7 Must-Haves for New Cooks

Posted Tue, Apr 15, 2008, 11:53 am PDT

85 Comments

1. Posted by chef kevin on Wed, Oct 24, 2007, 10:32 pm PDT

need a chef let me know
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2. Posted by e.j.sq. r on Wed, Apr 16, 2008, 10:11 am PDT

I thought maybe this would have been for ingredients. my duaghter is new to cooking and was trying to buy foodstuffs to stock for general cooking convienienc instead of having to go out to buy something every time she wants to cook, you know scratch things to have on hand,does anyone cook from scratch anymore?
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3. Posted by Ralph M on Wed, Apr 16, 2008, 4:15 pm PDT

Check out this website: http://www.thecookingguy.com/cookbook/gotta_have.php He has a list of things that you should have and lots of recipes that are quick and easy to make. He has videos on his site that are quite entertaining to watch, too.
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4. Posted by dtkall on Thu, Apr 17, 2008, 9:47 am PDT

cool site to show off what you cooked...rankmymeal.com
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5. Posted by thebonniebrae on Sat, Apr 19, 2008, 8:07 am PDT

How much are these companies paying you, Robert Yang? I don't have any of your "must-have" items, and I'll cook circles around you! YOU'RE A SHILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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6. Posted by pegasus_mare on Sat, Apr 19, 2008, 8:08 am PDT

I was expecting some useful information and instead got a commercial for pricey items!
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7. Posted by skk2029 on Sat, Apr 19, 2008, 8:11 am PDT

I was thinking you were going to list some food stuff to have one hand not a couple of books. They are good books to have. I myself cook from scratch and get ideas from Betty Crocker and other books.
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8. Posted by gelatness_babe on Sat, Apr 19, 2008, 8:13 am PDT

Well I had that problem to since this is my first apartment. it took me months to figure all the stuff i need to have in stock to cook with. my mom cooked from scratch a lot, and semi-homemade things was her specialty so i think i picked up that style. things i stock in my pantry: flour, sugar, vege oil, non stick spray, crisco, vinegar, bread crumbs, spices (salt, pepper, italian all spice, grilling spice, marinade, baking powder). and thats all the stuff off the top of my head!
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9. Posted by The Dude on Sat, Apr 19, 2008, 8:16 am PDT

How about a basic gas stove?
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10. Posted by gozillawright on Sat, Apr 19, 2008, 8:17 am PDT

This is stupid stuff no one needs. It is a blatant attempt to sell product and nothing more.
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11. Posted by meka m on Sat, Apr 19, 2008, 8:18 am PDT

um how about a great knife set, food processors are always handy
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12. Posted by binxei on Sat, Apr 19, 2008, 8:20 am PDT

I so don't know how to cook any other way than from scratch. I can't use a crock pot... i burn the store bought cookie dough cookies... scratch is the best.. Best foodstuffs to keep on hand are as follows.... seasonings: Garlic powder, seasoning salt, pepper, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, parsley, italian seasoning, cajun seasoning, meat tenderizer, poultry seasoning, corn meal, baking soda, and baking powder. Cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, flour, olive oil, vegi oil, and shortening. U can use any of these to make quick delicious from scratch meals. I dont use salt at all, but i keep it on hand cuz hubby uses it. With the seasonings i use i dont need to add salt.
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13. Posted by bunnycrazy751 on Sat, Apr 19, 2008, 8:21 am PDT

I don'tknow much about cooking && I have no idea what some of those....COOKING UTENSILS are...
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14. Posted by steelmagnolia09 on Sat, Apr 19, 2008, 8:22 am PDT

I agree with all the above comments......how about some help instead of trying to sell us your items so you can get richer while we try to save a buck and feed our families healthy food.....looking through is was time lost and time I'll never get back.....thanks for nothing.............................
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15. Posted by The Mom on Sat, Apr 19, 2008, 8:23 am PDT

I cook from scratch because it's cheaper and I can control what goes into what my family eats. I always keep on hand milk, grade A large eggs, butter (unsalted), salt, baking soda, baking powder, all purpose unbleached flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, extra virgin olive oil, black pepper, and yeast. There are few recipes that you would need much more basics to make. I also invested in some Rubbermaid storage containers for my flour and sugar to keep it clean when I cook and to keep insects out of my flour.
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16. Posted by nipun_meh on Sat, Apr 19, 2008, 8:24 am PDT

hello how are u
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17. Posted by nipun_meh on Sat, Apr 19, 2008, 8:24 am PDT

hello how are u
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18. Posted by prostelytizer on Sat, Apr 19, 2008, 8:25 am PDT

I agree with him about the book and the magazine. I have learned more from these than from all of my other cookbooks combined. Nothing else compares.
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19. Posted by bigonfm on Sat, Apr 19, 2008, 8:26 am PDT

This might as well have been a commercial. Robert - Did you sell out for this article? How about redoing this with real information.
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20. Posted by Pilarzmom on Sat, Apr 19, 2008, 8:26 am PDT

I agree, this list is worthless. My suggestions: cast iron skillet (a small and a big), a stock pot, a couple sauce pans, a set of wooden spoons, a good hand mixer (under $30), a blender, and a couple of non-stick cooking tools (silicon is great). That's it. For food staples: flour, sugar, corn starch (for thickening--great for stir fry), olive and canola oil, balsamic and red wine vinegar, canned tomatoes, cans of beans (red, black, white), frozen peas, pasta (buy bulk at Costco), soy and/or oyster sauce, and a few of your favorite spices (this list varies according to your preferences--for example I use a lot of cumin & Italian spice mix). But I would never recommend getting a spice set. Most people don't use or need all of them. You'll find as you cook that you tend to use a few favorites and that's it.
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21. Posted by sleddogs1 on Sat, Apr 19, 2008, 8:27 am PDT

I have been cooking for years without any of these things. I have a stick blender and I almost never use it. As for frying pans, graters and cookbooks, how can you say that one perticular one is a "must have" compared to another? Nothing mentioned here is particularly special. Most cooks manage just fine without any of them.
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22. Posted by piddlinroundpidcoke on Sat, Apr 19, 2008, 8:27 am PDT

buy all that leaves no money for food!
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23. Posted by snaley2 on Sat, Apr 19, 2008, 8:28 am PDT

I must agree with posts 5 and 6. Most of the items on the list, with the exception of maybe the thermometer and measuring cups (although, not necessarily the ones that are advertised) aren't absolute necessities for a new cook. New cooks need real information on how to get through the basics - not another online advertisement.
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24. Posted by Melody P on Sat, Apr 19, 2008, 8:32 am PDT

as a reply to the doesn't anyone cook from scratch anymore.. yes! there are some of us out there.. Basic things to have in your kitchen.. flour, sugar, eggs.. ( pasta basics) good quality wine ( flavor) tomatoes, onions, potatoes. baking power & soda.. and those are just a few starters.. really basic things that you think about you can turn into so many things.. Bread.. and some time.. wala bread crumbs.. just add any seasoning you like.. tomatoes & onions.. italian seasoning.. spagetti sauce.. fresh herbs are good.. but you can also get any vareity of dried seasons you like.. hope that helps..
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25. Posted by fritchfarm on Sat, Apr 19, 2008, 8:34 am PDT

here is what people want to know: SEVEN THINGS TO KEEP ON HAND: 1. garlic, in some form: flakes, dried, minced, salt, fresh, or diced 2. greens. whatever is freshest, best from your garden or a friends. organic greens in clamshell containers keep the longest. other wise try the new bags, they keep your greens fesh for more than a week! 3. leftovers. always make extras and put aside for a fast fix. pastas, sauces, even juices leftover from cooking veggies will later make a great sauce or dressing. have at least one LEFTOVER DAY per week. keeps your fridge clean, saves money, helps the envrioment by being frugal. 4. frozen bread/heels. whatever part of the loaf you don't care to use for sandwiches, save for later. you can thaw quickly in the toaster to make fresh bread crumbs for recipes or toppings [NEVER have to run to the store just to BUY bread crumbs!], or use in a bread pudding recipe 5. old cookbooks. if you cook from scratch, or at least don't care for "quick fixes", than most modern cookbooks are not for you. scrounge antique stores and estate sales for the best deals on the BEST recipes that fit your style and tastebuds. 6. good water. if you are a coffee or tea drinker, you know the value of using GOOD water [i.e. not tap]. same goes for pasta, rice, boiling eggs, etc. if you wouldn't drink it, don't eat it by proxy! 7. Basmati Rice. this is a cousin to rice from Pakistan. find it. ask for it. eat it 4 times a week. it takes on flavor from whatever you cook in it. [#1 garlic. #3 leftovers, etc]. Add any chopped anything to this rice and you can't go wrong! there are more than seven things! someone feel free to add to it. so the folks who came here for helpful info will find some!!! just saw the Mott's ADvertisement at the top and have to ADD applesauce. it thickens and flavors just about any recipe. i NEVER don't have applesauce! I use ORGANIC brands...
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26. Posted by Kathryn on Sat, Apr 19, 2008, 8:34 am PDT

After a month of going out and buying what she needs every time she wants to cook somthing, she'll have every thing she needs PLUS she'll be well on her way to overloading on things she won't need again, just like the rest of us.
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27. Posted by foxfive on Sat, Apr 19, 2008, 8:39 am PDT

A TOTALLY USELESS list! The last thing new cooks need is to be caught up in brand-name gadets that they will probably never use. Good cooking is simple and requires only simple tools -- bowls, decent set of pots, measuring cups, rolling pin, cutting board, bakeware, etc. As for cookbooks -- with all the recipes available on the Net, there's not much reason to buy any given cookbook as a must-have.
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28. Posted by willfam2008 on Sat, Apr 19, 2008, 8:41 am PDT

My grandmother, eben my mother didnt have all the fancy/pricey gadgets and they were able to cook just fine. They were darn good cooks and have taught me well. I think everyone needs a lesson in Back to Basics, no need for all the fancy things. My family is impressed with the love put into our food not the gadgets used to make it.
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29. Posted by Ariel I on Sat, Apr 19, 2008, 8:41 am PDT

I would've added stove, fridge, and sink.
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30. Posted by gatoquentenow on Sat, Apr 19, 2008, 8:44 am PDT

Your a total disappointment, Robert. You should start thinking of founding your own telemarketing agency and stop acting like a helpful gig on cooking. Thebonniebrae was right, and I echo his/her comment: "How much are these companies paying you, Robert Yang?"
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