KarenDW

For simplicity's sake, I "make" fresh breadcrumbs whenever we're near the end of the loaf, and pop the crumbs into the freezer in a heavy reusable bag. If I want/need "dry, fine crumbs" for a coating, then I can dry out the crumbs in the (countertop) oven for a few minutes, while prepping the rest of the recipe. Some folks may want to avoid using a plastic bag for enviro-reasons. But in this case, using a reclosable bag facilitates keeping the air out, which, in turn, decreases the formation of ice crystals during storage.

looks great! Hope you had fun, too.

Hi Rick. I'll admit to having a lot of confusion after reading several cookware threads, too You mention that you are married. Take a hint from my "dear husband", and remember that any other cooks in the house should also get a test drive of the new cookware! It doesn't matter how good the "brand" is, if your spouse's hand doesn't fit the handle of the pan. Or course, the partner who does the majority of the cooking probably gets to make the ultimate choice. Do keep in mind that things change over time, and that sometimes kitchen roles also change Following your link (to costco), it's difficult for me to tell which pans you have chosen. IMHO, replacing your entire cupboard at once might not be necessary The Calaphon set looks to be quite complete for everyday work, with the addition of the pressure-cooker outfit. I would also add some sort of griddle, especially if you can find one which is also suitable for an outdoor grill. We have a Calaphon griddle which has been wonderfully multi-purposeful. Best of luck with your decision!

I second this recommendation! The multimix is my go-to appliance for a variety of prep. Processor attachment is definitely a good nut chopper. Makes good breadcrumbs, too. Easy to clean (dishwasher!), and lightweight.

Better than Bouillon could probably work for your needs. $8 for a jar of concentrate which will make about 15L/quarts of stock. I regularly cook meals for 100 with a budget of about $300. If you are able to do cash-and-carry/cash sales pick up at a foodservice supplier, you will be fine! In your budgeting, what cut of beef are you using? You could probably use bottom round, and cut across the grain. With enough advance notice, maybe your local butcher can arrange for a discount, and will even cut it up for you. (worth every penny, IMHO). What are you doing for refrigeration?

For a "beginning cook", the only practical use for scales, which I can support, would be for portion control So, if your friend can pick up an inexpensive scale, he could purchase foods in bulk (i.e., a larger package of meat), then divide into portions, wrap and freeze. And be able to cook dinner without having to think, too much, about shopping.

...reminds me of a Beverage Thermos, which was the packaging for Hollow Wall Anchors (sort of like the "other" type of nuts), purchased many, many years ago by Husband 1.0

I'm not sure where you are located, but perhaps you can find a copy of Canadian Living Step by Step. Not exactly basic, but simple, yummy goodness. With photos. Most recipes serve 6-8. Unfortunately, freezing instructions are not included. My previously mentioned book suggestion has recipes for 2

hurrah!

Our community garden closed in December, and so my "farm" is now limited to the 200 sq. ft. balcony. In our building, we are not allowed to attach anything to the outside, so no hanging planters, etc., unless I have floor standing hooks. The chard is very happy, and is sprouting new shoots from where I cut it 2 weeks ago. A bit early for us to plant anything outside, but Seedy Saturday is in only a month!

could you not have ordered an egg white omelette with NO SALT? Each year I spend 10 days eating only what is GROWN within 10 miles of my home (downtown Vancouver). I have 5 "exceptions", which usually include basics like salt, coffee, olive oil, rice, milk. My preference is to focus on what IS available and yummy, rather than on what is on the "no fly list". You will find many options. But I agree. Eating out is a challenge. For 10 days, I usually only eat out once or twice, compared to the 4 or 5 meals I would typically eat out.

For beginning cooks, using American recipes, it's helpful to have a range of measuring cups and spoons, plus the clear one for liquids. Pyrex is also good for heating small amounts of food, melting butter, etc., in the microwave. I have the Norpro set of cups and spoons. It was $10. I truly appreciate my high-end can opener. It's the best "righty/lefty-friendly" model I've tried. oh, and ditto MIG's cookie sheet recommendation. If your friend is willing to spend a little more money at some point, then a countertop convection oven/toaster oven (about $150), is very handy for cooking for 1 or 2. I've roasted chickens and vegetables, baked cookies, baked a loaf of bread...

There is a book, Will Cook for Sex, which has some basic menus and techniques. It's also fun As for tools... "reasonable" knives peeler fine mesh and medium mesh strainers bowls of various sizes a couple of good saucepans, and a good skillet 2nd hand stores can be a reasonable source of kitchen gear.

goat cheese (think bruchetta or similar)

I hear that the merchant fees for Amex are a bit higher than Visa or Mastercard, so smaller businesses choose not to accept Amex as payment. Also, many trade organizations (ie., chamber of commerce) offer a discount for Visa/Mastercard, but not Amex,

I frequently purchase for clients from Costco * instant mashed potatoes. The "blue box" brand (sorry, don't recall the name) contains only potatoes, salt and butter. * shaped pasta (organic) * milk. $3.90 for 4L jug * whipping cream * butter. $3.49 for lb/445 gm * cheeses * free range eggs * tinned tomatoes. $2.99 for a 2.5 kg can (100 oz) * tea bags * unbleached flour, 50 lb sack for $20 For home, we pick up raw almonds, some personal care items, gift cards for the theatre, office supplies. I have an Airmiles AmEx, and purchased the "executive" level of membership, which comes with a rebate based on purchases. The 2009 rebate was $125; membership was $100 (I think).

A thought on the chicken... are you thinking ground, or shredded? Ground might be "faster", although shredded tastes better These quantities should give you generous servings 100 gms (3 oz) of chicken per person (40 x 100 gms = 4 kg, or just over 1 3/4 lbs/1 lb, 12 oz) 200 gms of pork shoulder per person (40 x 100 gms = 8 kg, or about 3 3/4 lbs (3 lbs, 12 oz) [since the shoulder shrinks] 5 lbs of rice 1 quart of salsa 4 lbs of chips 2-3 tortillas each, if they are about 6" Last time, I warmed the tortillas, wrapped in foil packages of 2 dozen, in the oven. Then served in a pre-heated ceramic casserole dish w/ a lid (don't heat the lid!) A chafing dish would possibly also work...

obviously I need one of those... about as much as I need the RSI from squeezing the handles

How does freezer storage factor into the kitchen rental rate? Are you able to keep a (locked) fridge and/or freezer at the rental facility?

Having an overwrap layer on the packages helps to prevent condensation on product; if condensation develops, it stays on the overwrap.

maybe not on the "day of", but perhaps you could "borrow" some space the day before?

Wow. I am impressed by the various methods of inventory. We currently have one 5 cu. ft. chest freezer which contains ONLY ice packs. Said freezer is for storing "ready meals" which are being picked up by clients. It's taking a lot of my (personal) energy to prevent DH from filling w/ ice cream. The "home" freezer is 6 cu ft. upright freezer. Top shelf: various berry freezer jams, about 6 x 1 cup bags 2nd shelf: strawberries, raspberries, sour cherries, about 2 lbs of each 3rd shelf: ravioli, boneless chicken breasts, trim from a tenderloin, 1 qt bag of chicken salad 4th shelf: 1 lb of meatloaf bottom shelf: empty (previously contained ice packs mentioned above) There is also a freezer in the bottom of my fridge, which contains several bags of herbs and pestos several bags of stock-making veg trim, and diced veg for quick meals 2 cup bag of lemon simple syrup (the last batch went mouldy in the fridge) medical ice packs, and the ice-maker 2lbs of frozen cherries, purchased when I had forgotten that I already had 5 lbs of sour cherries, picked by my friends from an abandoned tree... assorted single servings of sauces...

Do you have a freezer in your fridge? Mine is quite large, about 2.5 cu ft. So, if I have a bit of veg which "needs using" and no immediate need... I chop into 1/4" dice, and freeze in a heavyweight freezer zip-bag. Then, when I want 2 tbsp of chopped peppers for an omlette or something, it's ready & waiting for me. The same method is applied to tomatoes, onions, herbs, leeks, kale, etc., although rarely tender greens. Making soup doesn't get much easier!

My sister usually puts everything into a cloth mesh bag or cheesecloth before setting into the stockpot. Not too tightly packed, otherwise the core stays cold far longer... The whole business is easy to remove at the end of the simmering time, and a good portion of the "scum" sticks to the cloth. We don't bother skimming. Pour the stock into wide-mouth jars to cool, and the fat rises into the bottle neck for easy removal.

meatballs?