My New Favorite Cookware
Discover more from The Bittman Project
My New Favorite Cookware
Plus: Many things that you can grill this weekend, or whenever
Perhaps everyone thinks I have a kitchen full of high-end appliances, antique salt cellars, and exotic pantry goods, but although the cupboard is hardly bare, that’s not the case. One time, not too long ago, I famously (well, famously in a tight circle) bought ten bottles of Stop & Shop olive oil at the Provincetown branch of that store. I use skillets that my mother bought. During COVID I started shopping an Walmart, and some of our stuff is “Great Value.” As I've long said, a lot of cooking is about compromising.
When we first started this newsletter, among other things we wanted to recommend products we liked, in a way we thought would be helpful. We don’t want to bombard you with things (nor do we), but when we find something we love, we want to share it. Because whether you’re buying a bike or a knife, it’s nice to know that someone else has tried and liked it.
I think you know this, but it bears stressing: We’d never recommend anything we don’t actually like. (Sometimes we just think something looks cool, and we’ll tell you that.) Having built a level of trust, we want to maintain that.
So in this “extra” Friday post — we’re taking off Monday, by the way (the kids are all coming for the weekend) is my way of letting you know that Made In, which is among my favorite kitchen brands, is having a Memorial Day sale, with up to 30% off cookware, bakeware, tableware, and knives.
Made In stuff is really good. It’s made well, it lasts, and it’s great looking. I have some specific recommendations, below, but if you see something on the Made In site that’s not on here that you’re interested in, I suggest you try it — chances are you’ll love it.
One more thing: Since we believe so much in the items we recommend, we are partners with many of the represented brands, which means that we get a small commission from any sales that come via us, at no cost to you. We are a reader-supported publication, and to those of you who subscribe — thank you. If you haven’t joined yet, you can join now and get 30 days free, which will get you access to all the recipes we publish (including, of course, the ones in today’s newsletter).
If you’re traveling this weekend, safe travels, and if not, I hope you get some good unwinding time at home, a la Mike. Made In recommendations, plus some fun grilling recipes — it’s that time! — below. See you next week.
Made In | Mark Recommends
Blue Carbon Steel Wok (20% off): This could actually replace 90% of the cookware in my house. It stays on my stove.
Entrée Bowls (25% off): I got these and used them so much that I promptly bought a set for each of my daughters. A very satisfying size — perfect for pasta or a big salad. The red rim is my personal favorite.
Non Stick Saute Pan (15% off): One of Kate’s favorites. Great depth and nice heft, and just big enough; nothing unwieldy about it. I just got myself one.
Stainless Clad Stock Pot (15% off): If you don’t have a stock pot, what are you waiting for? (Chicken Stock. Vegetable Stock. Parmesan Stock. Mushroom Stock.) There’s also one with a pasta insert, which Kate swears by.
Oyster Shucker (20% off): If you eat oysters at home, or want to, you need this. Also available in a four-pack.
Champagne Saber (50% off): I admittedly do not own this (which I’m sure you could have figured out), but it’s too funny to not include, and I can’t imagine that some people wouldn’t want one — a party trick. And you can get it engraved!
Before You Go …
Some grilling recs for you. Many are from How to Grill Everything, naturally.
Grill-Braised Potatoes with Marjoram and Garlic
Grilled Sardines with Lemon and Thyme
Fish-Sauce-Caramel Grilled Chicken Wings
Jalapeño Poppers with Smoked Gouda (or Honey-Orange Jalapeño Poppers, Jalapeño Poppers with Pimento Cheese and Pepper Jelly, OR Pesto Jalapeño Poppers with Mozzarella — they’re all there)
Grilled Cherry Tomato Sandwich
Rosemary Olive Oil Bread on the Grill
Baja-Style Fish Tacos with Grilled Slaw and Chipotle Mayo
Broiled or Grilled Scallops with Basil Stuffing