About my futile and irritating search for a job in a market that wants skilled employees, but is saturated with mediocre workers
Outspoken Podcasting Chef, Sustainability Advocate and Farmer.
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This is a list of some, but perhaps not all of the equipment any home kitchen where entertaining is done, should have. I am supplying Amazon Links wherever possible for illustration purposes (yes, I do get a percentage of any sale through these links--but that's not why I'm listing these here--Amazon just has a convenient selection with pictures. . . .). These links are selected based on what I already have, or what I would buy because of it's value, style or durability. This is not, by any means, an exhaustive list.
A few warnings--in most instances--DO NOT BUY NON-STICK! (Except certain Silicone products) I cannot emphisize this enough. The coatings don't last and they can off-gas toxic chemicals which will make you sick if heated over 400º F. There are other ways around sticking--like parchment paper and proper use of heat-control. All of the items I am recomending I use professionally.
Here are some essentials for any home kitchen:
The aluminum sheet pans (Chicago Metalic) are great all-purpose baking trays. They are heavy-duty and indestructible. I think 3 is a minimum number because they are so versitile.
Two sizes of Cast Iron frying pans are handy. If you only have room for one, then get the larger one. Once well seasonsed they are very "non-stick" and can be used to cook almost anything.
Stainless steel mixing bowls--Costco sometimes has a deal on a great heavy-duty set--are another essential. One set is great, two is better.
Two sizes of whisks is very handy. Likewise, at least two pairs of kitchen tongs--at least 12 inchers--are esential: great for shifting that large turkey. . . .
A good, large cookie cooling rack is an essential, even if you are not into baking cookies.
One strainer is minimum. Two of different sizes are better. Likewise, two different size colanders are preferable. One for washing fruits, etc the other large enough to handle a pot full of pasta. . . .
Also, not pictured--a set of plastic, durable, liquid measuring cups is vital. A 2 cup, 4 Cup and 8 Cup size are best. Pyrex is okay, but sooner or later they will chip, crack or break and then you have to possible throw out whatever food was exposed in the kitchen because of tiny shards of deadly glass. It might be solid and heat resistant, but when it goes it does major damage. . . .
The only set of spatulas, in my mind, worth getting are Le Creuset--they are high temp and last 10x longer than any other I have encountered.
Here is some more advanced equipment, still essential to for any kitchen where more than heating up soup will be done.
If you only have room for one Appliance, then I highly recommend the DeLonghi Stand Mixer. It comes with optional attachments--the two I use regularly are the Blender and the fruit juicer. If you want separate appliances, then still get the DeLonghi, but go for a Blender which has a small food processor attachment and/or go with a Cuisinart Food Processor as well.
A good wooden rolling pin can be used for so many things, and because a French Rolling Pin has no moving parts--it will last for ever.
A large 20 qt stock pot might seem over-kill, but there are so many times when a huge pot is essential.
A large, heavy roasting pan, also is one of those essentials--great for a good many uses. They might be expensive, but a quality one should last for ever.
No kitchen should be without Kitchen Twine and a dispensor to keep it tidy. I keep one roll for me and one for the kids. Cotton twine has a million uses outside the kitchen and is perfect for tying up roasts, bundles of herbs, or obnoxious rolls of loose wrapping paper. . . .
Keeping salt handy for seasoning (and hear I mean fistfulls of Kosher Salt) and dosing Pasta water, is never easier than when it is ready-to-hand in a Salt Pig.
Here are some wonderful, optional extras.
I am a huge fan of Le Creuset. It is virtually indestructible. I have two of the stoneware ovals and use them for everything.
The 5qt oval casserole is great for serving stews, braises or cassarole roasting game or chickens.
The panini press makes awesome sandwiches, grills chicken or helps keep the fat away from bacon. . . .
The wonder cup is one of those tools which is clever and handy for measuring so many things.
This list could go on and on. It probably only represents 30% of what a functioning cooking kitchen has in it--but these are the bare-bones essentials.
This is to see if I can feed this link text and have it work out. . . .
I've gone back to my other blog for the moment: cooking
The snow is finally melting. Hurray!
Although I think it is supposed to return tonight as it gets colder.
I hope to God I can get off this rock in a few days--I'm really beginning to get a bit mental.
Meanwhile I'm really into podcasting--or at least listening to them. I can't get enough of them while I'm working at home. Mostly on prepping my taxes for the accountant right now, but I'm also supposed to be looking for a job. That's too depressing.
I'm not liking the Mozilla link through to this site anymore. I'd much rather I could use Safari to access this blog. Oh, for other blogs, other places.
Finally, the first snow of the year. Probably the only snow of the
year. . . . The kids are wild with excitement. No school, at least for
a while. It is unbelievable to me that a few flurries, and around 4
inches of snow shut this place down. This wouldn't even count as snow,
where I come from.
I'm majorly bummed though. I was supposed to go to the mainland today,
but due to the "snow" I called the trip off. I have now tried to do my
banking by phone, but of course that never works. I'm not set up to do
it over the internet with my main bank, so that is useless. I'll have
to call the bank later to see if anyone there can help. Otherwise
major check bouncing come tomorrow.
At least not going into town means I won't be spending any of the money I don't have.
Been really into Podcasting lately. I don't know what it is about it,
but I'm an addict. Just want to listen all the time. Perhaps, if I
can muster the courage I'll do a podcast about cooking. It would take
abit of doing as it is never quite enough around here to think let
alone record a quality program. Something to think about.
Of course, if I got a job then I wouldn't have time to mess around with all this crap and waste time.
I called my one strong job prospect yesterday. I had that great
interview and then nothing. The interviewer said he'd call me back
within a week--yeah, right. Almost as effective as email. I've tried
that as well. Emailed the dude right back thanking him for the
interview, etc. 3 weeks later I emailed him to check on the process.
Nothing. So, I called yesterday. He's been out of town for the past 2
weeks. Back next week. Now I don't know what to think.
Meanwhile another job is coming up. I don't really want it because it
doesn't pay as well, and means I won't be able relocate or improve our
situation as much. But a job is a job and I'll take it if I have to.
Well. No sense being too depressed on a snow-day. Except the kid's
sleds seemed to have been put in storage on the mainland last year, as
there is no room for them around here, and now they don't have them and
their pissed off about it.
ARRGH!
Haven't had much time to blog.
Been working on a project that is still 7 months away, but I thought I would get up to speed on it.
Can't really look for work this week, as we are between holidays. No one seems to be in the office this week, making it impossible to get answers back about possible job status.
Anyway who cares?
With the immense tradgedy unfolding in Asia it is hard to think about our own petty lives. All the people dead and displaced has put my own whinging in perspective a bit.
Don't know why, but I've been cooking a lot of Asian food lately. Perhaps in sympathy. Cooked out of a Sri Lankian cookbook for the first time in a while. Last night I started out to make something Moroccan, but it veered off unconsciously towards Indonesian, at least in flavors. Perhaps it is in some sense of being connected Globally.
I realised I should contact my friend in Singapore to see what is going on with him.
I think I'll tune into some of the Asia Blogs now. . . .
Haven't had much time to keep you up to date. Our house has been beset by flu and the pace of life has had an unwanted added dimension to it.
Work prospects are dwindling during the holiday season. And what should be a joyous time of year is fast becoming an irritant. God, I hate being among the masses of working poor--only in my case I'm not working. Thank You for the wife's job and pittence at least.
I honestly don't know how people cope.
Finally got an interview.
I should be excited right?
Oh, I am, but there are problems of logistics which I am never able to see beyond.
But surely they can be over come?
Yes, they can. They are not insurmountable. Daunting nonetheless.
Get off your ass and get going. This could be your big chance.
I know. I want to do it, but it is raining and cold and I'm sick
and I've got a few days before I have to do anything. I'll get
excited then.
No! Do something about it now. Get a move on.
But I don't know what the weather is going to be like on Thursday.
Does it matter? Make it happen.
Oh, alright. First, I've got to get off this rock with out
getting my suit muddy. Perhaps I should change into it once I get
closer to the appointment. But still, I've got to at least clean
the car inside and out. Better yet--I'll do that, but I'll rent a
car in town. You know, mine needs a break job. No sense letting fate
take control on such an important day. . . .
Won't that cost too much money?
I'd rather spend it and make my lunch meeting on time and as unflustered as possible.
Where are you meeting?
I found an Italian restaurant off the beaten path, recommended by a
friend in the business. It's a long way for me to drive, but as
the interviewer is flying in, I didn't want him to drive too far from
his hotel in a town he's not familiar with. As it is I've got to
travel over 100 miles and back.
Quit complaining.
Oh, I'm not complaining. I'm actually going to plan on the interview
going so well that I'll have a re-call the next day to see the
project. I'm going to pack an extra suit and over-night stuff so
I can be flexible as to my plans once in the city.
Ambitious a bit?
Just practical. Speaking of which, I better get my groove on and rent a car.
Bye.
I finally finished
shopping. Made my way to Althea's Coffee shop for a connection
and fix of coffee before my class tonight.
Got lucky and found a job listed on my main websource for
listings. Quickly sent an email with cover and resume--God,
technology is great. To not have to fax, or mail and get an quick
exchange helps a lot.
Saw a great show on BBC America last night.
Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares. I'm not sure whose more of a
nightmare--Gordon, or the restaurantures whom he is trying to bail
out. Got to love the exchange though--yelling, screaming and some
of the most classic food errors you'd ever want to see.
Makes me miss restaurant work, but not that much. Thankless and
backbreaking. Think of the 25 or 30 top chefs we all know of and
back them up with the countless others who slave away without
recognition beyond their own small world. Give me the spot light
thanks.
Battery is running low. Better end this drivel for now.
On the mainland. I had to come over here early due to the threat of bad weather. I could have caught a later ferry and arrived around noon, but my shopping schedule would have been tight. Instead, I am here killing time. I am stopped at my favorite coffee shop now. I'll switch to my new favorite in another town later in the day if I still have time. I am on a mission for cheese this morning. All sorts of singular cheeses. As part of my class I plan on discussing a cheese board. It seems rediculous to pour so much time and thought into a 2 hour class with no follow up. The search for work has been a bit pointless this week. No news, no contacts. I am about to give up. The Networking possibilities are slim. I have marginal hopes for this class tonight. Last week's class yeilded two emails about possible future classes and a talk about Ireland. I hope something will come of it, especially if no work heads my way. Christmas is looking especially grim. We shall see.
