Thanksgiving is almost here and that means it’s time for cooking. I believe I probably think like most guys in that in order to do something properly, you have to have the right tools. If you don’t exactly know what the right tools are, it’s best to just have all the tools.
And so, in this year, I’ve been building up my kitchen tool chest. I pitched my ad-hoc cookware and bought a brand new starter set of pots and pans. Then I augmented that set with a couple more small pots, for flexibility of course. And last night, I saw two more pieces from the same model line (in the same color, too!). I hadn’t ever seen them before, and I wasn’t entirely sure I would ever see them again, so I picked them up. Now I own a stock pot and a deep sauté pan. Will I ever use them? Better to have and not need than need and not have. Clearly, a man composed that line.
That’s not the only thing I’ve done in my tool refresh. I pitched my dinnerware and bought all new, matching pieces, including things I shouldn’t need, like a serving bowl, a platter, and a gravy boat. And although my meals are typically for one, I have 4 large plates, 4 small plates, 4 bowls, 2 additional large bowls, and 2 more additional small bowls. I like soup and salad, but still, that might be pushing it. I have the additional plates and such in case I have guests. ha ha ha ha
I also swapped out my flatware. Just because. The old set was over 10 years old, and a change was needed. Also, more knives. I have two carving sets. I have multiple whisks, multiple peelers, multiple strainers, multiple cutting boards, multiple crock pots, and more wooden utensils than I can use in a week. More mixing bowls than I expect to realistically use, but they’re in all different sizes, so I will have the perfect size bowl for whatever it is I plan to do. You need to have the right size tool for the job, right?
Last night, when I picked up the most recent pot and pan, I made the joke that I was a “completist”. But then I looked up the definition, which is: “an obsessive, typically indiscriminate, collector or fan of something.” That doesn’t sound fair. It’s not an obsession, nor is it indiscriminate for me. For one, it’s opportunistic. (This also applies to my CD collecting.) Also, my purchases serve a purpose. I’m not exactly acquiring these things for the sole purpose of having them. I do intend to use them when there is a legitimate need. I just need to create that need.
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