I saw this “getting to know you” poll over at Brownie Points, and figured I’d answer it and pass it along.
metal or non-stick?
I assume this is about pans and not utensils. Non-stick for eggs, metal for things that need a good fond. Otherwise, whatever happens to be clean.
cast iron or stainless?
cast iron, unless my arms are sore and I can’t lift it out of the cabinet.
cutting board: silicon or wood?
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a cutting board made out of silicon, or silicone for that matter. Polycarbonate (AKA “plastic”) for me, unless it’s exclusively for non-staining veggies.
knife: carbon steel or stainless?
carbon steel
Kitchen Aide or hand mixer?
Kitchenaid, unless I’m making Chocolate Lava Muffins or too lazy to carry the mixer into the kitchen.
cooktop: gas, electric, induction?
is this a preference, or what I actually have? I love gas, but am stuck with electric at good ol’ PLV. I’ve never used an induction range.
side-by-side, freezer on top, fridge on top?
again, if this is preference, fridge on top. Currently, freezer on top.
apron or whoops?
whoops, unless I’m deep-frying or wearing black pants; in that case, half-apron. Never full-apron. If I had a chef’s coat, I’d wear it.
mashed potatoes: by hand, ricer, or mixer?
My order goes “by hand”, then “ricer”, then “break out the potato flakes”. Mixer turns potatoes into glue, not food.
sandwich or wrap?
sandwich, unless “mission style” burritos from Freebirds or Chipotle count as wraps.
pb & _________ ?
the rest of the ingredients that go into peanut butter cookies. Oh, you meant on a sandwich? Molasses. Or bananas and honey. Or strawberry jelly. Or “more peanut butter”.
pancakes: syrup or applesauce?
I’d forgotten about putting applesauce on pancakes until I saw this question. It was really good when I was a kid. Tends to be lite syrup these days.
cake: scratch or mix?
The cake is a lie. I mean, from scratch if I can get it, but any cake is better than no cake. Except for Red Velvet cake; “no cake” is better in that case.
chili: beans or no?
I’m from Texas. No beans means it’s not chili.
napkin: cloth or paper?
Napkins? Hah. Paper towels (or “kitchen paper” if any Europeans are reading this).
BBQ: takes the whole weekend to make or take out?
As long as I get barbecue, I don’t care. I’ve never made BBQ myself though, so I guess I’ll have to go with “take out”.
chicken: white or dark?
Depends on what it’s in. Dark meat for fajitas or in braises like my chicken pepperonata, white meat for other things (including sandwiches).
ice cream: cone or dish?
I waver on this one. I really like waffle cones, but can’t stand having sticky hands from the run-off, so I usually eat it from a dish (or straight from the carton).