Msc. Essentials

Everyday Tools

Cutlery

For years our cutlery consisted of a Cutco “block set” which served us well. This great set included a couple of chef’s knives, a butcher/carving knife, two bread knives, a boning knife, a butter knife and two large forks, as well as kitchen shears and an excellent set of serrated steak knives.

Victorinox Knives

Later, we found the Victorinox knives the best of which is the Chef’s Knife selected by Cook’s Illustrated as their best chef’s knife pick.

Chef’s Choice Knife Sharpener

A great epiphany occurred at the Byrd House with the arrival of the Chef’s Choice Electric Knife Sharpener. The difference can only be described as ‘night and day’ between the passing sharpness of our knives before and the razor edge honed by the electric sharpener. In fact, we suffered several cuts the first month or two of using knives that were really functional!

Mixing Bowls

Both glass and stainless mixing bowls are essential to any kitchen. For years we whipped out all kinds of tasty recipes using a few flimsy plastic mixing bowls. Finally, we stopped and read the recommendations of Cook’s Illustrated and bought the Pyrex Smart Essentials glass and Vollrath stainless mixing bowls. Each bowl set is reasonably priced and measurably enhance our kitchen workflow.

Thermapen

The Thermapen Instant Read Thermometer is a bit expensive, but its accuracy is imperative for any cook who strives for great, not just good, outcomes!