Here are some additional tips since I last wrote about Kitchen Essentials:

for prior blog see: http://www.ifood.tv/blog/must_haves_in_your_kitchen

- Blender - I think I have finally found a blender I like. I just recently purchased the Kitchen Aid blender that I found at Costco ($60) and it is so much quieter than the other ones I have had. I have not made chutney in it or ground dhal - which will be the real test. But, this certainly beats the Cuisinart that I had before.

- Pressure Cooker - My old pressure cookers (one from my mom that is probably 20 years old and another one from India) were put to rest. Both of them were aluminum and I have since been told that cooking in aluminium is not good. I guess the reaction of the metal and foods are not good for the body. I can't remember the specific scientific details so if anyone has them please feel free to comment. I also was told that many of the aluminum pressure cookers from India are made with lead - which obviously is not a good thing! So stainless steel is the way to go. I just bought a Fagor and so far it works wonderfully!

That's it for now. More later as I discover more essential gadgets.