Just a warning: not all stainless works on induction. Test whatever you are considering with a small magnet if you don't know for sure. We have a stainless Cuisinart dutch oven that does not work on our induction cooktop. I have & like: Henckels Classic Clad Stainless for saucepans & saute pan. I prefer the long handle shape & they're much less expensive than All-Clad. All-Clad Stainless 12" & 6" skillets, 4 qt. & 8 qt. soup pots (dutch oven). Farberware Millenium stainless non-stick 8" & 12" skillets. LeCreuset enamelled cast iron french (dutch) ovens, 5 qt. & 9 qt. Lodge Logic cast iron skillets Stainless stockpots (restaurant supply store) For a basic set of cookware, I recommend: 8" & 12" skillet, 1 qt., 2 qt., & 3 qt. saucepans, 5 qt. dutch oven, as many as possible with lids. This can be from multiple sources; don't get a set unless it contains just what you want.

See, I have a beef with Cook's Illustrated (aka, America's Test Kitchen & Cooks Country). They are not very "customer" friendly, IMO. I had trouble once with a bill from them for their CI magazine (one I didn't owe, I might add) and they were very nasty and threatening. There are also a lot of complaints about them on line regarding their billing practices so I know it was not just me running into problems with them. That being said, I do like their recipes! I watch their shows but, of course, you can't go to their website and see the recipes unless you subscribe (another pet peeve I have). However, with a little googling, I have found every one of their recipes somewhere else - for free. Years ago I bought a few of their cookbooks, but to be honest, I never use them. The cookbooks I use the most are the Barefoot Contessa's books - I have all of them - about 10 of them. I can't think of one recipe of hers that hasn't been delicious (and easy). Also, my two other favorite resources is allrecipes.com and food.com. On their sites you can ask it to show you the ingredient list for 2 people and I find that very helpful, since we are empty nesters also and don't like leftovers.

wow, Wagyu beef? I have pork, duck, venison, ham and sausages, and homegrown beef, but Elery loves lamb. I'll bet you have to be a member, so that'll save me. (grin) Annie

We don't have BJs around here, just Sam's for a long time and Costco arrived a few years ago. Is BJs virtually the same in price, products, and policies? I never joined the Sam's because is was not convenient, and just not nice inside, kind of gloomy! The Costco is a nice experience to get to and shop in. Leaving is a pain with their checking your receipt, card, and cart, ugh. Just let me go! Re: the Sam's Club, why does the notice on the door say they will reopen the next day? Weird.