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If you are anything like me, the events of these past couple weeks have reignited your love of cooking, possibly to the point where it’s the only thing you will allow yourself to think about, from the moment you wake up until the moment you go to sleep, and then also whenever you find yourself lying awake in the middle of the night. Maybe it’s because you just really love cooking. Or maybe it’s because you feel like food is literally the only thing you’re capable of providing for your family in a time of crisis?
Regardless! Cooking is fun. And if you happen to be the type of person for whom the most exciting part of any hobby is the opportunity to buy tons of cool new stuff, then cooking is really fun.
Below, some of the items I’ve been browsing at Sur La Table, many of which are on sale and all of which will help give you a sense of purpose in a world where such a thing is growing scarcer and scarcer by the day.
Happy cooking!
Quarter Sheet Pan and Cooling Rack
Has anyone ever had sheet pans that aren’t covered in burns and stains? Get yourself a this nice little package and swear up and down that this will be the one you keep clean.
OXO Locking Tongs With Nylon Heads
My tongs are among the trustiest items in my kitchen, but the tips are getting sort of beat up, and I keep noticing things sticking to them that wouldn’t have in the past. I’ve had this exact pair for 15 years. I’d be an idiot to look anywhere else for a replacement. And so would you. (Sorry, I didn’t mean that, you’re not an idiot.)
Le Creuset 7.25-QT Dutch Oven
There are many that are almost just like it, and many that cost hundreds of dollars less, but the classic Le Creuset Dutch oven consistently comes out on top in any and all tests — which I know because I have watched pretty much every comparison video YouTube has to offer. Drop the $400 on one and know that you’ll never have to replace it.
Staub Ceramic Bakers, Set of 2
If we’re going to be inside for the foreseeable future, and we’re already spending most of our time perfecting our Bolognese recipe (Anchovies! Anchovies are the secret!), then it’s only a matter of time before we make lasagna, for which the larger of these two would be perfect.
Shun Premiere Try-Me Paring Knife
Honestly, I don’t find myself reaching for my paring knife all that often, and certainly not often enough for me to justify spending $140 on one. But $60 for this Shun number with a hand-hammered Damascus blade and a grainy walnut handle? Yes, please. This will look very nice on my knife strip.
Breville Bambino Plus
As of right now, I am still going to a place across the street from my apartment to buy two large iced coffees every single day. This is unwise from a health perspective, sure, but also from a financial one. I’m spending roughly $9 a day on coffee, and while I’m not interested in doing a bunch of math right now, it seems like I’d be better off picking up one of these and making myself iced lattes whenever I please. Also, this thing is mad sexy.
All-Clad d5 12″ Brushed Stainless Steel Skillet
A slightly (exactly 40%, I guess) heavier-duty, 5-layer version of the already awesome d3 line. The d5 12″ skillet alone, with no lid, generally sells for $200 — a price point at which it’s not worth the upgrade over the $130 d3. But for just $150, with the lid included, it absolutely is.
Frieling Banneton Oval Bread Basket
I don’t totally even understand what this is for. Proofing, I think? But if this thing goes on for as long as it seems like it’s going to, I’m 100% going to become one of those assholes who starts making bread and is then only capable of talking about making bread. Apologies in advance.
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