Culinary Base

When it comes to cooking and baking with spices, your possibilities are almost endless. Spices go a long way in making a tasty dish even tastier. Consider the following spices essential to your kitchen.

Garlic powder. If you love garlic and prefer not to use the fresh variety, garlic powder is the next best thing. To save money it can be purchased in bulk quantity, should you find that you are using it frequently.

Garlic powder can be used in casseroles, sprinkled on meats before or after cooking or used to make homemade garlic bread. (Don’t confuse garlic powder with garlic salt, which is a combination of garlic AND salt.)

If you prepare a lot of chicken dishes, sage is a spice that you want to keep on hand. It is considered a ‘full flavor’ spice that should be used somewhat sparingly. For the best flavor, sage should be added during the last stages of cooking. Fresh sage yields a milder flavor than dried.

Cinnamon isn’t just for cinnamon rolls. It can be used in countless recipes from desserts to curries. Let’s face it; pumpkin pie wouldn’t be pumpkin pie without the distinct taste of cinnamon.

Interesting to note, it is an ancient spice that can be traced back to 2800 B.C. In medieval times, it was used to treat ailments such as coughing and sore throats.

The next time you find yourself in the mood for a tasty snack that is reminiscent of your childhood… eat a piece of cinnamon toast. You’ll be glad you did!

Learn more about cooking with spices:

	Indoor Culinary Herb Garden Starter Kit- Start Growing Fresh Cooking Herbs & Spices- Great Gift Idea!- Seeds: Parsley, Thyme, Cilantro, Basil, Dill, Oregano, Sweet Marjoram, Chives, Savory, Garlic Chives, Mustard, Sage List Price: $34.95 Sale Price: $32.95 Average Rating:
	Cool indoor herb gardening kit. Grow your own fresh cooking herbs indoors year round. Add zest and flavor to your cooking, and enjoy the fun and benefits of indoor gardening. Nothing improves your cooking like fresh herbs...

	Cuisinart SG-10 Electric Spice-and-Nut Grinder List Price: $75.00 Sale Price: $32.95 Used From: $32.99 Average Rating:
	There's nothing quite like the smell and taste of freshly ground spices. And with the Cuisinart Spice and Nut Grinder it's easier than ever to efficiently rind any spice or create original, tantalizing spice blends...

	Regency Spice Bags List Price: $9.99 Sale Price: $2.95 Average Rating:
	Regency Spice Bags are all natural 3 x 4 inch muslin bags with drawstring tops. Great for bouquet garnish, bulk tea, coffee, even potpourri. 4 per package

	KitchenArt Pro Auto-Measure Spice Carousel, Stainless Steel Satin List Price: $39.99 Sale Price: $24.60 Used From: $20.99 Average Rating:
	The KitchenArt Professional Series features elegant award winning designs with patented features. These unique and beautiful utensils come in champagne satin finishes. Auto-Measure dial measures 1/4 tsp...

	MIU France 90630 Spinning Spice Rack with 48 Jars List Price: $199.99 Sale Price: $99.96 Average Rating:
	Keep your spices organized on this beautiful beechwood spinning spice rack from MIU. The rack holds 48 jars, which are included with the rack. Our jars are made of durable polycarbonate with a stainless steel cap...

The once a month method of cooking is great for those who have a somewhat hectic schedule or for those who want to save money on their grocery bill. Some people find that a mini cooking session every two weeks, works even better.

The following tips will help you get the most out of preparing your meals, in this fashion. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed cooking meals on a daily basis.

(This method of cooking typically works best if you have a separate freezer, for storage… unless you are only cooking for one.)

Plan your menu a month in advance, or two weeks in advance if you will be cooking bi-weekly. Watch the sales ads, use coupons and plan you menus around the products you purchase. No matter how great the savings, don’t buy items your family doesn’t like, as they will probably go unused.

Recruit a "cooking buddy". Not only will this save you even more time, it will make the cooking session go by faster. Your buddy can split the cost of the supplies and fill his or her freezer, as well.

Prepare a variety of meals, utilizing no more than three types of meat. Doing so, will ensure that you save the most money possible. For example: purchase a large quantity of chicken, ground beef and fish filets.

Because there are SO many things you can do with these three ingredients, it is very difficult to tire of them easily. Look through cookbooks or online recipe sources, for new recipe ideas, if you are tired of the same old thing.

Considering the state of the current economy, it is more important than ever to save money in every way possible. The following tips will help you save money on your grocery bill, without sacrificing taste.

Make leftover chili go farther by serving it over a baked potato or noodles. Top with extra cheese and bake in a pre-heated oven, until bubbly.

Do your children love instant oatmeal? If so, you already know that buying just one box can be fairly expensive. You can actually save money making it yourself, simply by processing quick cooking oats in your blender, for a few seconds. Add bits of dried fruit, if desired.

If you have ever had to discard a bag of marshmallows because they have dried out, there is a simple solution that will prevent the problem from ever happening again. Freeze them.

You can give new life to old tortillas by heating them in the microwave for approximately 30 seconds. Place them in a ‘packet’ you have constructed out of wax paper and they will be almost as good as new.

Storing brown sugar, in its original container, in the refrigerator will keep it soft. In the event that you haven’t stored it this way and it hardens, add a piece of white bread to the container till sugar is soft. (This process will take a few hours.)

Make homemade ‘mini pies’ with just a few simple ingredients. Roll out refrigerator biscuits, until thin. Top with canned pie filling and fold over. Seal edges with tines of a fork. Bake or deep fry. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar, when cool.

If you are in need of a new set of cookware, Vision Ware by Corning might be just what you are looking for. Not only is it versatile, it is very affordable as well. One of the most unique features of Visions cookware is that it gives you the ability to see what’s cooking or baking, without lifting the lid.

If convenience is important to you, you can easily refrigerate leftovers in the same piece of cookware they were prepared in. Visions pieces can easily go from freezer to oven. They can even withstand the heat of a broiler (without the addition of the lid).

Because this cookware is non-porous, there is never a need to worry about the glass retaining food odors or becoming stained. The pieces can be hand washed, in hot soapy water, or placed in the dishwasher.

Visions Cookware On Sale

	Corning Vision Ware 1L Saucepan & Lid Used From: $24.00

	2 Corning Visions Vision Ware / Visionware Amber 7 inch & 10 inch Frying Pan / Skillet Set Used From: $42.50
	2 Corning Visions Vision Ware / Visionware Amber 7 inch & 10 inch Frying Pan / Skillet Set

	Corning Amber Vision Visions 10" Skillet Used From: $17.99
	Vision 10" Amber Skillet

	Visions Corning Visions Amber 0.5 Saucepan Used From: $32.50
	For easy, healthy cooking, Visions cookware does it all. Clear Amber glass allows you to see what you are cooking. Dishwasher safe

	Corning Vision Visions Amber Insert for Double Boiler -- as shown Used From: $29.95
	Amber Insert for Vision Double Boiler

Cooking with Visions cookware actually means less clean up. Why? Recipes can be partly prepared in a microwave and then finished in the oven or on the stovetop. This is also a wonderful alternative, when you are pressed for time.

Ingredients can be sautéed in a Visions pot instead of a conventional sauté pan. The remaining ingredients can then be added to the same vessel to complete the dish. There is really nothing simpler than ‘one pot’ cooking.

Visions cookware is available in several sizes. It is an excellent choice for college students or newlyweds who find they are living in cramped quarters, because of the fact that each piece can be used in a variety of situations.

If you are in search of top quality blenders, Oster is a brand definitely worth your consideration. They are available in several contemporary colors and styles, which will easily match your décor AND your needs. To meet the highest of standards, Oster manufactures the only blender that features an all metal drive system. This means, both, a metal motor and blade ensuring quality performance every time. (The last thing you need is for the motor to burn out in the middle of your smoothie-making session, right?)

All models come complete with a stainless steel ice crushing blade, while most have a ‘pulse’ button. Oster blenders are available in 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 speed models. There is a commercial grade model available, as well. If you love coffee and enjoy grinding your own beans, Oster offers a grinder attachment that fits their standard blender base. It can also be used to process nuts and hard spices.

	Oster 4093 Classic Beehive Blender, Chrome List Price: $79.99 Sale Price: $67.99 Used From: $61.99 Average Rating:
	Powered by a 500-watt motor, this classic blender blends margaritas and smoothies, mixes soups and sauces, chops fruits and vegetables, grinds coffee beans and nuts, grates cheese and coconut, and crushes ice...

	Oster 6812-001 Core 16-Speed Blender with Glass Jar, Black List Price: $81.22 Sale Price: $39.83 Used From: $40.99 Average Rating:
	16 Speed Black Blender

	Oster 4902-003 Replacement Blender Jar Base List Price: $6.99 Sale Price: $1.99 Average Rating:
	4902-003 -Black bottom cap -Fits all Osterizer Blenders (exlucing In2itive) The Oster brand represents a strong offering of unique, fashionable, and versatile products that will help inspire and empower you to be creative in the kitchen...

	Oster 4096-009 Designer Series Beehive Blender, Chrome List Price: $69.99 Sale Price: $63.99 Average Rating:
	The Oster 4096 Beehive Blender has a 2 speed easy toggle speed control for continuous smooth blending or pulse option for precisely chopped food. 5-cup scratch resistant and dishwasher safe round glass jar for durability and easy cleaning...

	Oster 4961 Ice Blade List Price: $9.99 Sale Price: $2.50 Used From: $8.99 Average Rating:
	This Revolutionary Ice Crusher stainless steel blade acceosry is probably the most important tool to make an Osterizer blender operate at its fullest capacity. The ingredients are pulverized as they are pulled down toward the extremely shart rotating blades that is run by the one and only All metal drive designed by Oster...

Whether you prefer the retro look of a beehive blender or the added convenience of a blender/food processor combination, Oster fits the bill. Yes, you have choices when you purchase one of these blenders. You can opt for either a glass or plastic blender jar. Glass jars typically have a five cup capacity. Plastic jars can typically process six cups with ease.

If milkshakes are more your style, you can always purchase the optional milkshake blade. This blade fits all blender models and adds 35% more air to your shakes, for thicker and frothier results.

Overall rating: 5/5 stars (for long-lasting quality and durability, low price, and degree of customization)

If you have never had the pleasure of cooking or baking with All-Clad cookware, you don’t know what you are missing. These high-quality, bonded metal, pieces are the number one choice for countless cooks. They carry a lifetime warranty.

Due to this excellent quality, All-Clad cookware tends to be a bit on the pricey side. However, don’t let that be a deterrent. Because the cookware is SO versatile, it is possible to purchase what you need (or at least a good starter set) for roughly $300. This is especially true if you watch for sales or rebate opportunities, provided by the company. With the state of the current economy, many vendors are slashing their prices… or at the very least offering great deals.

All-Clad MC2 Collection: Affordable and Quality

The All-Clad MC2 collection is an affordable choice for those on a budget. Taking the time to make note of the types of dishes you most often prepare will help to determine which basic pieces will best suit your needs. You can always add extra cookware as your wallet permits.

Where to Buy All-Clad MC2

	All-Clad Master Chef 2 7-Piece Cookware Set List Price: $339.99 Sale Price: $319.95 Average Rating:
	7 Piece MC2 Set includes 8" Fry, 1.5QT Sauce Pan, 3QT Saute Pan, and 6QT Stock Pot

	All-Clad Master Chef 2 12-Inch Fry Pan List Price: $125.00 Sale Price: $124.95 Used From: $85.00 Average Rating:
	The second generation of All-Clad's Master Chef line (MC2), this cookware combines brushed aluminum with stainless-steel accents for a contemporary look. Like All-Clad's other renowned cookware collections, Master Chef provides serious and professional cooks with all the virtues that make All-Clad's worldwide reputation unsurpassed...

	All-Clad Master Chef 2 14 Piece Cookware Set List Price: $1,315.00 Sale Price: $949.95 Average Rating:
	Stunning good looks and superior performance combine in this exclusive 14 piece cookware set. 3-ply bonded construction with brushed aluminum exterior, pure aluminum core and an easy to clean stainless steel cooking service...

	All-Clad Master Chef 2 2-Quart Saucier Pan List Price: $110.00 Sale Price: $76.95 Average Rating:
	The second generation of All-Clad's Master Chef line (MC2), this cookware combines brushed aluminum with stainless-steel accents for a contemporary look. Like All-Clad's other renowned cookware collections, Master Chef provides serious and professional cooks with all the virtues that make All-Clad's worldwide reputation unsurpassed...

	All-Clad Master Chef 2 6-Quart Stockpot List Price: $215.00 Sale Price: $151.99 Average Rating:
	The second generation of All-Clad's Master Chef line (MC2), this cookware combines brushed aluminum with stainless-steel accents for a contemporary look. Like All-Clad's other renowned cookware collections, Master Chef provides serious and professional cooks with all the virtues that make All-Clad's worldwide reputation unsurpassed...

Most cooks will want to start out with two fry pans and two sauce pans. This will ensure enough flexibility to prepare many different menus.

These fry pans are available in a variety of sizes, from 7 inches to 14 inches. It should be somewhat obvious that the larger the pan, the more expensive it will be. Non-stick versions are available, as well.

All-Clad sauce pans are also available in many popular sizes. All come with matching lids. The size you choose should be dependent on your cooking habits.

All-Clad cookware is the #1 choice of cooks of all skill levels, both in home kitchens and commercially.

This bonded layer, metal, cookware is the brain child of John Ulam who began his career formulating bonded metals for many types of industries, in the 1960s. His line of cookware was established in 1967. Through the years, All-Clad has changed ownership several times. However the quality of this cookware has never wavered. Today, it remains the only bonded cookware manufacturer who uses strictly American craftsmen and metals to produce their products.

Deals on Discount All-Clad Cookware

	All-Clad 51125 All Clad Stainless-Steel 12-Inch Fry Pan with Lid List Price: $180.00 Sale Price: $89.95 Average Rating:
	The "workhorse" of all cookware shapes, All-Clad fry pans' versatile shape and size make them a frequent choice for scrambling eggs and bacon on Sunday morning, or preparing a quick chicken sauté dinner on a weeknight...

	All-Clad 5000-9 Stainless 9-Piece Cookware Set List Price: $599.99 Sale Price: $599.95 Average Rating:
	The bestseller among All-Clad's renowned cookware collections, the Stainless line provides serious and professional cooks all the virtues that make All-Clad's worldwide reputation unsurpassed. Key to its high performance is a three-ply, bonded construction...

	All-Clad Master Chef 2 7-Piece Cookware Set List Price: $339.99 Sale Price: $319.95 Average Rating:
	7 Piece MC2 Set includes 8" Fry, 1.5QT Sauce Pan, 3QT Saute Pan, and 6QT Stock Pot

	All-Clad Stainless 2-Quart Saucepan List Price: $150.00 Sale Price: $129.98 Used From: $125.99 Average Rating:
	The bestseller among All-Clad's renowned cookware collections, the Stainless line provides serious and professional cooks all the virtues that make All-Clad's worldwide reputation unsurpassed. Key to its high performance is a three-ply, bonded construction...

There are many excellent pieces of All-Clad cookware to choose from. There are basic pieces suitable for everyday use and/or the novice cook. There are also more advanced pieces, such as the Tagine… geared toward the more adventurous cook. (A Tagine is a traditional Moroccan cooking vessel that is quickly gaining popularity in the United States. The All-Clad version features a bonded stainless steel bottom pan with riveted upright handles. Its triangular-shaped cover is made of glazed terracotta.)

Health conscious cooks will appreciate the fact that All-Clad’s all purpose steamer insert with lid is available in three convenient sizes… 2, 3 and 4 quart. These inserts fit All-Clad sauce pans as well as other conventional brands you may already own.

In addition to cookware, the company also offers, both, a slow cooker and electric skillet. In regard to the slow cooker, you can opt for either a cast aluminum or ceramic insert. Size-wise these cookers are 7 quart and 6.5 quart respectively. The electric skillet has a 6 quart capacity.