The Figs Table : More Than 100 Recipes for Pizzas, Pastas, Salads, and Desserts
by Simon & Schuster
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (11 November, 1998)
list price: $25.00
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Authors English and Sampson are aiming, with The Figs Table, at the 15 best pizza recipes out of Todd English's award-winning restaurant, Figs. But to get there--poor reader--you will have to pass through one impossibly flavorful ordeal after another, starting right up front with such basics as roasted garlic, balsamic onions, and fig jam.

You will find the whimsical: Fennel, Watermelon, and Black Olive Salad with Feta Cheese, which comes of English musing about agro dolce and melon paired with prosciutto. You will find the sublime: Roasted Beets with Walnut Gorgonzola Dressing. And in between, you are sure to stop at some very basic treasures like White Bean Soup, Black Bean Chili, a lasagna to end them all, Sweet Potato Polenta, Roasted Fennel and Shrimp Risotto, and then on into those pizzas to die for.

English uses the Mediterranean like a springboard for his flavor imagination. This cookbook is his dismount. Any judge would give him the highest points possible. --Schuyler Ingle ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Not one of his best
After thoroughly enjoying the Olives cookbook and Olives dessert, I was disapointed at the simplicity of this cookbook. I was expecting moreeye opening dishes from the master ofMediterranean cooking.

honest, easy food
This cookbook is one of my favorites. Right now, the roasted tomato sauce is bubbling away in my oven. Picture this: fresh or even canned plummed tomatoes, sliced onion, olive oil, herbs--simply dump it all in a roasting pan, come back in an hour and you've got a superb sauce. Most of the recipes are this simple: honest, fresh, quality ingredients, simply prepared, with great results.

Todd English would not want to know how many friends have hand-copied recipes from my Figs Table cookbook--his publisher might sue me. I live near Boston, so everyone knows and loves Figs restaurant and the foodies will always spot the book in my kitchen and want to page through it. Inevitably, they will ask for pen and paper to copy recipes. I do think SOME of them actually bought the book.

In addition to the roasted tomato sauce, Olivia's chicken is another recipe I make at least a couple of times a month. I need to buy a pizza stone so that I can try the pizza recipes. I have had great luck with every recipe from this book.
You won't be dissappointed if you buy this book.

Incredible pizza crust and toppings, plus lots more
So far I've mainly made the pizza recipes in this book, but they alone are worth the price.The crust recipe is heavenly and quite easy to make.The dough balls are so light and fluffy after rising that they practically float off the board.They hardly need any working and cook in 6-7 minutes on a baking stone into a uniquely thin, light, crunchy and tasty crust.

One thing to watch out for, however, is that English specifies fresh yeast for the pizza dough.I had trouble finding that, so I used the active dry yeast commonly found in supermarkets, and after one try it worked perfectly.The equivalent measure for the two teaspoons of fresh yeast is one generous teaspoon of active dry. Also, dissolve the dry yeast in the water/oil liquid (at 115 degrees F) just prior to mixing, rather than putting it in with the dry ingredients as specified for the fresh yeast.If there's a fault to the book, it's that English doesn't help you much with substitutions like this that vary from his ideal.

The pizza toppings are imaginative and yummy, and can inspire you to create your own.English tends to be a bit minimalist, however, so we sometimes increase the cheese and some other topping ingredients.

I've also made the white-chocolate challah pudding, which lives up to its billing as"sex on a spoon".Be sure you have plenty of people to share it, however, or you'll wind up with a big pan of incredibly delicious but super-rich pudding calling to you from the fridge for days.

It's a uniquely great cookbook.I look forward to working through the other recipes. ... Read more

Isbn: 0684852640
Subjects:  1. American cooking    2. Cookery, American    3. Cookery, Italian    4. Cooking    5. Cooking / Wine    6. Courses & Dishes - Pizza    7. Figs (Restaurant)    8. Italian cooking    9. Regional & Ethnic - Italian    10. Regional & Ethnic - Mediterranean    11. Cooking / General   

KitchenAid K45SS Classic 250-Watt 4-1/2-Quart Stand Mixer, White
by KitchenAid
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $239.99 -- our price: $169.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

KitchenAid's stand mixer is a substantial piece of equipment: 250 watts of mixing power make child's play of creaming butter, kneading dough, and whipping cream. The kid in you will appreciate how quick and easy it is to mix up a batch of cookie dough; the 4-1/2-quart bowl can hold up to 8 cups of flour, which translates into as many as 192 sweet treats.

This model comes with three attachments: a flat beater for making batter, meat loaf, and all textures in-between; a wire whip for egg whites, mayonnaise, and more air-infused creations; and a hook for mixing and kneading yeast doughs. All three are solid in construction and easily secured to the beater shaft with a simple twist; untwisting them is a bit trickier because the attachment stems are short and can be hard to grasp, especially if they get the least bit greasy. The bowl itself locks tight to the base.

Standing 14 inches high, jutting out a foot, and weighing more than a grown woman's bowling ball, this stand mixer isn't the sort of appliance you'll wipe down and put away. Better to find a square foot of free counter space for easy access; besides, this machine is as pretty as it is rugged--you'll want to show it off.

To complete the package, KitchenAid includes a spiral-bound guide with instructions, mixing tips, and 67 recipes, from crispy waffles to a caramel walnut banana torte. --Betsy Danheim ... Read more

Features

• Measures 13-8/9 by 8-2/3 by 14 inches; 1-year warranty
• 250-watt, 10-speed mixer with tilt-up head
• 4-1/2-quart bowl holds dough for 2 loaves of bread
• Three handy accessories: flat beater, wire whip, and dough hook
• Includes a guide with instructions, mixing tips, and 67 recipes

Reviews (78)

Believe the hype
I have this unit. I dont use it a lot...but at least once or twice a week. It sure does a good job.
Cookies etc. I make pizza dough. Prefer one mix at a time..ie 1 loaf of bread or pizza dough for a 12" pizza. One trick for the rising dough on the hook...spray or oil the hook.
I have a disability and could notdo many of these mixing tasks without a good mixer. Todays price..April 6/05 with the bonus is excellent. Worth it as a backup.

The most fabulous mixer ever...plus it looks cute too!
I love my mixer.I bought it five years ago after wanting one for about twenty years.I bought it at Christmas time and was inspired to make loads and loads of cookies which turned out beautifully and perfectly mixed.That baby could mix up a giant batch of gingerbread in what seemed like seconds!If you have ever mixed a gingerbread recipe by hand, you'll know why I'm so excited about it!It incorporated five cups of flour with no effort.WOW!Now, I know that one lady who reviewed this mixer before gave it only two stars for the motor and the warranty, but possibly she got a lemon.I don't use mine for bread very often, because I was brought up baking bread and kneading the dough by hand, but perhaps if it is used every day, the motor would wear a tad.I know that I've always been happy with mine and I use it often.I love the way it looks on the counter and it's extremely easy to clean.The bowl, dough hook and paddle are all dishwasher safe.The only hand wash item is the wisk, which is no big deal.The body with the motor wipes clean in a snap and it's always easy to whip together a recipe in no time.I love it and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a new stand mixer.

Don't believe the hype
Granted, I am not a professional cook (I only cook for my family and for the occasional guests), and there are many glowing reviews of this appliance, but I would not buy this KitchenAid mixer again.

1) It is very heavy.That's good for not bouncing around on the counter, but I have to move mine from the pantry to the counter, and it is extremely heavy.2) I do not think that it mixes ingredients well.I always have to scrape the sides and get under the dough because there is often unmixed flour at the bottom.3)My kids (5 and 7 years) like my old-fashioned MixMaster because they can see through the clear bowl and enjoy watching the ingredients mix.The KitchenAid has a metal bowl that is obviously not see-through and has to be hand washed.4)The beaters must be hand washed.5) Reaching into the bowl is a task, unless you don't mind being covered in batter.The bowl is narrower at the top, so there is not much room to get a spatula between the sides of the bowl and the beater.6) Adding ingredients while the mixer is going is also a pain because of the narrow shape of the bowl. 7) You can get a splash-guard sort of plastic device through which to pour wet or dry ingredients. But why should I need a device for a mixer?There should be room enough to pour ingredients directly in.Also, then I have to store these plastic pieces, and they do not fit into the mixer.

My mother says she likes making bread with her KitchenAid which I haven't tried. But for making cookies, cakes, mashed potatoes, etc., I would not recommend the KitchenAid.

It blows my mind that so many people have bought into this mixer with its many inconveniences.I just pulled out the KitchenAid to give it one more try making cookies and was again disappointed.Next time, I'll stick to my cheap old MixMaster.Besides, my 2 girls each get to enjoy a beater a-piece with that one! ... Read more

Asin: B00004SGFW
Subjects:  1. Kitchen    2. Mixers    3. Anniversary    4. Small Appliances    5. Electrics    6. Stand Mixers    7. (Standmixers)    8. (Kitchen Aid)    9. Gifts    10. Wedding Gifts    11. Cooking   

Sassafras 13-Inch Round Clay Pizza Stone with Rack
by Sassafras
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $17.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Producing a dry heat, this pizza stone absorbs moisture and recreates the results of a true stone pizza oven. It retains and distributes heat more effectively than the traditional aluminum or steel baking pans and keeps food warm, even after it comes out of the oven, which makes it very helpful during meals. This stone works well with croissants, rolls, and other bread products, and the set includes a recipe booklet and a serving rack so that you can easily lift pizza or breads out of the oven and onto the dining table. Be aware that, for good long-term usage, the stone should not be washed with soap. --Madeleine Miller ... Read more

Features

• Useful for reheating food
• Keeps pizza crispy and warm
• Includes recipe booklet and serving rack
• 13-inch diameter
• Wash with water only

Reviews (10)

Great for cooking pizzas but hard to clean!
I've had this pizza stone for some months now and I've used it a number of times.This stone is muhc more suited for a ready made pizza from the grocery store rather than a pizza you make from scratch. Also it's a bit small (but just the right size for frozen grocery store pizzas) and can be hard to clean, you have to clean it right away after the pizza is done. In any event, it's way better than a metal tray!

Great deal for the price
We have had this stone for several months now and it is essential for making the perfect pizza.We have mastered the process and have sworn off commercial pizza joints.It was tricky at first trying to slide the pizza onto the stone.We found that using a piece of cardboard with a sprinkling of corn meal works wonders.We also place the pizza in the freezer so that the dough can firm up a bit.It makes the pizza much easier to slide.We get perfect pizzas every time.The recipe in the booklet makes wonderful pizza dough.It comes out nice and crispy and has a great flavor.Overall this is a great stone and I love the carrying rack.

Good product, but not worth price
I have one of these and I like it. The pizza comes out really well. I have used it 5 times and owned it for 2 months. No breakage, though it is dirty and impossible to clean. However, its too small. I can make a pizza for 2, but thats it.

Its also hard to use. You have to assemble the pizza on something else and then put it on the stone.
This is not as easy as it sounds. I have experimented with foil, a plate, a cutting board. What I need is a pizza peel which is a big wooden spatula looking thing. But I dont have one, so for now I struggle with sliding things onto the stone.

My advice is to get around 4 unglazed quarry stones at your hardware or tile store. They should be less than $1 each. Line your oven rack with them and get a pizza peel. Then you can assemble your pizzas and put them in the oven on top of the stones. You can use the peel to remove the pizza when its done.

The stones are useful for other things as well such as baking bread or warming premade pizzas. I alse hear that its good to cook pie on top of a stone. ... Read more

Asin: B00004S1DH
Subjects:  1. Pizza    2. Baking    3. Pizza Tools    4. Bakeware    5. (Bake Ware)    6. Kitchen   

Sassafras Wood Pizza/Bread Peel
by Sassafras
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $19.99 -- our price: $14.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

You'll feel like you deserve a chef's hat and an Italian accent when removing pizza from the oven with Sassafras's attractive wood pizza peel. Large enough for family-size pizzas, this peel easily slides under a freshly baked pizza to remove it from the oven with panache. Even if you're just reheating a ready-made pizza, the peel is an attractive, authentic way to serve it, giving a homemade feel to even frozen pizzas. Sturdily crafted with smoothly beveled edges and a beautiful finish, this peel should not go in the dishwasher. --Laura Cuthbert ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Good Value, Functional But Not Artistic
Nice shape - form follows function.Clean lines.Typical nondescript Asian wood species.Surface finish was a bit rough.I used a palm sander and 60 grit paper to remove the "Sassafras" logo from the handle and wet sand the entire surface, front and back, followed by 220 grit wet sanding to produce a smooth surface finish.

Even if you do not sand it before use, the instructions require the user to purchase mineral oil to treat the peel.Omit this step and the peel will absorb food such as tomato sauce and stain, and even worse, will crack and split from a few washing and drying cycles.Plan on a heavy application of mineral oil, soak a day, and wipe off the excess, then apply another coat a week or two later and annually after that.

I'll probably use this functional model for a year and then copy the design and execute it in cherry for a really nice looking peel that is also functional.

It's good to make pizza on a real pizza stone, and trying to use a pizza stone without a peel is at best frustrating, and possibly dangerous working in a 500 F oven.

Seasoning instructions
This is in response to the review below which states that the recommended wood peel seasoning with mineral oil is an inconvenience as mineral oil is difficult to find and without other uses. An initial seasoning for an item like this is good idea for long-term use to ensure that pizza/bread will continue to slide off easily. You can find mineral oil at the grocery store in the pharmacy section. It's ... an intestinal lubricant, which should give you some idea for other uses ;-)

Peely Excellent
This marvellous utensil from Sassafras makes short shrift of that most difficult of fruits, the bread. Thanks to popular British chefs like Jammy Olivier, Gordo McRamsay and Fanny Craddock, the bread has gone from relative obscurity to fashionable kitchen must-have. The bread family are similar to the citrus in that there are a multitude of shapes, colours and sizes, but they all share one important feature, that being their thick rind, or "crust".
The "crust", where possible, should be removed to allow the eater to savour the full flavour of the bread. This step is essential in such dishes as "sandwiches de concombre aux croûtes enlevées".
The Sassafras Bread Peel performs spectacularly, removing the crust from all varieties of bread quickly and efficiently, and is easy to clean as well. A must have.
Item was well packaged and arrived on time. Would trade again. A++++ ... Read more

Asin: B00004S1D6
Subjects:  1. Pizza    2. Baking    3. Pizza Tools    4. Bakeware    5. (Bake Ware)   

Norpro Pizza/Cake Server
by Norpro
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $15.00
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

You can slide this broad, round tool under a cake, tart, or pizza and lift it confidently to its final destination. There's no flexin the lifter, so what goes on stays put. The polished surface, however, allows you to slide the cake, tart, or pizza off easily when you're ready. The stay-cool handle (with hang-hole) is canted at just the right angle to take the strain off your wrist. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• 18/10 Stainless steel, rubberized polypropylene handle
• 10" Diameter
• Beveled edge slips easily under delicate pastries and cakes to avoid breakage
• Angled handle design makes lifting and serving easy
• Hole in handle for hanging storage

Reviews (5)

I Love It!
This product has been a great addition to my kitchen!When I got it, I too had trouble with the sticker that is just not meant to EVER come off!After a few minutes of trying to peel it off, with No success, I remembered I had a spray bottle of De-Solv-It Citrus Solution (It takes adhesive and other gummy substances off of surfaces).The sticker came right off with ease.
The cake and pizza lifter is well made and very usefull.Pizza's are so easy to remove from the oven now.It works wonders on cakes, pies etc.I LOVE IT!I am going to buy one for each of my 5 adult children to use in their homes.

great kitchen tool
found this to be very useful... I make cheesecakes often & once they're chilled, I had a problem finding something large enough to accomodate a 10" cheesecake to another plate.... VOILA!!!!! this works wonderful....

Bad product from the start
I wish I read the bad review before I bought this. I may return it, but ittook me more than an hour to peel the sticker and cut myself in theprocess. I have never seen something stuck like that before. I got fouritems from Amazon this time, and the fact that they keep such an item instock make me wonder. I haven't had enough experience with it but look likesomeone else had. And it is not good. Also it is a very simple utensil andsells for a good amount so you expect a good one. All what it takes is onebad experience for me and I don't buy again from the same site. ... Read more

Asin: B00004RDEC

OXO Good Grips 26681 4-Inch Pizza Wheel
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $9.99 -- our price: $9.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

You can rely on this wheel to make a complete cut through your pizza pie on the first run, thanks to its beveled stainless-steel blade. It works equally well with other pie doughs, and you can use without fear of cutting yourself, thanks to its built-in thumb guard.

The Good Grips line features durable, nonslip, flexible handles on every product. Ergonomically designed to fit the palm comfortably, the pressure-absorbing, processed rubber handle puts less tension on the hands, while still providing an outstanding grip. Made from the same material as dishwasher gaskets, the handles are slip-proof, wet or dry, as well as dishwasher-safe. Good Grips products are moderately priced and have won the Tylenol/Arthritis Foundation Design Award. --Laurie Notaro ... Read more

Features

• Dishwasher-safe
• Nonslip handle fits comfortably in the palm of your hand
• 4-inch stainless-steel wheel blade is beveled for sharpness
• Oversize hole makes hanging easy
• Built-in thumb guard

Reviews (7)

Don't be put off by the expense!
This is a brilliant device and the Daddy of pizza wheels, all pizza parlours should buy one or two they would save themselves a fortune! One spin across the pizza and it's done! no repeated to and froing or worse, finishing the job with a knife! It does not need sharpening either, just as well cos I am clueless as to how on earth you would do that job! Oxo brands are just really really good so start collecting now!

Excellent quality value.
This is a sturdy, big, 4-inch pizza wheel, complete with thumb guard, which produces clean, straight-through cuts on the first run every single time. Its smooth-running, beveled wheel blade never seems to need sharpening and its hefty body fits comfortably in the hand, making it require less force to operate than the more traditional lightweight cutters do, and rendering it perfect for pizzas, pie crusts, dough, etc.
Like the rest of the products from the OXO Good Grips line, this one is a great value of superior quality, unsurpassed durability and flawless performance. Its ergonomic design and big, pressure-absorbing, outstanding non-slip grip, complete with flexible fins to accommodate your fingers and an oversized hole for easy hanging, allow you comfortable, daily, wet or dry use. Its elegant, stylized shape makes it perfect to move back and forth between the kitchen and the dinner table.
Its easy-to-clean, simple construction and dishwasher-safe, hard-wearing materials make this a tool that you will be able to depend on for years, and its stainless-steel metal parts will permanently keep your rust worries away.
After submitting this product to over two years of normal use, mine is still just like new.

BestRolling Pizza Cutter I have ever seen
Easy to grip, easy to hold, I have used both the blade cutters and the wheel cutters and this one has really impressed me. Most of the Wheel cutters I have used are really light and you have to use alot of force to get them to work this one is no whimp and very little force is needed to cut even the hardest crust. ***Very impressed*** ... Read more

Asin: B00004OCJN
Subjects:  1. Pizza Tools