On 4/19/2010 7:06 PM, none of your business wrote:
> On Apr 19, 3:02 pm, > wrote:
>>> that's just another gadget to find a place for. And I probably
>>> should get an instant-read thermometer because it was tricky
>>> keeping the oil at the proper temp with just my candy thermometer,
>>> but they are not cheap and, again, another gadget to find a place
>>> for.
>>> Kate
>>
>> Actually, good instant-read thermometers are really inexpensive, and
>> accurate.
>>
>> N.
>
> You can get an instant read thermometer at Target for about $10. I
> bought one at Linens and Things about 18 years ago for $10. Once you
> have it, it's always there. Hardly a "gagdet". The only trouble is,
> the dial thermometers only go up to 230 degrees. To use it for deep
> frying, you need to make sure it goes up to 400 degrees. There is one
> at Target thta goes up to 450 deg. That one will cost you $15.

Well, I guess our definitions of "expensive" differ. ;-) I would
consider $10-$15 expensive for something like a thermometer, but
cheap for something like a car. ;-)

> Still
> not "expensive" for something you can use every time you cook any type
> of meat or chicken, or bake bread, or make jelly... or fry chicken.

I wouldn't be using it for anything but deep-frying and candy-making.
I can't see the need for it in bread-making - I've been making all kinds
of bread for the last 45 years and never once felt the need of a
thermometer. Meat - don't feel the need for it. Hardly ever make jelly
but when I have I have not felt the need for a thermometer.

> If
> you have it 5 years (a conservative estimate), that's $3 a year. Even
> if you only use it 300 days out of the year, that's about a penny per
> use. Not expensive at all for something that will certainly make you a
> better cook.

I don't think I can be a better cook than I already am. ;-) With the
possible exception of making fried chicken. ;-)

Kate

--
Kate Connally
“If I were as old as I feel, I’d be dead already.”
Goldfish: “The wholesome snack that smiles back,
Until you bite their heads off.”
What if the hokey pokey really *is* what it's all about?