Kitchen confidential: our man in the CIA delivers die inside scoop on kitchen gear

Just because you're ready to move beyond meals that come in a box doesn't mean you need to stock up on expensive cookware. We asked Wayne Almquist--a premier chef and professor at the Culinary Institute of America--for his advice on setting up the ideal starter kitchen. Here are three essentials every guy needs:

Pots and pans: The average guy doesn't need a 10-piece set of pots. Rather, Almquist recommends a 10-inch, nonstick saut6 pan and a two-quart sauce pot (stainless steel if possible). The pan should cost no more than $25, and the pot should cost even less. A good choice: cookware from T-Fal (tefal.com).

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Cutlery: Skip the made-for-TV Ginsu knives. One good eight-inch, stainless-steel chef's knife will do the job of cutting up everything from steaks and fish to fruits and vegetables. The Twin Signature ($30@cooking.tom) from Henckels is made from quality German steel, guaranteeing it will last.

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Gadgets: "The food processor is a great all-in-one item;' says Almquist. It can chop fresh foods, blend mixes--even make drinks. For max efficiency and a minimum of wasted counter space, get a processor with a juicer attachment, such as Cuisinart's Pro Plus Food Processor/Juicer ($120@cuisinart.com).

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COPYRIGHT 2005 Weider Publications
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