tea kettle
I mention the kettle brand name because of its durability and good handle design: I have a 2 « quart Revere Ware tea kettle. It is single-opening, trigger-operated spout and fixed handle are a basic design that hasn't changed in years. I'm glad, because it is functional and SAFE. This utensil will be used daily. It even is a whistler.
2 Corelle vacuum thermos bottles
Why 2? When I brew my fresh coffee in the morning, our 2nd or 3rd cups are stored in the thermos. Any remaining hot water goes into the second thermos, used only to store hot water. Example: during the day someone would like tea, cocoa, etc. Water stays very hot, saves fuel and time as well. Helps hand a cup of soup or hot cocoa for folks on that night watch.
knives
When purchasing knives, it's not necessary to buy a large set. First, place knives in your hand to see if they feel comfortable. Next is quality. They should be stainless steel, buy the best.
You only need 5 knives:
- a 3-inch paring knife,
- a 10-inch chef s knife,
- a 10-inch serrated bread knife,
- a utility knife,
- a fillet knife
and a knife sharpener.
Keep them sharp. Many accidents occur from a dull knife blade.
small terry-cloth hand towels
... are our everyday napkins. I place them in a napkin ring with your initial on them. Start with about 12 and change every 3-4 days. Paper napkins are messy and wasteful.
smokeless grill
What a great gadget! Not expensive. Use it indoors. The reason grills smoke is because the fat from the food drips into the fire. The smokeless grill consists of two interlocking pieces. The bottom (looks a little like a hub cap) houses the water. The top piece (looks a little like the Astrodome) fits into it and has grooves that channel the fat. You can find them in the housewares department, in kitchen shops and at major boat and RV shows.
toaster
Take along the old-fashioned 4-sided metal toaster to use on a small burner.
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pressure cooker (6 qt. stainless recommended)
Pressure cooking is a pleasure. The pressure cooker is convenient, economical (they save water, fuel and time) and they make wholesome dishes.
Pressure cookers are most often used to cook food that require long, moist heat, such as stews or soups. As steam builds up in the tightly sealed pot, the pressure rises and the boiling point increases from the usual 212 degrees to about 250 degrees. This is why foods can cook in one-third of the usual time and are tender, fuller-flavored.
The pressure cooker can also double as a steamer or spaghetti pot when you don't lock the lid and use the pressure regulator.
Follow your pressure cooker manual. No oven on board? You can use the pressure cooker. Place rack or two chopsticks on bottom of pot, next place the small loaf pans on top, lock down, don't put the pressure valve on, use low flame.
dishes
Service for 6. My first choice is Corelle. They are handsome, lightweight, easy to clean, stack well, are chip resistant, microwave- and oven-proof, and come in a variety of patterns. Most sets also include a serving platter. An inexpensive, durable, good investment. If you have a large Tupperware cake container, turn it upside-down, it will sotre and entire service for 4 Corelle dishes.
flatware and glasses
Service for 6, 2-4 large mugs (use for hot drinks, soups), assorted drinking glasses, wine glasses, 2 large insulated mugs with tops, easy to sip from when in the cockpit underway
insulated soft pack bags
They make many sizes and they float as well. I use a small one for ship's papers and other important items on overnight passages along with out EPIRB, a medium-size one for our emergency pack of food and water, and the large size when one needs to store drinks or foods for cold or hot storage. However it will store a block of ice for 3 days. When not in use, it stores more easily than a hard cooler.
3-tier plastic sprouter
Go to the health food store for this wonderful, inexpensive $25 sprouter. Every other day I start a new sprout, so I get sprouts continuously: mung beans, wheat beans, radish sprouts ....
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