List of Basics

The first rule of no nonsense cooking for groups is to purchase the following:

1) A large cast iron skillet - 20 bucks. A must for any kitchen. Bigger the better. Available for cheap at the thrift store or for around 20 bucks at the hardware store. Cure by using a paper towel to liberally cover both sides with a good cheap vegetable oil and bake the pan in the oven. Heat the pan for 30 to 60 minutes in a 300 to 500 degree oven. The more you use it, the better it seasons. Hand wash with light soap.

2) A wide square Japanese cleaver, available in most Asian grocery stores for less than 10 dollars. Good for cutting thin without adding your finger to the meal. Can also double as a spatula.

3) A large plastic cutting board - (Tree Hugger Disclaimer)Between wood and plastic, a newer plastic board wins due to wood's tendency to house bacteria. Unless it's recycled wood, a wood cutting board is not that ecological. And who wants a cutting board of recycled wood? Again, bigger is better.

4)A meat thermometer - This is essential for tackling large cuts of meats and many other items. It takes the guesswork out of cooking to safe temperatures and avoids episodes where you have hungry people at the table glaring at you because the chicken's still pink in the middle. Get the cheap one that looks like a dial on a spike.

5) A crock pot - This is a wonderful time saver. In college I fed myself and all my roommates with a crockpot, a ham hock, an onion, some lentils, salt,and a warm PBR. These are all over the thrift stores for around 10 dollars. Here are a bunch of money saving ideas for the crock pot.