Q: I'm going to college soon and looking to buy my own knives. Should I buy a knife block with knives or buy the knives separately from the block? I'm looking to spend around $100 total. The three knives I use the most are a paring knife, a chef's knife, and a bread knife.

Sent by Heejung

Q: I just bought a cast-iron skillet, and I love it, of course! I'm dying to make shakshuka in it this weekend. However, I've read online that cooking with tomatoes can harm the seasoning on less-seasoned skillets. Will it really strip my seasoning or give my shakshuka a metallic taste? Is there anything I can do to get around that?

Q: I would like to buy a pair of solid fruit and vegetable reference books. I am debating between Chez Panisse Fruits and Vegetables and Nigel Slater's Tender and Ripe. Do you have any suggestions or thoughts on how they compare? Are they unique enough that it's worth owning all four books?

Q: Thanks to an incredible meal during our honeymoon, my meat-and-potatoes husband learned that he loves caviar and would like to eat some at home for an upcoming special occasion. I'd love to put together a special little tasting menu of sorts, but I have no idea where to start! 

Q: How do I read The Kitchn and other food blogs now that Google Reader is going away? Google Reader is perfect because I can easily skip any post that doesn't interest me or click through to anything that does. It's available on my computer and on my phone. What's a good replacement?

Q: My broiler has two settings: Lo and Hi. When I see recipes that just say "broil", I never know which setting to use. Any thoughts?

Sent by Bengi

Q: I've grown up with an appreciation for good liquor and cocktails, and I would like to stock my bar with more than gin and whiskey. I have weekly dinners and brunches, and would like to give my guests options for drinks and cocktails. Recommendations?

Sent by Dani

Q: Can I use oven cleaner on a stainless steel pot without damaging it? The bottom has some "burnt on" residue and a plain scrubbie pad has not made a dent. Any suggestions?

Sent by Barb

Q: Yesterday I poured myself a glass of milk, and when I took a drink, it smelled awful. Not sour, like it was going bad, just...stinky. It tasted fine, and the smell wasn't strong. I didn't notice it until my nose was all the way in the glass.  Even so, I poured it out and bought a new gallon of milk.

Q: My husband and I have made do with a measly set of cutlery for far too long and we're finally ready for some lovely cutlery. We've been looking for something fairly plain, but with a wee bit of flair, and haven't had any luck. Do you or your readers have ANY fabulous leads for us?