Gourmet Kitchen
Are you a Gourmet?
What exactly does it mean to be a gourmet? Does watching public television cooking shows on Saturday morning while folding the laundry count? How about being fascinated with Julia Child and having all of her cookbooks on your Amazon wish list? Knowing what zest, garam marsala and charcuterie mean, does this qualify you as being a gourmet? Where did the term come from and what exactly does it mean?
A gourmet is someone with a discriminating palate who is savvy when it comes to fine food and drink. The word comes from the French word groumet which defines a person in charge of the wines at a meal. While this definition is a start, most people think they have a discriminating palate, but discriminating between a Big Mac and a Whopper probably doesn’t count. What exactly are gourmets discriminating about? Who decides what is and isn’t gourmet? From my research, I have come up with three things that qualify a person to call themselves a gourmet. While not an exhaustive list, qualifying in each of these three categories is a good indication that you can call yourself a gourmet.
If you still don’t own a blender because you are saving up for a Waring or refuse to brown your bagels in anything other than a Dualit toaster, you are good in the first category of gourmet, knowing your equipment. Note that I don’t say you need to own this equipment to be a gourmet, just know what it is and have a sincere desire to own it all someday, like when you win the lottery and can actually afford it. A few of the necessities in a gourmet kitchen include a Cuisinart food processor, Emilie Henry bakers, All-Clad pots and pans, Viking range, SubZero built in refrigerator, Kitchenaid mixer, Espressione espresso machine, Wusthof knives, and a Polder thermometer and timer. You will also need to include fine china, silver cutlery and beautiful table linens. Doing some calculations from the Williams Sonoma site (which should be one of your favorite places to shop), a fully equipped gourmet kitchen including service for 8 would come to over $25,000.00 This figure doesn’t even start to cover the many food items you should have.
That brings us to our next category, food. Do you know terms such as foie gras, sevruga, gravlax, fleur de sel, truffles (not the chocolate kind) and herbes de provence? Have you ever eaten any of them? If you can answer yes to most of these, you are a definite gourmet. A good gourmet kitchen will be stocked with the finest wines, caviars, cheeses, produce, meats, breads and pastries. It will also have multitudes of herbs and spices as well as liqueurs and natural extracts. Hundreds of volumes of cookbooks are also a necessity and must include authors such as Jacques Pepin, Simone Beck, James Beard and of course, Julia.
The last area that defines a gourmet is drive. This means wanting to constantly learn more about fine foods and wines. Taking vacations to France and Italy are a start as well as visiting wineries, fish markets and farmers markets everywhere you go. Food should be an obsession, not just a past time. Magazines such as Saveur, Cuisine, Cook’s Illustrated, Fine Cooking, Gourmet and Bon Appetit should dot the landscape of your home. You should also have a strong desire to take cooking classes and cooking vacations and your ultimate dream would be to one day attend “Le Cordon Bleu” cooking school in Paris. Yes, knowing French is a strong plus.
If you can say you qualify in even two of these categories, I would say you are a budding gourmet. Three would mean you are definitely a gourmet. Now that you have qualified yourself as such, don’t hesitate to share it with others. Remember, however, that they may want you to actually cook something for them since they assume all gourmets can cook. This, however, was not one of the qualifying factors, so don’t feel pressured if actually using your gourmet items scares you. Instead invite them to a gourmet restaurant and correct their pronunciations of items on the menu. Knowing the equipment, understanding the names and tastes of the foods and having the desire to cook someday is all you need to be a gourmet. Besides, who has time to cook when you are so busy learning to be a gourmet?
About the Author
About the Author:
Emma Snow is a gourmet and freelance writer. Writing for Gourmet Living http://www.gourmet-living.com and BBQ Shop http://www.bbq-shop.net .
(Tampa Luxury Homes) For Sale Gourmet Kitchen
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Blanco 440631 Kitchen Gourmet Pull Down Faucet $747.50 |
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Elkay Gourmet 22″ x 19.5″ Single Bowl Kitchen Sink LR22193 $467.20 |
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New Chrome Gourmet Kitchen Bar Pull Pre-rinse Spray Tap Faucet Mixer $119.95 |
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Houzer Premiere Gourmet Topmount Double Bowl 50/50 Kitchen Sink in Satin $374.94 |
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Hansgrohe 04066000 Allegro E Gourmet HighArc Kitchen Prep Faucet, Chrome $340.80 |
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Houzer Premiere Gourmet Topmount Single Bowl Kitchen Sink in Satin PGS-3122 $309.73 |
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ELKAY GOURMET KITCHEN SINK #LRQ22193 $375.00 |
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Elkay Gourmet Oil Rubbed Bronze Pull-Out Single Handle Kitchen Faucet LKGT1041 $287.10 |
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New Chrome Gourmet Kitchen Pull Pre-rinse Spray Faucet $139.95 |
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Elkay Gourmet Lustertone Stainless Steel 15″ x 22″ Self Rimming Kitchen Sink ADA $305.00 |
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Elkay Gourmet Lustertone Stainless Steel 17″ x 20″ Self Rimming Kitchen Sink 3 $280.00 |
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Elkay ELU2115 Gourmet Lustertone Undermount Kitchen Sink $339.00 |
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KITCHEN GOURMET PULL OUT ONE HANDLE CHROME FAUCET $129.00 |
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Hansgrohe 04066860 Allegro E Gourmet HighArc Kitchen Faucet, Steel Optik $394.25 |
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BRAND NEW! ELKAY GOURMET LUSTERTONE ELUH361710 KITCHEN SINK AMERICAN MADE in USA $599.99 |
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BRAND NEW! ELKAY GOURMET LUSTERTONE DLR3722 KITCHEN SINK AMERICAN MADE in USA $599.99 |
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Elkay Namesake LNUH3118 Gourmet Undermount Stainless Kitchen Sink Retail $259 $159.00 |
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Houzer – Undermount Gourmet Single Bowl Kitchen Sink $515.74 |
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Oil Rubbed Bronze 22″ High Gourmet Pull Out Down Kitchen Faucet $142.95 |
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Oil Rubbed Bronze 22″ High Gourmet Pull Down Kitchen Faucet $142.95 |
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Houzer Medallion Gourmet Undermount Double Bowl 50/50 Kitchen Sink in Satin $336.48 |
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Elkay Gourmet Double Bowl Kitchen Sink ELUH3116 NEW $379.95 |
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Elkay Gourmet Oil Rubbed Bronze Pull-Out Single Handle Kitchen Faucet LKGT1041 $86.00 |
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CUCINA AZURE GOURMET PULL-OUT KITCHEN FAUCET CHROME!!! $240.00 |
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Hansgrohe 04297800 Allegro E Gourmet Pull-Down Prep Kitchen Faucet, Steel Optik $394.80 |
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Houzer Premiere Gourmet Topmount Triple Bowl Kitchen Sink in Satin PGT-4322-1 $463.98 |
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Oil Rubbed Bronze 22″ High Gourmet Pull Down Kitchen Faucet $142.95 |
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Elkay Gourmet 25″ x 22″ x 5.5″ Stainless Steel Drop-In Single Bowl Kitchen Sink $511.36 |
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Elkay Gourmet 33″ x 22″ Stainless Steel Double Bowl Kitchen Sink Set ESE250 $275.84 |
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Elkay ELG2522BK0 Black Gourmet e-Granite 25″ Single Basin Top Mount Kitchen Sink $292.00 |
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Delta Gourmet Single-Handle Kitchen Faucet w/ Spray $150.00 |
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Elkay LR3321-2 Gourmet Lustertone Stainless 33″ x 21-1/4″ Two Hole Kitchen Sink $458.99 |
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Elkay Self-Rimming Stainless Steel Gourmet Kitchen Sink Set BILGR2115L $637.44 |
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Elkay Gourmet 25″ x 22″ x 6″ Stainless Steel Drop-In Single Bowl Kitchen Sink $511.36 |
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Elkay Gourmet 19″ x 18″ Stainless Steel Drop-In Single Bowl Kitchen Sink $451.20 |
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Elkay Gourmet E-Granite 20.5″ Double Bowl Undermount Kitchen Sink ELGU250R $384.00 |
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Elkay Gourmet Top Mount Double Bowl Kitchen Sink $364.80 |
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Elkay Gourmet Undermount Double Bowl Kitchen Sink ELGU3322 $369.92 |
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Elkay BLR151 Gourmet Lustertone Kitchen Sink – New $285.99 |
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Elkay BLR152 Gourmet Lustertone Kitchen Sink – New $285.99 |
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Elkay DCR2522103 Gourmet Celebrity Kitchen Sink – New $302.99 |
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Elkay DLR2522103 Gourmet Lustertone Kitchen Sink – New $447.99 |
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NEW ELKAY ILGR4322R3 GOURMET LUSTERTONE KITCHEN SINK STAINLESS STEEL MSRP $2,200 $954.99 |
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Houzer Medallion Gourmet Undermount Double Bowl 60/40 Kitchen Sink in Satin $359.68 |
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Gourmet Celebrity 3 Hole Single Bowl Kitchen Sink with Optional Accessories $348.16 |
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Elkay ELGU2522BK0 Black Gourmet e-Granite 25″ Single Basin Undermount Kitchen $314.25 |
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Elkay ELGU2522WH0 White Gourmet e-Granite 25″ Single Basin Undermount Kitchen $326.75 |
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Elkay ELG250RBK0 Black Gourmet e-Granite 33″ Double Basin Top Mount Kitchen Sink $392.25 |
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Elkay ELG250RBQ0 Bisque Gourmet e-Granite 33″ Double Basin Top Mount Kitchen $392.25 |
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Elkay ELGU250RBK0 Black Gourmet e-Granite 33″ Double Basin Undermount Kitchen $412.50 |
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Elkay ELGU250RBQ0 Bisque Gourmet e-Granite 33″ Double Basin Undermount Kitchen $412.50 |
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Elkay ELGU250RWH0 White Gourmet e-Granite 33″ Double Basin Undermount Kitchen $412.50 |
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Elkay ELG2522BQ0 Bisque Gourmet e-Granite 25″ Single Basin Top Mount Kitchen $292.00 |
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Elkay ELGU3322BK0 Black Gourmet e-Granite 33″ Double Basin Undermount Kitchen $378.50 |
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Elkay ELGU250RMC0 Mocha Gourmet e-Granite 33″ Double Basin Undermount Kitchen $412.50 |
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Elkay Gourmet Undermount Kitchen Sink ELGU2522 $319.36 |
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Elkay Gourmet Double Bowl Kitchen Sink EELG3322WH0 / EELG3322BQ0 / EELG3322BK0 $343.04 |
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Elkay Gourmet E-Granite Universal Mount Single Bowl Kitchen Sink Mocha $200.32 |
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Houzer Medallion Gourmet Undermount Triple Bowl Kitchen Sink in Satin $394.45 |
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Elkay ELGU2522 WH0 Gourmet E-Granite Undermount Kitchen Sink,White $299.00 |
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Elkay BLGR15151 Lustertone Gourmet Bowl Single Basin Kitchen $399.00 |
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Elkay ELGU2522MC Mocha Gourmet e-Granite 25″ Single Basin Undermount Kitchen $326.25 |
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Houzer Medallion Gourmet Undermount Single Bowl Kitchen Sink in Satin $297.81 |
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Elkay LRAD221960-3 Gourmet(Lustertone)Single Bowl Kitchen Sink 22×19 NO HARDWARE $299.00 |
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CUCINA ALTO COMMERCIAL STYLE GOURMET KITCHEN FAUCET BRUSHED NICKEL! $830.00 |
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Elkay LRADQ2219553 Gourmet Lustertone Commercial Self-Rimming 3Hole Kitchen Sink $405.99 |
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CUCINA AZURE GOURMET KITCHEN FAUCET SATIN NICKEL!!! $270.00 |
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CUCINA MODA COMMERCIAL STYLE GOURMET KITCHEN FAUCET BRUSHED NICKEL! $525.00 |
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Elkay Gourmet Pull-Out Single Handle Kitchen Faucet LKGT1041RB Oil Rubbed Bronze $327.25 |
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Oil Rubbed Bronze 22″ High Gourmet Pull Out Down Kitchen Faucet – NEW $142.95 |
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16″ X 14″ GOURMET COPPER HAMMERED BAR KITCHEN PREP SINK $265.00 |
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CUCINA ALTO COMMERCIAL STYLE GOURMET KITCHEN FAUCET SATIN NICKEL! $830.00 |
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CUCINA ALTO COMMERCIAL STYLE GOURMET KITCHEN FAUCET CHROME! $770.00 |
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Elkay ELUH3118 Gourmet Lustertone Undermount Kitchen Sink – 7-7/8″ Deep $370.00 |
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Elkay ELG250RMC Gourmet e-Granite Mocha Drop In Double Bowl Kitchen Sink $329.99 |
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Elkay Gourmet Lustertone Stainless Steel 33″ x 22” Double Basin Kitchen Sink $328.00 |
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CUCINA MODA COMMERCIAL STYLE GOURMET KITCHEN FAUCET SATIN NICKEL! $525.00 |
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CUCINA MODA COMMERCIAL STYLE GOURMET KITCHEN FAUCET CHROME! $485.00 |
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Elkay ELU2115-10 Gourmet (Lustertone) Deep Single Bowl Undermount Kitchen Sink - $249.99 |
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CUCINA ALTO COMMERCIAL STYLE GOURMET KITCHEN FAUCET! $830.00 |
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New Elkay Gourmet Deck Mount Pull-Down Bar/Kitchen Faucet LKGT3032 Chrome $220.00 |
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CUCINA AZURE GOURMET KITCHEN FAUCET POLISHED NICKEL!!! $270.00 |
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Elkay LKGT1041CR Chrome Gourmet 12-3/4″ Single Handle Pull-Out Spray Kitchen $396.75 |
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Elkay Gourmet Topmount Stainless Steel 22 x 17 Kitchen Sink DLR1722103 (3 Holes) $320.00 |
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Elkay SCUH1012SH Stainless Hammered Mirror Gourmet Speciality 12×14 Kitchen Sink $299.95 |
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Elkay Gourmet Collection 25″ Drop-In Single Bowl Kitchen Sink – Black $307.99 |
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Elkay Gourmet Collection 16″ Single Bowl Kitchen Sink – - Black $211.99 |
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Elkay ELU2317 Kitchen Gourmet Undermount Single Basin Sink, Stainless Steel $250.00 |
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Elkay Gourmet Collection 33″ Drop-In Double Bowl Kitchen Sink – Black $418.99 |
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Elkay ELG250RWH0 White Gourmet e-Granite 33″ Double Basin Top Mount Kitchen Sink $392.25 |
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Elkay Gourmet Collection 25″ Undermount Single Bowl Kitchen Sink – Satin Finish $432.99 |
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Misto Olive Oil Sprayer … |
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Presto 04820 PopLite hot air popper $29.99 Plug in Presto’s PopLite and the party begins. In less than 2-1/2 minutes you’ll have up to 18 cups–two large bowlfuls–of fluffy popcorn with virtually no unpopped kernels. And because the machine uses hot air instead of oil, the resulting snack is healthier and lower in calories. That’s not to say you can’t add butter; in fact, the 1/2-cup measuring cup on top of the popper doubles as a butter … |
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Cuisinart ICE-30BC Pure Indulgence 2-Quart Automatic Frozen Yogurt, Sorbet, and Ice Cream Maker $145.00 … |
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Frugal Gourmet: Spanish Kitchen [VHS] $9.98 Americans view the evening meal as a prelude to other night time activities such as going to the theatre or dancing. The Spanish, however, view the evening meal not as a “before event,” it is the event. Jeff Smith devotes this episode to Spanish cuisine as he prepares a Paella, Chicken and Chick-Pea Stew and Garlic & Egg Soup, plus recipes…. |
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Jacques Pepin’s Cooking Techniques [VHS] $24.99 … |
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The Frugal Gourmet Collection: The French Kitchen [VHS] $9.98 For almost a decade, Jeff Smith has been demonstrating what pure fun cooking can be on The Frugal Gourmet, the critically acclaimed & top-rated PBS television series. Food becomes an adventure as he takes us around the world & around the corner for all the wonders that the palate can savor. Jeff’s culinary short-cuts & mouth-watering recipes offer fresh insight into your favorite dishes & let yo… |
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Waste King L-2600 Legend Series 1/2 HP Continuous Feed Operation Waste Disposer $154.00 Finish/Color Options:Silver Waste King Legend Series L-2600 1/2 HP Fast and Easy Mounting Stainless Steel Grinding Components Safe for Properly Sized Septic Tanks Vortex Powered Motor… |
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Waste King L-8000 Legend Series 1.0-Horsepower Continuous Feed Waste Disposer $109.97 The Waste King Legend 8000 One-Horsepower Disposer showcases an ultra-powerful motor, stainless steel grinding components, superior sound insulation, and a corrosion-proof grinding chamber for efficient, quiet, no-fuss waste disposal. Once installed, this continuous-feed waste disposer will more than earn its place in your kitchen. The Legend 8000 1.0-Horsepower Disposer At a Glance:2,800 RPM perm… |
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Waste King 1025 Sink Stopper and Splash Guard for EZ Mount Disposers $3.64 For Anaheim-Whirlaway, Sinkmaster, Tappan and other brand disposals. Made of neoprene for long life. Easy-to-replace; no tools required, removal of disposal is not necessary…. |
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Dr. Fuhrman’s Secrets to Healthy Cooking DVD $18.29 This DVD serves as an introduction to a world of great taste and superior health. Only through making the world s healthiest foods in your own kitchen can you really experience all the pleasure that the Eat to Live diet-style has to offer. Once you understand these basic techniques and principles of high nutrient food preparation, you can take your health to the next level of nutritional excellenc… |
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