Basics Of Cooking

Emerilware Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware
This collection of Emerilware cookware was constructed to be durable and attractive and is made with quality hard anodized aluminum and a convenient non-stick surface. The thickness of the aluminum combined with the three layers of non-stick material provides excellent heat retention and the three layers provide extra protection against scratching the interiors.

Due to the non-stick interiors the Emeril cookware is easy to clean. The lids are made from tempered glass and make a snug fit on the pots and pans. This collection includes ten pieces and is provided with a lifetime warranty concerning defects. If you are shopping for pots and pans you might want to take a look at Emeril cookware.

Is Your Cookware Dishwasher Safe

April 17th, 2008 by The Cooking Guy   Subscribe To Our Feed

For many people, having cookware that is dishwasher safe is getting important. While brand name, quality and size of cookware are still important, being dishwasher safe means that cookware has a lesser hassle of maintaining it.

While some can assume that in 21st century America, all cookware is dishwasher safe; that is simply not true. Just like many dinnerware sets are dishwasher safe, others that are hand painted, made of more delicate materials or have silver and gold rims are not dishwasher safe cookware. They always however do have a mark on the back of the plate or platter which recommends whether you should toss them in the dishwasher or wash them with mild soap by hand.
Even hand washing has its requirements because scrubbing roughly with a scourer to get off baked lasagna or using a very harsh chemical-based detergent can harm your plates and other pieces of  tableware.

Dishwasher Racks
One thing to note is that even if certain pieces do qualify as dishwasher safe cookware, you have to make sure if they are only top-rack safe or they can be put anywhere in the dishwasher. This is crucial because the top rack is generally much safer and has a more delicate rinsing and scrubbing cycle so if your cookware is dishwasher safe, make sure which rack it should go in to. This has become even more important since new models of dishwashers have three racks now with pots and pans typically going in the bottom most rack, plates and cutlery in the middle rack and glasses and delicates in the top most one.

When you do place your cookware or other kitchen items in a dishwasher, make sure that the non-stick coating part f the pots and pans do not get scraped by the prongs of the dishwasher; those dividers which separate plates and serve as a base to hold the dinner ware securely. If it does touch the non-stick film, it may start peeling and getting chipped. Not only will this ruin the look and luster of your cookware, it will have repercussions in the short and long term.
In the short term, your food will start sticking to the bottom and get burnt; and it will be harder to clean. In the long run, the non-stick layer could start chipping of and getting mixed in your food which in a way means you are eating a form of plastic along with the spaghetti and meatballs!

What To Look For When Buying Discount Cookware

April 7th, 2008 by The Cooking Guy   Subscribe To Our Feed

Buying cookware at a discount may seem like a good deal especially if you spend a lot on cookware to cook for your family or for entertaining your guests often. However, discount cookware like anything else should be examined properly before purchase.

Non Stick Film
This is because if the quality is bad, the discount cookware you buy will end up costing you more as you will need to spend more money, time and effort to go out and buy new cookware after this one warps, breaks, rusts or gets damaged in some other way.

Another way in which discount cookware can be a nightmare is if the non-stick of the pan starts to peel. While results are inconclusive, many studies have shown that f the non-stick film on the bottom of pans starts to chip and peel, it can cause the food to be contaminated sometimes even to the extent of becoming a cause of cancer and therefore should be disposed off immediately.

However, not all discount cookware is all bad. The best way to get a good deal on pots and pans is to buy expensive stuff when it goes on sale or is in the clearance aisle. This way when you know you have a great brand like Calphalon or Cuisinart in your hands at a fraction of the cost, then you know you have scored a good deal.

Another thing that you do not want to do with your cookware is to use metallic spoons to cook or serve with as that is the number one cause of the non stick fill mile Teflon to start scratching and peeling.

Coupons and Deals
If you want to get cookware for a discount, then use coupons which come in the Sunday paper for stores like Bed Bath and Beyond and Linens N Things or comparison shop online. You wouldn’t want to save a few dollars now and put your loved one’s health at risk nor risk the fact that your food gets burnt if the base is not heavy enough or your fingers get burned if the handles are made of metal etc.

Therefore always look for a reputed name and then buy it when it is on sale. That way you will know that while you saved some money, you did not do it at the risk of your family’s health in the long run.

Cookware Sets Differences

March 27th, 2008 by The Cooking Guy   Subscribe To Our Feed

Usually people who spend a large amount of their time in the kitchen will tend to purchase more kitchen items than others. This is because the monies they invested in this cooking utensils and tools help make their cooking easier and more extravagant.

One of the most important items for an individual to have in their kitchen is a good quality set of pots and pans.  For some individuals it can be difficult to choose between cookware sets as there are many different options and features available.

KitchenAid Gourmet Essentials 10-Piece Hard Anodized Cookware Set

Here are some features of cookware sets which you should consider before purchase:

Cookware Material
The material used to make cookware sets also differs between each set.  Copper, aluminum, nonstick, stainless steel and cast iron are all different types of material made to use cookware sets, thus it is important for an individual to know the difference between materials before shopping for cookware sets.  Each offers different benefits as well as drawbacks.

Thickness
Finally it is important for individuals choosing between different cookware sets to consider what level of thickness they want.  Sets of cookware that are thicker tend to be more durable and last longer.  Due to their durability, many individuals also find thicker pots and pans easier to clean.

Cookware sets are one of the most important items of any kitchen, and there are many different sets available on the market today for individuals to purchase.  Each offers consumers different sizes, pieces, materials and thickness in addition to other features such as colors and additional utensils.  This is why it is important for individuals to know in advance what they want to ensure their hard-earned money is well spent.

Cookware Reviews- Are They Any Good

March 17th, 2008 by The Cooking Guy   Subscribe To Our Feed

If you are thinking of buying new cookware for yourself or for someone as a gift, read some cookware reviews before you spend big bucks on products that are very hard to return, especially if they have some gravy stuck on the base!

Online Reviews
Cookware reviews are especially helpful if you have a brand name of type of cookware in mind. Just conducting a random web search on cookware reviews is not going to be fruitful. However, if you have Calphalon cookware reviews in your search engine or cookware reviews for Dutch ovens, you might get narrowed down and more effective results.

The advantage with online reviews is the sheer magnitude of people logging on to sites and giving their two cents worth. They are not getting anything in return for their review (in most cases, anyways) and therefore give brutally honest opinions and even links to other sites where you can find accessories warranty information and the like.

While some online reviews can be very honest because they are anonymous, what may not work for someone may work just fine for you. For instance, if you do not cook every day and entertain at home very rarely, you might be looking for a budget-friendly cookware set and the cooking-pro type of websites may recommend that you shell out $800 on a professional grade set when an $80 could work just as well for you.

Personal Cookware Reviews
Cookware reviews do not have to be online; sometimes the best cookware reviews are available from people you trust such as your mother or sister. Their cookware reviews are even more pertinent because they know your family size, the way you use your kitchen (occasionally versus every day plus some) and they are familiar with the kinds of dishes you like to whip up.

They know if you prefer Mexican style cooking or Italian, Chinese or American and can therefore recommend cookware that suits you the best. They also know if you toss everything in the microwave and dishwasher or are very particular about what is safe in what appliance and whether you enjoy dishwashing or loathe it.

Write Your Own Cookware Reviews
Once you do buy your own cookware, do take out a few moments and write your own cookware reviews so what you find useful from other people’s postings can in turn give you an opportunity to share your opinion and probably help in contributing to some great family meals.

Choosing the Right Cookware

March 7th, 2008 by The Cooking Guy   Subscribe To Our Feed

When shopping for new cookware for your kitchen there are a number of different choices available to you.  Manufacturers offer different brands, sizes and colors of pots and pans.  You even have the option to choose what type of material you want your cookware made of.

Copper
The best material for pots and pans on the market is copper.  This is due to the fact that it heats quickly and uniformly, which means your foods will cook correctly regardless of its location in the pan.  It does not have to be in the middle of the pan directly over the heat source in order to cook.  While copper is the best cookware material available it is also the most expensive, which is why individuals often choose another material instead.

Aluminum
Aluminum is a popular material for cookware and is the one most commonly found in homes.  This is due to the fact it has many of the same benefits as copper but is not as expensive.  Individuals choosing aluminum material for their cookware should opt for thicker aluminum rather than thinner as this will increase its longevity.

Cast Iron
One of the original materials for cookware was cast iron, and it is still used today to make cookware.  While cast iron is cheaper than aluminum, many people choose not to use it due to the fact it is heavy and takes a long time to heat up before cooking can begin.  However, cookware made of cast iron is very durable.

Nonstick
Growing in popularity in recent years is nonstick cookware.  Many people have opted to use it due to the fact it makes cooking and cleaning easy.  However the nonstick surface consists of a coating that when heated at high temperatures can release gases that overtime can be lethal.  This is why it is important that you use nonstick pots and pans with a low or medium heat setting and never on high.

Stainless Steel
Finally you have the option to purchase stainless steel, which offers durable cookware that is easy to clean.  The drawback to stainless steel is the fact it doesn’t heat uniformly, thus food in some spots may cook faster than others spots.

When shopping for your next cookware set you have several choices including what type of material you want your pots and pans to be made of.  By being informed about the benefits and drawbacks of each type you can select the one that is right for your cooking needs.

Buying Children’s Cookware Online

February 27th, 2008 by The Cooking Guy   Subscribe To Our Feed

Cooking is one of the most popular hobbies around the world. Not only do adults love cooking but children as well. Even very young children have shown to be able to enjoy cooking.

Not many people are aware of it, but there are many options available to you when it comes to children’s cookware. Children’s cookware is great because it is safe and easy to use, so that children can get in on the fun of cooking but without you having to worry about them hurting themselves.

What to Look for
There are a few different things that you are going to want to watch for when shopping for children’s cookware. Firstly you want to make sure that any cookware you are considering is rounded rather than having sharp edges, and that it is small enough for your children to be able to handle.

Your Options
You also need to be aware of the different options that you have when it comes to children’s cookware. There are children’s cookie cutter sets for instance, which are always great because you can choose from a variety of different sizes and shapes. Animals, stars, hearts, whatever shapes your child likes you should be able to find a cookie cutter set that contains them.

Baking tins are also important because they are needed for so many recipes. Just a few of the options you have when it comes to baking tins are train, cream cow, cream rabbit, dinosaur, elephant, heart, gingerbread boy, little pig, mini bunny, and mini star.

Remember
Regardless of what particular type of children’s cookware you decide to get, there are a few rules that you are going to have to remember. It is crucial to always take your child’s health and safety into serious consideration, and so just because you may buy them the safest cookware on the market, this does not mean that you can just leave them be and let them cook all they want, especially not without supervision.

You always need to be there to keep an eye on your children when they are cooking and make sure that they are never left alone especially when the stove or oven is on. Cooking can be a lot of fun for your children and is definitely something that you should let them partake in, but you need to make sure that you are there watching out for them and making sure that they are not going to get injured.

PS: If your child enjoys ice-cream, why not get them to make some themselves with Play-and-Freeze Ice Cream Maker. A great learning tool- learn Science while having fun making food. Wow!

Cast Iron Cookware for Camping

February 17th, 2008 by The Cooking Guy   Subscribe To Our Feed

If you are planning on braving the outdoors and wondering what kind of cookware will be the best for such purposes, be assured that cast iron cookware is ideal for camping. This is because it has the ability to withstand high heat and cooking directly on a fire.

Always used seasoned cast iron cookware for camping as it will prevent your food from sticking and lock in the flavor too. You could buy pre-seasoned cast iron cookware for camping or you could by bare cast iron and season it yourself with lard or other such saturated fat and then heating it in an oven or on a stove top so that the coating becomes more durable. If you wash with mild soap and water soon after you are done cooking, your seasoning will stay intact. Some experts recommend that the first few times you use seasoned cast iron cookware for camping to fry bacon and other such greasy items so that the seasoning is complete and you get a black even coat as opposed to a dull, grayish color.

What Items to Buy
The cast iron cookware for camping that you will need obviously depends on how you plan to use it. If you only intend to use it to fry eggs and bacon for breakfast, then a skillet and a frying pan should be enough. However, if you are part of a large group and plan on cooking several meals in your cast iron cookware while camping, you might be better off buying more than one piece so that you can multi task and get things done faster.

A cast iron Dutch oven is a great choice of you want to simmer soups and stews and if you want to bake biscuits while camping. You can use it in a myriad of ways by either placing it on a tripod or setting it on a grill.

A skillet is also a very versatile item to have when roughing it in the outdoors because you can use it to make pancakes and eggs for breakfast, to fry fish, meat and vegetables for lunch and even to use in an oven to bake cornbread and the like for dinner. Cast iron skillets are available in a variety of sizes such as a 10 inch, a 12 inch and even a much bigger 20 inch version depending on the number of people you are cooking for.

Why Use Ceramic Cookware

February 17th, 2008 by The Cooking Guy   Subscribe To Our Feed

Some people consider ceramic cookware items to be an important part of their overall cookware collection since they perform well in the microwave oven as well as the standard oven in their homes. They also come in attractive colors and patterns and add some beauty to the kitchen table.

Another advantage of ceramic cookware is the low price when compared to stainless steel and other metal cookware. Most of the ceramic cookware produced today comes with a glazed finish which produces a no-stick effect on the interiors which is a welcome feature for most cooks.

Ceramic cookware is easy to clean and most items are dishwasher safe. Some cooks prefer the terra cotta variety of ceramic cookware due to its porous surface which allows this variety of cookware to retain water while heated up to cook meals. The steam produced during the cooking procedure allows the food to stay moist.

Le Creuset
Le Creuset makes fine quality ceramic cookware with bold colors and attractive designs. It is designed for use in the oven as well as the microwave and they are made to endure the cold temperature of your freezer. They can also endure the high intense heat from your broiler if you choose to brown the top of your casserole before serving it to family and friends. World Cuisine is another brand that produces quality, attractive ceramic cookware.

Emile Henry Flame-top Ceramic Cookware
For those of you who enjoy using your colorful ceramic cookware, especially when entertaining friends but have been waiting for a variety that can handle a flame underneath it, the Emile Henry company has accomplished the task. Emil Henry was established in 1850, located in Marcigny which is a small town in Burgundy France. These ceramic items are also constructed to be used as a storage device in the freezer. They come in beautiful colors that will enhance the look of any dinner table and they are also easy to clean.

The Flame-top ceramic cookware is quite an achievement and those who prefer metal cookware items might be pleased to hear the news that they can now purchase ceramic cookware that can be used on the stovetop. Their Flame-top collection comes in red, black, green and yellow.

How To Use Century Cast-Iron Cookware

February 7th, 2008 by The Cooking Guy   Subscribe To Our Feed

When you cook, you would want everything to cook evenly, taste well and hopefully the meal you serve would be something that your family members and friends will remember. For that, you would need quality cookware to be able to do that. One such cookware that can help you achieve these goals is the Century cast-iron cookware. In fact, if you use Century cast-iron cookware you will be able to be proud of everything that you cook.

Here are several reasons that Century cast-iron cookware is going to be the best choice for you.

Even Cook
First of all, with the Century cast-iron cookware you are going to get an even heat with all that you cook. This is part of what has made Century cast-iron cookware so popular for so many years. The cast iron has been around for along time in cooking supplies and in cookware, because it heats very hot and it heats evenly. When you cook something using Century cast-iron cookware, you will be able to take advantage of this hot and even heat.

Heavy and Durable
The other reason that many people choose Century cast-iron cookware is that it is heavy and durable. These are two important factors of cooking supplies and cookware. With the Century cast-iron cookware you will be able to cook lots of food. This is because it is heavy and usually very big. This is why Century cast-iron cookware is used in a lot of restaurants. Even if you only have your family to please, you will be glad to have Century cast-iron cookware because you will never run out of room.

It is also durable. Because of the cast iron, it is almost impossible to break your Century cast-iron cookware. This means that no matter how hot it gets, how cold it gets, or how often it is dropped, your Century cast-iron cookware will be there for you year after year.

Unique Taste
Another reason that many people choose Century cast-iron cookware is that it provides you with a unique taste. There are several interesting reasons for this. However, the Century cast-iron cookware seems to pull in several flavors at once, and also gives off a certain flavor. Usually, when something has been cooked in cast iron, you can tell that it has been. Many people enjoy this unique taste, and therefore use Century cast-iron cookware in order to get it. It is also so long lasting that the various tastes can become part of a family tradition, all using Century cast-iron cookware. With the great warrantees, you will find that your Century cast-iron cookware as well as your family traditions, can last for as long as you do.

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