COOKING STORE
There many essential tools in cooking, from knives to pots and pans to recipe books. If you purchase high-quality tools they will work beautifully, help improve your cooking and last for many years. Our professional chefs rely on many of the same basic tools you use everyday in your kitchen, and they understand the importance of using the best tools for the job. Here are some of their favorites:
KNIVES
All good knives have some things in common:
Heft – a good blade is going to be on the heavy side- A solid blade that doesn’t bend easily (unless, like a boning knife, it’s supposed to)
- A full tang (meaning the blade is the full length of the handle)
- Multiple rivets (at least 3)
- Bolsters to protect your hand from the blade and help balance the knife
Forged blades are far superior to stamped; they cost most but the quality is worth it in the long run. Flat ground is better than hollow ground. Other features are based on preferences such as weight, balance, and handle comfort. A good knife set is an investment and they will last years as long as you care for them properly. Start with an 8 or 10-inch butcher knife, a serrated bread knife and a paring knife.
POTS & PANS
A good set of pots and pans are essential in any kitchen. Like knives, a good set of pots and pans can last an entire 
lifetime many years. We recommend pots and pans that are:
- Made with thick layers of durable, high-quality metals that will last for years
- Triple ply for even heat distribution, with an aluminum core between layers of stainless steel
- An aluminum core that extends up the sides, not just the bottom, of the pan
- Have stay-cool handles that won’t heat up with the rest of the pan
- Steel handles that are riveted solidly to the pan
- An added bonus for regular pans (not non-stick) is being able to use them both on the stove top and in the oven.
If cost is a concern we recommend purchasing one piece at a time, starting with the essentials: 2 and 4 quart pots and 8-inch and 12-inch pans.
CAST IRON
If you are looking for the right tool to make a pot roast, stew or any other dish that requires long cooking times at low temperatures cast iron is the answer. We’re not talking about using your camping Dutch oven, although that would do the job, but about enameled cast iron which is light-weight, easy to clean, and far more attractive.
Why cast iron? Cast iron distributes heat slowly and evenly, and, with a lid that fits well, retains moisture, creating an oven-like environment on your stove top. Choose a size that will allow you to make a large pot of Beef Bourguignon or a roast chicken and vegetables for your whole family.
PLACE SETTINGS
A basic place setting consists of 5 pieces:
- Luncheon Plate
- Dinner Plate
- Soup Bowl or Dessert Plate
- Cup and Saucer
Whether you’re purchasing formal or casual placesettings, these five basic pieces are enough to get you started. Pair them with beautiful serveware and silver (sterling or stainless, depending on your preference) and you’ll have everything you need to entertain. The number of place settings you need depends on how you use them, but eight to twelve sets often are enough to get you started.
RECIPE BOOKS
Recipe books are an invaluable resource, particularly when you have dietary restrictions or are looking to try a new diet and need some guidance.
Guilt-Free Desserts: Your Guide to Better Baking
- Gluten-free and low-glycemic recipes
- 50 recipes for desserts including: cheesecake with berries, pound cake, and chocolate fondue.
- Instant eBook access
- eReader friendly
The Easy Way to Gluten & Dairy Free Baking
- Gluten-free and Dairy-free recipes
- 80 recipes for cakes, cookies, muffins, cupcakes, treats, desserts, pancakes, and bread.
- Instant eBook access
- eReader friendly
Your Heart Needs the Mediterranean Diet
- Written by Registered Dietcian Emilia Klapp, R.D., B.S.
- Teaches you about which foods to eat and which to avoid.
- Provides easy to prepare, delicious recipes
- Instant eBook access
- eReader friendly
Are You Sure That’s Vegan?
- Vegan and Vegetarian recipes including: pancakes, cheesecakes, quiches, cookies, and more
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- Instant eBook access
- eReader friendly
100 Healthy Raw Snacks and Treats
- Snacks and treats for the Raw diet
- 100 recipes including desserts like cookies and fugde
- Instant eBook access
- eReader friendly
The Paleo Recipe Book
- Over 370 Paleo diet recipes
- Full of Photos
- Instant eBook access
- eReader friendly
Practical Paleo Nutrition Guide Book
- Written by Holistic Nutritionist Diane Sanfilippo
- 80 Page book includes tools for Getting Started, Paleo Foods, Meal Planning, and Recipes
- Instant eBook access
- eReader friendly
Looking for ways to make your favorite recipes healthier or switch to a new diet? Our professional chefs can help. Learn more about our memberships here or call us at 1877-773-8485.
