Kitchen Essentials - Living Cookbook Recipe Software

kitchen essentials > Lee's Picks

Small Appliances

	Bodum 3000-10USAA Electric Santos 12-Cup Coffeemaker - It looks great, it makes awesome coffee, and it is a hoot to watch. The water gets forced up into the funnel (where you put the coffee grounds) as it boils. After a few minutes the heating element turns off and the coffee drains through a nylon filter into the carafe. So simple. And did I mention that the coffee is really good? If you own an iMac they make one to match your computer.

	Braun MR430HC/AC Multiquick Deluxe Hand Blender & Chopper - You can't beat this thing when you want to make a smoothie for one, beat a couple of eggs or puree a small batch of tomatoes. I hate cleaning my food processor so now I only bring out the Cuisinart for big jobs.

	Cuisinart Sandwich Grill - I love a good toasted tuna salad sandwich. This gizmo makes it a snap. Ten minutes after I get the can open I am ready to eat.

	DeLonghi AR690 Retro Convection Oven - This looks like something the BMW Z3 engineers made in their spare time. Wonderful retro design.

	DeLonghi RT400 4-Slice Retro Toaster - You don't really need one of these if you already own the toaster oven, but they look so good together... Check out this detail picture of the dials and controls.

	KitchenAid KP2671XER Professional 6-Quart Stand Mixer - I can't say I could find a use for a mixer every day, but I would buy it as much as a work of art as a kitchen appliance. The paint job is nicer than my car's.

	Villaware 5955 Grand Wrap Tortilla and Flatbread Maker - Once you have had fresh homemade tortillas there's no turning back. You could press and the cook them the old-fashioned way, or you can do both at once with this handy gadget.

	Waring WPB05 Professional Kitchen Blender - The prototypical blender. If you are in the market for a blender, buy this one. If you already own a blender, give it to someone who drinks fewer margaritas than you, then buy this blender.

Other Useful Stuff

	All-Clad Stainless 10-Inch Nonstick Fry Pan - OK, so it's a little pricy for a frying pan. Ikea sells frying pans for $2.95, but this one is heirloom quality. Take care of it and you will never need another. Amortized over the rest of your life, that's about $2.95 per year...

	Amco Stainless Steel and Nylon Locking Tongs - I have a few of these in different sizes. I can't do without them.

	Calphalon Commercial Hard Anodized Collector's Edition 6-1/2-Quart Saucepot with Pasta Insert - I put so much effort into making great homemade pasta, so I might as well make sure I have the right tools for boiling the water...

	Cuisipro Stainless Steel Food Mill - When you need one of these gizmos you really need it.

	Le Creuset 6-Piece Classics Set - I can't afford anything from Le Creuset, but I love their stuff and I am saving my pennies.

	OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler - I miss the thingy on the end for scooping out the eyes but this peeler is so sharp that it makes peeling potatoes really quick.

	Microplane Coarse Grater - Not just for the wood shop any more. I use mine for grating nutmeg and parmesan cheese. It does a wonderful job.

	Taylor Digital Instant-Read Pocket Thermometer - Very quick and very accurate.

	Wüsthof Grand Prix 7-Piece Knife Set with Block - These knives are amazing. They are a joy to use and with a little practice with the sharpening steel you can get them razor sharp.

	Zyliss Comfort Salad Spinner - A simple and elegant design. With the basket removed you can also use the bowl for preparing and storing (but probably not serving) salads.