A new start

[limewave]

What I couldn't live without when I had my own DIVINE apartment (I still miss that place):

1) A really good skillet. I made a lot of stir-fry and one pan meals out of convenience.

2) Single-serving tupperware (to divvy up the stir-fry)

3) 4-cup coffee maker.

4) Toaster Oven

5) Heavy bag & boxing gloves (There was no one to vent to about a bad day when I got home, so I'd hit the heavy bag) It was great therapy.

[mhami]

I'm going to second the electric blanket.

[GLC1968]

I agree that a convection toaster oven is a must have. That, my blender (a good blender is awesome and will stand in for a mixer in many cases), my coffee maker (with thermal carafe), quality knives and my wine glasses are the essentials.

I do use the microwave a lot, but I could do without it. I also have a nice stainless kettle that boils water in no time flat, but again, it's a nice to have. Same for the slow cooker - I have one, use it occastionally...but most of my slow cooking items are easily made on the stove on the weekends.

I have never owned a rice cooker and I can't believe that others consider it an essential - very interesting!

Another item to consider - if you already have an ipod, get a docking station with speakers. It's wonderful to have music as background noise when cooking, cleaning or reading.

[Becky]

I will never buy another coffee pot without a thermal carafe! It is so nice to have hot, unburnt coffee for several hours, and to not have to worry about whether or not I left the coffee pot on.

I love my slow cooker too. Arriving home to a nearly-finished meal is so relaxing.