SC - Looking for guidance

[Black Jade]

>Since I know for sure that I'm interested in pursuing this and can commit
>now to acquiring things I need, what books and equipment does everyone
>consider to be a "must have" item to use themselves. Conversely, what should
>I stay away from so I don't waste my time or money heading in the wrong
>direction(yes, I have a copy of "Fabulous Feasts" but it was a gift!).If I'm
>going to do this at all, I'd rather start out right and not do it over........

A must have is enthusiasm, a good set of sharp knives, a large apron, A
large pot for cooking large amounts of soups/stews.  For me, my long
handled wooden spoon and wire whisk set are included.  Long handled wooden
spoons are good for stirring, mixing, beating and whacking people over the
knuckles when they do something REALLY bad like not washing their hands
before picking something up to prepare.  The whisks are indisposable for
sauce making.  My set rages form HUGE things for whisking pots of the stuff
for events, all the way down to tiny things good for whisking a taster of a
sauce in a cup when I first redact a recipe or want to se what it tastes
like.  If you're pressed for money, one medium sized whisk works well for
all jobs though.
I also recommend welding gloves, that go all the way up to your elbows.
Made of good, thick leather.