No cooking for me lately. Why you ask?
The last month has been an interesting one. We’re back in NYC but it still feels quite a bit like we’re in transition. It’s possible that you read this post on my blog – things have been propelled back up in the air for me and Mr. D. Let’s just say that we made the decision to lay roots back down in New York only to get a call one week before Christmas that revitalized a *one-of-a-kind* job opportunity in Florida.
When we went to the storage facility last month I found that our things had been packed in such a way that it was impossible to find what we needed to outfit our new place. We are living with the bare minimum. I couldn’t even find my pots and pans. I have not cooked anything in over a month.
It’s really fine, it’s New York City after all… you can have just about anything delivered to your doorstep in 30 minutes or less. But the joy I get from planning a menu, shopping and preparing a wholesome meal is starting to wear on me a bit.
The problem is that me and Mr. D have different outlooks on what pots and pans we should purchase. I feel like I am the primary cook and that I should get to select what we get. I feel that I need three pots and I will be happy. One large stainless steel All-Clad saute pan with lid, one square-shaped fry pan by Scanpan, and a Le Creuset dutch oven which will not only roast chickens and braise meat, but also serve as a baking dish and soup pot.
He’d rather *skimp* and buy a set of Cuisinart pans. I understand it. He isn’t working now, so we’re basically doing what we can to keep up with what life costs. I don’t thing there is anything wrong with the Cuisinart set, it just seems to be a waste of money for us. I know for certain if I purchase the other pieces that they will easily transition into our next home and work with the pots and pans we have in storage. (Please, he won’t be out of work forever!) I know if we buy the Cuisinart set, I will be wanting certain pieces not included and never use others that are.
I realize the pieces I am looking to buy add up to a lot more money. But the fact that they’re what I enjoy cooking with, doesn’t that mean I am likely to use them more often and get our money’s worth? Right now, I am just biting my tongue until he too is exhausted from eating take-out. Is this completely passive aggressive behavior I am exhibiting? Oye!
Please keep in mind that grocery shopping in New York City is a completely different animal than shopping elsewhere. Often, you can order in a dinner that costs much less than if you went to the store and bought the same ingredients you need to prepare the exact same thing. It could end up costing 30% more if you’re the one preparing the food.
What would you do in this situation? Would you buy the more expensive pans that you want as you can afford them, or would you just buy the less expensive set that (in the long run) won’t make you happy?
I’d buy what I need at the absolute lowest cost possible. They might not be the brands you want but they should be what you’ll use.
I’d go with the few that I wanted rather than the set.
Can you get deals at places like Marshalls, TJMAX and HOMEGOODS, or EBAY, etc.? I know the first three carry Le Cruset sometimes.
Speaking from experience, it is the pot we go to every time. It just stays out on the counter. We love it.
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Yikes. Tough decision.
I, like your husband, am typically in the “spend the least amount of money possible” mode. But this time, I might consider the splurge, if you have the funds.
We got a set of pots and pans for our wedding. And then we got one iron clad pan. The teflon in the pieces in the set that I use most often is already chipping and peeling. No need to worry about that for the iron clad – it’s amazing. In fact, we’ll likely be slowly replacing the frequently used pieces in the set with iron clad. So, in the long run, it would probably be most cost-effective to buy the iron clad pieces that you’d use – because they’ll likely last longer.
We also have a Le Cruset pot, but I have yet to use it. If you get one and cook anything in it, you should definitely share the recipe with us! :)
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I say get the ones you want and I second what Elizabeth said. I went to marshalls and tj maxx/home goods on saturday and all three had the three items you are looking for. I bought a 5 1/2 quart le cruset in the blue color for $100 and it was perfect, no scratches or anything. Also, all-clad is even cheaper at william sonoma outlets than at marshalls or tj maxx. They run specials every week for anywhere from 20%-40% off all of their all clad stock, I ended up returning every piece we got off our wedding registry at bed bath and beyond because I could get every single all clad pot and pan of my dreams from the outlets with the money from the 4 pots/pans purchased from our registry. Also check out the le cruset outlet, I bought some items there and now get 20-30% off coupons mailed to me every month. I have amassed quite a collection of their gorgeous enamel stoneware and cast iron pots. Lastly, when I was in william sonoma (the regular store not the outlet) on saturday they had several le cruset pots in their sale section for up to $70 off. So definitely look around! There are plenty of deals to be had!
This dilemma of yours is exactly why I eschew cookware sets and prefer to piece together a selection of cookware that I’ll actually use, in the brands, sizes, and specs I prefer. I’ve noticed a lot of cookware selling for deep discounts on ebay lately – I might check there to build your Top 3. Good luck!
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Wow ladies – thanks for all of your input and your suggestions! I am off to check ebay now… maybe we’ll be eating home-cooked goodness by the weekend.
xxABCD
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Go with what your instinct is telling you – buy the ones you know you will use now and in the future. I have been “poor” and never regreted spending the money on the right pans. My All-Clad and Le Creuset are investments I’ll never regret! Used my Le Creuset for Julia’s boeuf bourguignon and my All-Clad for carmelizing onions for a onion tart…yummy. You can’t go wrong with those!
I would be very interested to hear which specific 3 pieces you would choose. With space at a premium (it IS NYC!) 3 pieces take up a LOT less space. Besides, I would much rather be using tried, true and tested cookware, rather than making our square-peg pots and pans fit into round holes.
We have the all-clad pots and pans and absolutely love them. I accidentally turned on the wrong burner once and browned the bottom of one of them. My husband took some “bar keepers friend” cleaner to it and it looks great again! Kelly
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I think its a matter of long term planning, because buying cheap now is a false economy really. I was given great stainless steel cookware as a weding gift over 15 years ago and still use those same items today. So a little bit of extra cost in the beginning really ends up a no brainer when you have the items in good condition years later. Plus, I must admit, cooking stainless gives such better results when you are cooking.
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