18 Comments
Dec 9, 2020Liked by Megan McArdle

Half sheet pans are perfect for just about everything -- cookies, rolls, roasts, chickens, etc., etc., etc. You can also get sheets of parchment precut in the half sheet dimensions, which is way more useful than the rolls. I understand why you're linking to Amazon, but you can get the pans and racks for less than half the price from a restaurant supply store.

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I prefer this more dangerous Benriner mandolin (and gloves) even if doesn't save you much money. It take less space, it's much easier to clean, and works fabulously. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000VZ57C/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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The stainless steel mixing bowls are better without a nonskid base because with just steel they can usually be used on induction stoves: very handy without having to transfer to a cooking pot for just a bit of heating.

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I forget -- is Spice House the pro- or anti-Trump side of the family? (Or have they reconciled?)

"one [bottle] for vinegar." One? No cider, rice, balsamic, red/white wine?

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I bought an induction spare burner once, because the range in my rental didn't get hot enough. There wasn't much counter space, so I plugged it into the little stove accessory outlet. I then absent mindedly turned on the element underneath the induction burner, which melted and caught fire. I got the fire out before it caused any damage, but my house smelled like a meth lab for a couple weeks.

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Metal bowls *can* go in modern microwaves - this is one of my favorite ways to disturb and annoy my relatives. That fact makes thin, lightweight, stackable stainless steel mixing bowls the absolute best choice: you can stack approximately ten thousand in your cupboard, you can stick them in the dishwasher, they're extremely cheap, and they're light enough to throw around or hold with one hand for a long time.

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Apparently Pyrex changed their formula several years ago and it's not quite as durable as it used to be. I have pyrex measuring cups I inherited from Mom, as well as a few pyrex mixing bowls. 4 6 oz pyrex ramekins. and a stack of 4 oz ones.

Also inherited a pair of enameled cast iron dutch ovens that are at least 60 years old and are suitable for making soups, stews, braises, working out, and household defense.

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As a helmet or a weapon? :)

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I was thinking: Miscreant breaks in, hit him upside the head with the lid (or the pot!), call 911 and have them cart off the body. The pot would be a bad helmet as it would block your vision, though the lid would be a decent shield.

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Wasn't a cast iron pan the weapon of choice of Snuffy Smith's wife?

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"The pot would be a bad helmet as it would block your vision,"

That's what the Pyrex mixing bowl is for.

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This reminds me. My mom said her corelware plates and bowls were indestructible - she dropped one to demonstrate, but the ones I have shatter pretty normally. Am I crazy and not remembering this, or did they also weaken their product?

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Pyrex used to have boron in the glass mix....much better for heat resistance, but more likely to shatter when dropped. This changed when they went with a more flexible plastic additive.

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I take my 4 oz spice bottles to my bulk foods store (which has a lot of spices) and fill them there directly.

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I don’t suppose your bulk food place is a national chain? I’ve been looking for a place like that for ages.

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The first time I used my mandoline.....I cut my finger! THEN I got the gloves.....oy

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