A few of Brad Long’s favourite things . . .

SET OF PANS

One extremely expensive non-stick pan that you should never use for searing. A cast-iron one and another in stainless steel. Staub Cast-iron fry pan, $134.95, at Williams-Sonoma.

PAIR OF TONGS

Not ones with a scissor handle; but v-shaped, hinged at one end, with “cupped hands” at the other. Farberware Tongs with Nylon Tips, $9.59, at Canadian Tire.

PROPER KNIFE SET

Achef’s knife (one with a curved rocker blade), a paring knife and a bread knife. Comfort and sharpness are most important. Victorinox Swiss Army Forged nine-inch bread knife, $150, at swissarmy.com.

CAST IRON CASSEROLE

This porcelain-enamelled dish is great for chicken and one-pot meals.Cuisinart, $99.99-199.99, at Canadian Tire.