Kitchen Deals -> Small Appliances

Pretty much the same thoughts as the food processor. High quality mixers are great for making bread or other tough jobs. Every kitchen should have one. Be sure that any mixer has all three attachments: paddle, dough hook, and whip. Also, find a spot on the counter where it can be easily accessed at a moment's notice.

We recommend 2 strainers for every kitchen. The first is a solid stainless steel colander (one big enough to wash a lot of lettuce at once). The second strainer is a fine mesh conical strainer (called a chinois) which is a must for any serious sauce or stock making. A chinois is an expensive purchase, but with care it will last many years.

Add a few drops of lemon juice and a teaspoon of oil to rice when cooking. This will allow the rice to separate and not stick together after it is cooked. You can also try just adding a tablespoon of vinegar to the water to prevent rice from sticking