Sandy Kortright
What I Like
As the Senior Buyer for the Crate and Barrel Gourmet Room, Sandy Kortright is always on the hunt for the most innovative and stylish kitchenwares. This was a natural path, given her upbringing with a live-in Latina grandmother with serious culinary skills. Here, Sandy shares her five favorite kitchen companions, all of which have special meaning to her.
- 1
Molcajete
This life-long mortar and pestle, made entirely of lava rock, is handmade in an outdoor factory in a tiny Mexican village. The time-consuming production process means they can make only 500 of them a month, and each is one-of-a-kind. This is a sentimental piece for me because it was my grandmother's go-to in the kitchen, and I inherited the one she actually used. The material is very porous, so the more you use it, the more seasoned it becomes, giving it real history.
- 2
Bodum® Chambord 32 Ounce French Press
I'm a huge coffee hound, and there's nothing like the purity of a French press. I love that you can control the strength. This method hits every single part of the bean, and I find this such a beautiful way to serve coffee because the French press looks elegant yet is still so inviting, and the coffee is spectacular.
- 3
Lodge® Cast Iron Round Skillet
This is another kitchen staple that I acquired from my grandmother. This one hails from a family-run business in Tennessee, and it's an essential piece for any kitchen because it has so many uses. I've been known to bake, grill, sauté and even fry in it. Like the Molcajete, this is an heirloom, and when you pass it down, not only is the recipient getting an everlasting skillet, but also the years of seasoning and love from its former owner.
- 4
Tony's Broil-Grill Pan
Another family favorite, this pan was discovered by a co-worker's husband who wouldn't stop raving about it. Crafted in Rockford, Illinois by a steel manufacturer, it's now exclusively available at Crate and Barrel and a few local fish markets. The cast aluminum material distributes heat 100 percent evenly with no hot spots, so food comes out perfect every time. It's great for broiling or roasting pizza, fish, veggies and steak. Throw it on an open flame, stovetop or oven—it will never bend or warp and is completely indestructible.
- 5
Moccamaster 10 Cup Coffee Maker
Another must-have machine to fuel my love of coffee. Each one is handcrafted in the Netherlands by Technivorm. It makes an extraordinary cup of coffee due to the energy-efficient copper core heating element and the simple process in which the water is purged through the grounds. Outside of the French press, this artisanal electric is unbeatable for a full-bodied brew.
