Cook it
Kitchen basics for cooking around the world
You can cook most dishes on this site with a few good basics. These are categories, not brand endorsements; links go to an Amazon search so you can compare.
Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy or book through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. We do not invent reviews or ratings, and it never changes what we recommend.
Tools
Search on AmazonA cast-iron skilletSears, fries and bakes, and lasts for decades with care.
Search on AmazonAn 8-inch chef's knifeThe one knife that does most jobs. Keep it sharp.
Search on AmazonA digital kitchen scaleRecipes from other continents often use grams; a scale removes the guesswork.
Search on AmazonAn instant-read thermometerThe easiest way to cook meat safely and not overcook it.
Search on AmazonA spice grinderFreshly ground whole spices make a big difference in curries and rubs.
Books
How we pick
We list well-known books and simple, widely sold product types that fit what we cover. We have not been paid to include anything, we do not publish ratings or reviews we have not done, and prices change, so always check the seller's page. Store and booking pages are run by those companies, not by us.