Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Warehouse Sale!

I woke up at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, bundled up in my Cuddl Duds, fleece, down coat, and gloves and walked outside the brave the 20 degree (something like 12 degrees with the wind chill) weather...

Yes, it's that cold.  And dark.

Saturday was like my own personal Black Friday.  I don't get involved with the stampedes at Wal-Mart or Target on the day after Thanksgiving.  Last year I discovered that the only distributor in the United States that imports exclusive brands of European cook's tools and cookware has it's warehouse in New Castle, Delaware.  I just happen to live close enough to take advantage of this sale that draws people from several states.  One weekend a year they open their warehouse to the public and normal people like me are able to purchase quality imported cookware for up to 80% off.  Call me a nerd, but I had to get up for that.

This warehouse imports and distributes products by Emile Henry, Mauviel, Browne, Cuisipro, and Rosle.  You can find many of these items in high-end kitchen stores like Williams-Sonoma. The doors opened at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday for the weekend sale.  I knew the crowds would be huge and the temperatures would be low, so my mom and I arrived at 7:00 a.m. to take our place in line.  We were in the first group admitted (they let customers enter in waves).

Oh, the cold!
Since this was only our second year at the sale, we didn't know what to expect, but as expected there was a huge assortment of cook's tools (cherry pitters, food mills, bar tools, cooling racks, anything you can imagine), cookware (stainless steel and copper), and tons of beautiful, colorful bakeware.  Mom and I spent about two hours combing through all of the offerings and we each left with some nice items to supplement the items we already own.  Some of the items were seconds (slightly imperfect), others were first quality.  I examined each item carefully before committing because all sales are final. 

Wanna see what I chose?

Emile Henry bakeware
I purchased several pieces of Emile Henry bakeware and serveware.  Not one of the pieces cost me more than $19.99.  You can find these same items in high-end stores for as high as $78 each.  They are scratch-resistant, shock-resistant (less likely to chip), and safe in extreme temperatures (can go directly from freezer to oven).  I purchased a few pieces last year and I enjoyed them so much that I went back to add to my collection in 2010. 

Shiny, new stainless steel tools

I also purchased an assortment of Cuisipro stainless steel tools.  Many of the kitchen tools I use are made of plastic or wood and have melted handles because they are so well-loved.  We've carried them from two apartments to this home and I figured it was time to upgrade to something that would last a long time.  I've already used half of these tools this weekend.

Now, I had to have somewhere to store these shiny new tools...

Browne stainless canisters
I picked up these two stainless canisters by Browne for the fantastic price of $3 and $1.  I plan to use the big one for my shiny new kitchen tools and the small one for pens and pencils that I always misplace in the junk drawer in the kitchen.  I love how they match the appliances!

All organized and ready to go!

I also picked up a few specialty devices to put into my kitchen rotation.  These weren't must-haves, but since I've gathered all my kitchen essentials over the past decade I figured it was time to branch out into the realm of specialty items.  Plus, these are quality pieces purchased at a deep discount.

3-in-1 Funnel, Kitchen Scale, Batter Dispenser, and Food Mill
I grabbed the Cuisipro 3-in-1 Funnel to help with refilling narrow bottles of olive oil or pouring homemade hot chocolate into a thermal carafe (did both of those things this weekend).  I've been resisting the urge to buy a digital kitchen scale, but since so many baking recipes now list ingredients in weight instead of cups I figured I'd break down and buy one ($23).  Plus, I'll now be able to write more accurate recipes for this blog.  I had to have the batter dispenser because I am in the habit of making homemade pancakes every weekend.  I bought the food mill because Ina Garten considers it essential to a well-equipped kitchen.  You know I love Ina, so if Ina uses it, I'll try it.  I can't wait to use the food mill to process fluffy mashed potatoes or to seed whole tomatoes for marinara sauce.  Oh, the possibilities!

So was all this stuff worth standing outside in below freezing temperatures for over an hour at sunrise?  Does anyone else out there pick up items for themselves during this Christmas shopping season?  Are there any deals out there that you'd like to share?  You know I love a hook-up!

8 comments:

  1. I live in Switzerland and come back every year with a suitcase full of American products. My European friends marvel at how handy our products are. I try to never buy European cookware because it's so doggone expensive. The same item probably costs less in the States than in its home country.

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  2. omg, I would totally be willing to brave the cold for this sale! hmm maybe next year, b/c i am lacking so many kitchen tools.

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  3. ohhhh- what a deal! I don't cook often, but these would make great gifts for my cooking friends!!

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  4. I am so jealous!! I wish i could have gone to that sale :)

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  5. Christmas came early. I am soooooo jealous! I want! :) You hit the jackpot. Didya get anything for your loyal followers/readers? :)
    ~ingrid

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  6. @Ingrid - Hmm... a giveway... now that's an idea! We shall see!

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  7. Count me in for next year! I'll get up early to go to Cowtown or this with you any time!

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