To fuck or to cook?

[Dave]

I have been nominated to bring a pie (not previously used) to Festive Turkey Day. I think the basics (Pumpkin, Apple and Pecan) are covered, so I need a suggestion for some other kind. If I'm lazy, I'll just make lemon, but there must be something better out there. Anyone have a kickass idea?

On another note, I want to buy my sister a good quality set of kitchen knives for Festive Savior Birth Day. Any recommendations for that?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions or abuse you may have.

[Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)]

Originally posted by Dave
I have been nominated to bring a pie (not previously used) to Festive Turkey Day. I think the basics (Pumpkin, Apple and Pecan) are covered, so I need a suggestion for some other kind. If I'm lazy, I'll just make lemon, but there must be something better out there. Anyone have a kickass idea?

On another note, I want to buy my sister a good quality set of kitchen knives for Festive Savior Birth Day. Any recommendations for that?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions or abuse you may have.

Pie: Chocolate silk pie. All you bake is the oreo-crumb crust. Then you fill with a mix of chocolate, sugar, eggs, butter, and cognac. Delicious. If you can't find the recipe, which appeared I believe in NY Times mag, PM me and I'll try to get it at home tonight for you.

On knives, Atticus will recommend a Santoku, which he claims is a set unto itself.

I will not--I would recommend a more standard set including an 8" chef's, paring, and carving. You might just buy one of the sets for a couple of $$. One thing to consider is the grip--you might find a way to have your sister try the grips on a few knives to find out what she likes. Then buy the set. Not sure of a good way to do this, other than a gift cert.

[tmdiva]

Originally posted by Dave
I have been nominated to bring a pie (not previously used) to Festive Turkey Day. I think the basics (Pumpkin, Apple and Pecan) are covered, so I need a suggestion for some other kind. If I'm lazy, I'll just make lemon, but there must be something better out there. Anyone have a kickass idea?

Something chocolate. The latest Cook's has a recipe for a Chocolate Caramel Walnut Tart that looks pretty good (of course I would sub hazelnuts since walnuts are eeeeevil). Someone brought a chocolate pie of some kind to my dessert potluck last year; it involved a chocolate-nut crust and was very tasty. There is also that chocolate cake with the liquid center, or any good chocolate cake frosted with ganache.

If you forgo the chocolate route, the Cook's Pear Almond Tart is amazing, especially with a little caramel sauce and whipped cream. However, this one will only work at this point if you have four ripe Bosc or Bartlett pears on hand.

tm

[Alex_de_Large]

Originally posted by Dave
On another note, I want to buy my sister a good quality set of kitchen knives for Festive Savior Birth Day. Any recommendations for that?

How much do you want to spend? Knives, in my view, are the most important tool in the kitchen, and don't let anyone tell you different. Mrs. dL was all set to divorce me when I bought a $500 set of
Wusthof Grand Prix knives, but then she used them (no, not on me, Bobbitt stylie).

These knives, if kept sharp, will last a lifetime.

eta: Don't feel compelled to buy a 10-piece set or similar. I find that a 8" chef's, a 4" pairing, a 10" santoku, and a 6" utility are really all you will need. A serrated bread knife is a nice touch as well. We have a magnetic strip built into our kirchen wall, which saves space (no need for a block). Most important, buy her a steel and make sure that she learns how to use it.

[bold_n_brazen]

Originally posted by Alex_de_Large


These knives, if kept sharp, will last a lifetime.

A hint on knives and sharpening. DO NOT use the sharpening thingy that comes with them. Look in the yellow pages under sharpening or cutlery or ask your local restaurant where they get their blades sharpened. And then take your knife block there whenever you feel your knives getting dull. It's totally worth it. Like having new knives.

And I want a Santoku for Hanukkah.

[sebastian_dangerfield]

Originally posted by Alex_de_Large
Knives, in my view, are the most important tool in the kitchen, and don't let anyone tell you different.

What should I do if they start telling me different? Stuff my tie in their mouth? Tackle them? Why must you lay these fucking responsibilities on everyone. Take care of that shit yourself. You seem to care more than I do.

[Alex_de_Large]

Originally posted by bold_n_brazen
A hint on knives and sharpening. DO NOT use the sharpening thingy that comes with them. Look in the yellow pages under sharpening or cutlery or ask your local restaurant where they get their blades sharpened. And then take your knife block there whenever you feel your knives getting dull. It's totally worth it. Like having new knives.

And I want a Santoku for Hanukkah.

While I agree that a professional sharpening is nice, I find that my knives hold an edge longer if I use a steel after each and every use.

[Alex_de_Large]

Originally posted by sebastian_dangerfield
What should I do if they start telling me different? Stuff my tie in their mouth? Tackle them? Why must you lay these fucking responsibilities on everyone. Take care of that shit yourself. You seem to care more than I do.

Take your insecurities elsewhere, assjack. This is a cooking board.

[sebastian_dangerfield]

Originally posted by Alex_de_Large
While I agree that a professional sharpening is nice, I find that my knives hold an edge longer if I use a steel after each and every use.

Jesus, Felix. Next time I'm at your place, I'm going to make certain to slice a phone book to ribbons with that metal collection of yours.

Your mango chutney blew. I was just being polite.

[sebastian_dangerfield]

Originally posted by Alex_de_Large
This is a cooking board.

Then what the hell are you doing on it? I've had your homemade sushi. Sardines. Ruth Reichl wouldn't use your toilet.

[Alex_de_Large]

Originally posted by sebastian_dangerfield
Then what the hell are you doing on it? I've had your homemade sushi. Sardines. Ruth Reichl wouldn't use your toilet.

Ah, but that was the OLD Chez deLarge. This is the NEW Chez deLarge...

[sebastian_dangerfield]

Originally posted by Alex_de_Large
Ah, but that was the OLD Chez deLarge. This is the NEW Chez deLarge...

So the bathroom now has soap?

[bold_n_brazen]

Originally posted by Alex_de_Large
While I agree that a professional sharpening is nice, I find that my knives hold an edge longer if I use a steel after each and every use.

I'm much stronger in one direction than in the other apparently, so if I use the sharpening thingy with any regularity, I wind up really fucking up my knives.

[Alex_de_Large]

Originally posted by sebastian_dangerfield
So the bathroom now has soap?

Yeah, but still no toilet paper. That's what your left hand is for, remember? Oh, and please don't forget to take your shoes off when entering.

[robustpuppy]

Originally posted by Alex_de_Large
Yeah, but still no toilet paper. That's what your left hand is for, remember? Oh, and please don't forget to take your shoes off when entering.

Kids, take this conversation somewhere outside the kitchen, for pete's sake.