On blenders, I've never had luck with a < $100 blender and my vitamix would be on my short list of "If you were stuck on an island with 1 kitchen electric ..."

On blenders, I've never had luck with a < $100 blender and my vitamix would be on my short list of "If you were stuck on an island with 1 kitchen electric ..." I cook a lot (for a family of 5) and my minimum/essential kitchen items for us are: - 2 knives (I use Global but I like Victorinox too) + Henckels sharpener - Cast iron skillet - Wok - Small non-stick pan (my wife prefers little/no oils) - 2 Pots - 1 steamer basket - 1 baking sheet - 1 pizza stone (or some unglazed tiles from Home Depot) - KitchenAid stand mixer - Vitamix 5200 blender - 1 large Rubbermaid tub/lid for rising bread dough - 1 slow cooker / crock pot (you can get em for as little as $20) As for books, I've collected a few here and there but the ones I refer to the most are The Professional Chef (referenced in article), The Magnolia Bakery cookbooks, and Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day (amazing bread a pizza dough for busy people). http://www.amazon.com/Artisan-Bread-Five-Minutes-Revolutionizes/dp/0312362919/ref=sr_1_1 http://www.amazon.com/Artisan-Bread-Five-Minutes-Revolutioni... http://www.amazon.com/The-Magnolia-Bakery-Cookbook-Old-Fashioned/dp/0684859106/ref=sr_1_1 http://www.amazon.com/The-Magnolia-Bakery-Cookbook-Old-Fashi... http://www.amazon.com/Zwilling-J-A-Henckels-Sharp-Sharpener/dp/B00006CJLM http://www.amazon.com/Zwilling-J-A-Henckels-Sharp-Sharpener/...