Reddit mentions: The best cutting boards

Cheap tips...

Rice Cooker, Slow cooker, Food Processor, Blender.

Zojirushi Rice Cookers are consistent and long lasting - I had one of these for 12 years, and it always got the job done right. When I moved in with my wife, she had a rice cooker that was old, but still worked (another Zojirushi). We recently splurged and got a really high end one. It's AMAZING, 10-15 minute perfectly cooked rice.

Cuckoo CRP-HV0667F IH Pressure Rice Cooker - For reference.

Anyways...

Get the simplest cheapest crock-pot - Less things to go wrong when it's as simple as this.

Get a cheap food processor

Get a decent blender - Don't go too cheap on blenders, you really get what you pay for in a quality blender. Blenders and mixers are the two things KitchenAid does best.

Now... The reason why I said get cheap stuff? Because you said you know nothing about cooking, and you might destroy a nice piece of equipment in your ignorance. It's bound to happen. Since you are going to be living on your own, if family gives you free stuff, don't feel bad about getting rid of it if the equipment sucks. They didn't want it anyways. Good tools? And you'll do a good job.

Watch this for other equipment...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-av6cz9upO0 - Gordon Ramsay may be a celebrity, but his kitchen knowledge is definitely high-end.

Personally don't skimp on the saucepans, frying pan, and the knife (honestly for 99% of jobs you just want a really good chef's knife, other than a pairing knife can do most everything). They will make your life easier if you have quality equipment. I disagree with him about the cutting board for 2 reasons (10 years in restaurants in the past here)... One, you are a beginner and might ruin a wood board. Two, wood boards can accumulate bacteria from meats if not taken care of properly. I advise this one...

OXO Grips Utility Cutting Board

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHRXUeVsAQQ - Great video showing you some good techniques in cooking.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJy1ajvMU1k - Another video along the same vein, great techniques for cooking.

As others have said Budgetbytes is great.

Raw beans and raw rice are always going to be significantly cheaper than buying pre-made/pre-cooked. Use a slow cooker to cook beans overnight. Use google for a recipe.

Chicken skin-on, bone-in is always going to be significantly cheaper than not. Breast is usually drier/tougher but lower calorie per oz. Thighs are juicier/softer, but higher calorie per oz. Remove the skin if you want to be more calorie efficient. Keep the skin on for flavor. Personally? I always leave skin on, remove the bone (but use it for cooking to extract the flavors), and I always use a chicken thigh. Personal preference. A cool tip is to remove the skin, coat in olive oil, and fry by itself. Try that out, see if you like it. Fry till like crispy bacon. If you don't use the skin in cooking, you can use it like this as a snack later.

Seasoning things is really important. Don't over-season, less is more. Because you can always add more seasoning later. When I make chicken, I always put a pinch of salt on each side, grind some pepper (use a pepper grinder, it's always superior to that pre-ground pepper crap), slap that into it. Olive oil, don't skimp out on this either. Get stuff actually from Italy, larger bottles are usually a better deal. Chicken with salt, pepper, olive oil is simple and tasty.

Get some kinda meal prep containers...

https://www.amazon.com/Freshware-15-Pack-Compartment-Bento-Lunch/dp/B01IIINCRS - These should work great. I like having a separation point in the container.

Some simple recipes I like...

http://luckypeach.com/recipes/miso-claypot-chicken-no-claypot/

https://www.budgetbytes.com/?s=slow+cooker - Anything here.

https://www.budgetbytes.com/?s=easy - Again, using the search function at budgetbytes is huge.

One thing that helps is to develop your palate. If you will be doing okay for money, the occasional outing to a restaurant to try something new can be really beneficial. When you eat food out, imagine what possible technique they could have used to achieve a certain texture or taste.

I'm just rambling, but hopefully this will help a little.

Also agreed on the good chef's knife. However, you don't have to spend a lot. I can't remember the name of the best rated by Cook's Illustrated, but it's well under $100. I think I spend $40 on the one I bought for the ManBeast last Christmas. A nice thing to pair with that is a good cutting board. Oxo makes a great one that I highly recommend.

I love cooking in stainless steel pans, so I'd suggest those for pans. But if she's truly just starting, nonstick might be good. And perhaps a few plastic/wooden cooking utensils to use in said pan so that the pan doesn't get scratched up.

Beyond that, I really think it depends on what exactly she is getting into. I still love the hand mixer my parents got me YEARS ago, and am only replacing it this year because the ManBeast has agreed to go half in on a stand mixer for a mutual holiday gift for each of us.

If I were to build my kitchen from scratch, it would be pretty much what I have today w/out having to go through all the old, cheap stuff that I wound up buying getting rid of because it was low quality and wore out or broke or didn't work as well as it should have. So as follows:

All Clad Stainless:

• 12" skillet
  
• 1.5 qt pot
  
• 3 qt pot
  
• 8 qt stock pot (I have the 12 qt but most people won't use something that big
  
  Cast iron:
  
  
• 12" skillet
  
• 8" skillet
  
• other cast iron pieces for grilling that most people won't use
  
  Enameled dutch oven (Staub):
  
  
• 3 qt round cocotte
  
• 7 qt round cocotte
  
  Various Appliances:
  
  
• Kitchenaid mixer (hand mixer first, then stand mixer)
  
• Cuisinart stick blender
  
• Coffee maker (I have a Cuisinart, but I'm not stuck on the brand)
  
• A toaster oven (again, I have Cuisinart, but check reviews)
  
• An electric kettle (no brand specific)
  
• Vitamix (optional - I love mine and use it daily)
  
  Knives:
  
  
• Shun 10" chef knife
  
• Shun 4" utility knife
  
• No name super-thin flexible fish filleting knife that debones poultry like it was butter
  
• Honing steel
  
• Magnetic strip for storing knives
  
  Other misc stuff:
  
  
• Fish turners in all sizes
  
• Good set of bamboo (not wooden) spoons/spatulas
  
• Set of silicone scraper/spatulas
  
• Oxo tongs in various sizes (at least short, med, long)
  
• A mandoline slicer
  
• Epicurian cutting boards
  
• Microplane grater/zester
  
• A variety of mesh strainers (I use them more than colanders)
  
• Thermopop instant read thermometer
  
• A good quality probe thermometer (the kind you leave in the oven)
  
  Bakeware:
  
  
• A basic set of Corningware
  
• A couple of half sheet pans
  
  
  Fun things to have if you think you'll use them:
  
  
• Pasta maker or attachment for your Kitchenaid
  
• Ice cream maker
  
• Bread machine
  
  These are the things that I have right now that I'd get from the start if I were starting over from scratch. I have other stuff, but it's been gathered over time and I'm sure I've left out a few things, since I'm kind of working off the top of my head. Oh yeah, like a good set of storage stuff (Rubbermaid or similar) and a garlic press ... and ... and ... :)

Great knife for the money I outfitted the last restaurant I worked at with these, and have one at home as well. They take a good edge pretty easily, and hold it reasonably well. Not the best knife I have, but by far the best value knife I've ever used.

Ceramic Rod to take care of the knife. This one is double sided, one side is coarse, other is fine. For occasional touch ups, run the knife - spine first/blade trailing up and down the fine side. I normally do 5x on one side, 5x on the other, 4x each side, 3x each side, 2x each side, 1x each side. For more serious sharpening, start at 10 on the coarse side, then again on the fine side.

Cutting Board I like these, they don't warp like the thin flex ones, and the rubber on the ends does a good job keeping the thing still on your counter. I dunno anything about it being anti-microbial, as I wash mine to take care of that sort of thing, but it's a more than serviceable board at a good price.


That leaves you $70 for whatever else.

If you're a poor college student, a slow cooker can be a wise investment.

I'd look for Wok as well. You ought not to pay very much for a wok, and get one made of carbon steel, not cast iron IMO. If your place has an electric stove it won't work very well to put a wok pan on it, so check out electric woks.

Rice cookers are also very versatile, and most people can't cook rice to save their life, so their 'intended' purpose is useful as well.


Don't feel like you've got to buy anything new either, yard sales, thrift shops etc can l and you rice cookers and slow cookers for next to nothing.

I live in NYC and have a ton of tips as I've moved quite a few times. It is a challenge, you want a working kitchen, you want it to look nice, and you want all that gear.

1. A lot of places have space above kitchen cabinets. If there is any, you can buy rectangular baskets or metal bins to store your appliances, less used gear or even linens. I put my food processor, blender, mixer, etc up there.
   
   
2. Make a rule that every item has to server more than one-purpose. They have to be double duty. It's really great to think twice.
   
   My salad spinner can be used to a) clean lettuces b) used as a strainer, c) LARGE serving bowl.
   
   I even rationalized my Kitchen Aid, that mixing bowl is HUGE. I use it for salads, even hand mixing large amounts of food. I also keep it out on top of my Fridge.
   
   We nixed the coffee pot in favor of a French Press, yes we need a tea pot but that lives on the stove top and the French Press fits in a cupboard.
   
   Pyrex! PYREX! PYREX!!!!!!!!!!!!! preferably with lids are probably the most versatile thing you can have in the kitchen. They can go in the stove, fridge, freezer, microwave, table, used as double-boilers, vessels for water baths, molds, cake pans, pastas, travel, to work, eat from them on and on. I have tons of these and they are constantly in use. Give these sets as gifts, ask for them as gifts. Also they generally nest.
   
   Clean house. Give away things you don't use often or can be done by a double-duty appliance. I used to have a deepfryer and an ice tea machine!?! Who needs that? I have a dutch oven and a tea pot.
   
   
3. Stick with oven-safe pans. Most of mine are castiron and live in the oven. I use my stock pots for mixing bowl etc.
   
   
4. I just bought a used chest-of-drawers for my boyfriend ( he has a new roommate and they ran out of food-storage space). He replaced his living room TV stand with the chest-of-drawers and now he has room dry foodstuff.
   
   
5. Jelly Cabinets. You can get these handy cabinets cheaply. They are solid wood, can be painted, stained and come in many sizes. Mine houses a ton of stuff and only takes up a the footprint of the microwave that sits on it. I got mine at Gothic Cabinet Craft very cheap. https://www.google.com/search?q=Jelly+cabinets&espv=210&es_sm=122&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=slphUr27La6y4AOMmoGwBQ&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1440&bih=815&dpr=1
   
   
6. I haven't purchased "More counter Space" but I'm getting it for my boyfriend who literally has 1 square foot of prep space.
   
   http://www.amazon.com/More-Counter-Space-White/dp/B004V5ARE4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1382112086&sr=8-3&keywords=sink+cover+counter
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Lipper-International-8831-Bamboo-Cutting/dp/B001FB6TSK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382112284&sr=8-1&keywords=sink+cover
   
   Look around these boards are really great and can be place inbetween counters or hung on the walls.
   
   
7. I store my cookbooks on a bookshelf in the living room, I have almost 100 and no room for them.
   
   
8. I have a liquor cabinet in my living room/dining room that houses all of my glassware outside of plain drinking glasses.
   
   
9. Simpson's style fruit basket. You can hang this somewhere unobtrusive and doesn't take any space. Add a plant and make it pretty. I love the nostalgia here. http://www.worldmarket.com/product/three-tier-hanging-wire-basket.do?camp=ppc%3AGooglePLA%3Anone%3A40004177099adwords_groupingStorage_Baskets&device=c&network=g&matchtype=&gclid=CJqxpoLjoLoCFcid4AodhkMAIA
   
   
10. Hang what you can. Most pans can be hung on the walls and actually look nice. You can DIY pan racks with parts from the hardware store and IKEA. Some utensils can be put in a hung.
    
    
11. Do you have a door somewhere in you kitchen. Many of those closet-savors can be used that hang on the back of a door. If it's open all the time, get one of those shoe things, you can put your spices there or odds-and-ends: http://www.casa.com/p/honey-can-do-closet-organization-collection-multi-590814?site=CA&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc_C&utm_term=FPS-84085&utm_campaign=GoogleAW&CAWELAID=1506800376&utm_content=pla&adtype=pla&cagpspn=pla
    
    
12. Reorganize your cabinets, you can add all sorts of cheap office file-organizers to make space. Turn them side-ways or upside down to see if you can put something on top of something. I used to cavernous top-shelf cubby and I found this weird wine rack that I used for cans and there was room on top for an appliance.
    
    
13. Nesting and unconventional storage. I've been known to put my ice cream maker in my bedroom closet. There are decorative bowls around my living room that go right into my kitchen when needed.
    
    
14. (Sorry this went on and on) Lastly, you don't have to spend a fortune. Think outside of the box, get creative I gave up trying to attach a bunch of expensive storage things to my kitchen cabinets. I rent, I'm not able to completely settle down. Things need to be more versatile for me and not cost a fortune. Go on craigslist, yards sales.
    
    *Edits to grammar

Redditing at work is awesome! -- So awesome I am doing it right now! :)


You are super awesome because I noticed we share names IRL! Obviously Elizabeth's are the most awesome people in the entire world!! I think you might like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Funko-POP-Game-Thrones-Targaryen/dp/B009B0YWDG/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1372264342&sr=8-5&keywords=funko+pop

I think it is pretty cool! But if I were to win something off my wish list I would choose this:

http://www.amazon.com/Totally-Bamboo-20-7930-3-Piece-Cutting/dp/B002M782UO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1X2VKQHLODCNW&coliid=IO6C0DIIDLYDQ

I am moving out soon and I will be needing those! Thank you for the contest! :)

Stay at home Dad here. I cook for six every night. Prior to about four years ago the most cooking I did was on the grill. I started with the Betty Crocker Cook book. Literally. Red book in binder format. It has simple comfort food and the recipes are simple. I now have 30+ cookbooks, some better than others. (Giada's are only good for the pictures.) Once I started cooking, I then started watching Alton Brown for other ideas and other techniques, but without a firm base of at least six months of trial and error, it won't help much. Without that, it'd be like watching a Michael Jordan video having never even picked up a basketball and thinking you could play like him. Get used to the environment first.

Start simple. Do a chicken breast and a vegetable from a can. Maybe rice. But note what works and what doesn't. Get a feel for what a "done" chicken breast looks like and feels like. Same with a pork chop. Same with some pasta. Get yourself used to the chemistry and physics of cooking first, then work on more complicated techniques and dishes.

Starter Supplies:

• One good frying pan - nonstick
  
  
• One good Chef's knife - [$25 on Amazon]
  (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008M5U1C2/182-6325493-8824318)
  
  
• Cooking Thermometer - $14 on Amazon - Cook all meats to 160 degrees F to start. You can get fancier later. To start don't poison your guests.
  
  
• Flexible cutting boards - $5 Amazon This makes it easy to chop and then dump straight into the pot/pan.
  
  Clean while you cook.
  Salt and butter are always your friend. And cheese. If something sucks, add cheese. Good luck!!! Report back please.
  
  
  TL;DR Just start cooking. Keep it simple, but start cooking.

I think kydex might be a good choice. It is pretty cheap, and also heat moldable. Just make sure to check the thickness of the sheets before you buy. If they are too thick, they won't be very flexible. The .060 inch thickness is pretty stiff, but still bendable by hand. You can pop it in the oven and then lay it on a cylindrical object to achieve the desired curve, and then use a heat gun (or a candle, if you're feeling cheap) if you want a more custom fit.

https://www.amazon.com/Kydex-Plastic-Sheets-Black-0-060/dp/B00HAS1VSK/ref=sr_1_4?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1495674072&sr=1-4&keywords=kydex

Otherwise, I have also had luck with those flexible plastic cutting boards, like these:

https://www.amazon.com/Flexible-Plastic-Cutting-Colorful-Kitchen/dp/B01HN7ZGUQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1495674423&sr=1-2&keywords=flexible+cutting+boards

They are pretty good for making crud-catcher type fenders, with liberal use of zip-ties, of course.

Good luck!

Is your apartment unfurnished? If so you will need some basic furnishings:

• a table
  
• some chairs to go with that table
  
• comfortable seating of some sort- possibly a couch (a futon is nice if you are going to possibly have guests sleep over) or love seat or upholstered chair of some sort
  
• a TV if you feel like you want one (optional)
  
• a bed and a mattress and some bedding and sheets (obviously)
  
• a bedside table (optional)
  
• somewhere to store your clothing if your room does not come with a closet already
  
  As far as basic living supplies go:
  
  
• 4 spoons, knives, forks
  
• mugs
  
• 2 dinner plates, bowls
  
• some knives for cooking
  
• cutting board
  
• mixing bowl
  
• spatula (HEAT RESISTANT) and turner and spoons for mixing. Also possibly a whisk but really you could usually get the job done with a fork
  
• cheap set of pots & pans
  
• a cookie sheet
  
• a fan is usually useful for some airflow
  
• microwave if this is already not included
  
• books just for fun
  
• cleaning supplies: shower cleaner, clorox wipes, swiffer, toilet cleaner, dish soap, windex
  
• plunger & toilet brush
  
  School supplies in college are pretty basic- you don't need much, but depending on your major this could go waaay up or down. But as far as I'm concerned your basic supplies are as follows:
  
  
• laptop (optional- there are always computers everywhere anyway, laptops are just convenient)
  
  
• notebooks and folders OR binder with looseleaf paper, depending on your organizational preference
  
  
• stapler
  
  
• pens and pencils (I like to have two different colors for pens)
  
  
• calculator (if you will be taking math courses- go for scientific because a lot of the time graphing is not allowed)
  
  Things to consider:
  
  
• Will you be paying for wifi and/or basic cable (if you want a TV)?
  
  
• Is your lease for a year or X months? If it is a year, will you have to sublease while you're away for the summer (if you are going away)?
  
  
• How far from campus do you live? What does the general area look like? Are you going to have to take public transportation different places? Know the area.
  
  I know its scary, but living alone is great, and studying in a university is really not a huge deal once you get into the rhythm of things. You'll do great, kid.

I am grateful to have such an amazing sister. She is younger than me but she is seriously a sweetheart and fun to be around. I am also grateful for my husband! =] stitchinbitchin loves me

this is 5.09 if that is okay

Thank you =]

I actually use 2 of those cheap, flexible cutting boards. Same idea as the saran wrap, but the cutting boards hold up to the mallet. Some paper towels under the bottom board (and just poking out around the edges) will both keep the thing from sliding around, and catch any liquids pounded out.

Edit: also, for sanitation, I tend to have a 'raw hand' and a 'cooked hand'. I use one hand for handling the raw chicken (usally my left, since I'm right-handed), and handle my cooking utensils & the cooked chicken with my other hand. A bit tricky sometimes using only one hand for some things, but it works out most times. Also: Hit the nearest pharmacy & pick up a box of disposable medical gloves (100 cnt for ~$5 usually). They work great for doing messy cooking tasks like hand-breading cicken or mixing up the meatloaf - then when you're finished, just remove the glove and your hand is still clean. Saves bunches of time and hand-washing.

don't worry about knives. let him do that himself. I'd say get him a nice large nylon or whatever material cutting board. not wood. I have an OXO 'carving board' that I asked for for christmas, and it's fucking awesome. granted, you have to have the counter space for it... but prepping ingredients is SO MUCH more enjoyable when they aren't constantly rolling off the board and you don't feel cramped.

plus, cutting boards are one of those things that a lot of people would probably consider to be like a 'boring' purchase, whereas a good knife is something that a younger person might be more happy to spend their own money on. let him pick out a knife on his own... you cover the quality-of-life stuff that's less fun to shop for ;D

A perfect chef's knife is the first place to start (that's my preference, the Wusthof Ikon Classic 8", $160). Go to a kitchen supply store, or even Bed Bath & Beyond, and test drive some steel - see how comfortable it is in your hand, how balanced it feels. If you want to save money for other things, you can't go wrong with the Victorionx Fibrox 8" chef's knife, at an extremely reasonable $40. The chef's knife is an impossibly versatile tool all on its own, but if you want a smaller knife for detailed work, grab a paring knife from whatever manufacturer you choose for your chef's.

A huge, heavy cutting board ($88). For most of my life, I went with the $20 3-packs of plastic OXO or other cutting boards, ranging from small to extremely small - nothing will slow down your cooking more than an inadequately sized cutting board. Things roll off, you pile up your chopped veg and run out of space, you feel constantly crowded, and you can never carve a whole chicken or roast. Buy a piece of non-slip material (usually used for carpets) ($9), place it under the cutting board when you use it, and it will never slip or slide around - more convenient and safe.

A Thermapen. Expensive - it's $100, but it's the fastest and most accurate kitchen thermometer money can buy. A less expensive alternative would be the Lavatools Javelin at $24 - not quite as good, but a damn sight better than any other digital food thermometer you'll get your hands on. This is essential for cooking any meat, deep frying, baking - it will change your game.

An All-Clad Sauté Pan ($129). Also expensive, but an absolute essential tool for everything from sautéing to braising to deep frying. Do not go cheap with your stainless - you can do cheaper than All-Clad, but even heating, comfort, and build quality are absolutely essential.

An inexpensive but awesome nonstick set($164 for 11 pcs). Alternately, you could get a very versatile 12" TFal Professional Total Nonstick, an impossibly stickless, oven safe, dishwasher safe wunderkind.

A 12" Cast Iron Skillet ($34). These are kind of a pain to take care of, but are invaluable for searing, baking, even serving. It'll last you a lifetime if you take care of it.

Oh man, another foodie :P I love cooking and I have just started really getting into it. If I have to suggest something for you to try, give this a shot. I am part peruvian and I grew up eating masamora. It is essentially jello/pudding made from purple corn. Trust me, this is super nomalicious, especially if you cut up and throw in some fresh pineapple, apples, mangos, and grapes.

I seriosly hope you will give it a try, you will not be disappointed. Also if I do win the raffle, this bamboo cutting board would be the shit as I'm still acquiring kitchenware :P Hope you find something that peaks your interest and thanks for the contest!

Depends on your background but "Learning to cook" is overstated.

There are produce, you heat them, you eat them. It's that simple.
Then comes the variations :

• cuttings ( slice, dice, julienne, etc..)
  
  
• cooking
  there are basically 2 big family of cooking:
  
  
• by concentration when you keep the nutrients inside your food by heating them quickly (roasting, sauté, steamed, fried)
  
  
• by expansion when you transfer the nutrients in the fluid you cook, starting cold.
  
  The whole cooking traditions in every culture in every continents can be translated in these principle.
  
  Even if you become efficient, you may want to start cooking in advance and freeze or can it /r/canning.
  
  On a practical note I would suggest you to buy:
  
  
• a proper large cutting board
  
  
• an 8$ kiwi brand knife cheap, easy to sharpen ( yet I didn't have to in 5 years ). cover 90% kitchen needs.
  
  then if you can afford it :
  
  
• a hand mixer (or a quarter or more capacity blender, thermomix even better)
  
  
• a pot with a steam basket
  
  
• cast iron, carbon steel or enamel pans. edit after zippy's comment: or ceramic coated pan best quality/price/harmlessness/asspain free ratio
  
  
• 2 or 3 various sized stainless saucepan.
  
  All these things will last a lifetime, on any source of heat, with no chemicals in it.
  
  You can buy all that from professional catering industry supplier ( like [METRO] in continental EU. ) for a fraction of what you find in retail store, or even amazon.

File holders may be cheaper. I used these:

https://www.amazon.com/Flexible-Plastic-Cutting-Colorful-Kitchen/dp/B01HN7ZGUQ/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=flexible+cutting+board&qid=1570654834&sr=8-4

So have enough to last a lifetime now. (basically used 2"s across the short side of one)

Some context on the pocket. We travel a lot to various places and often find ourselves exploring a city, finding ourselves in crowds and whatnot. It is nice having a light pack to bring on the town with a jacket, etc, so that's kind of what this pack is aimed at. And when in those crowds it is nice to have the peace of mind that nobody can get into your pack. So a pocket against your back fits that nicely. (as does a roll top fwiw)

Stitching is still terrible, but definitely getting better. A lot of it is learning the idiosyncrasies of the machine. For example the thread I have has a tendency to get bound on the pin on one of my pins and I don't really notice it right away so that causes high tension and everything goes South. Lots of variations on that (threading and getting a loop around the screw of the foot retainer, not holding the thread as I start sewing, not keeping pin down when stopping or rotating etc..). I'm getting better at checking all those things and also getting better at controlling speed, so confident my next will be worlds better but still a lot of things are goofy on this one.

I did do the bathtub again, but ya, this time didn't cut at all. I'd say it is a bit trickier because lining up the bottom isn't quite as obvious. You also end up with an odd flap there. I ended up folding that flap into itself, then sewing it through on the open edge and that makes it pretty small and much neater looking. I think I like the bathtub setup for a small pack like this but would go for a single front panel for a bigger / more serious one.

One question for anybody listening, on binding with grosgrain (which I haven't done yet), what is the order of operation there? Do you put in your "real" stitch at say 1/2", then go back with the grosgrain at 3/8"? That seems to be how packs I have are done but not sure on best practices.

You have lots of good selections in your list. Dunno about the shoes, do they really have lots of holes? Mosquitos will LOVE that!

Here are some camp kitchen suggestions that add value w/out hassle

Thin cutting/prep surface

Cheap kitchen knife with sheath for easy stowage(pick one or two)

Cheap non-stick frying pan(I got one for a few dollars at a grocery store)

Cheap heat-resistant spatula

Exxxxtra loooong tongs for cooking over a fire. Them coals get HOT.

The amount of different meals you can make with these is amazing. Eat a steak or salmon instead of MRE's... Cook bacon, sausages and scramble eggs for the camp...

I also recommend a small vise-grip for when you're wrenching and need a third hand. I splurged on the Leatherman Crunch and I love it.

And to jump on the bandwagon, go for smaller tent and a hatchet.

The pieces I use the most are:

12" cast iron skillet

All-Clad d5 1.5qt and 3qt pots

Staub cast iron enameled cocotte (dutch oven) 4qt
(I personal prefer Staub with it's dark interior to Le Creuset. Also this is a great popcorn pot.)

Outside of that I have other All-Clad pieces including a 12" frying pan and some smaller and larger pots. I use them some but they're not the workhorses that the above are. I also have a larger Staub (I think a 7 qt) and a large oval Le Creuset that I found at an overstock store for $50. :)

Other pieces that I use ALL THE TIME are half sheet and quarter sheet pans. I like Fat Daddios brand. They're inexpensive to begin with and they go on sale on Amazon fairly frequently. The quarter sheet pans fit perfectly into my toaster oven so I can do small batches of things like a half batch of biscuits or a single serving of roasted veggies in a toaster oven.
https://www.amazon.com/Fat-Daddios-Aluminum-Gauge-Sheet/dp/B001IZZGKU

My favorite cutting boards are made by Epicurian and they are all I use anymore. I have 2 large ones (one is for meat and one is for other stuff) and 2 medium ones and one small cocktail sized one.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FDN77A/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I think that's about it as far as the things I use all the time.

​

This is a basic list with mid-grade item recommendations as links. You can definitely shop around and find better deals, but this will give you a place to start your shopping excursion from. Considering hitting up a local restaurant supply store for really good deals.

• Basic Tools:
  
• Cutting board (get at least 2, more are better, get the larger sized ones if you have the counter space)
  
• Chef's Knife
  
• Paring Knife
  
• Mixing Bowls (alternatively)
  
• Wooden Spoon
  
• Silicone Spatula
  
• Whisk
  
• Hand Towels (can be used as pot holders if you're careful and layer them up thickly. Watch out for the gas flame if you have a gas cook top.)
  
• Pepper Grinder
  
• Ramekins (for mise en place -- aka stuff you're working with as you cook like salt, spices, other small ingredients)
  
• Pots & Pans:
  
• Stock Pot
  
• Sauce Pan
  
• Skillet
  
• Cast Iron Skillet (optional ; make sure you learn how to care for cast iron - no soap ever, etc.)
  
• Non Stick Skillet (optional)
  
• Bakeware:
  
• Half sheet pans / Cookie Sheets (get 2 or more)
  
• Cooling Racks (these should fit in the cookie sheets)
  
• Cake Pans
  
• Loaf Pan
  
• Small Pyrex casserole
  
• Large Pyrex casserole
  

I just moved into a new place, so I've had the opportunity to upgrade a lot of my stuff.

Here's my list (sorted by value it provides to me)

• Velcro Ties - These are amazing for cable management and keeping things neat. Best purchase for under $10 I've made probably in my life.
  
• LED Edison Bulbs - I just discovered that these exist and they provide WAY less heat than standard bulbs, even the LEDs I had before. They're great for my small apartment that likes to get hot from light.
  
• Dish Rack - Unfortunately the new place doesn't have a dishwasher, but with this dish rack I can clear off some counter space normally dedicated to a standard size dish rack. It is a bit smaller, which is kind of a bummer, but it will encourage me to put the dishes away after they're dried.
  
• Cutting board with cutting mats - Nice because you don't have to wash off the entire board if you cut on it. My old wooden one started to smell after using it for a bit, even with cleaning every time and using mineral oil. It's also nice for getting chopped foods over to a pot/pan.
  
• Headphone stand - Not much practicality here at all, but it makes my desk look much cleaner than having the headphones just tossed on top.

I went through a thick wood cutting board like yours (not end grain but quite decent) but it was too unwieldy to wash and disinfect. I then tried the composite wood boards - forget the brand but i think they were Epicurean like /u/rswinkler also posted about. Only problem is, they slip around too much and are also not so gentle on the knives.

I've now settled on a big sized Oxo plastic chopping board. It is really quite a nice board. Gentle on the knives, yet hard enough that the knives don't make deep marks on the board. Easy enough to clean and disinfect, reasonably priced. And best of all, it has these sticky rubber borders that prevents the cutting board from sliding around on the counter top.

http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-Cutting-Carving-Board/dp/B000AAM0EY

Welcome/congrats on moving into your apartment!! I recently moved into my first apartment, and it drives me crazy discovering all the little things I need.

I suggest you get a good knife set (I bought this set for myself and I LOVE it) and a couple of cutting boards. The knives are great for a small space because you can just store them in a crock or whatever with the rest of your cooking utensils (thanks, knife covers!) and the cutting boards take up virtually no room in your cabinet.

Congrats again! I'd love to talk decorating or sometime, because I'm super lost in this whole living-on-my-own (college exuded) thing!

I love this 3-piece Epicurean set. All three have held up with heavy use for a year now; show some knife scratches but nothing that impacts functionality. Totally dishwasher safe. Also available individually here, but I think those may be a little thicker. I like that the set of three is very thin - still strong enough to hold their shape (no warping) but easy to store.

I always recommend these items in these type of threads, they'll get you off to a really good start.

1. A $29 Victorinox Chef's Knife
   
   
   
2. A good cutting board for $12-15
   
   
   
3. A cast iron pan for $15-$20
   
   
4. A utensil set of some kind for $15-20
   
   
   
   From there I'd get a solid set of pots and pans and/or a dutch oven. A rice cooker also is pretty helpful. I use mine constantly. Good luck!

Well, aren't y'all looking spectacular today!

For gift one, a cutting board because I recently dropped mine and it broke in half! or I would really love a Kindle Paperwhite because I spend a ton of time trying to read in bed and always get frustrated because my silly clip on light never shines in the right place. This would be super helpful.

And for number two, baby clothes because my baby is growing faster than I can keep up! :) C'mon...gimme, please.

edit: to add the paperwhite to one.

I was just gifted this key holder I love it, its perfect size and pretty, my SO and I hang our keys and sunglasses on it! :)

This retro toaster oven/coffee maker is cute and it comes in different colors!

A nice shower head I HATE the low pressure spray everywhere shower head that came with my apartment. Lol

Tupperware is essential I didn't realize how important it was when we first moved in until my SO had to take macaroni salad in a ziplock for lunch xD

Cutting boards are also really helpful! I have a marble one for meat but the flexible ones make cutting up veggies and adding them to your dish way easier!

They tested a wide range of boards costing from $20 to $200, in a wide variety of materials. ALL boards were 15" x 20" or larger. Each board was assigned to a test cook who used it daily for three months. After testing, only ONE board passed all tests and did not seem "as thirsty for oil" as others.





Full testing notes

Youtube Video Review


WINNER
Proteak Edge Grain Teak Cutting Board - $84.99

> Roomy, knife-friendly, and exceptionally durable, this teak slab was worth every penny. It resisted warping and cracking, showed only minor scratches, never seemed “thirsty,” and—despite its heft—was easy to lift and clean, thanks to handholds on each end.

RUNNERS UP

• OXO Good Grips Carving & Cutting Board - $21.99
  
  > Our favorite bargain board sports rubber strips on both sides that keep its lightweight frame anchored to the counter—and make it reversible. It did suffer deep scratches and gouges but never split or warped, and it cleaned up stain-free in the dishwasher.
  
  
• John Boos Chop-N-Slice Reversible
  - $44.95
  
  > A classic wood model, this reversible, edge-grain board’s slightly rough surface offered twofold control: It securely held the counter and gently gripped the knives. Though it absorbed stains and developed hairline cracks after a few months, it never warped.
  

Watching other people open presents I've given them (especially well planned/thought out ones) makes me incredibly happy.
Also, casually looking over at my BF and seeing him already looking at me with this goofy smile...... makes me even more happy.

I would love this

Ah! I haven't tried using one of those yet. I'm talking about this. The issue I've had with exacto knives is that they can't turn corners cleanly, so I usually cut out block-text, then slow shave slivers off to get clean curves.

[Like this is really easy](
https://imgur.com/a/NjltA) on the cutting boards mentioned above.

This was one of the harder projects, forgive me I can't draw hands (and I wish I had beautiful penshipship like this sub to fill in a beauty & the beast quote ><)

You should get a Pur water filter! They are fairly inexpensive ( mine was 20 bucks at wally world) and they save you money on bottled water. They are great to have!!!

I also moved into my new home this week! I had an apartment before, but this is my first home home and I love it! I would really like to have cutting boards =)

• /u/paradoxikal needs this Raid to get those pesky spiders off her front porch!
  
  
• /u/stjh needs these paintbrushes for her beautiful artwork.
  
  
• /u/MCubb could always do with some more Perler beads.
  
  
• /u/pandas_mom needs this shirt for Father's Day!
  
  
• /u/ReisaD needs these pans or this cutting board.
  
  
• /u/call_mecthulhu needs this power cord for his daughter's video monitor!
  
  
• And /u/nikky2069 needs this cookbook for getting back on track health-wise.
  
  Thanks for the lovely contest! You're awesome!
  
  

You won't find a concrete set of rules for it because there really aren't any; how blue the surface would look would depend on how close, how bright, and how focused the light is.

If you really want to learn this stuff, do lots and lots of studies from references and from life. Get a little light like this set with colored inserts, shine a bright light through a diffuser (even a homemade one; these flexible cutting mats make great colored diffusers, or you can use a white one for more natural color).

I have a stack of shitty plastic cutting boards that are around 13x18" and thin/flexible. I don't really like using them for cutting (though my roommates certainly do) but they work well for moving things around or for mincing herbs. Edit: I should also add that some of them have a honey-comb texture on the bottom which does nothing to keep them from slipping around but does trap water so they never dry properly in the dishwasher.

I have an epicurean board that I like quite a bit for most tasks. It goes in the dishwasher and I think I've given it a slight bend but it's double sided and the rubber feet work well.

I also have a big polycarbonate board that I use for briskets and such. It's pretty awesome.

cooking related item

The weirdest thing I have tried and liked would probably be wild game animals (rabbit, elk, venison) Especially elk jerky! yummy! I also tried smoked cockels and smoked salmon while in Alaska, it was quite tasty with crackers.


I love food!

Thanks for the contest.

Also, on a side note with a wood cutting board, don't forget to get some boos mystery oil or something similar. Their applicator thingy really saves on waste and I'd recommend that as well.

Not sure if you're looking for a recommendation, but if you are I'd go with a Michigan Maple 18x24, it's huge (and thick), the quality is good, and the price is decent. Cons... it's huge and heavy, lol

https://www.amazon.com/Michigan-Maple-Block-Cutting-Board/dp/B0040EDQRG

From what I understand pretty much anthing from Morel will sound great.

I would make some MDF or Poly 6x8 to 6.5 adapters but 3/4" MDF is way overkill for that small of an adapter, 1/2" would probably be better. The selection and quality of 6.5 drivers is better than 6x8 drivers from my experience.

"worth is" is all pretty subjective. I have a really, really pretty oiled end grain butcher block on my counter. I bought it because it looks nice. I also have a set of these: https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Flexible-Cutting-Chopping-Mat/dp/B00BOUUX6G that I just on top of it because it is simply easier.

I agree, this is just as or more important than your knife!

I suggest this one, as it's small enough to not cause clutter, large enough to do most of your prep work, cheap enough to afford a second or third one later on (for a designated meat/veggie board), and best of all it's dishwasher safe!

1 - go to Walmart and buy a large, white, 1/2" thick cutting board. Once you have the TS dialed in for the exact thickness you need for runners... chip that cutting board up into as many runners as you can make. They are slick, they are stable, and cheap!! Example: Stanton Trading 12 by 18 by 1/2-Inch Cutting Board, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0032AM0BC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Ce9Eyb2KC1XA2

2 - Harbor Freight sells a very cheap dial indicator as well as calipers that will be perfect for getting your TS fence and blade square, and measure to get the runners cut. Also buy some feeler gauges...

3 - Search YouTube for "William Ng" "5 cuts to a perfect cross cut sled"

4- Have fun and be safe!!

I bought this two years ago and couldn't be happier with it. When you first get it, you will need to season the wood quite a bit (food grade mineral oils and waxes, I use this conditioner). It is a heavy board, but the size and thickness are its greatest attributes. 10/10.

edit: It is a large wooden maple board. The maple is soft so it is easy on your knives.

Lots of pockets, $6.95 shipping

Prime Eligible

Since the order might be over $25.00 Here are a couple of add-ons that would be awesome. Add on 1 and Add on 2. If it's not eligible for add ons then this or this would be great!

I'm thinking you could adhere some thin chopping matts to the insides pretty easily. Maybe some 3M adhesive spray, I like 90 strength.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BOUUX6G/ref=asc_df_B00BOUUX6G5069010/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=395033&creativeASIN=B00BOUUX6G&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198060092138&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4842599887331491007&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019667&hvtargid=pla-318309885526

The most important thing is just using different cutting boards for different things.

Have a cutting board that you use exclusively for meats. Ideally one for each type of meat (red/white/fish) but a "do all" will work. This board should also be plastic (because you can run them through the dishwasher and replaced on a fairly regular basis.

Your second cutting board should be wood, and used for the vast majority of your chopping needs.

I use this wood and this plastic cutting boards. Both have worked very well and I feel will continue to last a long time.

Remember for those with wood cutting boards to care for them properly with a wax/oil and if you can help it NEVER submerge them in water.

With that particular case, fan should face down due to the shroud, however if the case will be on carpet I recommend buying a hard flat surface like this to place it on. Just make sure the case is stable.

Something like below. They are pretty common and you should be able to get them at any super market.

https://www.amazon.com/MIU-Flexible-Cutting-Board-Set/dp/B00011RTE8

$40 Chef's Knife

$15 Cutting Board

$40 Cast Iron Dutch Oven

$10 Stainless Steel Cooking Utensils

$99 Food Processor

$205 is the best I could do.. you could probably get a cheaper cutting board.. but.. that was the best large plastic one I could find..

I agree. I must have larger hands or something. I have a 10" Chet's knife, a 4" paring knife, and a serrated knife in the Henkel's 5 star range. I love the handles and the blades can be sharpened past razor sharp pretty easily after 14 years. Henkel's discontinued the handles I have and today I'd probably go with Wustoff as well.

Also, get a quality honing steel and use it every time before you slice. It won't sharpen your edges per se but it will flatten out a curved edge caused by routine contact with cutting boards. Then, cut high quality plastic cutting boards. These are perfectly sized (huge) and can be sterilized in the dishwasher. I rotate through three. http://www.amazon.com/Progressive-International-PCB-1812-11-25-Cutting/dp/B0001UJVTK/ref=sr_1_7?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1377961039&sr=1-7

Try flexible cutting boards instead. Like these. There pretty damn cheap compared to foldable cutting boards.

I've tried buying a few cutting boards with strainers and I think they usually just get in the way. I'd rather just have the extra cutting space.

Still want to strain? Just hotdog curve a flexboard and pour chopped stuff into a strainer/colander. Considering how cheap they are you could always drill some holes in them or something though.

They are thin and can get bends in them (i have a problem leaving them in my sink) but you can flatten them back out pretty well. Just leave a baking sheet on it for awhile. I've been using the same ones for a year now and the're still going strong.

I still keep a thick cutting board around but I hardly use it.

TL:DR Cheap flexible cutting boards > expensive folding cutting board

I can't, for the life of me, find the it, but someone made a post about using flexible cutting boards to create a lamp shade.

Maybe give that a shot?

Nice job overall, I like the aesthetics of your lamp.

What are you up to? I just got back from work and am now sinking into the couch while my friend plays video games.

Your favorite animal is the magestic penguin.

My list: Fabulous deer nail decals

Your list: Getcho self some flexible cutting boards

I use this cutting board and it is fucking awesome.

14.5” x 21”! HUGE! One of my irreplaceable items in my kitchen. I will never downgrade from this size. I fucking love OXO products

Boos blocks are top notch if you have an extra 15 bucks. Recomended by cooks illustrated. Their budget choice is this oxo that i also bought to have for chicken and to put on top of the boos sometimes. Its really big and easily washed. I like the wood better, but for the price, the plastic is nice too.

Print your desired image on paper, use 3M Super 77 to adhere the paper stencil to a thin plastic cutting board, and then cut the stencil. Then use the Super 77 to adhere the plastic stencil to the wood (just a light mist will work fine).

Hello. In general I'm not good at guessing things, but I'm going to guess that your favorite animal is the best animal, which is of course the sea lion.

You should have cutting boards. I should have the ability cook Star Wars things.

This always cheers me up!

I'm guessing 2AM.

Cutting boards.

Thanks for the contest!

On the contrary. High end kitchen tools are incredi-fucking-bly expensive. That being said, I wouldn't buy the cutting board posted by OP for that price, it's prettier than it is functional, edge grain is more sanitary and longer lasting, it also won't warp like end grain will. Though end grain has some awesome self healing properties.

Edit: I dun goofed.

Hi! I don't know what to say other than that you are a cool person and I'm having a decent day. I'm freezing cold, though, I live with two people addicted to air conditioning.

Your favorite animal is the monkey.

You need this because I just got some cutting mats like this and they're awesome.

I want this yarn because it looks awesome.

C'mon OP...

• Bialetti Moka pot
  
  
• Lido 2 hand grinder
  
  
• Lodge cast iron skillets one large one small
  
  
• Lodge enameled cast iron dutch oven
  
  
• All clad copper core sauce pan
  
  
• Miele washing machine
  
  
• Miele C2 vacuum cleaner
  
  
• Vitamix 5200
  
  
• Duralex glasses - tumblers??
  
  
• Zojirushi NS-LLH05 rice cooker - only 1 left!
  
  
• Cuisinart Perfectemp Kettle
  
  
• OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Food Scale
  
  
• OXO Good Grips Cutting board
  
  
• Corelle winter frost dinnerware set
  
  
• Light my fire titanium fork-spoon-knife - spork?
  
  
• Darn Tough socks
  
  
• Exofficio briefs
  
  
• Felco 2 Secateurs
  
  
• Wahl Peanut beard trimmer
  
  
• Dualit Toaster
  
  
• P38 can opener??
  
  
• Zwilling J.A. Henckels knife set
  

• One of these. in 1.6 and 6.5 qt
  
• One of these. Cheap, tri-ply (stainless and aluminum) induction-ready. No nonstick to coddle, no ceramic to chip, no weight like cast iron, read the reviews on how to use them and they are all you will ever need.
  
• One of these
  
• This to clean all the above. *optional, obtain a dishwasher-safe brush at walmart.
  
• A few of these. If you want to invest in them over aluminum foil and parchment paper. If not, omit.
  
• A bunch of these. Wood handles are important. Plastic will melt when leaned against the pot and then snap off.
  
• These for when those don't work.
  
• A ton of these. Like, 10. Get them at wallmart for $2. Cut meat? New board. Cut onion? New board. Grate cheese and get schnibbles everywhere? New board. It's like instantly cleaning your countertop.
  
• A set of these.
  
• Knives and some sort of block/bar. Those are personal thing, only you can choose those. Size-wise think one for cutting cherry tomatoes, one for pitting avocados, and one for cutting cakes.
  
  Everything else, crock pots, even measuring cups, is optional. Slow cookers, microwaves, electric kettles, and rice cookers are all nice, but there is nothing you can make in them that you can't make in a pot, like humans did for thousands of years. You'll want measuring cups for baking, but for cooking you're adjusting on the fly anyways.

I intend to mitigate that by using a sheet of poly. Like a cutting board. https://www.amazon.com/Farberware-Cutting-Board-12-Inch-18-Inch/dp/B000W4VFJ4

​

Wood is really my only solution, it needs to hold weight. haha

This one, from Oxo, is big and highest rated by America's Test Kitchen. I have one and it's great, and huge so it doubles as a carving board. http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-Cutting-Carving-Board/dp/B000AAM0EY

Please get a new cutting board. Hardwood or plastic is best. Glass (and bamboo, marble, etc) is really really terrible for your knives. I have several of this one and one of this one and I'm quite happy with them.

We got something like this https://www.amazon.com/Lipper-International-8831-Kitchen-Cutting/dp/B001FB6TSK when we first moved into our 300 sq ft studio and it changed our kitchen.

Everything in our apartment served two purposes and that was a lifesaver.

I originally used my username for some site for some history project, and it stuck. I think I must have been bored or something

I'll give you the three things I want the most, because I'm not sure what you mean by reasonable, and they're all in different price ranges

1. Expensive, but HNNNNNNNNNG I want it so bad
   
2. Kind of pricy, but not for what it is
   
3. Moderately priced, fantastic product

LOL at "risk my furniture and floors." I have a friend who spilled (stained, finger-dipping) nail polish remover on her mom's white carpet. Once and only once. It was pretty ugly.

Tip for protecting furniture, though: get a plastic cutting mat something like this that you can set on the surface you're using for painting. Keep your polish bottle and your hands on the mat while you're polishing, that way any spills land on the mat. Just let them dry, because it's a polish mat so who cares if it is stained? I also add a Kleenex to mine, because I use a corrector pen which is basically a remover-soaked felt tip, and the kleenex is handy for wiping wet polish off the tip or anything else I need to.

I love t-bone well but not burnt seeing blood just makes me feel ill.Link./u/captivatingbleu hi how do you like yours? No soup for you!

Immersion blender this one has a whisk attachment, a blender, and a food processor. I have not used this exact model, but we regularly use all of these tools. If I was setting upy kitchen, this would be a good tool.

cookware set I have had this set for over 15 years. Though we have added bigger pieces to it, we still use these pieces daily.

A knife set (person prefer with size, handle material, weight), spatula set (silcone and metal), plastic cutting sheets , cookie sheet, jelly roll pan , glass storage containers, mixing bowl set

Check out Ikea's bamboo chopping block, Epicurean, and Boos boards. These are in order of price, basically. I have had the first two, and will some day get a boos block. All great. A bit of oil helps Ikea.

These would be great for.... cutting the cheese......

Hurrrr durrrrr....

Paper-resin actually, but it's very strong. Before I got an end-grain wood board, their large cutting board was my go-to board.

Wow, RUDE! Whoever stole your card info is next in line for the chopping block. I know this amazing chef, Dr. Lecter, who has a lot of knowledge with this particular subject, shall we give him a call? We might have to go grocery shopping because my kitchen isn't well stocked, but it'll be my treat, because it was NOT MY CARD that was compromised.

I have one of these on my electric stove top while using my IP: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B001FB6TSK/ So the counter space is still preserved.

Pressure cooking has been around for over 100 years. It's just a different form of cooking and is great for braises/stews/"roasts"/yogurt/cheese cake/steaming.

Think of it like a fancy dutch oven that cuts down long cooking times. You usually start in a saute mode to heat up the pan and brown things or get your aromatics going. Then you add some liquid to deglaze the pan, then follow your recipe's mode, timing and steps.

I use a 24 x 18 Boos Block. It's permanently on my kitchen counter and I love it. I guess it was a little pricey, but for a kitchen tool that gets used at least once every single day I think it's worth it.

At home I use the Oxo Good Grips Cutting Board. $25 for a huge surface, silicone grips so it won't slip, and I've never had it warp in hot water.

I am a beautiful person. I need another
Microban Antimicrobial Cutting Board. My last one was thrown away because it was past saving. :(

Thanks for the contest!

Agreed - I like my Epicurean set too. I have this affordable set. The largest of the boards is 17x11.

Looks like the same stuff used to make (non-silicone) flexible kitchen mats. Stiff, but flexible enough to push around a corner. Plastic kitchen mats are cheaper too. $10 for a set of five 15" x 11" sheets.

My gf's parents got me a set of bamboo spatulas and a bamboo cutting board set. It is the best housewarming gift I have ever had. I just searched bamboo on amazon so this is what came up. I can show you what I have but I don't want to get out of bed atm.

Amazon is a great place for cookware.

Off the top of my head I would suggest (in order from most necessary to least necessary):

• http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Fibrox-8-Inch-47520-5-2063-20/dp/B000638D32/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427651819&sr=8-1&keywords=victorinox+knife
  
• http://www.amazon.com/T-fal-Professional-Thermo-Spot-Indicator-Dishwasher/dp/B000GWG0T2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1427651834&sr=8-3&keywords=saute+pan
  
• http://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Ware-Natural-Aluminum-Commercial/dp/B000G0KJG4/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1427651900&sr=1-1&keywords=baking+sheet
  
• http://www.amazon.com/T-fal-Specialty-Nonstick-Dishwasher-Cookware/dp/B000EM9PTQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1427651834&sr=8-2&keywords=saute+pan
  
• http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-EC6D43-Enameled-Island-6-Quart/dp/B000N501BK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427651859&sr=8-1&keywords=lodge+dutch+oven
  
  I can speak for the knife, baking sheets, and lodge that these are all things I use often (and in the case of the sheets and the dutch oven) and for years (I just got the knife). The dutch oven is expensive, but damn if that's not a great cooking vessel.
  
  If you do get a knife, make sure you get some cutting boards as well!
  http://www.amazon.com/Prepworks-Progressive-International-PCB-1812-Cutting/dp/B0001UJVTK/ref=sr_1_12?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1427652198&sr=1-12&keywords=cutting+board

Lol you could always get a separate cutting board :) if you can afford it buy a epicurean cutting board it's knife safe but can also go in the dishwasher

They have many types but here http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0008F6ST4?pc_redir=1410689734&robot_redir=1 one for example

usually a cheep amazon chopping board will do the trick. i would not want to risk getting that type of debris in my computer. even if you can throw some plastic, or even cardboard taped on top should be atleast a better option to minimize risk

-cd

I bought one of those big white plastic cutting boards from a local restaurant supply store, then cut it down on a table saw to exactly fit the counter top that I do my prep work on. It's still small enough to get into the sink (well, edgewise anyway) for cleaning, and it wasn't very expensive at all.

EDIT like one of these: (http://www.amazon.com/Stanton-Trading-2-Inch-Cutting-Board/dp/B0032AM0LW/ref=sr_1_21?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1457878118&sr=1-21&keywords=plastic+cutting+board)

I've used this one for years. So useful. unless of course, your looking to impress.

They should fit with some elbow grease. You may have to take apart the old speaker and use the factory bracket as an adapter plate like this. Or you might have to come up with your own adapter cut out of plastic or wood.

Nothing will fit your vehicle without some sort of fuss... and the Morel aren't any bigger than the Alpine type R that Crutchfield says will fit.

Hi your post got snatched up by the automod for containing referral links. (the boos board)

if you edit the post with the plain link i'll get the post approved. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00063QBDQ

BoosBlock nice large maple board, buy mineral oil, when it looks dry coat liberally with the oil and wipe off the excess after 12-24 hours.

As others have mentioned, don't soak it, or use anything other than dish soap, and dry it immediately after washing. Again, oil regularly and it will last forever.

I have a pretty sizable amount of counter space and use this cutting board.

ah poo. ;~;

here's the items. i forgot to add them to my first post.

Cutting boards for you! Because they're super useful, and having a ton of them means being lazy and not washing the only one you have, you can JUST PICK ANOTHER ONE AND DIRTY IT :DDDDD

For me, this lovely wallet phone case! So I can keep track of my phone AND my monies all at the same time, plus, its summery colors :3c

I bought something like these and they don't slip on me, plus they take up very little space.

I like using plastic. I got the biggest one I could find.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032AM0LW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm a big fan of the epicurean cutting boards. They're not too expensive and I can't imagine having to replace it.

There's a bunch of sizes, shapes, and weird rubbery attachments if you're into that.

http://www.amazon.com/Epicurean-Kitchen-Cutting-11-25-Inch-Natural/dp/B0008F6ST4

LIMITED TIME OFFER

I recently purchased a slap chopper. I am staying with my friend and I don't have a good set of knives so this thing is awesome. It also helps e release some of my pent up frustration. Yesterday I pounded on the poor mushrooms so much I ended up with a mushroom puree.

Cutting boards

I'm assuming he wasn't talking about the slate cutting board since when he commented on what it was made of this is all he included:

> It's pulped wood and epoxy

So I'm thinking he meant something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Epicurean-Kitchen-11-Inch-Cutting-Natural/dp/B0008F6ST4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1393967546&sr=8-3&keywords=epicurean+cutting+board

https://www.amazon.com/World-Manufacturing-CHOPMED-Cutting-Height/dp/B00DPICHO6/ref=pd_bxgy_79_img_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=CWWVE5FSE4V02KMZY3D7

I have this and love it. It stores thin and easy, can be rolled or folded, and it's really cheap.

Edit: I can see that this link is a bit confusing. Here is a similar item, but it is smaller in size.

https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Flexible-Plastic-Cutting-Mat/dp/B00BOUUX6G/ref=pd_sim_328_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=7CBG6FB5H8B2VHH9CAVE

Buy some of this shit. It's dope.

Also, this fucker is rad.

These motherfuckers will come in handy.

Don't forget this thing.

ah ok so something like this for maple (edge grain) - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00063QBFE/ref=psdc_289863_t1_B0000CFV4K

so you wouldn't recommend this for both raw meat + veggies? https://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-15-Inch---21-Inch-Cutting/dp/B000AAM0EY

I wouldn't get any of the ones you listed. They're far too small. For me the size of a cutting board is one of the most important aspects. This one for example, is as wide as the biggest one you picked out is long. (21x15)

Hey I know it's not much, but, Bamboo Cutting Boards on Amazon.

I'll order them and send them to you, PM me your shipping info.

If it's too late to locate one of these $30 cases you could rig up a protective sleeve out of something like flexible camping cutting boards, cut up up into a triangle cross-section and tape it together.[2] (and always carry on/gate check)

https://www.sharmusic.com/Cases-Bags/Other/?ShowProducts=True#page_no=1&fq=ATR_TypeShape%3aBow&ShowProducts=True

[2] https://www.amazon.com/MIU-Flexible-Cutting-Board-Set/dp/B00011RTE8/

Glitter would be horrible on one of these cutting boards. In fact, glitter is pretty much horrible on everything. Spreads like chicken pox and stays like herpes.

Any polypropylene board would work, like this one. It's all of $10.

There's really no point in spending $500+ on high end knives if they are going to be used on one of those plastic mats. They'll be dull after the first time you use them, if you're lucky enough to avoid chipping. A cheaper beater knife in the 55-58 HRC range will also dull but it won't chip. Anything in the price range you're looking for is likely to be made of harder steel which cannot take the abuse.

Also I forgot to mention it earlier but I would start by looking at the Tojiros: http://www.chefknivestogo.com/tojirodpseries.html

mother freaking
boomerang!

It's one of these.

They're not that expensive here.

Link

Halloween

I was trying to find a board with a built in scale but I end up going with this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DNZI6O/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_GfaOub1WE9NYV

Twin items!

Match.

I use something close to this. https://www.amazon.com/Stanton-Trading-2-Inch-Cutting-Board/dp/B0032AM0LW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1526487230&sr=8-3&keywords=huge+cutting+board

Cutting Boards for $10, highest priority!

Cat Nail Clippers or Cutting boards.

But you're putting food you're about to eat on dirty cardboard.

Edit: Plus, here's a set of 3 on Amazon for only $5 and some change. Like, they're not even expensive.

Yeah, those thin plastic sheets you can bend are super useful and very cheap. They don't have a built-in sieve but you just fold 'em to "funnel" the stuff into a sieve; no muss, no fuss.

@ /u/cellularbreakfast (OP): http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-Cut-N-Slice-Flexible-Cutting-Boards/dp/B0000VLU62/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1377277643&sr=8-2&keywords=bendable+cutting+board

• $20
  
• $40
  
  I'd say you'll be due on Thanksgiving, since you mentioned a holiday but said it would be after that. I also am going to go with that you'll have a boy. No idea why, I just have a hunch.

This was very hard.

Drama Llama!

Goodbye Eleven to be honest? We could use these pans because we really don't have many pans. :( Or these cutting boards so I stop using plates that flip on me or make me hurt myself.D: Thank you for this contest!

That is a ridiculous amount of money to spend on a cutting board. I have an OXO plastic board with most of my meat work and I use a wooden one that I picked up at a Bed Bath and Beyond when I had a coupon. Both boards in total were about $35 or so.

My plastic board

Edit: Forgot half of my statement and just hit post. The reason I am recommending a cheaper board is because the Victorinox knives are going be almost exactly half of the cost of this board.

Id pick the first option

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B002M782UO/ref=cm_cr_arp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8

they have more reviews with 4 stars compared to the others. Its cheaper as well. Canadian wood one just doesn't look pleasing to my eyes and that big as handle seems bothersome. The bamboo ones look exactly the same minus the 4th piece which has lighter wood on the edges to make it longer for 11 extra dollars. Id say fuck those two and get the first option. (its linked btw) \^\^\^

I have a flexible cutting board kind of like these that I do my polishing on. I've found that I've fucked up far fewer surfaces since adopting this method.

No problem.


I’m at work right now and didn’t think to take pictures, but here’s a diagram I found on google to show what I mean. It’s labeled here as the “guide bar” fits in the miter slots of the table saw. A lot of people use wood for them, but with the way humidity varies in Kansas, I wasn’t going to risk it getting unusable in summer or too loose in winter.


http://www.woodmagazine.com/woodworking-plans/build-in-a-weekend-bookcase/?page=13


So, what I used for mine was something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Stanton-Trading-2-Inch-Cutting-Board/dp/B0032AM0BC/ref=sr_1_18?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1415214887&sr=1-18&keywords=cutting+board


Not that one specifically, but something similar. Just a plane jane large cutting board made of HDPE. The one I used was about 18”x12”x1/4” which was more than sufficient for the size of my table.


I ripped the first piece to get rid of the rounded corners on one side. Then ripped 2 lengths ¾” wide and used a plane and a card scraper to get them to just the right size.

But they aren't getting the job done. You're not cutting your veggies, you're pushing super hard on them until they break. Go home, try the paper test, watch as you can't cut shit. You may think everything is ok, until you try an actual sharp knife and realize you've been lying to yourself all along and that the old dull one was complete and utter shit. And you don't need expensive knives, one of my go to knives in my drawer is from Target, but I sharpen it once a year and use a honing steel before every use. Make all the excuses you want or learn. it's up to you. Glass cutting boards kill knives, your knife is dead. It's that simple. Get a thick plastic cutting board and either a sharpener or a new knife, you can have both for $45 total off amazon.


https://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Fibrox-Chefs-Knife-8-Inch/dp/B000638D32


https://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-Utility-Cutting-Board/dp/B000CBOTQ8/


The knife I hear you can get for $25 other places and there are probably cheaper cutting boards out there, just don't get too thin or they will warp and not stay flat.