi! Thanks! Ask as many questions as you like.

The pots are these and the valves are these.

A good sized stainless pan? I have a 12" pan that works incredibly. The All-Clad 12" is the ideal stainless pan, it's fully clad (3 layer; stainless top, then aluminum, then stainless bottom) the stainless is for toughness and surface cooking while the aluminum is for conductivity, and that mix runs all the way up the side so the whole pan retains the heat well. It's also go nice rounded bottoms so things don't get stuck. Plus metal handle so you can toss it in the oven, and it's the perfect weight.

Got this guy at Target for $20. Lodge Cast Iron 12" Skillet.

Skillet

Pan Pizza Baking Process (from SeriousEats)

Hey scourgeobohem!

I really don't know much about curing meat, other than that it requires precise conditions/temperatures - an apartment might not be the best environment for it.

As far as aging/pan-searing your steaks though, I would point you to this guide by food-genius J. Kenji Lopez-Alt. Absorb every consonant, for it is gospel. He is the final word on making the ultimate steak at home, without a grill. My first piece of advice would be to stop using the stainless steel and get yourself a cast-iron pan. It's able to absorb/distribute much more heat, and will go a long way in getting that crunchy sear you're after. Above all, it'll last a lifetime, and this nice silicone-handled one is only $24! They require a little love - no washing with soap, ever, and obviously never run through the dishwasher. But their ability to sear the everloving fuck out of steaks is second-to-none. Also, when used properly, they're naturally non-stick - making them ideal for eggy brunch bakes, fish, and more!

Now when you say apartment-friendly smoker - do you mean indoor smoker? Because if you wish to live, none such smoker exists. Smokers, by definition, produce smoke, which can't be done indoors - you will die and everyone you love will die. That being said, if you have a balcony or some such, these little vertical smokers can be very effective and not take up much space. But frankly, I prefer a steak with a crispy, seared crust and rare interior - something very accomplishable with the humble aforementioned cast iron pan.

Lastly, when making fried veggie (let's say spinach) balls, I would definitely go with shredded leaves. If you use whole leaves, and take a big ol' bite of your ball, and don't bite clean through that particular leaf of spinach (which you definitely won't), you'll drag the whole leaf out of the ball, tearing it apart. Check out any kind of vegetable fritter - you'll see that the veggies are chopped up/shredded into little bite-sized pieces!

Forget all this modern non-stick mumbo jumbo, go with seasoned cast iron.

Yeah it can be, you're not supposed to tilt them for ~24 hours, it can screw up the seal. Best to set them out and let them be. Watch them, if any of the seals aren't down, eat them immediately. If anything is suspicious throw it out.

As others have pointed out, go with a non-electric canner too. Presto canners work quite well, plus they come with a booklet for canning that is very helpful.

They are accurate and you can spend a little more and get one with a gauge, but it's not necessary. $95, Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000BYCFU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_U4wzybNV0WZSV

23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker

This is what everyone starts off with
It will last you through the learning process and is good enough for growing your own

https://www.amazon.com/Presto-01781-23-Quart-Pressure-Canner/dp/B0000BYCFU/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1526745078&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=presto+pressure+cooker&psc=1

Once you get good and have more money and want to go smal scale commercial, you can upgrade to an "ALL AMERICAN 941"or Large 41 Quart Benchtop Autoclave Sterilizer

Watch YouTube! I love BexarPrepper, Linda's Pantry, and Deep South Homestead. Read the most current canning books, and follow processing instructions as printed. I also learned by watching my mom and talking with a few other avid canners. I bought this canner, the ball canning book from the canning aisle, read and watched everything I possibly could. Knowing how to can is great, because now there are things I will never purchase from store, like strawberry jam 😍

When i moved into my apartment I found a old nasty rusted cast iron grill pan

I coated it in oven cleaner then scrapped the shit out of it with steel wool. Cleaned it out, oiled it up and now it's part of my kitchen.

That's the kind of product that's BIFL to me.

It's similar to furniture that's built out of MDF with a nice veneer vs solid wood furniture.

Sure the veneer looks great, as long as you don't stain or scratch it off it will be fine. This is contrasted with a solid piece of wood that you can always sand down and refinish it if something happens.

Off-topic: how did you make that concise and adorable Amazon link? Whenever I try to link a product from Amazon to a friend it's always a huge ugly link.

Like this big ugly thing: http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-L8SGP3-Pre-Seasoned-Cast-Iron-10-5-inch/dp/B0000CF66W/ref=sr_1_4?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1415839536&sr=1-4&keywords=pre-seasoned+cast-iron

I have a Foreman Grill. It is last year's model, and it is one of the most heinous awful pieces of shit China has ever produced. There is no accurate temp control, its just hi to lo. There is no on/off switch, just yank and arc. The plates are removable, which is nice so I just stash them in the dishwasher so no one sees them. I had hoped to grill lots of chicken, but the top plate is always hotter, and the bottom plate heats uneven. Its like the Queen of England herself took a royal dump into some melted plastic and shite metal and out came this astonishing burnished turd of a cooking device.



Don't bother with a counter-top grill. Buy a grill pan, 2 if you need a press. http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-L8SGP3-Pre-Seasoned-Cast-Iron-10-5-inch/dp/B0000CF66W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417742343&sr=8-1&keywords=grill+pan



Nobody wants some meat that has had all its juices drained out anyways.

It's not going to be the same, but you have a few substitute options:

• George Foreman Grill
  
  
• Cast Iron skillet
  
  
• Cast Iron Grill Pan http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Logic-L8SGP3-Pre-Seasoned-Square/dp/B0000CF66W
  
  
• Broiler

Do you have one of these? Grill yourself some peaches. Add some brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to it. Serve with ice cream (I do vanilla bean). The dish my family makes me bring is roasted bell peppers, carrots, green beans, garlic (lots of garlic), red potatoes, onion, and whatever else I have in my fridge. Add salt and pepper, paprika, and whatever the fuck else you want. Those three spices are essential though.

I have the square Le Creuset ($90) grill pan. I paid about $40 for it, but I wish I had just bought the Lodge ($20). I really don't like the enamel coating on the cooking surface of the Le Creuset. The Le Creuset cast iron pans and skillets all have an enamel coating on the cooking surface and they say you don't have to season it, but they never really build up a good seasoning and if you try to season them they don't take the seasoning very well. The Le Creuset enameled dutch ovens are fantastic, but bare cast iron in a pan or skillet is the way to go. I also prefer my Lodge cast iron skillets to my Le Creuset skillets. Unless you plan on cooking acidic foods in your grill pan the lodge is the best and the best value of any grill pan. I also don't recommend aluminum grill pans because they lose too much heat when you put cold food in them.

Grab a griddle with grill grates like this below. I have a cast iron one and use it often when I’m lazy and don’t feel like firing up the grill.

Lodge L8SGP3 Cast Iron Square Grill Pan, Pre-Seasoned, 10.5-inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000CF66W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_DHg9AbP85XPNR

I use this Dutch oven: Lodge L8DOL3 Pre-Seasoned Dutch Oven with Dual Handles, 5-Quart by Lodge http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00063RWYI/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_Hw1ntb0XX86N9

As for the parchment paper, it has a certain temperature that it can go before it starts to burn/blacken. I've gone up to 450 degrees with no problem.

Parchment paper is great because it helps me transfer my bread into the Dutch oven without damaging or ruining the air bubbles in the bread.

As far as I'm concerned, the paper does not alter the taste of the bread!

I received this Lodge cast iron dutch oven from my fiance last Christmas. I use it to make bread, soups/stews, and fried foods (fish, chips, ect.). I've browned meats in it a few times when I don't want to overload my cast iron pan. One thing I would say is that using it for soups has been hard on the seasoning.

a good wok, is about as important as a good heat source for it. as i understand, the problem is, western stove tops don't put out enough heat to use regular woks effectively. so for me, all regular asian wok's are out of the question.

teflon wok can be convenient, but still not good. yes the coating wears down, but you can't get it hot enough to do a good wok cook.

the closest thing to success i've used? dutch big ass oven https://smile.amazon.com/Lodge-L8DOL3-Handles-Pre-Seasoned-5-Quart/dp/B00063RWYI/ref=sr_1_6?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1487267253&sr=1-6&keywords=dutch+oven

why? on electric, or gas stove top, you just let it heat up until it starts to smoke. put a little oil in, and put some food to stir fry. by not putting much food in at a time, you allow it to get a ton of heat, closer to an actual wok cooking. scoop it out, let it heat back up, and do more.

lodge logic stuff comes pre-seasoned, and ive never had to strip mine down and re-season it. i just wipe it clean with paper towel, maybe scrape some bits off with a metal spatula or big cooking spoon, and let it dry/cool.

IF you really want an actual wok, i think some turkey fryer burners can put out enough heat to do it justice. but you'll likely want to use it outside. i thought i remember you needing around 100,000 BTU to cook on a wok well. this should be enough https://smile.amazon.com/Portable-High-Pressure-Single-Burner-Adjustable-Regulator/dp/B01LTBH2UO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1487267502&sr=8-3&keywords=high+btu+propane+burner

edit: one thing worth mentioning. cast iron and carbon steel both rust if not taken care of. i think, given the same thickness and same dimensions, carbon steel is heavier. also, i think carbon steel conducts heat better/faster. i have not looked into using a carbon steel dutch oven. my cast iron one was $40 like 7 years ago and it has been a dam trooper ever since. i even do long cooks with tomato sauce and it's fine.

I would suggest this http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-L8DOL3-Pre-Seasoned-Cast-Iron-Handles/dp/B00063RWYI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1418785009&sr=8-3&keywords=5+quart+cast+iron. It will last forever, be non-stick and probably won't kill you.

This is what we mean. :) Dutch Oven
Mine is ceramic coated in purple. Great for stews and baking bread!

Lodge brand cast-iron cookware, it's cheap and awesome. Not even a 'someday' thing so much as a 'as soon as the major debts are paid and some emergency fund is built' thing. For example, this dutch oven is only about $30 and it's the perfect thing for roasting a whole chicken, or making a big, yummy stew.

Hope this helps and best of luck to you and your family! :)

Cast iron wok?

My mouth has been watering over this monster for months.

Unfortunately, my cast iron purchase (16 inch frying pan) eventually pulled my pot rack full of about 20 pots and pans out of the ceiling and onto my lovely 17 inch macbook underneath. Needless to say it's acquired a few dents. The pots are OK, though.

The one on the left does not look like cast iron. At any rate, the real value of cast iron is in heat retention which comes from its heavy weight and thickness. The one on the left looks really thin - which completely defeats the purpose. The Walmart review ratings are quite bad as well - 1.6 out of 5.

I have a cast iron wok which is handed down the generations - it is certainly thicker than the one on the left but its thickness and weight is midway between the extreme lightness of a carbon steel wok and a regular cast iron skillet.

My suggestion would be to go with the carbon steel wok. Just make sure the bottom is as flat as possible and it has as much depth as possible (should be fairly high). You want maximum contact area with the circular heating element in your glasstop, and you want your wok to be fairly high so you can toss things around without it falling off.

If you are okay with the higher price, you could also get something like the Lodge Logic cast iron wok - it has a flat bottom, will take its time to heat up, but when it does heats up properly, it will sear like a champ as it will have all this retained heat. But it is heavy and cumbersome and more difficult to clean and i guess more expensive than a carbon steel wok - so that really is the tradeoff.

tl;dr - do not buy that carbon steel one on the left. Either buy the one on the right, the carbon steel one, or buy a good quality cast iron wok. And if you are buying the one on the right, make sure the handle is sturdy as that is what usually ends up breaking or failing.

I use a cast iron combo cooker for my baking. I know you said you own an a cast iron but this combo works great for me. It's $29 which is much cheaper than Dutch Ovens.

This combo cooker was recommended by Chad Robertson in his Tartine bread cookbook.

https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Cooker-Pre-seasoned-Skillet-Convertible/dp/B0009JKG9M

I would highly recommend the lodge combo cooker. Works the same way as a Dutch oven, but easier to load and score a loaf without burning yourself.

https://www.amazon.ca/Lodge-LCC3-Logic-Pre-Seasoned-Cooker/dp/B0009JKG9M

If you want a good inexpensive non teflon pan that will last forever I suggest a lodge cast iron skillet.

This dutch oven has a lid that doubles as a 10" skillet.

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-LCC3-Logic-Pre-Seasoned-Cooker/dp/B0009JKG9M/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1394343050&sr=1-1&keywords=lodge+cast+iron

If you like the dutch oven you might want to consider the reversible griddle/grill.

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Single-Burner-Reversible-Griddle-10-5-inch/dp/B000E1WA7Q/ref=sr_1_47?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1394343097&sr=1-47&keywords=lodge+cast+iron

10" is a good size for cooking for one or two people. The 12" pans are a lot heavier and so i tend to stick with the 10" unless i really need the surface area, and then i often use the griddle.

I could really use this cast iron skillet to use for cooking both at home and when we go camping. C'mon...gimme a surprise!

It should also be noted that if you do not already own a cast iron pan, Lodge also sells a dutch oven/cast iron pan set. That is to say, the lid to the dutch oven, can be used as a pan.

We registered at Amazon for the selection and convenience. We could find just about anything on amazon, and could add anything else through the universal registry feature. Guests shipped most gifts to our home, which was great since we live across the country from where we were married. I'd heard the return policy was rough, but luckily we didn't have any duplicate purchases. Amazon's registry was perfect for our needs.

Some of the most-used items we received:

• VonShef mixing bowls.
  
  
• Narrow measuring spoons. These fit inside containers and are so much less messy.
  
  
• Glass tupperware set.
  
  
• Adjustable temperature water kettle. Our household is really into coffee and tea, and this has made all the difference.
  
  
• Coffee grinder. Our total splurge of a grinder that was generously gifted by another coffee nerd.
  
  
• Griddle pan. Perfect for grilled cheese, pancakes, etc.
  
  
• The Harry Potter box set. We put this on there to break up the typical household list and were so excited for a nice hardcover set!
  
  
• Cast iron dutch oven/skillet combo.

I wouldn't use an actual Enamel Dutch Oven for baking sourdough. I did that for a while and it ruined the enamel coating.

I use this now specifically for bread and it works great:

https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-LCC3-Cooker-Pre-Seasoned-3-2-Quart/dp/B0009JKG9M

Your deep skillet is also available in a combo where the lid is a shallow skillet. It's called a combo cooker and if you find a way to purchase that lid/skillet that has its own handle, you've completed the combo.


As an added bonus, the lid also sports a great big Lodge embossed on the bottom.

It can be found for less money.

I love mine, use it constantly. I love that the lid doubles as a skillet.

I don't have one yet, but I've heard good things about this one as well.


Lodge LCC3 Cast Iron Combo Cooker, Pre-Seasoned, 3.2-Quart https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009JKG9M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Reryyb1CTD8RV

• Lodge sells direct: Lodge 3 Quart Cast Iron Combo Cooker/Dutch Oven or Amazon ~ 'combo' because lid can be used as a frying pan. I bake using it upside down, putting my dough in lid, easier to drop into the shallow than deeper part. I reserve both parts for bread baking, not to sear meat or other cooking.
  
• My go-to video: Lewis Kelly's: Tartine for Dummies

Amazon? I'm getting myself this pair for my birthday

Don't buy a set-- buy individual pieces. You'll save money because you'll only be buying what you need, and not what you won't use. My essentials:

An All-Clad Saute pan. $50 at TJ Maxx, Marshall's or Home Goods. There's not a TON your roommates can do to mess it up.

A Bialetti Aeternum nonstick pan. $19.87 on Amazon. If your roommates mess it up, it's only $19.87 and nonstick doesn't last forever anyway. Plus, this doesn't have any weird chemicals that do who knows what to you.

A saucepan or two from Ikea. Really. They have some nice heavy bottomed ones. They're not terribly expensive either.

A Lodge cast iron skillet. New, they're not that expensive, but I guarantee there are a couple at your local thrift shop. You can reseason it and it will last forever. If your roommates muck it up, reseason it again (I had someone mess mine up housesitting, it took about half a Sunday to fix, but it is fixable).

A stockpot for soups, stews, etc. I'd buy that from Ikea too, or see what's on sale at TJ Maxx.

Oh, this is a great one: http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-LCC3-Pre-Seasoned-Cooker-10-25-inch/dp/B0009JKG9M/ref=pd_sim_hg_4 combo saucepan/cast iron skillet.

300$ is top of the line stuff, you should be able to find stuff under 100$ pretty much everywhere. Have you checked Amazon, Walmart or similar? For example I have a no name SS from Macy's I bought almost 15 years ago and it cooks perfectly, still in pristine shape. I think I paid like 30 bucks for it.

Otherwise if you want a one size fits all nonstick pan to hold you over, Cook's Illustrated rated T-Fal their top pick. It's 26 bucks on Amazon US. It's a great pan!

https://www.amazon.com/T-fal-Professional-Nonstick-Thermo-Spot-Indicator/dp/B000GWG0T2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483926536&sr=8-1&keywords=nonstick

I believe non-stick cookware is one of the items where BIFL doesn't really exist. ANY non-stick surface is going to suffer wear.

Still, T-Fal Professional line I think was a America's Test Kitchen best pick. If you're willing to use something a bit bigger here's the 12" Skillet for $24.99. Mine's lasted me three years and is just now probably needing a replacement.

Don't buy expensive ones. I treat mine well but expect to replace them once a year or so. I only purchase restaurant type pan at supply places (or at Sams Club) so they only cost $30 or $40.

I have been testing out this T-Fal Professional 12" fry pan which got a top recommendation from Cooks Illustrated. It's been a super performer and it's only $30. So far not a single scratch although I only use plastic utensils and hand wash. It's only defect is that the bottom is slightly convex so oil has a tendency to slide to the edges rather than stay flat on the surface.

If they lasted 2 or 3 years I'd be very happy.

IMHO all the posts about using other types of pans are not reasonable. There's nothing like a non-stick pan for many types of food prep. I have no problems using them.

Why not just eat cheese and meat roll ups for breakfast? Take a slice of deli meat and a slice of cheese and roll them up. Salami and mozzarella, ham and cheddar, roast beef and provolone etc.

You could also make a cheese omelette the night before and under cook it a little so it doesn't overcook when you reheat it. This 8 inch pan the best omelette pan I've used.

Alton Brown's I'm Just Here for the Food is a great primer on the science of cooking. I read it in culinary school, and it was a great distillation of the main concepts (which cuts are of meat are good for braising, searing, roasting, etc. and how to properly perform each technique). If you end up enjoying Alton Brown's style, I would also recommend Fish on a First Name Basis for fish cookery. Lastly, Cook's Illustrated is a wonderful resource on food and cooking. The yearly online membership is only approx $25, and you get access to all previously published recipes and equipment reviews.

In terms of equipment, the knife I personally use is the Victorinox 10-inch chef knife. Japanese steel is great and all, but for the same price you could get this knife, a good electric knife sharpener, and a honing steel and still have some left over. The best knife is a sharp knife after all. I would also highly recommend a T-fal non-stick pan for a solid multi-purpose first pan.

Finally, for an herb garden, I generally try to aim for either expensive or infrequently used herbs for indoor gardening. The reasoning behind growing expensive herbs is pretty straightforward. I primarily grow infrequently used herbs to avoid wasting what I wouldn't use up when cooking (as you mentioned is oft a problem). In my region, basil, sage, thyme, tarragon, and oregano would all be good candidates to grow. Parsley, cilantro, and bay leaf tend to be cheaper at the market in my area, so I usually just purchase those.

I have an instant pot, but it's a bit small for the cook I'm looking to do. This is the pressure canner I have. It's quite a bit bigger than I remembered it being. It's a freaking monster!

Coffee grounds do work, but as they are extremely nutritious and high in nitrogen, it is also one of the easiest to get contaminated. You can also mix it in (~10%) into a substrate like straw or sawdust:

For a kitchen, instead of using straw you can use sawdust. Buy a bag of hardwood fuel pellets (HWFP); you can get them for ~$5 for a 40 lb bag at a hardware or home improvement store. Just hydrate the pellets and they turn into sawdust, which king oysters, lions mane, and shiitake love, and regular oysters do well on it as well. I use sawdust supplemented with wheat bran and gypsum for my grows.

The instant pot will work initially, but it cooks around 10-12 psig, compared to the suggested 15 psig of other pressure cookers (I have an Instant Pot as well, but use a 23 qt Presto pressure cooker for mushrooming). This means you might not get quiiite as good of sterilization. However, if you use low or no supplementation (i.e. just use 100% sawdust), it should work perfectly. As you'll want to pressure cook for a fairly long time (~2 hours), you need to make sure to put a lot of

For the Instant Pot size, I'd suggest getting medium-sized mycobags. You should be able to fit one comfortably into the Instant Pot. It's generally advisable to put a piece of Tyvek (either a tyvek sleeve or part of a tyvek post office envelope) slid down the opening of the bag (and folded down) to ensure the bag stays open enough during the pressure cooking. You'll also want to put something on top of the bag (either a plate or something similar; I use a canning rack) to prevent the bag from expanding and covering the pressure release valves.

I realize this was a huge information dump, sorry if it's more than you wanted/needed! Happy to answer any other questions you have; I'm far from an expert but I keep trying :)

https://www.amazon.com/Presto-01781-23-Quart-Pressure-Canner/dp/B0000BYCFU

Same brand but larger for the same price if you're looking to sterilize 10 qt jars at once. And the pressure gauge comes in handy.

While you can get away with steam sterilization/fractional sterilization, If you plan on doing this for a while, you're gonna want a pressure cooker. The one you posted a picture of is small too btw. It'll work for 4 or maybe 8 pf tek jars at a time and wont work for quarts of spawn but this one will probably do 27ish 1/2 pints or 10 grain jars at a time.

Is it one of these monsters? (https://www.amazon.com/Presto-01781-23-Quart-Pressure-Canner/dp/B0000BYCFU)

You might want to invest in a smaller pressure cooker...if only to make your life easier when it comes time to clean the thing.

I know this isn't what you're asking, but I'd just like to chime in and say that if you're serious about mushroom cultivation you should invest in a pressure cooker. I have this 23 qt Presto, which, at around $90, may seem expensive, but it's really worth it, and it can handle the largest jobs you can throw at it. It makes the entire process so much quicker and easier and ensures you're getting proper sterilization.

I just bought this http://amzn.to/2puzIdE from all my research it seemed to be the best bang for the buck. I have yet to use it though.

Jamie Oliver sells one with his name in the UK.

Otherwise I'd recommend these three.

Le Creuset Enameled 10 inch square grill pan

Lodge 10 inch standard

Lodge 12" shallow

I can't find the specific pan used in that video. It's likely European. In general, I think the 12" Lodge will do the trick and is economical. Good luck!

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!

50 points :-D

A picture of you taking [a picture of you] (http://i.imgur.com/Imjg6qfl.jpg) (username spelled out on floor and on door)

25 points :)

• A picture of me at a landmark, in this case, The Old Kentucky Home aka Thomas Wolfe House. here and here. Sidenote: I really don't like Wolfe's writing.
  
  
• My favorite vacation so far was taken in February of this year. My best friend invited my husband and I to cruise with him. I was hesitant to leave the children (1 & 3) at home with their grandparents, and cried as we pulled out of port. That was the last time I thought about them for days. Our first stop was St. Maarten, where we swam with dolphins. Coco was the name of the dolphin we swam with. We got to give her kisses, dance with her, and ride belly-to-belly with her. The next day in St. Kitts, they told us not to touch the monkeys - they are dirty and mean. Well, we rode a catamaran to snorkel for my first time ever. It was amazing and I can't stop wanting to go back. On the way back, there was free rum punch, which put us in the mood for some dancing! We were supposed to go on another tour after that, but got back too late. We were so drunk that we didn't even care. We paid a man $10 to get a picture of a monkey sitting on my head. Advice be damned! The third day was Puerto Rico, where we only had half a day, but made the most of it by going to trapeze school, which completely changed my life! I was the worst one there -- I couldn't get my legs onto the trapeze because I haven't worked on my body since having two c-sections. Therefore I have no core muscles. I was so inspired by how fun it was, that I have been working toward being able to perform in aerial arts ever since!! Besides all of this, we got to see my best friend, whom we usually get to see only once every four years. It was a trip of a lifetime... and we will probably get to take a similar trip in the western Carribbean next year!! （＾ｖ＾）
  
  
  
• So, this is a bit awkward, but it was the very best I could do while the kids sat in the (on, with A/C on) car and I tried to avoid being run over. Montreat is everyone's town. We spend our summer days here. Their welcome sign doesn't say "Welcome to Montreat," but says Welcome in several languages, and then their famous gate supplies the town name. I know in the second pic I look like I am trying to keep something from falling on me. I was really just trying to flash my username. Well, you can't see it, but I swear it's there. I definitely don't have another reason to take this picture in such a rush!
  
  
• A picture of me on top of a mountain This is at Craggy Pinnacle, in Western NC. Elevation: 5,892 ft. The bikers I saw there and got to take my picture were so nice! They live in a northern Georgia, and his aunt lives in Virginia. They were a couple and she was going to meet his aunt, the first family member of his that he had met. Adorable. c:
  
  
• Junigole hearts RAOA
  
  
  
  15 points (:
  ***
  
  
• Here I am, grilling corn in husks. They were terrible. Too late in the season.
  
  
• My favorite video game: You're not going to like this one, but I haven't played video games in years. This does not mean I do not have a favorite. As a child, my favorite was the Keen series, and of those, my favorite was Aliens Ate My Babysitter. Wow, what a flashback.
  Later on, I went on to love playing The Sims, but slow computer speeds and other things going on limited my enjoyment of it. I enjoyed building the homes more than game play, but if we are talking pure enjoyment, I definitely enjoyed Keen more, because of its simplicity and action. (✿◠‿◠)
  
  
• My favorite recipe can be found here, and my family will thank you for having me make it. （＾ｖ＾）
  
  
• Picture of me making said recipe (whilst smiling) ^.^
  
  
• Picture of me eating said recipe (whilst smiling) NOTE you have to look very closely to see it, but my username and the date 8.22.14 are written on the brown paper bag/future campfire kindling, both in this picture and the last. ^_^
  
  
• My weight here is primarily on my hands, and you can't tell it, but my feet are not resting on the door. I am actually unsupported in this picture. Didn't last long, but it happened. It's great but a real shame because I did a handstand in the silks earlier today but there was no way to get a picture of that moment. It was incredible. And my arms are so tired from climbing the silks that I am surprised they supported my body at all.
  
  
• /u/cats_and_vibrators - I love you! You are freaking awesome for maintaining the weekly checkin. For the past two weeks, I have taken advantage of this service, and it has really helped me a lot in my quest to become more mindful. It takes a lot of dedication to put yourself out there to do this for people every week!
  
  10 points :-D
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• a picture of gold from the internet. Enjoy.
  
  
• Comment on an Intro
  
  
• Participate in a Discussion. (Little tidbit: Since returning to the sub just a few days ago, I have a goal of participating in three discussions per day. Doesn't usually happen because some days there are no discussions going on about which I can comment. But I try!)
  
  
• I read the rules and learned about ongoing activities. Although I knew they existed, I don't know that I had previously seen this collection of them. I learned about Wabble (didn't know where people were playing Scrabble), and the rules regarding weekly activities.
  
  
• A few pictures of me doing something I love: here here here & here
  
  
• I hate cleaning the kitchen
  
  
• Wellll.... I think this will work for this one, but it's sort of the opposite. So, while I live in the US, my in-laws all live in Argentina. My sister-in-law came to visit, and there were two things I asked her to bring: yerba mate (they just call it yerba), and alfajores. Now, you can technically get both of those things here, but it really isn't the same, since you will pay $8/kilo for yerba, $20 for 6 alfajores, and not of this brand! So, here and [here](
  http://i.imgur.com/w1B9uOvl.jpg) are alfajores.
  
  
• I think my worst scar is also my most recent. Awhile back, I poured a cup of boiling tea on my lap. Yep. I think the glass just slipped out of my hand or something. It was a solid second degree burn. It blistered up and was quite ugly. Now the scar is somewhat light, but still noticeable on my pasty skin.
  
  
• /u/Zoobles88, have we talked before? You are an excellent gifter, so I'm thinking you're probably a pretty cool person. AMA!
  
  5 points :0)
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• Hey /u/Morthy! Thanks for all that you do for RAOA!
  
  
• My favorite movie. Oh geez, it is so hard to choose a favorite. I don't like movies, truly - I don't usually sit through them. Lack of attention span. So any movie that I have watched all the way through would be eligible. Breakfast at Tiffany's, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Bourne Identity, Amelie --- yeah, no particular genre that I particularly like. OK, I'm gonna go with Eternal Sunshine. I watched this movie so many times. I just love how the story is told, the subplots, and the fact that I've been through times that I just wish I could forget, too. It's sad, but it ends okay.
  
  
• Joke: What happens when a wolf falls into a washing machine? He becomes a wash and werewolf.
  
  
• Favorite accessory My smile. Or the necklace my friend gave me when I was her bridesmaid. Both.
  
  
• Wishlist item in common =-)
  
  
• Participating in another contest [-:
  
  
• My primary mode of transportation
  
  
• So, the car above is my car and not my husband's. But it doesn't matter, because a picture of his in that light would look the same. That's right. We both drive Saab wagons of dark neutral colors. That's the best I got.
  
  
• Domestic currency
  
  
• Foreign currency - Here we have GBP, ARS, and a fun little one my dad brought back from Ukraine which is actually chocolate (and says so in English on the coin). Since it came from Ukraine, we're going to go with foreign, but it might be domestic since we can use it for currency in my house. Chocolate.
  
  
• Some currency on my forehead
  
  
• Daily Participation
  
  
• GIVE ME SOME SUGAR! :)
  
  
• ..but first..let me take a selfie (probably the least flattering selfie ever taken)
  
  
• In front of me right now
  
  
• wallet/purse/thingy this is what I carry. If you flip the cell phone part over, there's a place for my license and credit cards. Since I also have to carry so much stuff for the kids, this thing has become more like a purse than anything else, and i Just keep the kids' stuff in a bag in the car. Much simpler and faster.
  
  
• Favorite DVD only purchased because I needed it for extra credit in Microbiology. Loved it. Also the only DVD I own...
  
  
• Carl is not very photogenic
  
  
• My favorite pet. Saucey was my cocker spaniel when I was little. I don't have any pictures of her, but I had her from the time I was 12 until I was 23. When she was a puppy, I carried her around like she was a baby. I loved that dog. I knew nothing about how dogs were supposed to be groomed, so although I bathed her several times a week, she was never combed, and poor thing had mats and knots, but she was happy anyway. She ran around with my brother and me all over the neighborhood. My dad used to walk down to the bus stop to get us after school, and he would say, "Let's go get those kids," to Saucey and she would get so excited. She was so good. She got old quickly, though. She used to love to lay in the sunshine in our driveway, but when she heard a car coming, she always moved. UNtil one day, she didn't and my dad accidentally ran over her. She must have had some sort of problem before that, leading to her not moving that day, but anyway she survived the being run over, but her quality of life went down so sharply that it wasn't very long until she was suffering too much, sometimes with breathing issues. She was such a good dog. Saucey Celine G----, 1994 - 2004.
  
  1 point C:
  ***
  
  
• See below in comments.
  
  
• I had fun! I really did. I usually tell myself that I don't have time to participate in things like this, but this time I used it as a really good excuse to enjoy myself while my kids were with my mom. Usually, I would stay home and try to clean, feeling really unmotivated. But yesterday, I just took off to downtown and then to the parkway! It has been amazing.
  
  
• Point guessing: Not sure - posting this before I've finished, so I might change it. 490. I hope.
  
  
• I smiled in quite a few pix
  
  
• I interspersed, um, a few smilies throughout the entry. :)

Well I cleaned it, and since I have been saving my bacon grease, I’m going to give it a schmear but also planned on cooking bacon in the pan tonight as well so bacon it is - this is the pan btw

Lodge L8SGP3 Cast Iron Square Grill Pan, Pre-Seasoned, 10.5-inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000CF66W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_rSjdAbQQD5ZWN

For the best results when grilling a steak without an actual BBQ, try this: leave the steak out on the counter for about 2 hours so the steak will cook evenly. Next, sear each side of the steak for a couple minutes and put the steak in the oven at 450 degrees for about 10 minutes.

Alternatively, just grill it on one of [these babies.] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000CF66W/ref=sxts_hf_cd_wl_2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=3313742662&pd_rd_wg=kRYd7&pf_rd_r=X8ZQM9NDVFHF6EK024D4&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-top-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_i=B0000CF66W&pd_rd_w=1EBzg&pf_rd_i=griddle+pan&pd_rd_r=9f7e2a74-5273-4714-b782-9fb2007f1fce&ie=UTF8&qid=1509676302&sr=2)

This would be nice to have. I've been wanting to use cast iron for a while, and this pan would be good place to start so I can grill all the things!

I'm actually not a big fan of a George Foreman, but it makes sense that outdoor grills tend to cause problems for most people (and are quite expensive). I actually recommend a grill pan (or this one, with the difference being one is enamelled and therefore dishwasher safe), or if you want to get fancy, this guy isn't so bad.

I still recommend the grill pan, as it gives you a bit better control over your heat, but some people don't like them as much. They do miss out on the smokey taste you get from charcoal or wood, but you can get that back with a few drops of liquid smoke (I prefer this one, but there's many cheaper ones out there that still do the job).

Check this out for a bit more information on indoor grilling.

I never used to make steak at home, never came out as good as restaurants. Then I found This and it changed my world forever.

• Hamburgers/cheeseburgers without the bun. Even if you don't want to make your own burgers, there's a ton of options for pre-made ones, very easy to grill or pan fry them up.
  
• Low-carb tortillas (3g net carbs per tortilla). Pretty versatile and good for essentially any meal. I've been having them for breakfast lately with scrambled eggs, cheese and hot sauce. Also good for making low carb pizzas.
  
• Good old eggs and bacon.
  
• I like the Bird's Eye Steamfresh veggies for when I'm in a pinch. Creamed spinach is probably one of my favourites, broccoli and cauliflower is also pretty good. They also make stuff like mashed and riced cauliflower. Very convenient since I can just do it in the microwave.
  
• Taco salads. Ground beef is super cheap and you can just toss in some taco seasoning. Add in your avocado, cheese, sour cream, hot sauce, salsa and its pretty tasty.
  
• Chicken thighs. They're cheaper than breasts and much more forgiving when it comes to overcooking. They don't dry out as much as a breast would, and they're much tastier. I usually pan fry mine in some olive oil or something along those lines.
  
• Get yourself a grill pan and you can do any number of proteins or veggies on the stove.
  
• Always keep a ton of snacks around. Nuts, beef jerky, cheese (string cheese or stuff like Baby Bel), peanut butter etc. can be life savers.
  
• Make your own dip with ranch or French onion seasoning packets. I mix them in with some sour cream and cream cheese and have those with veggies, especially stuff like celery. The ranch is also pretty good as a seasoning for chicken or shrimp.
  
• Chili. Really easy to do in the slow cooker and there are tons of recipes out there. Also keeps pretty well long term so it's a nice one to do and then portion out and maybe freeze for later.
  
  Edit: spelling

The grilling + finishing it in the oven has made my chicken taste 100x better.

In the cold months, I sear it in a cast iron pan like that to still get those seared grill marks.

get one with the raised grill lines - best.pan.ever.

something like this: http://www.amazon.ca/Lodge-L8SGP3-Logic-Pre-Seasoned-Square/dp/B0000CF66W

i bought mine at a pro hardware store, it was like, $25 or around - so excellent!

I use a cast iron grill pan similar to this one. I like it, but cooking with it indoors makes a LOT of smoke usually.

It's the only thing that can really mimic a bbq grill indoors. I think you will probably just need to learn how to cook on it, it won't cook exactly like a grill.

It'll take some practice but you'll be able to get good results.

i know you say you're weary, but a heavy grill pan like this: http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Logic-L8SGP3-Pre-Seasoned-Square/dp/B0000CF66W really does a great job on bbq'ing indoors.

I use sea salt, cracked black pepper, and jerk seasoning on my chops. I get my grilling pan nice and hot at a med high heat (water should bubble and evaporate quickly when being dropped on the hot pan) spray with olive oil. For inch thick chops I cook for 4 minutes on each side (rotating 90 degrees once each side for perfect grill lines.) Put the chops on a plate. Then I let the chops sit for a couple of minutes before cutting to keep the juices in.

You don't need sugary sauces or breading to enjoy a good cut of pork, it just needs to be cooked through but still juicy. THOSE are the best chops!

p.s., Make his ass eat that stanky kraut out side! lol

Edit; Don't forget the applesauce!!!

Grill Pan $18.97 on kitchen list

Here you go.

I think he means a grill pan ala link

I'll just list everything that I can, how's that?

The bakers rack on the left is This

The left most skillet is an AUS-ION
They're made in Australia and so smooth. Some nice touches of the piece are the very detailed cut-out of Australia on the handle and another nice engraving on the bottom.

Then there's the Stargazer. My first expensive piece. It's also very smooth. It's had a hard time keeping its seasoning, and I've admittedly been babying it by seasoning and seasoning it with flaxseed oil and a Crisbee puck.

Then there is the Finex group. It starts with the 10" grill pan. Then there's the 12" and 8". I just love the different geometric shapes of them.

All the way to the right is the Lodge Sauce Pot

I haven't used it a whole lot other than to make a few dips.

Between the big hanging skillets are some Lodge 4" and 5" skillets that I thought just looked cool and rounded out my collection.

The griddle is just a double sided griddle from world market. It's my go to pancake tool.

Then there is an A1 Chef pizza pan that I honestly don't use very much. I tend to just use some cheap aluminum pans with holes on the bottom because they're easier to form the crust on.

On the middle shelf from left to right are my 10" and 12" lodges. The 10" was my very first cast iron skillet. They've both been stripped and reseasoned and are much smoother than factory. I don't see myself giving up my first two skillets. I still use them a lot.

In the middle is the 10" grill pan from Lodge. I honestly hate cleaning the grill pans and have found that the lines in the meat aren't really worth the scraping. There's also some cheap fajita skillet that I don't think I've ever used.

And on the right is the Lodge enameled dutch oven but in the light grey. I love this thing, and got it for a song on Amazon one day.

On the bottom shelf on the left is the Lodge Wok I have definintely not used it. It seems like it would be better on a gas range, which I don't have. This was an impulse buy, and I don't know how to really cook any asian food, so who knows.

Then last but not least is the regular Lodge Dutch Oven
Many a roast has been made in this. The drip spikes on top does the basting for you. I just got a sous vide setup, so I'll probably be using it less and less, but sometimes I know I'll want the smell of a roast wafting through the air all day on a cold Autumn day.

Bonus pieces Kitchenaid Stainless Steel cookware set on top with All clad non-stick pans to the right of those.

Then there are some Lodge Stonewear on the other bakers rack

dutch oven

Here you go. He used a 5 quart one from what I can tell.

Let's do it in the kitchen.

This contest was MADE FOR ME. My wish list is 90% stuff I want for the kitchen. Edit: I am only linking things that I have tried for myself so I can recommend them.

Have you seen these gloves? Never cut your finger off again! Need to steam stuff but you're tired of burning your fingers removing your veggies? I got you, girl! Love cooking with garlic but you're tired of your hands always smelling like it? No sweat! Tired of always fishing your spoons out of your spaghetti sauce? No worries!

For me, I just need my cast iron pans and I'm a happy girl. My dutch oven is probably my favorite one, I can make ANYTHING in it.

The following:

http://www.amazon.com/All-Clad-Stainless-Tri-Ply-Dishwasher-Cookware/dp/B00FUF5K8W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463006632&sr=8-1&keywords=all+clad+12

http://www.amazon.com/T-fal-Professional-Thermo-Spot-Indicator-Dishwasher/dp/B000GWG0T2/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1463006621&sr=1-1&keywords=tfal+pan

http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Swiss-Classic-Chefs-Knife/dp/B0061SWV8Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463006669&sr=8-1&keywords=victorinox+fibrox

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-L8DOL3-Pre-Seasoned-Cast-Iron-Handles/dp/B00063RWYI/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1463006684&sr=1-1&keywords=dutch+oven

http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-719-18-Classic-Stainless-Saucepan/dp/B00008CM6C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463006713&sr=8-1&keywords=2qt+saucepan

That leaves a bit of cash left over for randoms, and covers 90+ percent of your cooking. Alternatively, swap the dutch oven for a stock pot type of thing:

http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-766-24-Classic-8-Quart-Stockpot/dp/B00008CM6J/ref=pd_sim_79_5?ie=UTF8&dpID=31Dg3p7dZbL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=0F6BGCPD6FGMSZWWMW2D


I'd vote keep the DO and use it for boiling any pastas in, etc.

What is the difference between the one you posted and this one? The lid? Looks like the lid can flip over and be used as a pan?

I'd consider the 5 quart Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven and a skillet. I have the dutch oven but haven't bought the skillet yet. Reviews suggest that the lid from the 5 qt dutch oven fit the 10.25 inch skillet

I have an antique version of this.

A hundred times, yes. I have the 10" and 12" on the stove top at all times! Do yourself a favor and get the LODGE CAST IORN WOK. It's amazing!

This is correct, and also why most would-be stir fryers would benefit from purchasing a cast iron wok

I agree, I can actually whip up my favorite meal in half the time as macaroni and cheese. I will take some cheap fish like Tilapia, dust it with whole wheat flour and toss it in the olive oiled pan. Cook 3 minutes, add sauce (which sizzles and caramelizes from the sugar). Serve with short grain sushi rice on the side with japanese rice seasoning (not soy sauce).
Great!

Stir fry pro-tips

Pre-heat the pan with no oil, on high.

Add oil to hot pan and them immediately add ingredients.

Give raw meat a minutes head start.

Add sauce at the very end and immediately remove from heat, stir.

Make real teriyaki sauce from real soy sauce (not hydrolyzed soy protein) and mirin(sweet japanese rice wine). I get it from asianfoodgrocer.com. Add a squirt of chili sauce,a pinch of ginger, and a tablespoon of sugar.

Also, my lodge cast iron wok is the best pan I own.
http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Pro-Logic-14-Inch-Cast-Iron-Handles/dp/B00063RXQK/ref=sr_1_1?

I'd get this if I didn't already have both individually

$33
Lodge LCC3 Cast Iron Combo Cooker, Pre-Seasoned, 3.2-Quart
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009JKG9M

$80
BergHOFF® Ron 2.6 qt. Cast Iron Fry Pan
https://m.bedbathandbeyond.com/m/product/berghoff-reg-ron-2-6-qt-cast-iron-fry-pan/3334142

So I have thought long and hard (heh) about this for awhile. I am making a serious change in my life to cook and eat healthy things. Now that my daughter has started to eat solid foods, I have been wanting to only give her the healthiest things to eat. I grew up only eating macaroni and cheese and refusing all vegetables. I want her to learn to love all foods and have an appetite for exploring new dishes. So my goal is to buy fresh foods, not those meal kits that I used to make for us. I want to start making all of her meals for her myself and rely less upon the canned/pouches of baby food. I want to cook new and exciting meals for my husband and me.

Going along with this, I want to lead a more active lifestyle. I am tired of being cooped up in this house all the time when there is a wide world outside ready for me to explore it. There are so many wonderful people out in the world and sometimes I just sit back and don't go out of my way to meet them. I want to know more people and have a real life friend. I think that this will also help out with my anxiety issues greatly.

My goals are:

• Trying a new vegetable/fruit every week.
  
• Planning my meals out ahead of time.
  
• Giving June home cooked meals at least once a day.
  
• Going for a walk or some activity 5 times a week.
  
• Meeting up with other people.
  
  I will track my progress using MyFitnessPal to log my meals and exercise. As for the trying new things, I will probably mark them on my calendar, and can post the new things that I try at the end.
  
  I will need the help of /u/ReisaD because she would be a great cheerleader for me. /u/Akeleie because she already motivates me to workout. and /u/homeallday because she is lovely. :)
  
  I have a few cooking items, but this pan would be lovely as I have never used cast-iron before.

What are you baking in/on? I strongly recommend the Lodge Combo Cooker. It's very popular among home bakers. Preheating it in the oven and then plopping a loaf into the hot shallow side and putting the lid on helps create the oven spring and steam that is so hard to create at home as commercial bakeries have steam input into their bread ovens. Here's a couple of my loaves made in it.

I know someone else mentioned cast iron and I wanted to make sure you saw this combo cooker that is also cast iron BUT this one item serves as a dutch oven, a skillet AND a pot. You will see what I mean when you click on it. I have had it on my camping WL for a while but think I might go buy t at the store this afternoon! You should get one for yourself!!

With the acid/tomato thing, I have found that once the seasoning is well established I can make chili and other acidic things without any real issues. Same with soap which I'll use after broiling fish in the pan.

I'd say that my dutch oven doesn't get as much use as my skillets, but then if I had a something like this or the oven listed in the original post, at least the lid would be used often. My current one has a self basting lid that is a pain to clean and season.

Really, the lid is a make or break for the thing. If you want to use coals on top, get one with a lip. If you like to see your stuff cook, find one with a glass top. You get the point.

I have Griswold, Wagner, Lodge, and Benjamin & Medwin pans. The Griswold was a gift from someone that doesn't cook in cast iron pans, and the others were purchased new. The Griswold is used the most, Wagner and Lodge both seem to be fine, but I like the handles and the (semi) polished surface of my Wagner pans a bit better. The Benjamin & Medwin pans were purchased new about 20 years ago and are have the worst quality control. I don't believe they are still made.

Don't know if being sarcastic, but they are amazing and cheap!

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-LCC3-Logic-Pre-Seasoned-Cooker/dp/B0009JKG9M/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1393822556&sr=8-2&keywords=lodge+cast+iron

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-L5SK3-Pre-Seasoned-Cast-Iron-Skillet/dp/B00008GKDG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1393822556&sr=8-3&keywords=lodge+cast+iron

Also I usually try to shoot for 2 inch thick steak. I heat grape seed oil in the skillet, sear on both sides and cover in sea salt and pepper. I pick it up lay it on a bed of rosemary and throw it into the oven at 225 until it comes up to temp. Let rest and then enjoy.

I have everything but the roaster. I have a cast iron set that doubles as a dutch oven. It's pretty amazing.

New (rough surface) Lodge or old (smooth surface) Lodge? If new, looks like this is what you got: https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Cooker-Pre-seasoned-Skillet-Convertible/dp/B0009JKG9M/

Just about any food scale will do but I cannot recommend this enough:

https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Cooker-Pre-seasoned-Skillet-Convertible/dp/B0009JKG9M/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?adgrpid=58901819907&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIucbug_mY4wIVh5OzCh0Q8QTWEAAYAiAAEgI4r_D_BwE&hvadid=274716464534&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9008164&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t2&hvqmt=e&hvrand=17238500916345878914&hvtargid=aud-649564993678%3Akwd-329816178844&hydadcr=14889_10218911&keywords=lodge+dutch+oven&qid=1562163641&s=gateway&sr=8-6

It will be necessary if you plan to make nice sourdoughs. Bakery ovens have steam injection so a Dutch oven will trap steam from the bread and replicate the effect.

You are so very welcome! Your bread came out beautifully! Awesome job. Bread making is a journey. A joyful one I hope. And it can be very satisfying. Especially while eating!!
You may find this cast iron combo easier to deal with in putting your dough in - I’m sorry it’s a link to Amazon, but it has the best description of this Lodge Combo. It’s the one ILodge Combo

Enjoy your journey!

This appears to be a double dutch oven. Not to be confused with double dutch jump roping or farting under the covers... twice.

I just bought this. It's similar but without the handles. I dig it.

By 'Oven' here you mean cast iron dutch oven?

I have one that gets a lot of use and is the best of both worlds, but not enameled:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lodge-litre-quart-Pre-Seasoned-Cooker/dp/B0009JKG9M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539699430&sr=8-1&keywords=lodge+combo+cooker

Usually costs about $40 in the US, too.

Cast iron dutch oven but only use top as needed on stove. Stomps out the smoke.

Also awesome for so many other things.

https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Cooker-Pre-seasoned-Skillet-Convertible/dp/B0009JKG9M

I assume you have the combo cooker since you say you put the bread in the deeper part of it. The walls of the dutch oven/combo cooker should not be there to keep the doughs shape. All it does is give the dough a steamy environment for it to rise properly in the oven (called oven spring). Using the lid will eliminate the need for parchment paper (you can dust some corn meal or spread some oil on it) and is the combo cooker's strength when it comes to baking bread. You can also score it right after you've placed it on the lid.


The way I do it (I only have a dutch oven and not a combo cooker) is cut some parchment paper to a little bigger than the proofing basket. I then put my cutting board on top and flip everything. You should be able to hear the dough exit the basket. I then score the bread before I lift and gently place it into the dutch oven, which has been in the oven preheating at 260 degrees. I put the lid on and wait 20 minutes before I remove the lid, lower the temperature to 230 and bake for another 20-30 minutes. The finished dough should have an internal temperature of 95-100. I've had great success with this method. Here


Now, I can't stress this enough: the dutch oven/combo cooker should not be there to support your dough's shape. If it is you are not shaping it/developing the gluten enough. You might get some good bread either way, but you will never get that open crumb structure that everyone's after. If you want to get a nice open crumb here is what you do:

• Use relatively high hydration (70% is nice and manageable even for beginners)
  
  
  
• Make sure to develop the gluten structure during mixing. Trevor J Wilson on YouTube has a few excellent videos, particularly his on the Rubaud method.
  
  
  
• Fold the dough a few times. The more folds you do, the better the structure (usually). I do one about every 30 minutes for the duration of the rise, but 3 folds during the first 1.5 hour is sufficient to get a good crumb. You have to make sure you don't deflate the dough during each folding session. You will definitely get plenty of doughs that will come out like flat discs, but eventually you will get consistently good bread.
  
  
• Pre-shape and shape. This adds tension and will give you a nice sturdy dough that will support it during the oven spring.
  
  
  Hope this helps and wasn't too long of a description. Good luck with future bakes!

Something like this would last generations when taken care of properly.

You get a 3 quart pot that you can use for whatever (frying chicken, soups, stews, chili etc.), just be careful with highly acidic foods (spaghetti/tomato sauces), a 10.25" skillet that doubles as a lid to do covered oven dishes like roasts and such.

Check out /r/castiron if you are going down this route. TONS of info in that sub.

If you wanted to go cast iron, maybe this skillet combo? It's got the extra benefits of being very multi-functional and space saving.

I've got this one and it's great for boules, including Tartine and FWSY - if you've got any questions let me know

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0009JKG9M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_2BZFwbQEXWC7A)

Easier to get the dough in, mostly. That one is really expensive though. I, and many other folks, use a cast iron combo cooker. You can use it as a regular dutch oven, too.

If you're looking for used, you'll have to shop thrift stores or ebay or something of the sort.
I didn't want to deal with other peoples shit on a new to me pan, so I just bought new off Amazon

I have this one and love it https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009JKG9M/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_AI7WzbE5ZFV7M

The long handles mean you have 2 well functioning skillets in addition to the oven capability. The smaller size hasn't bothered me but I also plan on getting a 6qt enameled in the future so you'll have to decide what's best for you.

I'm using the lodge cast iron combo cooker and I really like it. It is good because you can bake with it upside down, like a bread oven cloche (using the bottom on the top acting as a large domed lid).

https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Cooker-Pre-seasoned-Skillet-Convertible/dp/B0009JKG9M/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?adgrpid=57694863284&hvadid=274716765092&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9022196&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=4040917449113359869&hvtargid=kwd-302136551955&keywords=lodge+combo+cooker&qid=1555722764&s=gateway&sr=8-2

I was thinking about getting this one.

Here is the combo cooker I use. I do about 15 minutes with the lid on for steam, then another 15 with the lid off. Super happy with the results.

This is the one I love.

T-fal E93808 Professional Total Nonstick Thermo-Spot Heat Indicator Fry Pan, 12.5 Inch, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GWG0T2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_aExCybX9K8BH9

It's a great pan, and cheap enough to throw away and buy another one once the non stick wears off. Great for a situation like yours.

With a good non-stick, you don't even need oil.

Seriously.

T-fal E93808 Professional Total Nonstick

Can you just get it delivered from Amazon?

This is the non-stick I have:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GWG0T2/

And, while I have an all-clad stainless, I have heard the cuisanart multiclad stuff is really close:
https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-MCP22-30HCN-MultiClad-Skillet-12-Inch/dp/B00NAU8L76

Also, this is, pretty much, the universally accepted entry/cheap chefs knife to get:
https://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Fibrox-Chefs-Knife-8-Inch/dp/B008M5U1C2

There is a t fal non stick pan on Amazon. It's cheap and has an overwhelming amount of reviews.

https://www.amazon.com/T-fal-Nonstick-Cookware-Thermo-Spot-Indicator/dp/B000GWG0T2?crid=29PF1W4J2I0R0&keywords=tfal+professional+nonstick&qid=1537432909&sprefix=T+fal&sr=8-4&ref=mp_s_a_1_4

Vollrath is also a good name that can be found at a kitchen supply house. Our kitchens at work use exclusively Vollrath and the chef said they replace their non stick about once a year. Which being used in a commercial kitchen is pretty impressive.

It's this.

T-fal E93808 Professional Total Nonstick Thermo-Spot Heat Indicator Fry Pan, 12-Inch, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GWG0T2/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_edTOub08YJH3B

This pressure canner can hold 19 quart jars.
http://www.amazon.com/All-American-921-2-Quart-Pressure/dp/B00004S88Z

Link.

Check out the sidebar, it has all kinds of info! This is the go to website for all things canning, I only trust tested recipes (meaning I don't do some mashed potato recipe I found on someone's blog).

I have only water bath canned before, but I have heard that All Americans are the way to go for pressure canners though there are cheaper options depending on how much you plan to do.



There are a couple things I always suggest for people who show an interest in canning.

Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving

A small tool set

> ncluding what kind of pressure canner to buy

All-American makes great canners. They are expensive but will last you a lifetime.

We also use a cast iron electric burner to save some wear on the stove.

http://www.amazon.com/All-American-921-2-Quart-Pressure/dp/B00004S88Z

All American makes great pressure canners/cookers, american made with a great warranty.

Here Ya go... http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00004S88Z

My pressure canner manual calls it a pressure canner/cooker. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004S88Z/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

> $40, Presto - Stellar reviews, however, the product is aluminum and not stainless steel as advertised. Reviews warn about rusting and overall poorer quality in models purchased after 2012.

Presto makes both aluminum and stainless models:

• Stainless - $33
  
• Aluminum - $27

I have one of these, though the styling has changed a little over the years.

http://www.amazon.com/Presto-01362-6-Quart-Stainless-Pressure/dp/B00006ISG6/ref=sr_1_24?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1311344253&sr=1-24

Not quite. An Insta-pot is a multi-function cooker. Insta-pot is a brand name. I use this Fagor 4 qt. It can slow cook, steam, sauté, pressure cook, and even make yogurt. I originally bought one to replace a regular pressure cooker which wasn't as idiot-proof as I needed it to be.

The multi-cookers are awesome, especially if you're cooking bulk meals and have a small kitchen. They're way easier to use than the standard pressure cooker and have more temperature control than a slow cooker. Downside is that they're not as bomb-proof as the standard pressure/slow cookers and only have a shelf life of (I'm guessing) 2-4 years of regular use.

A pressure cooker lets you cook soaked beans in 30 minutes as opposed to 2.5 hours. Long grain rice in 8 minutes instead of 28. If you're intending on spending you're whole Sunday prepping your meals this will greatly cut down the effort and save some on your energy bill too.

I've owned a lot of slow cookers, and just recently got a pressure cooker..so I may have some new toy bias...but ffs I love that thing. Every big tough slow piece of meat I cook in it comes out amazing..and I can sear in it, deglaze it all in the same pot. For 30 bucks too. I have this one I got during a sale, so 45 now apparently.

Though, they're scary, so I understand sticking to slow cookers...I've never owned one smaller than 6 quarts though honestly. Where would the meat go!?

I took a second look and I see what you mean. But you can pressure cook at home! I cook all my chicken in this guy. Nothing comes close in terms of juiciness and tenderness except for rotisserie.

First, I doubt you'd get a satisfactory electric pressure cooker for that low a price (electric pc's are sometimes called "multi-cookers" too). It might work okay in the beginning (or not), but won't last well or may just have problems (or any non-stick inner pot will eventually need to be replaced), etc.

If you want an electric pc, I'd suggest waiting for upcoming Black Friday and getting one of the models of the brand "Instant Pot" (IP makes various models, though the DUO60 7-in-1 is the best selling of all). Probably most of the IP models will have very significant sale prices on Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day (twice a year). There are also lots of Facebook groups for those with IP's where you can get support, questions answered, tips, recipes, etc.

If you don't mind getting a stovetop pressure cooker instead of an electric, one inexpensive one that works really well is Presto (about $35?). Some people turn up their noses at most of the less expensive stovetop pc's but we've had Presto's in our family for years and they're still going strong. The least expensive ones will be made from aluminum rather than stainless steel, but they still work fine for pressure cooking (though won't do some of the other things many electrics will do and have other disadvantages). Presto also has stainless steel models now:
https://www.amazon.com/Presto-6-Quart-Stainless-Pressure-Cooker/dp/B00006ISG6
more Presto:
https://www.google.com/images?q=presto+pressure+cooker
https://www.google.com/search?q=presto+pressure+cooker

You said you found one on Amazon for $38. Would have been good to give a link to the exact one you're referring to.
But what did the Customer Reviews at Amazon say for that one?
.

I have this one and [this one] (http://www.amazon.com/Presto-1755-16-Quart-Aluminum-Pressure/dp/B000QJJ9NY). The big one is for canning (meat and or low acid vegetables) but I've done huge batches of food in it too.

Do you have any Eastern markets nearby? I'm in a larger city (Nashville), and there are plenty of Indian, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, and other such grocers. You can get cheap authentic spices at these places. And really once you've got the spices, you're 80% of the way there.

Another useful thing to pick up is a pressure cooker. Many recipes implement cooking with these, and they're relatively cheap. I recommend one like this which has ample room (6qt) and is stainless steel.

Lastly, find some good recipes. I've become a big fan of VegRecipesofIndia despite being a pretty big carnivore. The restaurant-style dal makhani and rajma masala recipes are great and highly recommended.

Cast iron skillet is relatable to bombs in that if the bomb is ever dropped you are going to need versatile things. This can serve as a nice heavy hat to protect your head from zombies or other mutations. It can cook your meal, and its a great impromptu weapon as well, it also makes a nice Bong sound when struck, which kinda sounds like bomb!

Change jar

I was actually starting to draft a little cooking ideas post like this. This is just what I found value in and will ramble because I haven't really edited it down at all. So if anyone reads it and has notes please let me know, it's fairly directionless at the moment. It is also from the perspective of and aimed towards young single people but not exclusive to. I am also well aware a lot of you folks are good cooks or at least have a functional kitchen and I in no way want it to sound like I'm more knowledgeable than anyone with an hour to watch youtube videos.

​

TL:DR Make sure your skills are on point before getting convenience tools as you might not need them, a cast iron or good stainless steel skillet and a good couple of knives can do most things in a kitchen, plan meals before you shop to avoid wastefulness.

​

This post is big, flawed, and broken into two main sections. One is purely skills based, stuff you can totally do for free and can start doing right this moment. That's a big part of minimalism for me, gaining skills and getting good at some things rather than owning and being okay at a ton of things. The second section is more of a buy guide, again all from my experience.

​

First off is to focus less on the equipment and more on the technique. Fundamentally, knife skills, understanding of cook times, heat, and technique, creativity and planning are some terms I like. In addition I have thoughts on tools and ingredients

​

First, learn your knife, do drills, practice good form constantly. When I started in a fast-food-y sandwich shop when I was 16, the manager (who was a line cook for years) suggested I practice things like chopping a carrot as thinly as possible, or celery, or breaking down onion and garlic. Then I got to work with the prep team (which was cool because they taught me Spanish) to learn basic stuff like sauces and cooking meats. The result is a few years later, I have a decent knife. Not as good as a legit cook or anything but enough that I can confidently use a sharp knife to do anything a home cook would ever need to.

​

Cook times. It's way less intimidating to work on food when you know "okay my chicken will take this long, oven takes this long, rice needs this much time", and so on. From a minimalist perspective, this will help you cut down on some tools such as a plug-in type grill, rice cookers, stuff that times or cooks food for you. Learning how to use heat also really improves the versatility of something as simple as a cast iron pan. Technique will allow you to make staple dishes or at least be able to take a guess at how to prepare just about anything, and the most valuable tip for that is look up how to make individual components of dishes rather than just recipes over and over. This becomes relevant in the next portion as well.

​

Creativity. As some people are mentioning, "aspirational groceries" cause clutter and waste in the form of garbage and money. Creativity helps solve this when paired with planning. When shopping, I found it valuable to plan out meals for the week. Buy what you need, make a note of what isn't used, and refine. That's planning. Creativity is ending up with some random ingredients and Macgyvering it together so you don't waste or overspend. That is made much easier by having solid cooking techniques so you have a bit of a starting off point for creativity.

​

Now into the stuff. I personally think a couple things are fundamental. Babish from YouTube has a great List . First off, get a good 7" to 8" Chef knife. I use a Gyuto but that's more because I impulse bought one when I first moved out and had all the money in the world from not having any expenses and was talked into it by a very nice saleswoman at the knife shop in town. Wusthof is a great name in knives and if you can get a hold of an 8" one of those, a bread knife, and maybe a pairing knife (I don't really use mine much but some people do) you will be able to do most things. I'd avoid buying a knife set just because you're more than likely paying for an extra 3 or so knives you won't use, and they're cheap for a reason. But to each their own, it is very convenient to have the steak knives, honing rod, and scissors that most of them include. No judgement here. Plus they're really really affordable.

​

Now as to everything else, I'm not as researched. I think a good cast iron skillet is fantastic from a minimalist perspective as you can do most things that you'd really ever need to do on it, from frying to saute to some baking. Kent Rollins is first off a joy to watch but more importantly uses very limited tools. He does have his specialized "bertha" stove but for the most part it's just him with either open fires or a hot stove cooking in cast iron pans and dutch ovens. If you want to know more, I'd just watch the babish video above, he talks more about why he has what he has, such as this expensive but amazing set of pots and pans. Off the top of my head: baking sheets, a large cutting board, a meat thermometer (safety), measuring cups and spoons, box grater (or one coarse grater and one microplane grater), spatulas, tongs, etc.

​

Like I said this is mostly ranting, and I'm going to research and trim it down for the future, but these are my thoughts at the moment.

For whatever it's worth, you can get a similar set of Lodge pans from Amazon for about $12 more (but only one silicon handle cover instead of 3):

​

Lodge 12 inch with silicone holder: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G2XGC88

Lodge 10.25 inch: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006JSUA

Lodge 8 inch: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00008GKDG

​

​

Lodge Logic L8SK3 10-1/4-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet

Just do it. 15 bucks.

Do you have a cast iron pan? People rave about them, so I think we should try them! There's a 10.25 inch one with Prime for $16.

Get a Lodge pan from Amazon. Despite being a great brand they are really dirt cheap.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lodge-26-04-Pre-Seasoned-Skillet-Frying/dp/B00006JSUA

Or maybe you're looking for enamelled?

A skillet is just a frying pan. In the US they use skillet, frying pan and fry pan pretty interchangeably. In the UK we often use skillet for non enamelled cast iron frying pans as they will likely have been imported from the USA (or were made for the US market, or were inspired by it) so keep the name, e.g., "Lodge 26.04 cm / 10.25 inch Cast Iron Round Skillet/Frying Pan" on Amazon UK is made in the USA so keeps the name.

I mentioned "non enamelled" because we still call Le Creuset enamelled ones frying pans here even though they are skillets in the US, e.g.,

Le Creuset Signature Iron Handle Skillet (Amazon US) vs CAST IRON FRYING PAN (Le Creuset UK).

A "cast iron griddle pan" is just a "cast iron griddle pan" or maybe "grill pan" if you prefer. It's a frying pan with ridges.

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet

Bought mine from Amazon. It was $30 and free shipping.

http://www.amazon.ca/Lodge-L8SK3-4-Inch-Pre-Seasoned-Skillet/dp/B00006JSUA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348407507&sr=8-1

One example.

Amazon was a bit less than $30CAD when I ordered it for a 10" Lodge preseasoned shipped to my hands. It's been excellent. I'd imagine it'll be cheaper in the states.

EDIT: Oh I see you're a Canuck! Also check out the camping section of Canadian Tire. I saw a fantastic size I want there 7" which is awesome for when I work nights and I can cook myself breakfast like a brekky wrap or shakshuka or whatever, it was like $15.99, but I can't remember how much the bigger ones were.

So something like this?
https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-L10SK3-Pre-Seasoned-Skillet-12-Inch/dp/B00006JSUB

Now this is a conversation I can get in on.

Let's begin with my stainless steel measuring cups. I bake a lot so these are so useful. The 1/8 cup comes in so much more use than I ever imagined it would. And they're just so much nicer than plastic ones. I want to get a set of stainless steel measuring spoons but haven't yet.

Next, I would probably say my French Press. Coffee is important, and my French Press makes some delicious coffee.

I absolutely love this skillet. Works like magic.

I also recommend this 3 tier cooling rack to everyone. It's so useful and stores so well.

In the fall/winter I use my crock pot a whole lot. I also find having large mason jars to be useful for storing food, though I also have this tupperware.

Finally, my KitchenAid stand mixer. Self explanatory. It's fucking awesome. I just want to spend every waking moment putting it to good use and baking everything under the sun.

Let's do it in the kitchen.

ok i will offer you two BIFL versions. the first one being BIFL on a budget and the second being a much higher dollar BIFL cost.

quality on a budget- http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000CF8YO/ref=cm_ciu_pl_B0000CF8YO_mo1ZWCPZP5I7S3B

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Color-EC6D43-Enameled-6-Quart/dp/B000N501BK/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1371857337&sr=1-1&keywords=lodge+dutch+oven

http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-4-Inch-Fibrox-Straight-Paring/dp/B008M5U1UE/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1371857377&sr=1-1&keywords=victorinox+paring

http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-Wooden-Spoon-3-Piece/dp/B008H2JLP8/ref=sr_1_2?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1371857407&sr=1-2&keywords=wooden+spoon

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-L10SK3-12-Inch-Pre-Seasoned-Skillet/dp/B00006JSUB/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1371857459&sr=1-1&keywords=lodge+cast+iron

higher dollar items include-

http://www.amazon.com/Global-G-2-inch-Chefs-Knife/dp/B00005OL44/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1371857561&sr=1-1&keywords=global+knives

http://www.amazon.com/Shun-Premier-Chefs-Knife-8-Inch/dp/B003B66YKA/ref=sr_1_2?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1371857613&sr=1-2&keywords=shun+knives

http://www.amazon.com/Wusthof-Classic-2-Inch-Paring-Knife/dp/B00005MEGH/ref=sr_1_3?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1371857640&sr=1-3&keywords=paring+knife

http://www.amazon.com/Le-Creuset-Signature-Enameled-Cast-Iron/dp/B0076NOGPY/ref=sr_1_2?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1371857680&sr=1-2&keywords=le+creuset+dutch+oven

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-L10SK3-12-Inch-Pre-Seasoned-Skillet/dp/B00006JSUB/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1371857717&sr=1-1&keywords=lodge+cast+iron


I own the cheaper BIFL items i listed and they have been AMAZING so far. you really cant beat the quality/ price ratio for the cheaper things i listed. if you want a better chef knife all the options i gave you would be excellent but just know that you could go crazy looking at all the different brands.

I decided to stalk /u/call_mecthulhu's wishlist. Fun fact about /u/call_mecthulhu, they have a lot of the same interests as me and I even added some items (SFW and NSFW) =P to my wishlist because of their wishlists. =D

I noticed this was listed as a highest priority, but since that is practical and not fun...I'll also say this or this.

...I always feel like somebody's watching meee...

Because I also love the Doctor, "It seems to me there's so much more to the world than the average eye is allowed to see. I believe, if you look hard, there are more wonders in this universe than you could ever have dreamt of" (Vincent Van Gogh to the Doctor).
If I win I'd love this.
Sidney Crosby is bad and he should feel bad

For anyone who is curious, Amazon has a pretty cheap pre-seasoned pan, goes around $16-$20 and is a very good pan if you learn how to take care of cast iron. It's not hard but like knives, takes a little care.

I don't use it too much because I cook mostly for myself and don't need to use such a large pan for the majority of dishes, but there are smaller sizes that are even cheaper out there. I prefer my somewhat lighter hard anodized pans that don't stick and keep a nice even heat.

I'm sure all clad are nice but way too expensive, because you're paying for the name brand and they know it. As for in college, unless you're living in a shared house you won't have a good enough kitchen to use them in and they'll probably get dropped or misused if they're left anywhere that someone else can use them.

what do you think of this skillet? it has the highest amazon rating i've ever seen for 4000+ reviews

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-L10SK3-Pre-Seasoned-Skillet-12-Inch/dp/B00006JSUB

3 pans I use the most:
Iron Skillet. It's good for manly items like steaks. Also a grill pan now that I think of it. Skillet with a cover, I use this the most. When a recipe says you need to cover your skillet and simmer, this is the guy for you. Dutch Oven, this pan is my favorite. It's really good for a lot of recipes. This one would probably be the last on the list, because I would consider it advanced, because you use it to braise meat, but you could use a crock pot and it would be much easier.

Note: I just picked links for pictures, I'm not recommending these specifically

I bought this one, and cook just about everything in it.

I used this recipe. It was my first time!

Accidentally put only 1/4 cup packed light-brown sugar instead of 3/4. Oops. But actually, it still came out great and resulted in a cookie that didn't taste overly sweet! I added extra chocolate chips.

My skillet.

Don't Lodge pans come preseasoned?
http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-L10SK3-12-Inch-Pre-Seasoned-Skillet/dp/B00006JSUB/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343943047&sr=8-1&keywords=lodge+cast+iron

It is cheaper on amazon

1.) [Something that is grey.] (http://www.amazon.com/PetFusion-SmartGrip-Litter-Gray-Twist/dp/B007SQFRMU/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=35DW5BWHD972D&coliid=I38TYTP3QO3VYV)

2.) [Something reminiscent of rain.] (http://www.amazon.com/Musical-MP-200-8-Inch-Rainmaker-Shaker/dp/B000CBURPU/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2YFT1UP19UC6T&coliid=I3SD8BF3BVM32F)

3.) [Something food related that is unusual.] (http://www.amazon.com/Nut-Milk-Bag-New-Improved/dp/B00158U8DU/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3S72V8PR4PYO1&coliid=I2AH1R1GSQ52JT)

4.) [Something on your list that is for someone other than yourself. Tell me who it's for and why. (Yes, pets count!)] (http://www.amazon.com/Mommys-Helper-Car-Seat-Shade/dp/B00125NZSQ/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2YFT1UP19UC6T&coliid=I1TXQG28XXBC0I) For my daughter, so she doesn't melt in the car.

5.) [A book I should read! I am an avid reader, so take your best shot and tell me why I need to read it!] (http://www.amazon.com/The-Girl-Left-Behind-ebook/dp/B00BSY6U6K/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=ZJTYBG9S817P&coliid=I13JIN1E80H7G) Well, I haven't read this one yet, but I read her last book, Me Before You, a few months ago and LOVED it.


6.) [An item that is less than a dollar, including shipping... that is not jewelry, nail polish, and or hair related!] (http://www.amazon.com/Home/dp/B002G690B6/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=LVUGPBTDLHFS&coliid=I2V27LFTC98I6K)

7.) [Something related to cats.] (http://www.amazon.com/Da-Bird-Cat-Toy-Store/dp/B000F9JJJE/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=35DW5BWHD972D&coliid=I32WEJ4UV0RR)

8.) [Something that is not useful, but so beautiful you must have it.] (http://www.amazon.com/Japanese-Colorful-Rainbow-Synthetic-Costume/dp/B00966CIAO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=VF4I3JWXLPHE&coliid=I3J6CNZ64SMNW5)

9.) [A movie everyone should watch at least once in their life. Why?]
(http://www.amazon.com/Pride-Prejudice-Restored-Edition-Colin/dp/B00364K6YW/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=ZJTYBG9S817P&coliid=I2JAGS8BIXE6M9) Because Colin Firth.

10.) [Something that would be useful when the zombies attack. Explain.] (http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-L10SK3-12-Inch-Pre-Seasoned-Skillet/dp/B00006JSUB/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3S72V8PR4PYO1&coliid=I14266M2SVKSXM) Well, if I had to survive on my WL items alone, I would surely die. BUT, I figure this could at least come in handy to cook over open fires and it is the most weapon-like thing on my list.

11.) [Something that would have a profound impact on your life and help you to achieve your current goals.] (http://www.amazon.com/Reebok-Kettlebell-10-Pounds-Lime-Green/dp/B008R5HY54/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=39MD4F4AQ4MXM&coliid=I2XGPU1DE4SJW5&psc=1) Gotta get off the baby weight!

12.) [One of those pesky Add-On items.] (http://www.amazon.com/Kotobuki-Plastic-Egg-Mold-Fish/dp/B002TZ04JG/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=LVUGPBTDLHFS&coliid=I2PHEI57WW2PIY)

13.) [The most expensive thing on your list. Your dream item. Why?] (http://www.amazon.com/Burley-Encore-2013-Bike-Trailer/dp/B00AVUHUEI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2YFT1UP19UC6T&coliid=I15NA2PJZUXBY4&psc=1) Maybe not my dream item, but the most expensive for sure. My husband and I love biking, but right now I'm sidelined since we have a 1 year old. This would let us all go!

14.) [Something bigger than a bread box.] (http://www.amazon.com/Tree-Condo-Furniture-Scratch-House/dp/B003XLIVZ4/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=35DW5BWHD972D&coliid=I33YA670HLM8GP)

15.) [Something smaller than a golf ball.] (http://www.amazon.com/Yellow-Gold-Peridot-Dangle-Earrings/dp/B001H54K4O/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=24R3M5GIPRKSE&coliid=I25YHXC05Q9VTT)

16.) [Something that smells wonderful.] (http://www.amazon.com/Tea-Forte-Loose-Leaf-Canister/dp/B006TZFOVU/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=28JN11TB2DHP4&coliid=I3P4PBFBU5HWL6)

17.) [A (SFW) toy.] (http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Little-People-Friends-Exclusive/dp/B008ZUGOAW/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2YFT1UP19UC6T&coliid=IIMNWL3OA8808)

18.) [Something that would be helpful for going back to school.] (http://www.amazon.com/Wilton-2109-0309-Ultimate-Professional-Decorating/dp/B008GXE7P2/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=29KYW0DBB8ME2&coliid=INH34JY48VH4F) If you are going to school to become a baker.

19.) [Something related to your current obsession, whatever that may be.] (http://www.amazon.com/Blendtec-40-620-54-Twister-Jar/dp/B0087Q1T1S/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=29KYW0DBB8ME2&coliid=I394DCB2QJ4RAZ) Making my own sprouted nut butters!!

20.) [Something that is just so amazing and awe-inspiring that I simply must see it. Explain why it is so grand.]
(http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Little-People-Friends-Wheelies/dp/B00650F5SG/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2YFT1UP19UC6T&coliid=I3RS9BP4QYQAC7) Because tiny Super Friends in cars are awesome for raising a baby nerd. (On a related note, this question made me realize that I am boring and practical.)


fear cuts deeper than swords

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-L10SK3-12-Inch-Pre-Seasoned-Skillet/dp/B00006JSUB/

As little as possible. The more crap you have, the more it weighs you down.
That said, every home needs some necessities to get by. For me those generally involve cooking, sleeping, and repairs. I just finished watching Parks & Rec and am in a bit of a Ron Swanson mood.

For the kitchen (all recommended by America's Test Kitchen):

Victorinox 8" Chef's Knife

Victorinox Paring knife

CDN Instant Read Thermometer

Lodge 12" skillet - cheap and will last you forever

Crockpot, 6qt - the one kitchen appliance I'd cheat with. Easy delicious meals. Toss in a cheap cut of meat (chuck roast, etc), salt, pepper, garlic, onions, carrots, whatever. Let it sit for 6-8 hours. Dinner for 3 meals.

Tools:

I'd probably just pick up a cheap set of craftsman stuff (screwdrivers, hammer, sockets, pliers). Splurge on the ratchet and any power tools you need:

Bahco 3/8" ratchet - same as snapon F80 at 1/2 the price

Other misc. tools that are quite handy:

Magnetic stud finder - in a new place you're going to be hanging pictures, installing shelving, and mounting curtain rods. These are dirt cheap and super convenient.

Multimeter - Flukes will last you for life. If you need to do any electrical work, these are great. If you don't want to splurge up front just borrow them or buy a cheap $15 one at home depot.

Bedroom:

Get comfortable pillows and nice sheets. Don't get all caught up in the 1000 thread count crap, it's a hoax. Just get at least 400tc or so, and preferably egyptian or pima cotton. My favorite sheets are actually a super cheapo brand that are 60% cotton 40% polyester. I prefer them because they feel more "smooth and cool" rather than "soft and warm".

Obviously get real furniture: dresser, bed with headboard, etc.

Electronics

I won't go into too much detail here, but consider cutting the cord (/r/cordcutters).

A cheap Roku3 + netflix + an OTA antenna can go a long way.

If you have a lot of pictures/media/etc, don't forget about backups. I'd look into an inexpensive NAS, or at least a USB harddrive. They are dirt cheap and worth the insurance.

Insurance

Lastly, don't forget renters or homeowners insurance. If you are renting, you can get rather good coverage for quite cheap. I just paid around $50 for 12 months of coverage on my apartment ($15k coverage, $1k deductible). I shopped around at 5 different places and Amica came out the cheapest by FAR.

Other than that, you don't need much. Buy less crap. Don't buy some $50 automatic electronic wine opener when a $1 wine key will do the job. Same for a can opener.

Yep, I was able to cook them just on the skillet. Highly recommend forming smaller meatballs (1.5" diameter) so they cook faster. I also use a cast iron skillet, so the heat is perfectly distributed. Definitely get one if you don't have one.

I cooked the meatballs on medium heat for 5 minutes and then simmered for 5 minutes after adding the curry sauce ingredients.

I borrow one that is similar to this guy:

https://www.amazon.com/Presto-6-Quart-Aluminum-Pressure-Cooker/dp/B00006ISG3/ref=lp_289825_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1485481958&sr=1-1

I use it for agar. Have to put a few canning rings down to elevate it. I tried a few bags inside, every single time they melt to the side of the pressure cooker. It just gets too hot on the sides.


I've never seen a pressure cooker of any kind in my local good will.


I have 2 of these. They work awesome:
https://www.amazon.com/Presto-01781-23-Quart-Pressure-Canner/dp/B0000BYCFU/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1485482118&sr=1-1&keywords=pressure+canner

Of course all American is the best you can buy:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002808ZM/ref=twister_B00DR737G2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I have 1 of those too.

There's lots of sites about DIY canning. Here's one with a tutorial. We got a pressure canner like this.

We like canning boneless skinless chicken breasts because the canning process if very simple and you can just pull it out, cut it up, and dump it into pasta or whatever without any extra prep time except what it takes to warm it up. We do dozens of jars at a time and you can reuse the jars. Once you have the supplies, there is very little cost except the electricity or gas for your stove. Canning takes a little extra work upfront, but it's really nice to always have meat and other goods handy without worrying about spoilage or freezer burn. Since you canned it yourself, you know what's going into your food, don't have to worry about unknown preservatives, etc.

Yeah, that's cooker + shipping.

Looking at this one here: https://www.amazon.com/Presto-01781-23-Quart-Pressure-Canner/dp/B0000BYCFU/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=presto+23+qt&qid=1560423656&s=gateway&sr=8-1&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=theshro-20

You mentioned the presto 23qt. Are you talking about this?

Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000BYCFU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_HT1nDbVQTSN54

My local store has that on sale for quite a steal. I just saw it listed primarily as a pressure canner and initially dismissed it. I could easily pick that up and be within budget because of the deal on it!

Do not use all in ones for pressure canning

https://nchfp.uga.edu/publications/nchfp/factsheets/electric_cookers.html

Pressure canners can be used to cook. But pressure cookers should never be used to can.

I bought this one back in December and I'd reccomend it:

Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0000BYCFU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_oflnDb0ZZT7BS

Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000BYCFU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_otA9BbM3368FQ

nice move on the temp controller for your first time! Took me several run throughs before I stepped up to it. I'd invest in a PC sooner than later ;) Looks good!


​

Great point. Mine is a canner (this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000BYCFU/) so I’ve not paid attention to making the distinction since I wrote this for myself. I’ll update it to clarify since these instructions are out for public use. Thanks.

https://www.amazon.com/Presto-01781-23-Quart-Pressure-Canner/dp/B0000BYCFU/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1543590904&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=presto+23+quart+pressure+canner&dpPl=1&dpID=410aORMkjVL&ref=plSrch

$70 just depends on how much it costs to ship it to you . Let me know when you find out cuz I'm interested .

For a good non-stick, I'd go with a cheap one. The one recommended around here is the T-fal 12.5 Professional. I got one and I'm really happy with it.

https://smile.amazon.com/T-fal-Professional-Nonstick-Thermo-Spot-Indicator/dp/B000GWG0T2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482409647&sr=8-1&keywords=t-fal+professional+non-stick+fry+pan+12.5+inches

After ATK gave it a good review, I bought a TFAL Professional and I've been very happy with it. Heats evenly, nothing sticks to it and it didn't cost too much.

I just looked it up at Cook's Illustrated - in their two non-stick categories ("Inexpensive Nonstick Skillets" and "Small Nonstick Saucepans") they don't seem to recommend the Cuisinart nonstick pans. They didn't seem to hold up, and lost their "nonstickiness" pretty quickly. :(

For the Inexpensive Nonsticks (from Sept, 2010), they liked the 12.5 inch T-Fal Professional Total Nonstick Fry Pan.

For the "Small Nonstick Saucepans" (from March, 2006), they liked a couple of different ones, but the 2 1/2 quart Calphalon was at the top and surprisingly affordable.

ETA - I took a "meats and sauces" class from a chef a few years ago. He said he wasn't generally a fan of non-stick, though he understood why home chefs used them. He thought there wasn't a substitute for a good stainless steel pan that was well heated and oiled. I know I've adopted that for cooking meats, and I get a better result. But I don't make a lot of eggs (not a huge fan), so I'm not sure if that's practical.

I finally bought the T Fal Professional after watching the Test Kithen guys use it for years and claim how great it is. I'm pretty mad that I hadn't one a few years ago. And it's only $28




Here's their review of Pans

The best advice I can give you is to check out the America's Test Kitchen equipment reviews. Some of the things they recommend will be out of your budget, but most of the things will get you great quality at an affordable price. I'm very active in my kitchen and I don't buy anything without first looking to see if it's an item they've reviewed.

Example: Victorinox Fibrox Knives. Commercial quality, BIFL knives, and a fraction of the price you'll spend on department store BS.

$600 is a stretch to outfit a kitchen, but there are soooooooo many kitchen items sold that you DON'T need. Stay away from gadgets that only have one purpose. You can do MOST of what your really need with simple, multi-purpose tools. So here's the basics:

1. Knives (Victorinox Fibrox)Amazon This is a decent starter set that will give you versatility starting off. Add as you go.
   
2. Pots and Pans - All clad is the BIFL industry standard. I have them and love them. But a set will crush your budget. A starting set will usually be cheaper than one-piece at a time. For your budget I'd recommend the Tramontina tri-ply wich ATK rated highly right next to All Clad. At around $140, it's a great set. Also, get a non-stick skillet and whatever other non-stick pieces you can afford. The best rated non-stick cookware (better than All Clad, I've had both) is good old Tfal. Ask for the All Clad Stainless stuff if you ever get married.
   
3. Food Storage - I consider good food storage to be a kitchen basic, and the I like Snapware Airtight. But if the budget is tight, you can probably get buy on Gladware for a while.
   
4. Other Tools - This list should get you started without too much "fluff"
   vegetable peeler, grater, liquid & dry measuring cups, measuring spoons, thermometers (instant read), spatulas (plastic & metal), Wooden Spoons, Ladel & Larger Spoons, Tongs, Colander
   
5. Bakeware - at a minimum, get 2 commercial style aluminum sheet pans and I recommend 2 silpats to fit. These will make flawless cookies, roast vegetables, whatever in the oven. I'd also get some wire racks to fit as well. The rest depends on what you want to bake.
   
6. Small Appliances - this is where it gets tricky. Remember, focus on multi-purpose machines. I'd rather have one high-quality electric motor than many cheap ones - less to break. The first appliance I would buy are: a stand mixer (kitchen aid), a food processor(cuisinart), a blender (my favorite value, the new Oster Versa (a Vitamix without the price tag).
   
7. Dinnerware, Flatware and Glasses - Stick with classic stuff. White plates never go out of style and make the food "pop". Doesn't need to be expensive now.
   
   I'm sure I missed some things, but this will get you started. My recommendations added up will take you over your budget but you can decide what's most important to you. Don't skimp on the knives or the pots and pans.

FWIW, the T-FAL E93808 nonstick pan is Cook's Illustrated #1 nonstick pan, and has more than a thousand 5-star reviews on Amazon, where it is currently about $25. I own two of these and I can tell you they are my "go to" pans, have performed flawlessly over several years - they heat incredibly evenly, and outperform pans that cost me a LOT more money (I am an AVID home cook). Amortized over the lifespan of these pans, you're paying probably 20-30 cents a month for them - they definitely seem like a frugal choice. Here's the link to Amazon (though I think you'll find them elsewhere as well): http://www.amazon.com/T-fal-Professional-Nonstick-Thermo-Spot-Indicator/dp/B000GWG0T2

The food looks amazing, but you seriously need a new nonstick pan. The stuff that's flaking off and getting into your food is not something you want to be ingesting on a daily basis.

http://www.amazon.com/T-fal-Professional-Thermo-Spot-Indicator-Dishwasher/dp/B000GWG0T2

http://www.amazon.com/T-fal-Ultimate-Anodized-Thermo-Spot-Indicator/dp/B00EXLOVU2

Both of these are oven safe, dishwasher safe, and metal utensil resistant. Recommended by Test Kitchen, and I love mine.

There isn't any point to an expensive non-stick pan.

The best rated one I could find was a T-Fal pan that was highly rated on amazon and tested very well on America's Test Kitchen.

http://www.amazon.com/T-fal-Professional-Thermo-Spot-Indicator-Dishwasher/dp/B000GWG0T2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426220328&sr=8-1&keywords=t-fal+nonstick+pan

Edit: to be clear I have had this pan for over a year (maybe two at the most?) and have used it twice a day, and expect to have to replace it soon, so take that for what you will.

Do you need an omelette pan specifically, or will any non-stick pan do? America's Test Kitchen has taught me that no non-stick surface is permanent, and the more you use it, the faster it will wear out. So although their highest rated pan is an expensive All-Clad, they actually recommend a much less expensive (but almost as good) pan that is cheap to replace when the non-stick coating starts to wear off.

The T-fal Professional Total non-stick for $30

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000GWG0T2?pc_redir=1408850210&robot_redir=1

Seems very highly reviewed, and will probably replace my All-Clad non-stick when it starts to stick.

Might be treason here, but this (Matfer Bourgeat 062005 Black Steel Round Frying Pan, 11 7/8-Inch, Gray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KENOTK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_bFLcAbJF1JTC1)is my go to pan for most everything....though I use a hard anodized pan for my omelets...

Carbon steel is my GO TO pan for damn near everything now. I fry my bacon in it, then my eggs. I'll use it for quesadillas, burgers, grilled cheese, etc. I haven't had my stainless pans out of the cupboard in at least a month. My cast iron pan is now reserved for potatoes, perogies, cornbread, and anything where my carbon steel pan is a bit small.

http://smile.amazon.com/Matfer-Bourgeat-062005-Frying-8-Inch/dp/B000KENOTK/ I do reccommend a proper french pan over the lodge ones. They're much smoother, and Matfer Bourgeat welds the handles so you don't have rivets on the inside of the pan (I prefer that for egg pans) I have the 9 1/2" pan which is big enough to cook 4 half strips of bacon, fry an egg or two (I've had 3 in there, but if you do that you're gonna have them in weird shapes instead of being round. IDGAF, but you might). I'm currently preparing a 10 1/2" pan for my mom's mother's day gift, and I'd probably recommend that one as an egg pan. I'll do 6 half strips of bacon in it, and 3 eggs with no space issues. It seems to be the right size if you're cooking for more than just yourself. Then again, you might as well but a few because they are awesome.

Cook’s Illustrated highest rate carbon steel pan isn’t riveted. Amazon link

I have one of these sitting on my stove filled with fry oil 24/7. It's a good life.

Lodge L8DD3 Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven, 5-Quart

I use this.

This is what I'm getting. The advantage of a combo cooker is that you can use that skillet side as the base where you place the dough. This makes it much easier to load, especially if you are going to want to move on to scored loafs.

This could get long.

> Skillet - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000LEXR0K?keywords=lodge%20cast%20iron%20combo&qid=1458281902&ref_=sr_1_2&sr=8-2

That's not so much a skillet as it is a dutch oven, despite what they're calling it (unless this is a UK/US thing). It's an absolutely fantastic piece of gear though, but for other reasons. The fact that the lid can be used as both a casserole dish and a skillet increases its versatility. I wouldn't say necessary but very useful if you can get it in your budget. Dutch oven cooking is fantastic and a lot of people have started using them for baking bread, thanks to Jim Leahy.

> Smaller frying pan - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Circulon-80675-Infinite-Anodised-Skillet/dp/B000GQOW8Y/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1458282021&sr=8-3&keywords=circulon+frying+pan

That is probably too small to be your only one. All my numbers are in freedom units but that one's just under 8 inches. For only one frying pan or skillet, I'd say something closer to 12 inches or...~30cm? It's not even 7am, I'm trying to math. Maybe this one. I've used their stuff in the past, it's not bad as long as you take care of it.

> Smaller saucepan - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Brabantia-Titanium-Casserole-Glass-Lid/dp/B00QFMVF1U/ref=sr_1_19?ie=UTF8&qid=1458282106&sr=8-19&keywords=anodised+sauce+pan

That isn't really a saucepan, but that's the type of pot I was talking about. I'd say a bigger one of those, I've never seen one not measured in volume. Apparently, all the UK stuff I'm seeing is measured in diameter. As for the actual saucepan, I'd suggest you get something stainless like this. It looks to have a pretty solid, heavy bottom.

But, for a larger pot, this is more along the lines of what I was talking about. You can use this for soups, pasta, smaller quantities of stock and, since it looks like it's oven safe to probably 180C, would work for braises as well.

Keep in mind that I can't speak for any of these items firsthand but that skillet or the dutch oven (which you'll have forever if you take care of it well). However, if you bought those two items plus the saucepan and larger casserole pot I linked, you'd certainly have enough to get started, still come in at well under your £150 mark, and not end up with crap you won't use.

Later on down the road, add a heavy bottom 30cm stainless steel sautee pan with lid.

The question is what can you not do with a dutch oven especially the double dutch oven with skillet lid? This is what I have and love using it for anything you can use normal stock pot for, skillet, ect.

https://smile.amazon.com/Lodge-L8DD3-Double-Dutch-5-Quart/dp/B000LEXR0K/ref=sr_1_10?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1526430290&sr=1-10&keywords=dutch+oven

I own a lodge http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000LEXR0K/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1394324744&sr=1-2 that is very similar, its just missing the texture on the lid/griddle.

Summertime and the livin' is easy

Here's a beach in Tel Aviv, Israel. I took this picture when I went with some friends for my 16th birthday.

Here's a little tiny skillet (Kitchen wishlist) that would be perfect for making eggs over the campfire in the morning :)

I found it for $4.99 on Amazon. And now I probably have to buy it, just because.

https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Skillet-Miniature-Individual-Desserts/dp/B000LXA9YI

I've replaced every piece of expensive nonstick with dirt cheap cast iron. Who wants to screw around with overly fancy pans that can't be used in an oven or on the bbq grill.

I also don't understand why seasoning them is such a big deal.

Amazon

This "ultralight" cooking pan. For the weight conscious camper in your life.
https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-LMS3-Miniature-Skillet-3-5-inch/dp/B000LXA9YI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481397716&sr=8-1&keywords=cast+iron+mini+pan

All y'all might want to try these mini egg skillets. They produce an egg about the same size as a ring. No leak. Can use for other things.
http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-LMS3-Miniature-Skillet-3-5-inch/dp/B000LXA9YI

A miniature (3.5 inch) skillet! It's so cute and my husband would love it. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LXA9YI/

(It's on my Apartment Stuff list)

If you want to save money, go with the Lodge Logic one--honestly, it works just as well as the Le Creuset (I have two--the smaller is Le Creuset) but is wayyyyyyy cheaper.

$45 at Amazon

This isn't a crock pot but I find this works better than all the crock pots I've had in the past and it's much more multi-purpose... minus a warm setting. Reasonably priced and on par with top end Le Cruset. My suggestion is the Lodge Dutch Oven

1. You'll probably want at least one non stick pan for eggs. Teflon is not harmful provided it's not heated to around 500F. It's used in medical implants and is totally inert in the body.
   
2. Generally it's better to go for quality, but you don't have to go all out. For any of the big premium price names, there's a mid priced brand that's virtually the same product. Stuff on the very low end tends to be trash.
   
3. You should have around a 10" nonstick pan, an oven safe 12" pan you can use at high temperatures, a 4-6 quart pot or dutch oven, and maybe a larger stock pot. Supplant that with some baking sheets and you've got enough to cook for 4-6 people or so.
   
4. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004WULC3I https://www.amazon.com/Calphalon-Tri-Ply-Stainless-Cookware-Everyday/dp/B003L0WE78 https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Skillet-Pre-Seasoned-Skillet-Silicone/dp/B00G2XGC88 https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Enameled-Classic-Enamel-Island/dp/B000N501BK https://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Ware-Natural-Aluminum-Commercial/dp/B0049C2S32 https://www.amazon.com/Checkered-Chef-Cooling-Stainless-Dishwasher/dp/B06Y5F3NGY https://www.amazon.com/Vollrath-Economy-Mixing-5-Quart-Stainless/dp/B07BB3SPR2 https://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Fibrox-Chefs-Knife-8-Inch/dp/B008M5U1C2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00151WA06 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002HDXVO https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GRFHXVQ
   
5. I'd say follow your interest in recipes more than anything. Motivation is a big deal, and if you think the food is boring you'll be tempted by the drive through.

enameled cast iron dutch oven.
https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-EC6D43-Enameled-6-Quart-Island/dp/B000N501BK/ref=sr_1_2?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1493687830&sr=1-2&keywords=dutch+oven

I actually bought one of the Lodge enameled dutch oven and it is THE TITS. I bought it before I met my FH and since I've moved in with the boy even he's converted. My boyfriend and I use it weekly and it is fantastic. It really keeps the heat and cooks things evenly and cleans up really well. This is the one I have: http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-EC6D43-Enameled-Island-6-Quart/dp/B000N501BK/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1458631753&sr=1-1&keywords=lodge+enamel+cast+iron

Lodge Logic makes a great dutch oven that is perfectly fine for about a third of the cost. I own one, it's great. You don't need name brands to make good food.

http://www.amazon.com/Le-Creuset-Signature-Enameled-Cast-Iron/dp/B0076NOHG2/ref=sr_1_1?m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1419110261&sr=1-1


http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-EC6D43-Enameled-Island-6-Quart/dp/B000N501BK/ref=sr_1_4?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1419110287&sr=1-4&keywords=lodge+logic+dutch+oven


See what I mean?

I am not sure of what you already have or what you would need, I am listing a few things on top of my head:

• Crock pot
  
• Cast iron skillet
  
• Dutch oven
  
• Victorinox chef knife
  
• Microplane zester
  
• Bread maker machine
  
• Mandoline
  
• Mortar and pestle
  
• Flour Water Salt Yeast: The Fundamentals of Artisan Bread and Pizza
  
• Tartine bread
  
• Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking
  
• Espresso maker
  
• Cookie Sheet and cooling racks
  
• Meat Thermometer

If you want to use one pot for almost everything just spend $60 and get a lodge enameled cast iron. It goes from stovetop to oven to fridge. You can use it to sautee, roast, stew and bake.


http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-EC6D43-Enameled-Island-6-Quart/dp/B000N501BK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452153771&sr=8-1&keywords=lodge+enamled+cast+iron

The places where regular cast iron wins are fire and broiling. For frying, electric fryer with temp control is only way to go.

I marked things with a [w] if they're on my WL!

1. Something that is grey. China Glaze Polish Ecollection Recycle [w]
   
   
2. Something reminiscent of rain. Hehe, a watering can [w]
   
   
3. Something food related that is unusual. Miracle Noodles - they're these weird low-carb noodles [w]
   
   
4. Something on your list that is for someone other than yourself. Tell me who it's for and why. (Yes, pets count!) LARPing Book for my friend Dennis. His is missing several pages, which is very frustrating to him. He's endlessly dear to me. [w]
   
   
5. A book I should read! I am an avid reader, so take your best shot and tell me why I need to read it! Other People's Love Letters - doesn't that just sound romantic? :D [w]
   
   
6. An item that is less than a dollar, including shipping... that is not jewelry, nail polish, and or hair related! Mickey Mouse Cookies!
   
   
7. Something related to cats. I love cats! (keep this SFW, you know who you are...) SmartCat [w]
   
   
8. Something that is not useful, but so beautiful you must have it. Triple heart necklace <3 [w]
   
   
9. A movie everyone should watch at least once in their life. Why? Love Me If You Dare. Everyone should have more French film in their lives. It's a beautiful, artistic, funny, romantic movie. The main characters are hot.
   
   
10. Something that would be useful when the zombies attack. Explain. Cast Iron is heavy! [w]
    
    
11. Something that would have a profound impact on your life and help you to achieve your current goals. For exercise, way easier on my knees than the treadmill [w]
    
    
12. One of those pesky Add-On items. Awesome fabric softener - and I really want it, too! [w]
    
    
13. The most expensive thing on your list. Your dream item. Why? A Roomba. I have pets. I need to vacuum more often. I'm lazy. Also he would be my robot butler friend. I'd name him Alfred or Jeeves or Pennyworth. My cats would be afraid of him. [w]
    
    
14. Something bigger than a bread box. A mattress is quite a bit bigger! [w]
    
    
15. Something smaller than a golf ball. Pearl earrings [w]
    
    
16. Something that smells wonderful. Lilac and Lilies! [w]
    
    
17. A (SFW) toy. Cat toy! [w]
    
    
18. Something that would be helpful for going back to school. Chromebook! It's actually for when my husband starts college. [w]
    
    
19. Something related to your current obsession, whatever that may be. Filter for my new fishtank! [w]
    
    
20. Something that is just so amazing and awe-inspiring that I simply must see it. Explain why it is so grand. Electric bike so, my comment on this is: “Theoretically I would like to bike. Realistically I'd like to bike, except up hills. Oh, here we are!”. Right?! Also what they sell electric bikes on Amazon? Damn! [w]
    
    Bonus:
    
    Oregon Chai!

• A posh old Englishman
  
  
  
• Most "oh god, I would never be seen with this in public" (this one was hard as I'm pretty ok with being seen with anything from my lists)
  
  
  
• Most phallic
  
  
• Geekiest
  
  
  
• Would most help me achieve a goal
  
  
  
• Best to bring to a deserted island (in Kitchen & Food list)
  
  Thanks for the fun contest!

Even at 50% off a Le Creuset dutch oven is 150-200 dollar range. If you're looking for an enameled cast iron dutch/french oven, I have been using a Lodge enamel dutch oven for years and it is fantastic and has done flawless work for me.

I'm not going to spend a bunch of time making comparisons, just read the reviews on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Color-EC6D43-Enameled-6-Quart/dp/B000N501BK/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1381656285&sr=1-1&keywords=le+creuset+dutch+oven

The red color is currently on sale for $60 flat. Save yourself a hundred and some odd bucks, while not losing out on any quality, and buy a good knife.

Edit: $60 for the 6 quart, $72 for the 7 1/2 quart.

French dutch ovens can be expensive, but if you settle for a Lodge dutch oven, it'll be a fraction of the cost. I personally own one and I picked it up for about $60. Works great.
https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Enameled-Classic-Enamel-Island/dp/B000N501BK

It's a Dutch oven. Here's a link

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000N501BK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492397268&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=dutch+oven&dpPl=1&dpID=41UmRh4zzOL&ref=plSrch

It is a Lodge dutch oven. The one pictured here is the 6 qt, and it is big enough for most things. You can buy them from the Lodge website, but got mine from amazon. I prefer the Lodge enamel coated ones to the Le Cruset ones, an they are a fraction of the price.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000N501BK/ref=ox_ya_os_product

same here, this one
seems to be just the right size. 10 gal would be stretching it.

.9mm = ~20 gauge, the same thickness as midrange pots such as this, which have been deemed good for brewing. :)

That's exactly what I did.

Actually, if you already have that much budgeted, this is the kettle I got for BIAB, and I'm very happy with it after 2 brews in it.
http://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classic-1044-44-Quart-Stainless-Steel/dp/B000VXHKMC/ref=sr_1_2?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1419971421&sr=1-2

I think it depends on what you want to do. If all you are going to do is 5 gallon extract then what you are looking at is likely fine.

If you decide to go to BIAB and want to do a full volume mash, then 8 gallons is going to be tight. You could always go the route of a separate mash tun in which case the 8 gallon boil kettle would be fine.

I was about to buy the same combo you are looking at when the Bayou Classic SS 44 qt was offered for sale on Amazon for $52. At that price it was a no brainer. It is currently offered on Amazon at $82 - not sure how often it goes on sale. https://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classic-1044-44-Quart-Stainless-Steel/dp/B000VXHKMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1481464938&sr=8-2&keywords=bayou+classic+44+qt

For a burner I picked up the bayou classic sq14. Seems like plenty of homebrewers use it with no problem. So far I have only fired it up to burn off the paint on the stand. I heated around 8 gallons of cold water to almost boiling (small bubbles) in around 20 minutes. I didn't take it to a boil as I was only interested in burning off the paint and didn't want to waste propane. I am confident this burner will work just fine. It runs around $40 on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classic-Single-Burner-Patio/dp/B0009JXYQ4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481465286&sr=8-1&keywords=bayou+classic+sq14

EDIT: I should probably add that I bought the combo above with the intention of continuing to extract brew then look to get a BIAB bag and try some all grain. The 11 gallon size should let me do both.

EDIT 2: Just finished a full boil extract kit (a porter) with steeping grains. The sq14 burner has no problem bringing 6 gallons to a rolling boil on full blast. Once it was boiling it was no problem to back off on the regulator quite a bit to maintain a boil. The wort is in an ale pale with a packet of safale 04 yeast. I'm looking forward to tasting this in a few weeks. I had no worries about a boil over with the 44 qt bayou classic ss kettle. If you can wait you might want to keep an eye on pricing on Amazon to see if it drops again in price. I'm glad I went this route to give me flexibility.

Any recommendations on a 10 gallon kettle that isn't too expensive? LBHS only has Blichmann stuff for $400+ or "economy kettles". I don't want something terrible but hoping something exists around $100 that can last me a few years at least that I can add my own spigot to down the road.

Not sure what to even look for really, so does anyone have recommendations or any feedback on this one?

https://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classic-1044-44-Quart-Stainless-Steel/dp/B000VXHKMC

Or should I go for a turkey fryer?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000VXHKMC/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?qid=1418770993&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70

That's a popular option to get you started, but it depends on what size kettle/batches you want!

I have been doing 5 gallon batches, but I will probably move up to ~7.5 My kettle. I brew outside pretty much exclusively now.

This is $72 prime http://amzn.com/B000VXHKMC

Weldless ball valve is $18 prime http://amzn.com/B00JT03TGE

$90 is a good deal.

>What do you mean by steaming it?

I have a platform, something like this buts flat. I put that in the bottom of a large pot, put a little water in there, slap on the lid and you have enough space to reheat an entire plate of food in a few minutes.

It's better too because you avoid the scalding outside and frozen inside you get with a microwave.

I bought this steamer basket. Works pretty well and fits in the DUO60.

Doesn't seem to be available on Amazon.com, sorry if you are from the US :(. But I'm sure something like this or this would be almost exactly the same.

Get you something like this and steam it instead of boil it. Much better flavor IMO, and much less watery.

What the others said. They peel ridiculously easy, the texture of the whites is ideal, and the yolks are creamy and delicious. I do 5 minutes on high vs 6, but the real key is the ice bath immediately after quick release. I let them sit in a bowl of ice water for about 15 minutes to completely stop the cooking process. Perfectly yellow yolks with no hint of green.

Oh, and a vegetable steamer basket like this one allows me to cook about 18 eggs at a time in a nice little stack.

And they're dirt cheap link

I ended up going with this pot from AIH and adding a ball valve from bargainfittings.com. Though it seems to be out of stock right now. Another one I looked at was the Bayou Classic, which goes for a similar price and has a ball valve pre-installed, you'd just need to add a hose barb. AIH also has 15gal keggles for $99 too. Those are probably the best deals if you don't DIY... FYI I personally don't see the point in a false bottom or therm on a boil kettle - maybe if you're doing BIAB a therm might be nice for mash temps, but still not entirely necessary IMO. Both the pots I linked are marked which will give you a rough idea of volume in the kettle, but if you go with a keggle installing a sight glass would probably be handy.

If you are looking to save some cash, I've been happy with my 16 gallon Bayou Classic. The only con that I can possibly see is it isn't tri-ply, but I've never had any issues with scorching or anything. I upgraded my ball valve to a three piece and installed a side pickup from http://bargainfittings.com/.

How about a pot for $140 for 10 gallon batches?

I've got this guy, but I only use him for mashing because he doesn't fit on the stove.

I use a tall boy 8 gallon, which is like $100 or so, but I think if you want to pay a little more go for the ones with a ball valve so you can use a better chiller.

If you feel like you need a thermometer get a javelin for another $25. I don't see much use -- by the time I'm going to upgrade enough to warrant a huge thermometer on the pot and do something with it, I'm probably going to have a HERMS anyways so I'd need a digital one.

I just bought this one that's twice the size for about the same price:

http://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classic-1064-Stainless-16-Gallon/dp/B007V493PG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413908290&sr=8-1&keywords=bayou+classic+16+gallon

you lose the thermometer, but that's not a problem for me. Like other's are saying, you really want at least a 10gal for 5 gallon batches.

Ha I will when it's built! It's actually all planned out now, just buying the pieces up. I think I can still help though.

Here is an image of brianj's kettle, from a post he did on BrewUnited. Those are two 1500W ULWD heating elements, exactly the same as my build.

I'm going to be using a 16 gallon bayou kettle with a custom brew bag, and use the associated false bottom.

That false bottom will keep the grains off of the heating elements, and there will still be enough space for high gravity BIAB batches (4.5 gallon average batch size).

I use an Auberin PID controller with two 40A SSRs and a 25A SSVR (also from auberin) that will regulate the intensity of one of the elements. You probably already have this all set up already, so it's more of an informational thing.

The re-circulation is probably the part you're worried about:

• Use a chugger pump, and you can attach a SS ball valve if you'd like to regulate the flow. I do.
  
  
• Camlock Disconnects are your friend.
  
  
• Use a loc line in the keggle, and it'll float on top of the mash. You can also just set up a fly sparge type system.
  
  
  I would head over to /u/mchrispen's blog, he has some great pictures of his system and it sounds similar to what you're hoping to do (purely from a re circulation standpoint). It uses keggles.

Kettle, not burner.

someone just posted this on r/homebrewing, amazing price for a good brand.

https://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classic-1064-Stainless-16-Gallon/dp/B007V493PG/ref=sr_ph_1

I just got this kettle
Bayou Classic 1064 Stainless 16-Gallon Stockpot with Spigot and Vented Lid https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007V493PG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_it7myb8PP9N4Y

At 16 gallons with weldless value it's not a bad price to do a mashturn and boil kettle for $260 I believe it's a single ply bottom so you would have to watch closer about scorching but that saves you some money to buy other toys and fittings.
I spent a few bucks on modding my kettle with temp probe, down tube and a recirculating fitting. I would like to add maybe a hop blocker to it.

Maybe pick this up for up for your sparger

Bayou Classic 1032 Stainless 8-Gallon Stockpot with Spigot and Vented Lid https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007TV9LSU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Qx7mybGFYBFKT

I run an outdoor gourmet 24" but it's only 55k btu so it takes few mins to get to temp, I been wanting to get a banjo type burner maybe a anvil or blichmann hellfire.

I still like the false bottom you picked out as I don't care for how bc does theirs.

My next step is I am building a keggle for my hlt and adding a herms coil to it.

I've only brewed twice with extract, but I'd like to get into all grain, at least starting with biab.

The pot I use now is pretty small, so I'm thinking I want to get a new one that would be good for biab, but that I could potentionally still use for other methods in the future if I feel like it or want to make a larger quantity or something higher gravity.

I was looking at something like [this] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007V493PG/ref=aw_wl_ov_dp_1_1?colid=2A3M8Z2CC4N4J&coliid=I3Q7M72HYYCJW0) or one of these but I'm wondering if it makes sense to get it tricked out with the false bottom and the thermometer and stuff. Are those kettles and acessories that would lend themselves to the different methods?

Also, are the built in thermometers really always shit, and am I really better off getting a thermapen? I'm not super concerned about price (within reason), but for some reason I need convincing or clarification on the thermometer.

One other thing: what kind of bag should I get?

---------

Edit: fixed links

I'm in the same boat, looking to move from 8gal pot to 12-15 Here is the stuff I have had in my Amazon cart for the last 4 months.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O2T71FC

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CCKT1F6

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007V493PG

I was looking at this one a few months back, but I wound up getting a much larger kettle without the built-in thermometer for roughly the same price.

It seemed like the ones with a thermometer were massively more expensive for the same volume, and on the handful of times I've used other people's built-in thermometers I haven't found them terribly accurate (although I'm assuming they can be calibrated). I just use a $10 candy thermometer that I check every so often so make sure it's still accurate.

I've recently bought nicer equipment to homebrew with. I now have a nice propane burner, and 16gal stockpot with weldless spigot. (For reference this is the burner: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009JXYQY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

and this is the stock pot:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007V493PG?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00)

The last step for moving my brewing setup outside is a wort chiller.

My first question is do I need a wort chiller at this point if I still want to do some 5gal extract brews? I figure with a 2.5-3 gal boil volume, the burner and 16gal pot might be extreme overkill.

At some point I would like to do 5gal all grain batches or at least BIAB, which I think needs the wort chiller at a minimum to cool properly.

My second question is will a 25in premade wort chiller fit properly or do I need to make my own, assuming the chiller needs to hang above the sediment, and not lay on the bottom of the pot.

Edit: I was doing some more research, and I decided to go with this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004D50LO8/ref=s9_simh_hd_b14JJvX_p79_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0X0PBZVYQ8CGW12NKNBN&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=2223253542&pf_rd_i=979843011

I think it will do the job, and avoid any issues fitting or making an immersion chiller.

Do you cook? I like the idea of getting something for the kitchen because you can think of your mom every time you use it to make a meal. Well-made cast iron pans are supposed to last forever - Le Creuset cast iron mini-dutch oven. All-Clad is another brand known for making products that last a lifetime.

If cooking if not your jam, check out r/BuyItForLife, specifically their sidebar, for other ideas.

The stainless line is still $100+ for a 12" fry pan. Are we talking about the same thing?

https://www.amazon.com/All-Clad-Stainless-Tri-Ply-Dishwasher-Cookware/dp/B00FUF5K8W/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_79_bs_tr_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=7W3C942MNZCBWGDHKNZQ

I'd go buy a nice 12" frying pan, a saute pan and a pot. This pan will last practically forever. I've had one for 15 years, it gets used almost every day. Still going strong.

Outstanding! For a cast iron skillet, the Lodge brand at Amazon is an especially good value.

/r/cheapmeals & /r/eatcheapandhealthy : Good place to find recipes to print for her. They also have a ton of slow-cooker recipes.

Lodge 12" Cast Iron Skillet : Print out a card on how to maintain it. Cast Iron pans are great, nuff said.

This bad boy. It cooks like a dream.

You know what adults really love at things like this? Shit they actually would use and not throw away. Like a cast iron pan, or a chef's knife (side note: I wouldn't buy that personally but it's the best looking one I can find for $25). I still have a blanket that I got from a White Elephant a few years ago. Doesn't match a thing in my house, but it's comfy and comes in handy all the time.

For the kids, and adults honestly, I'd recommend a nerf gun (expect to remember people getting shot with it the entire rest of the party), Jenga, or a mini helicopter.

Even if a kid gets stuck with a cast iron pan you know their parents are going to give them twenty bucks for it to make em happy.

I was comparing two similar irons, both 12". I ended up going with this one since it seemed easier to bake in with the steeper wall.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G2XGC88/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_UPJhybWP78WDV

I love cooking! I especially enjoy cooking on cast iron and in the slowcooker. I do it on Hard Mode too, because both my SO and I eat mostly vegan (exception: I eat eggs), so it's fun and challenging to revamp old favorite recipes and dishes but in vegan form. A new cast iron pan can be bought for under $30, and small slow cookers are really cheap too. There are tons of vegan cookbooks out there, but I get most of my recipes and meal ideas online. My favorite site is Finding Vegan, a recipe amalgamation site. Beautiful pictures, and some really great food.

Also, I play ocarina! It's really easy to learn to play, and GREAT quality ones can be bought for really cheap, too! I suggest starting off with a basic, single chamber, transverse style ocarina in the Alto C. It's a professional-quality instrument, but it really will not break the bank, and as long as you don't drop it (it could break!) you will get a lifetime of beautiful sound out of it. There are no replaceable or tunable parts (like strings or reeds), so it's a one-time purchase with no future maintenance to worry about figuring out. Every ocarina I've ever purchased has come with a little fingering guide, plus a few tabs of easy songs, and once you practice just a little bit, you can play pretty much anything, provided your ocarina is in the right range/plays enough notes. And if you practice for years, you can be as good as my favorite ocarinist, Osawa Satoshi!

There are also more "casual" ocarinas, that cost quite a bit less, and offer a different fingering style, which isn't as intuitive as the transverse style, but it is easier for some people to learn, as it's just pattern memorization and tabs, and you really do not need to know how to read music at all. (you don't need to know it to play a transverse oc either). A lot of the smaller ocarinas can also be worn as necklaces as well, so you can take it with you and practice wherever you are! Fun! And they sound just as great as the more pro ocs too!

They are actually easier to learn than recorder (imo) and sound SOOOOOOO much better, as they are basically impossible to make do that horrible shrill screech that so many elementary school kids are able to make recorders do. They are also not very loud. If you live in an apartment with shared walls, you could go with a MUCH quieter (but more expensive) handmade wooden ocarina. Good news though! This craftsman also has a little kit for $25 where he sends you the pieces and you just glue it together. The great thing about wood ocs is that they are definitely quieter than ceramic, but they ALSO will not break if you accidentally drop it. I mean if you spike it, it might shatter, so don't do that, but just a clumsy fumble won't hurt it.

Just listen to how beautiful this wooden one sounds!

Anyways, if you are interested, check out those vendors I've linked (Songbird and Hind) and poke around their websites to see what's out there. There are also a few great amature ocarina players on youtube, so go watch some videos!

Word of warning though: if you start seeing STL ocarinas pop up during your searches (you will), take those reviews with a grain of salt. They have some iffy business practices, crappy customer service, and subpar ocarinas. Stick with Songbird and Hind. They are both great craftsmen, and great people to do business with. If you live outside of the USA, you should also consider Focalink-Stein, based out of Samoa (they used to be based in Taiwan). Songbird has a business partnership with them and is (as far as I know) the only American company that is authorized to sell the Focalink-Stein ocarinas, and they are literally some of the best ocarinas there are. If you live outside the USA, compare the shipping costs between Songbird and Focalink-Stein, and go with the least expensive option. They both excell at customer service, and will personally answer any emails with questions you may have. Again: Stay away from STL. Their (bad) ocarinas are nowhere near worth the hassle of dealing with them.

Anyyywaaaays, so yeah, vegan cooking and ocarinas.

Also, if yu have a pet of any kind (even a fish), you could try doing some clicker training. It's really fun and easy, and all you need is your animal, a clicker, some yum treats, and some patience. It's way cute. I've trained my cat to do lots of cute tricks like high fives and spins and stuff. :)

Make sure you're getting plenty of fiber. I eat less b/c of it and feel fuller/better energized throughout the day.

I've been eating a breakfast of shredded wheat/rolled oats/flax/kiwi/banana/unsweetened almond milk and sometimes blueberries.


Soups are super easy, use water or veggie broth and get some lentils and boil that sucker up and on the simmer phase throw in the works...Zuccinni/squash/mushrooms/spinach/carrots (towards the end). Mix it up sometimes with rice/spices/whatever. An hour of time to basically get meals for a week.


Grilling veggies is really easy and tasty. I'm not a big "salad" person, but I LOVE grilled veggies. Get a cast iron pan like this.

Takes next to no time to heat up and you can throw some garlic/mushrooms/peppers/sweet potato slices/onions/portabellas/broccoli/carrots/corn/whatever your heart desires. I eat a lot of veggies for lunch/dinner because of these two methods.

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Mac MTH-80

The best chef’s knife for most people

>With its super-sharp edge, its sleek, tapered shape, and its comfortable handle, this knife will make your everyday dicing and slicing tasks smoother and quicker.

>Every kitchen should have a chef’s knife — it’s the most versatile piece in any cutlery set, and it will make food prep on Thanksgiving and every other day faster and easier. The Mac MTH-80 has been the top pick in our guide to chef’s knives since 2013, a choice backed by 120 hours of research, interviews with experts and chefs, and tests that involved chopping more than 70 pounds of produce. The Mac is universally comfortable, and it has proven that it can stay sharp through regular use, even in our busy test kitchen. Other knives to consider for preparing a Thanksgiving meal: a paring knife for delicate tasks, and a serrated knife for slicing bread, root vegetables, and even meat.

Price: $145 (17% OFF)


Proteak TeakHaus Rectangle Edge Grain Cutting Board with Hand Grip

The best wood cutting board

>This beautiful, eco-conscious teak board requires more careful cleaning than a plastic board, but it felt better under a knife and was easier to maintain than the other wood boards we tested.

>If you want a hefty wood cutting board (which looks better and is easier on your knives), we recommend the Proteak TeakHaus Rectangle Edge Grain Cutting Board with Hand Grip. It’s thick enough to stay in place and resist warping, but it isn’t so heavy that you can’t easily move it around. It can also double as a serving board for a cheese spread before dinner. For carving the Thanksgiving turkey, check out the Proteak Teakhaus 24-by-18-inch board, a larger version of our pick that has a juice groove.

Price: $85 (12% OFF)



Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup Food Processor

The best food processor

>With just pulse and on buttons plus a single bowl, this is one of Cuisinart’s most basic models, but it consistently chops, slices, and kneads better than any other food processor we’ve found for under $250.

>A food processor is the best tool for quickly performing a variety of chopping, slicing, and shredding tasks, something you’ll be doing a lot of when prepping for Thanksgiving.

Price: $156


Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Dutch Oven

Best Dutch oven

>With big handles and durable design, this Dutch oven aced every test, rivaling models four times the price. A nice Dutch oven is indispensable for preparing all kinds of hearty Thanksgiving sides, and it looks nice enough to double as a serving dish.

Price: $59



All-Clad Stainless 12″ Covered Fry Pan

The best skillet

>With its superior heat conduction, durable construction, and comfortable handle, the All-Clad 12-inch skillet is a workhorse that will last beyond a lifetime.

>A 12-inch skillet is an essential kitchen tool: It’s perfect for stir-frying, pan-frying, making one-pan meals, and searing steaks and other hunks of meat. At Thanksgiving, you can use it for everything from toasting nuts to creaming spinach.

Price: $99 (50% OFF)


Bayou Classic Aluminum Turkey Fryer Stockpot

The best turkey fryer pot

>Part one of our suggested turkey-frying kit is a 30-quart aluminum stockpot that heated up quickly and stayed warm in our tests.

>Our pick for the best turkey fryer is the 30-quart Bayou Classic Aluminum Turkey Fryer Stockpot along with the Bayou Classic Single Burner Patio Stove. The affordable, quick-heating stockpot kit has everything you need to get the job done except the oil, the turkey, and a heat source. The separate stove is solidly built, powerful (enough), and designed with the four-legged stability you want when you’re handling 4 gallons of bubbling oil.

Price: $58

I have this one in a couple sizes and I like it a lot!

under $40!

No... the little guy was an add on for amazon. I figured why not. Only a few bucks.

The Lodge 6qt is $60:

https://amzn.com/B000N501BK

The Cuisinart 5qt in blue is $72:

https://amzn.com/B0018ACXN8

I'm not sure why you'd get a 10 gallon pot when you can get a 62 quart (15.5) Bayou for 100 dollars. If you are trying to keep costs down, this will allow you to BIAB with a lot of flexibility.

http://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classic-1044-44-Quart-Stainless-Steel/dp/B000VXHKMC/ref=sr_1_4?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1406286250&sr=1-4&keywords=bayou+classic

You can use your existing kettle for dunk sparging.

Yup - you're not really going to be able to do BIAB in your kettle, at least not a 5 gallon batch. The good thing is that you don't have too much invested in it (it will make a great extra kettle to heat your sparge water though!), so upgrading won't be too painful. Something like this could work well, but there are plenty of options out there. Add in a bag (I've heard nothing but amazing things about The Brew Bag products) and you're good to go!

It will be fine, but it will have less alcohol and probably a thinner body than if you would have topped off with the appropriate volume of water.

One simple way to avoid this in the future is to get a pot big enough to boil your full volume of water (minimum 8 gallon pot for 5 gallon batches imo). There are other advantages to doing a full-volume boil as well. Amazon has a pretty good deal going on some stainless pots right now.

What's reddit's opinion on Alum vs Stainless Steel? I did a comparison search for a SS pot and found this for $72 on the 44 QT size and $98 for the 62 QT size. Is it worth paying 20 bucks more? I was a little worried about the quality of the originally linked item due to a few reviews that said their pot came with holes or failed after a couple uses.

Here is the desktop version of your link

I would go with a Kettle, the link is the one i use and love. With a step bit you can drill it out and put a spigot in it and site glass.

A chiller is also nice. So is fermentation temp control... it makes a huge difference in your final beer if you are used to random fermentation temps.

This is a great kettle for 5 gallon batches. Lots of us use this exact one. http://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classic-1044-44-Quart-Stainless-Steel/dp/B000VXHKMC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420666782&sr=8-1&keywords=44+quart+stainless

For 10 gallon batches I would go just a bit bigger on the boil kettle.
This (82 qt) is what I use.
As for getting the water I use RO filtered, etc. water from my grocery store. I fill 2-3 x 5 gallon jugs with that and then combine with tap water to get to the final volume I use. I plug these proportions into a water calculator and add appropriate salts as needed.
I also use an outdoor burner. What I do is heat the mash water then mash in to my 10 gallon igloo cooler mash tun (can handle 10 gallon batches as long as OG <1.060 or 1.065, I don't make many large beers) and then immediately transfer the sparge water to the boil kettle and heat that during the mash. When the mash is complete I collect first runnings into a bucket (handy for gauging initial boil volume) and then batch sparge with the pre-heated sparge water.

I did BIAB on my stove for years in one of these.

Bayou Classic 1044 44-Quart Stainless-Steel Stockpot might save you some money. I have the 9 gallon of this pot and it is working great, but I haven't moved to all grain yet.

Anything wrong with this as a brew kettle?

http://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classic-1044-44-Quart-Stainless-Steel/dp/B000VXHKMC/ref=sr_1_1?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1449110140&sr=1-1&keywords=40+qt+turkey+fryer

I ordered this one about a year ago and have used it probably about 20 times since then. I love this pot and plan on installing a weld-less ball valve on it this weekend. Like what kds1398 said, the main downside is the size if you don't have a valve because once you get 7.5 gallons of wort in it she can get heavy. The only other really minor negative I can think of is that a lot of gunk and stuff gets caught and hidden under the little lip near the top, you just have to be careful when cleaning it but it's really no big deal. I would definitely buy this pot again.

I got me an 11 gallon kettle and burner for decently cheap on the ol interwebs it was a bayou something or other. I brew in a bag and I can fit about 20 lbs of grain in it without it spilling but it's close. I'd go that route personally it's cheaper than a conventional all grain but brews are cheaper and more in control than extract. You can get by with one carboy one chiller one burner and one kettle.

I actually bought my kettle exactly one year ago today. I paid only $54 for it though, and it looks like it's now $94 USD. They have used ones for $48. It's a pretty solid kettle, not the best but it works for me and plenty of others.

https://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classic-1044-44-Quart-Stainless-Steel/dp/B000VXHKMC

Just ordered a 44 qt bayou classic yesterday. It was a tad cheaper yesterday,but is still a screaming deal at $72. Mine actually came with the steamer basket as well which I'll probably use as a false bottom for a BIAB bag. Ordered a low profile elbow diptube true bulkhead from brew hardware and a valve and a Wilder bag. Looking forward to giving it a go soon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000VXHKMC/ref=sxl1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468443021&sr=1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65

I'm sure your looking to buy used but I just bought an 11 gallon (44qt) SS pot on amazon for under $100. It works great for 5 gallon all grain batches and fits on my stove and even in the sink.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VXHKMC/ref=oh_details_o03_s01_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have an old mini fridge that is just barely big enough for a 7 gallon bucket or a carboy with a blowoff tube. I operate the fridge with an stc-1000. It is roughly 2x3 and a few inches lower than countertop height. In my old house, it sat at the end of a galley style kitchen and I stuck a small butcher block on top of it and used it as additional countertop space.

I rarely have more than one beer fermenting at once so I find it to be sufficient for my needs.

EDIT: For what it's worth, I started doing all grain BIAB before I added my fermentation fridge. I started doing all grain in an effort to save money on ingredients, and it was a very very good move. I buy grains in bulk for about $0.50 per pound and supplement that with specialty grains from my local homebrew shop. I cut the price of a 5 gallon batch of beer in half when I switched to all grain, and all I added was this 10 gallon kettle and a cheap diy mesh bag.

As I started sharing my beer with friends and coworkers who didn't know it was homebrew, it became obvious that I needed to step up my game in the quality control department and a ferm chamber was number 1 on that list. I have also learned to do a much better job of protecting my beer from oxygen and I have learned a ton about recipes and making my own, but the ferm fridge is a critical component in my brewery.

Kettle question - Is there much difference performance wise between something like this and this?

I got my AG kit at northernbrewer.

http://www.northernbrewer.com/brewing/brewing-equipment/all-grain-equipment/deluxe-all-grain-systems/fermenters-favorites-essential-all-grain-brewing-starter-kit-10-gallon

that's the one, except I have the old high school football game orange coolers. I know for a fact you can make those yourself for cheaper, but that's not exactly the sorta thing I'm good at!

Some people love carboys. I did, too, until I dropped one. I swear to God, it was a friggin miracle nobody got hurt, especially since my kids were nearby. Now they have plastic carboys, but honestly, fermentation isn't really that exciting to look at. Buckets are way cheaper, easier to move, and they don't explode if you drop them (your hands are going to be wet A LOT). When I'm done with the mash, I usually have like....ohhh I dunno about 6.5-7 gallons of wort to start off with, so you're definitely gonna want a nice big kettle. I have an 11 gallon kettle because fuck boil-overs. (http://amzn.com/B000VXHKMC).

So you've already got your fermentation bucket, right? That's really all you need other than a bottling bucket. Some people do secondary fermentation, but man, that's just more hassle IMO. Exposes the beer to oxidation and contamination and it's really unnecessary when you can do all of your additions in your primary bucket. The syphon, hydrometer, bottling wand.....the buckets.....the mash tuns....did I forget anything? Maybe an extra kettle for sparging. I have that 11 gallon one and a 5 gallon one that I use for sparge water, but the only reason I have that smaller one is because I went extract first, then "graduated" to AG. Oh, helpful tip for extract brews, try doing a full volume boil, it just makes it better...and I prefer DME to LME, but that's personal opinion.

Oh snap I did forget something.....the wort chiller. These things are awesome, and chill your wort much faster than an ice bath, in my experience. Sorry for rambling!

$8 steamer basket works great.

https://www.amazon.com/Chef-Craft-Stainless-Steamer-9-5-Inch/dp/B0029728H0

Make sure you have a heat proof dish or three that will fit inside the IP. It needs to be <8" at the widest, so for square dishes that's the diagonal. I don't think Pyrex is safe if you want to broil, so you may need a metal dish or ceramic ramekins/souffle dishes.

A collapsible veggie steamer basket works better for catching smaller food than the wire trays. People recommend the OXO one, but I like my cheapo one.

If you plan to even attempt yogurt or desserts you will need an extra sealing ring. My first IP meal was ham & bean soup, and my gasket still smells like ham two months and several meals later.

I have an extra inner pot and I really like being able to cook while one pot is in the fridge or dishwasher.

I prefer to use an old fashioned steamer basket. Serving is easier and I can always find it!

Chef Craft 100% Stainless Steel Steamer Basket, 6-Inch Expands to 9.5-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0029728H0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i1aBybT1786NW

steamer basket

Dirt simple way to get started:

• Protein:
  
  • Easy: bake chicken breasts
    
    • https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/240208/simple-baked-chicken-breasts/
      
  • Oven
    
  • 13"x9" baking pan
    
  • Aluminum foil
    
  • Olive oil
    
  • Salt
    
  • Pepper
    
  • Chicken breast (I like 5-packs)
    
• Vegetable:
  
  • Easiest: microwave frozen veggies
    
    • Microwave
      
    • Frozen vegetable "steamer" bag
      
  • Easy: steam fresh veggies on stove
    
    • Stove
      
    • Pot
      
    • Vegetable steamer basket (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0029728H0/)
      
    • Vegetable
      
    • Water
      
• Grain:
  
  • Easiest: brown rice in rice cooker
    
    • Rice cooker (https://www.amazon.com/Oster-Titanium-Infused-DuraCeramic-CKSTRC61K-TECO/dp/B01N06BZFB/)
      
    • Brown rice
      
    • Water
      
  • Easy: brown rice on stove
    
    • Stove
      
    • Pot
      
    • Brown rice
      
    • Water
      
      Repeat every few days. I like batch cooking for 3-7 days in advance, hence the 5-packs of chicken breasts. Once you're comfortable doing these things, you can swap each item out with another item of the same kind. Barley instead of brown rice. Salad instead of steamed veggies. Pork chops instead of chicken. Etc for the rest of your life. Feel free to expand into more complex recipes.