Tools of the trade (Part 1: What I Want Is What I’ve Not Got)

Kitchen wish-list time!

Some day, when I have a real job and am no longer a poor grad student, I will have a marvelous kitchen full of amazing things – copper pots, an industrial-strength juicer, an oven that takes under 45 minutes to preheat. Until then, I’ve got a wish list.

I’ve broken my list into 3 categories. Since I’m so original (not!) I’m calling them The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.

The Good (necessities and/or inexpensive items which even a poor student can afford – I’ll probably be buying these in the near future)

• a whisk – finally, I have one (3-9-08)
• bread pans just bought some today! (2-28-08)
• a glass liquid measure got one of these, too (2-28-08)
• a pastry brush – bought a fancy silicone one (4-19-08)
• icing bags and tips – so I don’t have to keep frosting things with the back of a spoon best birthday present ever! thanks, Amber! (7-3-08)
• cookie cutters – just the basic shapes, nothing fancy Picked some up just in time for holiday cookies (12-4-08)
• a slow cooker or crock pot – somehow, I don’t own one yet. They’re not too expensive, though. Gift from my parents! Thanks, M&D! (12-25-08)
• a basic food processor – ditto
• a wok – my saucepan is great, but a wok would be super helpful for certain dishes thanks, Boyfriend! (9-5-08)
• stainless steel bowls – The Boyfriend has a set of these that I’ve used before, and I love them. Thanks, The Boyfriend’s parents! (12-25-08)

The Bad (upgrades to items I already have and moderately frivolous or expensive equipment)

• a KitchenAid standing mixer – my mum has one. I covet it. One day, I will go crazy and splurge on one.
• upgraded (read: nice) knives – my current set is pretty cheap. The knives dull fairly easily. thanks, Boyfriend! (9-3-08)
• a bread machine – probably unnecessary, but it sure makes things easier!
• an ice cream maker – again, a most-likely unnecessary item, but homemade ice cream rocks.
• a pasta machine – not as expensive, but also not something I really, really need
• a hot water tap – my mother has one in her kitchen and it’s brilliant…190 degree water instantly!

The Ugly (things WAY outside of my current budget, but that I covet nonetheless)

• a VitaMixer – 2 horsepower? For a juicer? I’m in love.
• copper pots – a 7-piece set by All-Clad retails for about $800
• a dishwasher – okay, this is really just on the wish list for the next kitchen I have Got it! The new condo has one, yaay! (1-10-09)
• a garbage disposal – also on the future-kitchen list, unless my landlord feels like installing one! The new condo also has one of these! Hooray! (1-10-09)
• an electric flat-surface stove – although not entirely incapable of catching fire, the lack of open flames makes ME less likely to ignite ALSO in the new condo! (1-10-09)
• a better oven – one that was made within the last decade, and which preheats in under 45 minutes, please? Magic! We got a new oven. (3-4-08)

Ok, so this list is pretty extensive. One day, when I’m a grown-up, it won’t be as long (I hope!).

What’s on your wish list?