For Megan:
Last week I was at my friend Jess's house, and we were making dinner... a vegetable lasagna sans noodles. We needed to slice the eggplant and zucchini very thinly, but she didn't have a good mandoline. The end result was mutilated veggies and cut up fingers.
On Sunday, Megan, Charles, and Addison came over for lunch. I served my hummus for and appetizer which is always a hit. I told Megan how to make it, and I gave her some fresh rosemary from my garden. She tried to a few days later. She called me upset because it didn't come out right. She didn't have the proper equipment to make it... a large food processor. (We later found out that she used prediced garlic--- and light olive oil--- yuck to both! Always have fresh garlic and extra virgin olive oil in the house!)
She said I should write a book with included what you need in your kitchen... so instead, here is my list of the top five things that I need that go above the basics. A double boiler is on my wish list. (hint, hint Sean ;)).
If you want to add anything to this list please comment!!! We all love new kitchen tools!
1. A good Dutch Oven, at least 6 qt.... something that is made out of cast iron and has an enamel coating. I use Mario Batalie's and I got it at Crate and Barrel.
2. A mandoline slicer... mine is by OXO
3. A hand blender -Cuisinart
4. A full size food processor- Cuisinart
5. Microplane grater- OXO
