And, as in any job, the proper tools are needed to succeed. That's where Dean Sales and Bambi Satter, owners of Cooking Etc., can help.

"We have everything you need to prepare and serve your holiday meals," Sales says.

According to Sales, he and Satter spend a lot of time watching the cooking shows that seem to be on every channel these days, which are considered research for the co-owners of Cooking Etc.

If Emeril Lagasse is demonstrating a new dish in a particular pot or pan, Sales gets on the phone with a supplier to make sure the store carries that piece of cookery.

"That's how we know what to keep in stock," he says. "We carry almost everything Martha Stewart has ever used."

Just looking at the assortment of cooking items on the walls and shelves can make even the least experienced chef feel they can conquer a crème brulée or roasted rack of lamb.

For those favoring a down-home style of cooking, the store has a large selection of cast-iron cookware. Sales will happily explain the secrets of "curing" a cast-iron skillet and the importance of the process.

"We have lots of customers who come in after seeing something on TV or reading about an item in a magazine that they would like to try but are a little unsure about," Sales says. "We take the time to explain things to customers. It's like getting a little cooking lesson if they need it. That's one of the benefits of having a smaller store."

One of the hot new items available at Cooking Etc. is the Cedar Plank Cooker. There are two kinds—one for the oven and one for the barbecue. After soaking the wood in water, food is then cooked directly on the plank for a light cedar flavor.

"It's not an overwhelming flavor, but salmon prepared on the cedar plank is very good," he says.

Another popular item this year is the stovetop smoker. Using this device can impart food with a smoked flavor, minus the hassle of outdoor barbecuing with wood chips and charcoal.

This year the store is also stocking deep-fryers for turkeys.

"We haven't tried it yet," Sales says, " but we've heard from our customers how amazing and juicy the turkey is when it comes out of the fryer."

Carving a turkey can also be a real chore without the right cutlery. Cooking Etc. carries an extensive line of Hinkle knives to ensure beautiful slices of poultry and meat.

Another holiday tradition is homemade cookies, and Cooking Etc. carries every cookie cutter imaginable, including the hard-to-find turkey-shaped cookie cutter.

If holiday cakes are on the menu, Cooking Etc. is the place to go, with its large selection of cake and Bundt pans and decorating utensils.

"It used to be that Bundt pans came in one or two shapes," Sales says. "These days there are all kinds of Bundt pan shapes and sizes."

Cooking Etc. also has a large selection of soup starters, spices and marinades.

"We have a tequila-lime marinade that is fantastic," Sales says. "I pour it over a tri-tip and let it sit for two or three days, then broil it or roast it. The flavor is wonderful."

Hard-to-find gourmet ingredients such as Celtic gray sea salt can also be found on the shelves.

The store also creates customized gift baskets. Sales says the store is a great resource for teacher gifts.

"Customers will come in and tell us how much they want to spend and a theme, and we can have a great basket ready for them."

Cooking Etc. has become such a popular shop that after Jan. 1, the store will be moving to a larger location on Lincoln Avenue.

"We're very excited about the move," Sales says. "We'll have a larger showroom and more storage area. We'll be able to carry more of the things our customers want."

Cooking Etc. is located at 1712-H Meridian Ave. For more information, call 408.266.5384.