Mark Thorson wrote:
> You can see it he
>
> http://www.gourmet.com/food/2009/02/...e=1#showHeader
>
> I get an error when I click on item 2, but I can
> get to item 2 by replacing 1 with 2 in the URL.
>
> I wouldn't put air conditioning on the list, but
> I've never lived in a place with an air conditioner.
>
> I'm not that keen on timers, either. I used to use
> a clock, and now I use the clock in my computer or
> TV set.
>
> Chimney starter? I use fluid, and before that I used
> an electric starter. Either works fine. The chimney
> starter doesn't provide any new capability.
>
> I'm not going to finish looking at this list. Too much
> of it seems bogus.

Gee. I use a fraction of these things, and some don't sound like
a good idea at all.

1. Nonstick coating--turns out not to be good for you, among
other things.

2. Air conditioning--depends on one's climate I suppose. I don't
like, say, using the oven or otherwise generating much heat when I
have the AC on. If I do have to cook something for an extended
period when it is hot, I prefer to do that in the early morning or
at night.

3. Timer--yes, I do use them--both for timing (duh) and to remind
myself that something is on or something needs to be done.

4. Chimney starter--not applicable to me (now).

5. Plastic wrap--depends on one's definition of cooking; it is
not good to COOK with it. Or to wrap fatty foods in it.

6. TV--well, mom used to watch Julia Child et al., so there was
probably a carryover effect on my cooking. I don't watch TV.

7. Vacuum sealers--I haven't ever used one. Come to think of it,
I do have one, given to me by someone else who didn't use it.

8. Dishwasher--useful, but mine has been broken for years.

9. Silpat--I don't own any. I wonder whether down the line,
research will show it is a bad idea, like nonstick coating.

10. Refrigerator--I'll go along with this one.

11. Overnight freight--yes and no. I think ideally we need to
buy local produce etc. and eat in season.

12. The Internet--obviously, being here, I agree with this as far
as access to recipes and information goes.

13. Food processor--I gave mine away to a former rfc poster years
ago and very rarely regret that.

14. Gas grill--if and when I get up the nerve to grill, it will
be with charcoal (at least I think so).

15. Microplane--I have never used one and have survived!

16. Blender (or Blendor--they should spell the Waring product
correctly)--useful. I think one might have to include stick
blenders here....

17. Slow cooker--I can see this, especially for folks who can't
be home cooking for hours before dinner.

18. Tupperware--I prefer containers made of glass/Pyrex.

19. Microwave oven--yes, especially when it comes to reheating.

20. Weber Grill--???

This is an odd list. How about a beater (even the hand-cranked
ones were a big improvement on having to beat things for hours,
and the electric ones were obviously an improvement over that).

Or a coffee grinder (home or store) for those of us who like coffee?

Or a stove/range/oven (as vs. using the fireplace?

Or indoor plumbing/easy access to water?

Or electricity, if you want to get down to basics?
--
Jean B.