leftover from xmas - $40 amazon giftcard

[emmekin]

Hi,
long time reader, first time poster (lol)

I just found a $40 amazon giftcard leftover from Christmas (thanks, Aunt Mimi!) and want to pick up a new kitchen gadget. I am in a metropolitan area (Houston) and have no difficulty finding any/all edible/unusual gourmet food items...so no need to order on amazon (unless i find a really amazing deal!)

However, I am woefully lacking in the kitchenware department! I just had a baby (he's 3 weeks old) and am starting to cook a lot for my family. :)

Here's what I have (I know its not much but I make do! My late mother was a french pastry chef, and I am just now beginning to find any interest in being in the kitchen...after my sister and I have already sold much of her cookware. Ha!)

Pots and pans - including a 12" cast iron, dutch oven, etc.
Knives (this is mainly my DH's department, he keeps them sharp).
Mini food processor (cheapo brand).
Flour sifter (was my mothers!)
Cutting boards, etc.
and so forth...

Basically, a lot of basics. Not the highest quality though...

Perhaps a cookbook and a thermometer?
Can i get an inexpensive immersion blender that's worth it?

Help me out!

[emmekin]

thanks for the suggestions, all.
i really like the idea of a nice set of graters, as i currently have Worlds Sh*ttiest Grater..yes, its very shotty. ;)

Would I be able to get a decent hand mixer in the under $100 range? Is there a certain make that you feel stands out above the rest? cuisinart, etc?

[Chemicalkinetics]

" decent hand mixer in the under $100 range"

I have a Cuisinart 5-speed ($40) hand mixer and I like it. It has a 220 Watt motor. There is a 7-speed version ($45), but I thought 7-speeds if you need additional speed selection. I cannot say the Cuisinart is better than the rest. I can only say that I have a very good experience in using it, and it has very good reviews online.

A microplane grater is also a very good purchase. If you are going for microplane, then you should get the professional line. It is a much better deal. So it really comes down to what you think you need the most.

*Edited.... I just realized you said under $100 as opposed to $40... You definitely can get a good hand mixer under $100*

[pdxgastro]

Get a food mill for when you start making food for your baby. :o)

[M_and_H]

I second this, just got one for our 3 mth old baby when she's ready to eat solids.

[tanuki soup]

I'd suggest 3 Microplane graters (fine, medium, and coarse).

[kaleokahu]

Hi, emmekin:

Not strictly culinary, but a couple of nice oval platters that can do double duty as serving pieces *and* plates would be nice. Dear Wahine and I have two that we use for plates "just for us"; I wish we had bought them years ago.

Aloha,
Kaleo

[Jay F]

emmekin: "Perhaps a cookbook and a thermometer?"

Maybe Monsieur Linguini would trade you for the new thermometer he hates.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/826427

[emmekin]

sounds like a deal to me :P

interesting that someone with an allowance is in need of a $100 kitchen thermometer...

[Chemicalkinetics]

Just throwing some other idea for you to consider.

Are you interested in baking? Do you have a decent hand mixer? Maybe a few bakeware?

Or you get something useful but off the wall, like a nice ergonomic mat:

http://www.amazon.com/Sublime-Imprint...