Since tomorrow is National Digestion Day, I won't be posting again until Monday. But I did want to say, "Thanks, you guys!" to the lovely folks who’ve ushered traffic here for the last few months. You've been way kind, and I really appreciate it. (Check out their blogs!)
(P.S. Apologies to the bloggers. The links should be correct now.)
Kamis, 22 November 2007
Rabu, 21 November 2007
Finding Quality Kitchen Equipment on the Cheap
Last week, we talked about what cooking equipment is best for kick-starting a new kitchen and/or stocking an old one. Turns out? Though rice cookers and garlic presses tanked in my survey, they were sky-high on almost every commenter’s list. Oversight City, Population: Me.
Today, we look at another, more complex apparatus issue: where to find everything at a somewhat-to-severely discounted price.
This article took awhile, mostly because I wasn’t quite sure how to organize everything. Eventually, I settled on the following:
FIRST STOP
Friends and Family
Whether it’s a 2-quart saucepan, the world’s most adorable whisk, or a vegetable peeler from the Clinton years, odds are your loved ones have unused kitchen paraphernalia lying in hidden corners around the house. (Mayhaps in the kitchen?) With permission, raid their stashes for valuable booty. It’s good for you, good for the environment, and best of all, free.
IF YOU NEED IT NOW
Amazon
The King Daddy Mack of all online retail outlets, Amazon often offers the best possible prices for a range of cooking gear (especially the big stuff). The Markdown page and Bestseller columns are good places to start looking for bargains AND you might even be able to snag a partial refund through this site. Plus, Super Saver shipping is often available for the low, low cost of $0. Not too shabby. (Caveat: always read the reviews. Sometimes, that cake pan is discounted for a good reason.)
Spotted recently
This may be difficult in small towns and the ‘burbs, but according to New York Times expert Mark Bittman, “Every metropolitan area has at least one [supply shop].” This means you can grab everything from a wire whisk to a heavy cookie sheet for way less than you’d pay at Macy’s. “In fact,” he claims, “I contend that with a bit of savvy, patience and a willingness to forgo steel-handle knives, copper pots and other extravagant items, $200 can equip a basic kitchen that will be adequate for just about any task, and $300 can equip one quite well.” Grab a muscular friend and go crazy.
Wal-Mart and Kmart
(Leviathan-esque big box stores are terrible at promoting community and competition, but they’re still some of the only options many people have, which is why they’re listed.) A brand name is a brand name is a brand name, wherever you buy it, so often, a discount store can offer you a much better deal. For example, a 14-speed Oster blender will cost $60 at Macy*s, while a roughly comparable one will only be $24.96 at Wal-Mart. It’s the same thing, so why pay twice the price?
Spotted Recently
IF YOU’RE BROWSING
Clearance Sales – In Store
While popular, high-quality items are rarely located in the clearance section, smaller gadgets and seasonal gear are rife on the racks. Make it a point to take a gander each time you visit a home store, because hey – you never know.
Clearance Sales – On Line
Crate and Barrel, Crate and Barrel Outlet, Sur la Table, Bed Bath and Beyond, Linens N Things, Williams-Sonoma, Target, Sears, Kohls, JC Penney, Cooking.com, and Pfaltzgraff (to name a few) all have Sale or Clearance sections on their websites. Price varies wildly and shipping charges add a little extra, but you can occasionally score a faboo deal.
Spotted recently
Now available everywhere but Mars, this classified-section-turned-website offers some killer buys from real people. While the downsides are annoying and plentiful (dealing with flaky sellers, finding exactly what you want, etc.), the upside is gently-worn cookware for good prices. Think of it as a ginormous online garage sale.
Spotted recently
Speaking of garage sales, they’re another option for the kitchen completist hoping to get lucky (in a Rated G kind of way). Pick an early weekend morning (before everyone else wakes up) and cruise your neighborhood for bargains. Get Rich Slowly has some tips from The Yardsale Queen to help you along.
Outlets
Proximity and price are the two issues with outlets, since they tend to be sporadically-placed and costs are frequently comparable to their parent stores. That said, there are good values to be had, and if there’s an outlet mall near you, you can hit up several stores at once.
Thrift Stores and Flea Markets
Perhaps better for dinnerware and linens, thrift stores and flea markets can turn up the occasional pot, pan, or cooling rack. Quality is the question here, so take a good long look before making that purchase. This site can help you pinpoint thrift shops in your area.
CONSIDER
Independent Retailers
No, they're not often the least expensive option, and they may not have the exact Le Creuset Dutch Oven you want. Odds are they’ll order it for you, though. Small businesses do that kind of thing, and it’s our responsibility (and our pleasure!) to support them.
KEEP WALKING
The Dumpster / Sidewalk
Most people wouldn’t and shouldn’t have a problem with this. HOWEVER, there’s been an issue with bedbugs in quite a few North American cities lately (Seattle, Toronto, Cincinnati, New York, Vancouver, Lexington, etc.), and it doesn’t look to be improving. While I’m not sure these disgusting critters hang around cake pans, I have read they’re nearly impossible to exterminate. So … yeah. Avoid discarded equipment if your area’s at risk.
Overstock.com
I came, I browsed, I wasn’t impressed. Overpriced.com is more like it. (Haw haw.)
DUNNO
Restaurant Auctions and Liquidations
I did look at some of these, but they seem to be more pertaining to other restaurant owners. If anybody has any input, I’d love to hear it.
Estate Sales
Found on Cragislist and in your area (most likely) Estate Sales occur when someone passes away. Having never been to one, I’m not positive of the ins and outs, so if anyone has an opinion, bring it on.
In the past, I’ve found Amazon, Ikea, eBay, and the occasional yard sale most helpful, but I hope everything listed here is a relevant to someone. If y’all have anything to add, I welcome the comments. Happy Thanksgiving!
(Photos courtesy of Flickr.)
Today, we look at another, more complex apparatus issue: where to find everything at a somewhat-to-severely discounted price.
This article took awhile, mostly because I wasn’t quite sure how to organize everything. Eventually, I settled on the following:
- FIRST STOP: Try this first, before anything else, whether you’re actively pursuing a Wusthof chef’s knife or casually looking for a Santa Claus spatula.
- IF YOU NEED IT NOW: Go here if you have a list of kitchen equipment in mind, and nothing but your specific ideas will do.
- IF YOU’RE BROWSING: Check these places if you’re not terribly pressed for time, but would be thrilled to trip over a certain piece of cookware.
- CONSIDER: This may not be your first choice, but it’s a valid one.
- KEEP WALKING: Don’t bother with these.
- DUNNO: I’ve heard of folks obtaining equipment through these methods, but don’t know much about them myself.
FIRST STOP
Friends and Family
Whether it’s a 2-quart saucepan, the world’s most adorable whisk, or a vegetable peeler from the Clinton years, odds are your loved ones have unused kitchen paraphernalia lying in hidden corners around the house. (Mayhaps in the kitchen?) With permission, raid their stashes for valuable booty. It’s good for you, good for the environment, and best of all, free.
IF YOU NEED IT NOW
Amazon
The King Daddy Mack of all online retail outlets, Amazon often offers the best possible prices for a range of cooking gear (especially the big stuff). The Markdown page and Bestseller columns are good places to start looking for bargains AND you might even be able to snag a partial refund through this site. Plus, Super Saver shipping is often available for the low, low cost of $0. Not too shabby. (Caveat: always read the reviews. Sometimes, that cake pan is discounted for a good reason.)
Spotted recently
- KitchenAid Gourmet Essentials 10-Piece Hard Anodized Cookware Set for $114.99 (was $390)
- Baker's Secret 10-by-16-Inch Nonstick Cooling Rack (2 pack) for $5.99 (was, er, more than that)
- Simply Calphalon Nonstick 6-Piece Bakeware Set for $29.99 (was $81)
Bargainist and Dealhack (with an order of Retail Me Not on the side)
Instead of perusing individual cooking websites looking for faboo deals, save time and money with sites that do it for you. Bargainist and Dealhack monitor tons of online sales (Amazon, Linens N Things, etc.) while Retail Me Not offers the latest and most updated coupon codes.
Spotted recently
- Free Reynolds Slow Cooker Liners sample (Bargainist)
- 22-Pc. Non-Stick Roaster Set $10 After Rebate (Bargainist)
- 20% off Total Purchase at Linens N Things (Retail Me Not)
eBay
Still the online leader in person-to-person goods exchange, auction icon eBay has a great advantage over Craigslist for finding bargain kitchenware. The range of items is unmatched, and coast-to-coast sellers mean you can have a pot shipped from close to home. Plus, detailed descriptions, pictures, and customer ratings help ensure safety and quality.
Spotted recently
- New Wusthof Ikon 8” Chef’s Knife for $8.99 shipping, plus bid ($120 on Amazon)
- New Circulon 5.5 Quart Dutch Oven for $6.99 shipping, plus min. $19.99 bid ($100 on Amazon)
Ikea
Measuring cups for a $0.99. Colanders for $1.99. Three mixing bowls for $4.99. Ikea, though not ideal for sturdy cookware (leave that to Amazon), is THE place to go for gadgetry that never seems to last that long anyway. For college kids to first-time apartment dwellers on down, the Swedes know the score.
This may be difficult in small towns and the ‘burbs, but according to New York Times expert Mark Bittman, “Every metropolitan area has at least one [supply shop].” This means you can grab everything from a wire whisk to a heavy cookie sheet for way less than you’d pay at Macy’s. “In fact,” he claims, “I contend that with a bit of savvy, patience and a willingness to forgo steel-handle knives, copper pots and other extravagant items, $200 can equip a basic kitchen that will be adequate for just about any task, and $300 can equip one quite well.” Grab a muscular friend and go crazy.
Wal-Mart and Kmart
(Leviathan-esque big box stores are terrible at promoting community and competition, but they’re still some of the only options many people have, which is why they’re listed.) A brand name is a brand name is a brand name, wherever you buy it, so often, a discount store can offer you a much better deal. For example, a 14-speed Oster blender will cost $60 at Macy*s, while a roughly comparable one will only be $24.96 at Wal-Mart. It’s the same thing, so why pay twice the price?
Spotted Recently
- Kmart: Hamilton Beach 6-cup Bowl Food Processor for $29.99 ($31.82 on Amazon)
- Wal-Mart: Hamilton Beach 500-Watt 10-cup Food Processor for $34.96 ($59.99 at Macy*s on sale)
IF YOU’RE BROWSING
Clearance Sales – In Store
While popular, high-quality items are rarely located in the clearance section, smaller gadgets and seasonal gear are rife on the racks. Make it a point to take a gander each time you visit a home store, because hey – you never know.
Clearance Sales – On Line
Crate and Barrel, Crate and Barrel Outlet, Sur la Table, Bed Bath and Beyond, Linens N Things, Williams-Sonoma, Target, Sears, Kohls, JC Penney, Cooking.com, and Pfaltzgraff (to name a few) all have Sale or Clearance sections on their websites. Price varies wildly and shipping charges add a little extra, but you can occasionally score a faboo deal.
Spotted recently
- Sur la Table: Wusthof Trident Kitchen Shears for $9.96 (was $19.95)
- Crate and Barrel: Seville Pepper Grinder and Salt Shaker Set for $13.50 (was $15)
- Pfaltzgraff: Measuring Spoons for $1.29 (was $1.99) AND Cupcake Café Mixing Bowl Set of 3 for $15 (was $43.99)
Now available everywhere but Mars, this classified-section-turned-website offers some killer buys from real people. While the downsides are annoying and plentiful (dealing with flaky sellers, finding exactly what you want, etc.), the upside is gently-worn cookware for good prices. Think of it as a ginormous online garage sale.
Spotted recently
- New Mini-Prep Plus Cuisinart Food Processor for $18 (was $40-45 retail)
- New Pampered Chef Cookware set for $149 (was $300 retail)
Speaking of garage sales, they’re another option for the kitchen completist hoping to get lucky (in a Rated G kind of way). Pick an early weekend morning (before everyone else wakes up) and cruise your neighborhood for bargains. Get Rich Slowly has some tips from The Yardsale Queen to help you along.
Outlets
Proximity and price are the two issues with outlets, since they tend to be sporadically-placed and costs are frequently comparable to their parent stores. That said, there are good values to be had, and if there’s an outlet mall near you, you can hit up several stores at once.
Thrift Stores and Flea Markets
Perhaps better for dinnerware and linens, thrift stores and flea markets can turn up the occasional pot, pan, or cooling rack. Quality is the question here, so take a good long look before making that purchase. This site can help you pinpoint thrift shops in your area.
CONSIDER
Independent Retailers
No, they're not often the least expensive option, and they may not have the exact Le Creuset Dutch Oven you want. Odds are they’ll order it for you, though. Small businesses do that kind of thing, and it’s our responsibility (and our pleasure!) to support them.
KEEP WALKING
The Dumpster / Sidewalk
Most people wouldn’t and shouldn’t have a problem with this. HOWEVER, there’s been an issue with bedbugs in quite a few North American cities lately (Seattle, Toronto, Cincinnati, New York, Vancouver, Lexington, etc.), and it doesn’t look to be improving. While I’m not sure these disgusting critters hang around cake pans, I have read they’re nearly impossible to exterminate. So … yeah. Avoid discarded equipment if your area’s at risk.
Overstock.com
I came, I browsed, I wasn’t impressed. Overpriced.com is more like it. (Haw haw.)
DUNNO
Restaurant Auctions and Liquidations
I did look at some of these, but they seem to be more pertaining to other restaurant owners. If anybody has any input, I’d love to hear it.
Estate Sales
Found on Cragislist and in your area (most likely) Estate Sales occur when someone passes away. Having never been to one, I’m not positive of the ins and outs, so if anyone has an opinion, bring it on.
In the past, I’ve found Amazon, Ikea, eBay, and the occasional yard sale most helpful, but I hope everything listed here is a relevant to someone. If y’all have anything to add, I welcome the comments. Happy Thanksgiving!
(Photos courtesy of Flickr.)
Senin, 19 November 2007
Tuesday Megalinks
Brip Blap: 101 Thoughts on Losing 100 Pounds"#10: Once you quit eating junk food, some of it starts to taste pretty awful." This is incredibly true. I avoid most chips and pre-packaged sweets because they taste funky to me now. (And not in a good, Stevie Wonder kind of way.)
Casual Kitchen: When High-Fat Food Can Actually Be Healthy
ARG I LOVE THIS BLOG SO MUCH.
Chief Family Officer: Weight Watchers vs. Do It Yourself
I’ve dropped pounds both ways - by recording the information myself, and via WW’s smashing online doohickey, which has the benefit of multiple support systems. CFO weighs the decision
Festival of Frugality 101: Rather Be Shopping
RBS does a stellar job hosting the festival this week, with a scenic tour of Highway 101. I’m hosting the 102nd edition, so get your entries in!
A Penny Closer: Reducipes
This is an ongoing series, rather than a single post. Essentially, Melissa either scales back the cost of expensive dishes or increases the delectability of simple meals. Very, very neat.
Real Simple: Thanksgiving 101
Man, I wish this magazine taught classes. I’d sign up, and always wear something sensible.
Smitten Kitchen: Our Approach to Food Photos
Nice tutorial accompanied by the most mouth-watering edibles pictures this side of Gourmet Magazine.
Time.com: Obesity Drugs Work – Modestly
Prescription pill poppers lose weight, but only about eight pounds a year. And the cost is not unalarming.
Wise Bread: Egg-cellent Ideas for Money Saving and Menu Planning AND Healthy Recipes with Cost Data
Article #1 motto: Eggs. They’re what’s for dinner. And lunch. And breakfast (but you knew that).
Article #2 motto: The USDA. Making food blogs obsolete since 2007.
(Photo courtesy of Flickr photographer Cobalt123)
The Boyfriend, Miso Soup, and Giving Thanks
Instead of listing 5,000 different recipes for cranberry sauce or waxing poetic about perfectly seasoned stuffing (I’ll leave that to the experts), for this pre-Thanksgiving post, I’m gonna chronicle what I’m grateful for this year. Here goes:
Years ago, when TB was living alone in Queens, still months away from the Spain trip that would effectively end his vegetarianism, he cooked regularly for himself. This miso soup was a menu mainstay. Oh, there are glammed-up versions out there that aren’t quite as spartan, but his four ingredient concoction gets the job done (hardcore). It’s runs about a third of the price of what a Japanese restaurant would serve, to boot.
Anysways, he's a good egg, and I'm thankful he's around - for the miso soup, happy times, and otherwise.
(Side note: I could have bought the tofu for about a dollar cheaper, saving a quarter off each bowl. Alas, I lack forethought and should be whippened.)
The Boyfriend’s Bare Bones Miso Soup
4 servings – 1 cup each
4 cups water
¼ cup white miso paste (we used Shiro miso – Kris)
About 7 or 8 oz soft tofu, cut in 1/3” cubes (we used Nasoya – Kris)
2 green onions, sliced diagonally into ¼” pieces
1) Bring water to a boil.
2) Drop in green onions and tofu, and boil for 4 or 5 minutes (stirring lightly on occasion so tofu doesn’t stick to bottom.)
3) Drop in ¼ cup miso paste and stir until dissolved.
4) Serve.
Approximate Calories, Fat, and Price per Serving
85 calories, 3.1 g fat, $0.87
Calculations
4 cups water: negligible calories and fat, $0.00
¼ cup miso paste: 159 calories, 4.8 g fat, $0.49
About 7 or 8 oz soft tofu: 165 calories, 7.5 g fat, $1.50
2 green onions: 16 calories, 0.1 g fat, $0.70
TOTAL: 340 calories, 12.4 g fat, $2.69
PER SERVING: (TOTAL/4): 85 calories, 3.1 g fat, $0.87
- Family, friends, and good health
- Road trips
- Paying off college
- Becoming a slightly better cook
- The blogging dealie (good times and neat people)
- Alton Brown
- The Office (Now in reruns. Give the writers their due, dangit!)
- The failure of the Bratz movie
- This year’s lack of smarmy, gloating Yankee fans
- Johnny Depp’s 20th consecutive year on the “Dudes I’d Smooch” list (A record!)
- New Arcade Fire AND Radiohead albums
- No new Creed albums
- Our apartment not burning down when that weird socket thing happened
- My Cabbage Patch Kid's 23rd birthday (Mah little girl’s growin’ up!)
- The Boyfriend
Years ago, when TB was living alone in Queens, still months away from the Spain trip that would effectively end his vegetarianism, he cooked regularly for himself. This miso soup was a menu mainstay. Oh, there are glammed-up versions out there that aren’t quite as spartan, but his four ingredient concoction gets the job done (hardcore). It’s runs about a third of the price of what a Japanese restaurant would serve, to boot.
Anysways, he's a good egg, and I'm thankful he's around - for the miso soup, happy times, and otherwise.
(Side note: I could have bought the tofu for about a dollar cheaper, saving a quarter off each bowl. Alas, I lack forethought and should be whippened.)
The Boyfriend’s Bare Bones Miso Soup
4 servings – 1 cup each
4 cups water¼ cup white miso paste (we used Shiro miso – Kris)
About 7 or 8 oz soft tofu, cut in 1/3” cubes (we used Nasoya – Kris)
2 green onions, sliced diagonally into ¼” pieces
1) Bring water to a boil.
2) Drop in green onions and tofu, and boil for 4 or 5 minutes (stirring lightly on occasion so tofu doesn’t stick to bottom.)
3) Drop in ¼ cup miso paste and stir until dissolved.
4) Serve.
Approximate Calories, Fat, and Price per Serving
85 calories, 3.1 g fat, $0.87
Calculations
4 cups water: negligible calories and fat, $0.00
¼ cup miso paste: 159 calories, 4.8 g fat, $0.49
About 7 or 8 oz soft tofu: 165 calories, 7.5 g fat, $1.50
2 green onions: 16 calories, 0.1 g fat, $0.70
TOTAL: 340 calories, 12.4 g fat, $2.69
PER SERVING: (TOTAL/4): 85 calories, 3.1 g fat, $0.87
Jumat, 16 November 2007
Light Italian Sausage and Pepper Sandwiches
(Thanks, everyone for the kind comments you've left on the site in the last few days. I love reading them, and appreciate all the points of view. Whee!)
The accidental murder of loved ones was a major concern when I first started cooking, especially when it came to self-created meals. I wasn’t too sure about roasting times or acceptable done-ness, so salmonella was a frightening spectre, hovering over my every meal like the possibility of nuclear obliteration during the Cold War. Subsequently, there were copious warm and fuzzy feelings whenever I failed to poison my circle of comrades.
Death and destruction have become lesser issues in the last few years, though I secretly pump my fist when guests are discovered alive the next day. Now, I’m equally concerned about taste, and developing it enough so that nothing is launched at my head, a la the Animal House cafeteria scene.
These dual properties – flavor and the eschewal of the choir invisible – are what guided Light Italian Sausage and Pepper Sandwiches. Sweet Italian turkey sausage has a nice little kick (without the fat, natch), and cutting each link into disc-sized chunks means a quick, thorough cooking time. This is super-important, since turkey sausage isn’t pre-cooked, unlike kielbasa and other prepared meats.
I should mention (and here’s where the safety issues come in) whenever I cook meat and vegetables in the same pan, I sauté the veggies first, move them to the outside of the pan, and then brown the meat in the space left. Once the chicken/pork/whatever is sufficiently cooked through, I stir everything back in together and heat for another few minutes. I’ve never become ill from meals prepared this way. (Neither have my friends, family, arch enemies, etc.)
HOWEVER (big however), some may not advocate this approach, and will cook the meat in another pan entirely. If you’re not comfortable with my method, please feel free to go with the extra-safe option. This goes double if you have kids. I like to think my digestive system is bullet-and-botulism proof, but children are no doubt a bit more susceptible to sickness.
Anyway, the sandwiches are really good in the end. The Boyfriend lurved them. (Lurve being the most intense form of love one can have for a sandwich.) They make a full meal, too, so there’s no need for a side. Plus, the sandwiches go really well with a glass of heart-helping red wine. And that can never be unhealthy. (Um, unless, again with the kids.)
Light Italian Sausage and Pepper Sandwiches
2 servings
1 T olive oil
1 green pepper, cut into thin strips
1/2 red pepper, cut into thin strips (1/3")
1 medium onion, cut into thin strips
2 sweet Italian turkey sausages, cut into 1/3" - 1/2" rounds
About 2 T red wine (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
2 oz. part-skim mozzarella, grated
1 large fancy sandwich roll, halved and gutted
1) Heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add veggies and saute until they're soft and beginning to brown.
2) Move veggies to outskirts of pan, then place sausage, piece by piece, into middle of pan. Leave for about 2-3 minutes, until they're pretty firm on the bottom.
3) Stir everything all together, and cook until sausage is done. If you're using wine, add it wine now. Scrape bottom of pan, and cook long enough so the wine dissolves.
4) Turn off heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add mixture to warm bun. Top with mozz (which should melt).
Approximate Calories, Fat, and Price per Serving
372.5 calories, 19.2 g fat, $1.86
Calculations
1 T olive oil: 120 calories, 14 g fat, $0.08
1 green pepper: 24 calories, 0.2 g fat, $0.81
1/2 red pepper: 15 calories, 0.2 g fat, $0.46
1 medium onion; 46 calories, 0.1 g fat, $0.20
2 sweet Italian turkey sausages: 220 calories, 14 g fat, $1.00
About 2 T red wine: 26 calories, 0 g fat, $0.15
salt and pepper: negligible fat and calories, $0.02
2 oz. part-skim mozzarella: 144 calories, 9 g fat, $0.50
1 large fancy sandwich roll: 150 calories, 1 g fat, $0.50
TOTAL: 745 calories, 38.5 g fat, $3.72
PER SERVING: (TOTAL/2): 372.5 calories, 19.2 g fat, $1.86
The accidental murder of loved ones was a major concern when I first started cooking, especially when it came to self-created meals. I wasn’t too sure about roasting times or acceptable done-ness, so salmonella was a frightening spectre, hovering over my every meal like the possibility of nuclear obliteration during the Cold War. Subsequently, there were copious warm and fuzzy feelings whenever I failed to poison my circle of comrades.
Death and destruction have become lesser issues in the last few years, though I secretly pump my fist when guests are discovered alive the next day. Now, I’m equally concerned about taste, and developing it enough so that nothing is launched at my head, a la the Animal House cafeteria scene.
These dual properties – flavor and the eschewal of the choir invisible – are what guided Light Italian Sausage and Pepper Sandwiches. Sweet Italian turkey sausage has a nice little kick (without the fat, natch), and cutting each link into disc-sized chunks means a quick, thorough cooking time. This is super-important, since turkey sausage isn’t pre-cooked, unlike kielbasa and other prepared meats.
I should mention (and here’s where the safety issues come in) whenever I cook meat and vegetables in the same pan, I sauté the veggies first, move them to the outside of the pan, and then brown the meat in the space left. Once the chicken/pork/whatever is sufficiently cooked through, I stir everything back in together and heat for another few minutes. I’ve never become ill from meals prepared this way. (Neither have my friends, family, arch enemies, etc.)
HOWEVER (big however), some may not advocate this approach, and will cook the meat in another pan entirely. If you’re not comfortable with my method, please feel free to go with the extra-safe option. This goes double if you have kids. I like to think my digestive system is bullet-and-botulism proof, but children are no doubt a bit more susceptible to sickness.
Anyway, the sandwiches are really good in the end. The Boyfriend lurved them. (Lurve being the most intense form of love one can have for a sandwich.) They make a full meal, too, so there’s no need for a side. Plus, the sandwiches go really well with a glass of heart-helping red wine. And that can never be unhealthy. (Um, unless, again with the kids.)
Light Italian Sausage and Pepper Sandwiches
2 servings
1 T olive oil1 green pepper, cut into thin strips
1/2 red pepper, cut into thin strips (1/3")
1 medium onion, cut into thin strips
2 sweet Italian turkey sausages, cut into 1/3" - 1/2" rounds
About 2 T red wine (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
2 oz. part-skim mozzarella, grated
1 large fancy sandwich roll, halved and gutted
1) Heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add veggies and saute until they're soft and beginning to brown.
2) Move veggies to outskirts of pan, then place sausage, piece by piece, into middle of pan. Leave for about 2-3 minutes, until they're pretty firm on the bottom.
3) Stir everything all together, and cook until sausage is done. If you're using wine, add it wine now. Scrape bottom of pan, and cook long enough so the wine dissolves.
4) Turn off heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add mixture to warm bun. Top with mozz (which should melt).
Approximate Calories, Fat, and Price per Serving
372.5 calories, 19.2 g fat, $1.86
Calculations
1 T olive oil: 120 calories, 14 g fat, $0.08
1 green pepper: 24 calories, 0.2 g fat, $0.81
1/2 red pepper: 15 calories, 0.2 g fat, $0.46
1 medium onion; 46 calories, 0.1 g fat, $0.20
2 sweet Italian turkey sausages: 220 calories, 14 g fat, $1.00
About 2 T red wine: 26 calories, 0 g fat, $0.15
salt and pepper: negligible fat and calories, $0.02
2 oz. part-skim mozzarella: 144 calories, 9 g fat, $0.50
1 large fancy sandwich roll: 150 calories, 1 g fat, $0.50
TOTAL: 745 calories, 38.5 g fat, $3.72
PER SERVING: (TOTAL/2): 372.5 calories, 19.2 g fat, $1.86
Kamis, 15 November 2007
CHG Favorites of the Week
(Hi, everybody coming over from Get Rich Slowly! Thank you, J.D. for the incredible linkage! You rock the party that rocks the ... you know.)
Blog of the Week
Serious Eats
Do you like food? Do you like reading about it endlessly? Do you have a porn collection consisting entirely of pictures of cupcakes? THIS is the blog for you. They probably don’t need the promotion, but I can’t help myself. Mmm … Batali videos …
Organization of the Week
Food Bank for New York City
Sticking close to home with this one. Another four-star philanthropy, FBNYC helps hungry Big Apple-ites in each of the five boroughs. Their food supply is low right now, and with Thanksgiving coming up, it could be in trouble. Check it out. The ghosts of Teddy and Franklin Roosevelt will thank you for it.
Quote of the Week
“Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza.” – Dave Barry
Sketch of the Week
“Spam” – Monty Python
This week’s sketch has special meaning for me, since the audio version was my first introduction to Python. From there it was Holy Grail, Ministry of Silly Walks, and a crush on John Cleese that will not subside until 157 years after my death. (Please note convenient Japanese subtitles in sketch. Graham Chapman would have approved.)
Tip of the Week
If a recipe requires that you pound meat flat, but you don’t have a mallet, try using the bottom of a heavy coffee mug or beer stein. It’ll get the job done double-time, and the piercing THUNK noise is incredibly satisfying.
Untried Cheap, Healthy Recipe of the Week
Wednesday Chef – Russ Parsons' Salt-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Rosemary and Fingerling Potatoes
Not for high-blood pressure types.
Video of the Week (Food Division)
'The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead" – XTC
You can consider this two weeks late or 349 days early for Halloween. Either way, more people should know about XTC.
(Image courtesy of SND.com.)
Blog of the WeekSerious Eats
Do you like food? Do you like reading about it endlessly? Do you have a porn collection consisting entirely of pictures of cupcakes? THIS is the blog for you. They probably don’t need the promotion, but I can’t help myself. Mmm … Batali videos …
Organization of the Week
Food Bank for New York City
Sticking close to home with this one. Another four-star philanthropy, FBNYC helps hungry Big Apple-ites in each of the five boroughs. Their food supply is low right now, and with Thanksgiving coming up, it could be in trouble. Check it out. The ghosts of Teddy and Franklin Roosevelt will thank you for it.
Quote of the Week
“Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza.” – Dave Barry
Sketch of the Week
“Spam” – Monty Python
This week’s sketch has special meaning for me, since the audio version was my first introduction to Python. From there it was Holy Grail, Ministry of Silly Walks, and a crush on John Cleese that will not subside until 157 years after my death. (Please note convenient Japanese subtitles in sketch. Graham Chapman would have approved.)
Tip of the Week
If a recipe requires that you pound meat flat, but you don’t have a mallet, try using the bottom of a heavy coffee mug or beer stein. It’ll get the job done double-time, and the piercing THUNK noise is incredibly satisfying.
Untried Cheap, Healthy Recipe of the Week
Wednesday Chef – Russ Parsons' Salt-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Rosemary and Fingerling Potatoes
Not for high-blood pressure types.
Video of the Week (Food Division)
'The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead" – XTC
You can consider this two weeks late or 349 days early for Halloween. Either way, more people should know about XTC.
(Image courtesy of SND.com.)
Rabu, 14 November 2007
Cheap Healthy Good’s Ultimate Guide to Kitchen Equipment
(First, a huge "Hi there" to everybody coming over from Simple Dollar and Frugal for Life. Thanks, Trent and Dawn!)
Serrated knife
Skillet (10” and 12” mentioned most often)
Spatulas (Metal, Rubber, and Flipper-style)
Vegetable peeler
Whisk
Wooden spoon
HIGHLY USEFUL STUFF
(MENTIONED FIVE OR SIX TIMES)
Blender (Blender/food processor combo)
Box grater
Glass liquid measures (2+ cups)
Hand mixer
Kitchen shears
Microplane grater
Pie pan
Rolling pin
Tongs
NICE TO HAVE
(MENTIONED THREE OR FOUR TIMES)
Bottle opener
Cast iron skillet
Cooling rack
Knife sharpener
Ladle
Loaf pan
Mandoline
Meat thermometer
Muffin tin
Pastry brush
Pepper grinder
Salad spinner
Slotted spoon
Steamer
Timer
OCCASIONALLY CONVENIENT
(MENTIONED TWICE)
Bulb baster
Carving/slicing knife
Coffee/spice grinder
Coffeepot
Corkscrew
Juicer
Kettle
Masher
Melon baller
Microwave
Nutcracker
Pressure cooker
Rotary eggbeater
Sifter
Skimmer
Slow cooker
Spoons
Toaster or toaster oven
DON’T WASTE YOUR MONEY
(MENTIONED ONCE OR NOT AT ALL)
Apple corer
Boning knife
Bread machine
Butcher knife (I took this to mean cleaver.)
Candy/frying thermometer
Citrus press
Cooking fork
Cotton flour-sack towels
Countertop convection oven
Custard cups
Double boiler
Fondue set (pretty, but useless)
Food scale
Freezer thermometer
Funnel
Garlic press
Griddle
Jar opener
Mortar and pestle
Oven thermometer
Pastry blender
Removable-bottom tart pan
Rice cooker
Ridged grill pan
Ruler
Skewers
Springform pan
Wok
Vegetable brush
One of the most popular, frequently-posted-on topics in all of cooking blogdom is Kitchen Equipment. Everybody (including me) wants to know: what should we buy? In what sizes? Why would anyone need a freezer thermometer, unless he’s trying to preserve a body? (Note to self: maybe cut back on Dexter a bit.)
The problem is, there are oodles of clashing opinions, because everybody comes from different culinary perspectives. In other words, equipment suggestions from a pro chef will be way out of step with a mom of 27, and her advice might be totally useless for a prison lunch lady (who, I assume, is big on gruel).
With that in mind, I took an all-encompassing approach to creating this CHG guide. First, I gathered nine different lists from wildly diverse sources. Then, I counted how many times a particular piece of gear was mentioned across the samplings, and finally, compiled the findings into one great big master list. My references consisted of:
The problem is, there are oodles of clashing opinions, because everybody comes from different culinary perspectives. In other words, equipment suggestions from a pro chef will be way out of step with a mom of 27, and her advice might be totally useless for a prison lunch lady (who, I assume, is big on gruel).
With that in mind, I took an all-encompassing approach to creating this CHG guide. First, I gathered nine different lists from wildly diverse sources. Then, I counted how many times a particular piece of gear was mentioned across the samplings, and finally, compiled the findings into one great big master list. My references consisted of:
- Two bloggers: me, Chief Family Officer
- Two newspapers: Houston Chronicle, San Diego Union Tribune
- Two experts: Martha Stewart (via Boston Globe), Mark Bittman (via New York Times)
- One mega-site: About.com
- One almanac: Old Farmer’s Almanac
- One food network: er…Food Network
The results are a bit surprising. I expected more folks (even the pros) to mention the slow cooker, and didn’t think quite so many would suggest keeping a rolling pin on hand. (I use mine in Halloween costumes, only.) All in all, though, this seems like a good, comprehensive lineup. When paired with the suggestions from CHG’s Pantry of the Gods post, it should create a solid beginner’s kitchen.
(Coming next week: Where can I get this stuff on the cheap, without sacrificing quality?)
THE ABSOLUTE BASICS
(MENTIONED SEVEN TIMES OR MORE)
Cake pans (8” or 9” round or square)
Can opener
Casserole dish (9x13 or 8x8)
Chef’s knife (8” or 10”)
Colander
Cookie sheet
Cutting board
Dutch oven, stock, or large pot (8+ quarts)
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Mixing bowl(s)
Pairing knife
Roasting pan (9x13 or larger)
Saucepan (medium – 2-4 quarts)
Saucepan (small 1-cup to 1.5 quarts)(Coming next week: Where can I get this stuff on the cheap, without sacrificing quality?)
THE ABSOLUTE BASICS
(MENTIONED SEVEN TIMES OR MORE)
Cake pans (8” or 9” round or square)
Can opener
Casserole dish (9x13 or 8x8)
Chef’s knife (8” or 10”)
Colander
Cookie sheet
Cutting board
Dutch oven, stock, or large pot (8+ quarts)
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Mixing bowl(s)
Pairing knife
Roasting pan (9x13 or larger)
Saucepan (medium – 2-4 quarts)
Serrated knife
Skillet (10” and 12” mentioned most often)
Spatulas (Metal, Rubber, and Flipper-style)
Vegetable peeler
Whisk
Wooden spoon
HIGHLY USEFUL STUFF
(MENTIONED FIVE OR SIX TIMES)
Blender (Blender/food processor combo)
Box grater
Glass liquid measures (2+ cups)
Hand mixer
Kitchen shears
Microplane grater
Pie pan
Rolling pin
Tongs
NICE TO HAVE
(MENTIONED THREE OR FOUR TIMES)
Bottle opener
Cast iron skillet
Cooling rack
Knife sharpener
Ladle
Loaf pan
Mandoline
Meat thermometer
Muffin tin
Pastry brush
Pepper grinder
Salad spinner
Slotted spoon
Steamer
Timer
OCCASIONALLY CONVENIENT
(MENTIONED TWICE)
Bulb baster
Carving/slicing knife
Coffee/spice grinder
Coffeepot
Corkscrew
Juicer
Kettle
Masher
Melon baller
Microwave
Nutcracker
Pressure cooker
Rotary eggbeater
Sifter
Skimmer
Slow cooker
Spoons
Toaster or toaster oven
DON’T WASTE YOUR MONEY
(MENTIONED ONCE OR NOT AT ALL)
Apple corer
Boning knife
Bread machine
Butcher knife (I took this to mean cleaver.)
Candy/frying thermometer
Citrus press
Cooking fork
Cotton flour-sack towels
Countertop convection oven
Custard cups
Double boiler
Fondue set (pretty, but useless)
Food scale
Freezer thermometer
Funnel
Garlic press
Griddle
Jar opener
Mortar and pestle
Oven thermometer
Pastry blender
Removable-bottom tart pan
Rice cooker
Ridged grill pan
Ruler
Skewers
Springform pan
Wok
Vegetable brush
(All photos courtesy of Flickr.)
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