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Archive for January, 2008

Caring for Your Cast Iron Cookware

Sunday, January 27th, 2008 by The Cooking Guy

While cast iron cookware has been around for many centuries its popularity has died down as new types of cookware have been introduced.  This is partially due to the fact many people don’t understand how to care for cast iron pots and pans.  However they are some of the most durable products available, and proper care can allow you to pass them on to your children, grandchildren or others.

Properly Season It
The most important thing to do after you purchase your cast iron cookware is to properly season it, which actually means you will be putting a protective layer over the iron to prevent rust and wear.  There are a few different ways to season your cast iron cookware, but most individuals use a thin layer of bacon fact, oil or shortening to coat the metal.  They then allow it to dry.

Wash With Hot Water
After your cast iron cookware has been seasoned it is important that you properly clean it each time you use it.  Cast iron pots and pans should not be washed in a dishwasher as they need to be washed by hand.  It is also important that you only use hot water to clean the pan as dish soap can cause the seasoning to come off.  This can end up rusting your cast iron cookware and shortening its lifespan.

Heat to Dry
Once you have cleaned your cast iron cookware it is important that you thoroughly dry it in order to prevent rust from forming.  The best way to ensure your cast iron cookware is dried completely is to put it back on the stove over a low heat as this will allow it to dry without burning.  Do not stick it over high heat or in the oven at high temperatures as this can warp the pan and change its shape.

Only Cook Certain Foods
Some foods weren’t made to be cooked in a cast iron skillet or pan.  This includes those that are high in acid content as the acid can ruin the coating on the pan.  For these types of items, such as tomatoes, fruits or more you should use cookware made of another material.

Although there are many different types of material for cookware to be made from, cast iron has been used for centuries.  While it isn’t the most popular type of cookware currently on the market, it offers lifelong durability when it is properly cared for.  You and generations after you can enjoy your cast iron cookware by following the tips listed here.

Preparing Meals Ahead of Time

Thursday, January 24th, 2008 by The Cooking Guy

For a lot of people, making a quick but healthy meal takes a lot of time. I have some time saving tips that will help you throw together a quick and easy meal using ingredients you prepared ahead of time.  Whether you are a beginner cook or a seasoned expert, these tips are sure to save you time.

You can either plan your weekly menu before hand, or you can prepare ingredients that you use often.  Either way, you don’t necessarily have to have a plan set in stone.  That is the great thing about preparing ahead for the time you do want to throw together a great meal.

You don’t want to prepare things that can not be refrigerated or frozen.  Many ingredients store well in the fridge or freezer.  Ingredients chilled only last a few days, while ingredients that are frozen last a couple months.

How to start
Here is how to start.  Take the ingredients that take the most time to prepare.  For example, meats take a while to cook.  L

Meats
One tip is when you buy meat; cook it up once you get home.  A great way to get shredded or chopped chicken is to buy a whole chicken and slow cook or roast it.  Put the meat in individual meal sized baggies or containers and freeze or refrigerate until ready to use.  This can save a lot of time when you are ready to make a dish that requires cooked meat. You can also do this with hamburger, sausage or any meat that stores well when chilled or frozen.

Once you are ready to use the meat, if frozen, pop it in the microwave on defrost for a few minutes or put it in a frying pan with a little bit of oil.  You will never know it was cooked and frozen.  If you have put the meat in the refrigerator, take the meat and add it to the dish you are making.

Vegetables
Another great way to prepare ahead is to chop your vegetables.  If you are not going to use your chopped vegetables within a few days, it is best to freeze them rather than refrigerate.  Freezing vegetables is also a great way to keep your vegetables from going bad or use them up if they are starting to spoil.  You won’t feel like you wasted money by having your fresh produce turn bad.

Vegetables like onions, bell peppers and zucchini freeze and defrost well.  Other vegetables such as carrots, celery, broccoli, cucumbers, and jicama store well in the refrigerator.  Vegetables like carrots and jicama store better if submerged in water for up to five days.

Recipe Suggestions
Here are some great recipe suggestions on how to use your cooked meats and vegetables.  There are endless possibilities since the meats and vegetables do not taste like they have been frozen or chilled.  Keep in mind that green peppers may change the flavor of frozen casseroles.  The flavors of clove, garlic and pepper flavors get stronger when frozen, while onion gets milder.

• Soups and Stews
• Casseroles
• Tacos-beef and chicken
• Chicken Quesadillas
• Salads
• Pasta dishes
• Pizza
• Stir fry’s
• Or any other great dishes you love to cook

As you can see, the possibilities are endless.  Preparing a few ingredients ahead of time, saves you prep time by making it possible to throw the ingredients together and cook.

Awesome Barbeque Chicken Pizza

Friday, January 18th, 2008 by The Cooking Guy

Are you in need of a quick meal?  I have a great recipe that is fast, yummy and sure to please the pickiest of eaters.  The great thing about this recipe is it is quick and easy, and something your kids can help you make.  The recipe is Barbeque Chicken Pizza.  Now who doesn’t love pizza?  I know I do.  Kids especially love pizza. This recipe can be made partially from scratch or part store-bought, so you don’t have to be an expert cook to make this.   Plus, you get to use as many fresh ingredients as you want.  So here is what you will need.  Keep in mind, you can add or delete ingredients your to suit your family’s preferences.

Ingredients:

• 1-pizza crust
• 2-1 cup shredded chicken
• 3- 1-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4-1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
• 5-1/2 cup sliced green bell pepper
• 6-1/4 cup chopped onion
• 7-1/4 cup chopped green onion
• 8-1/2 cup barbeque sauce
• 9-1 jar pizza sauce

Steps:
Optional ingredient suggestions: mushrooms, olives or red peppers.  Or you can add what ever ingredients sound good to you.

To get started you will need to cook your chicken.  I usually roast or slow cook a whole chicken.  Not only can I use the meat for this recipe, but you can use it for other dishes as well.  Once the chicken is done, shred it and toss with your barbeque sauce.  You could also use your favorite barbeque sauce recipe to toss your chicken in.  Set aside for later.

For the pizza dough, you have a few options.  You can purchase a store bought crust, buy dough and cook it from a local pizza place, make your dough from scratch or use a package mix and make the dough yourself.  Personally, I buy the already made crust.  This saves a lot of time.  That way, I just add the toppings and whip it in the oven.

Now take your pizza crust and top it with a thin layer of pizza sauce.  If you like a lot of sauce, add as much as you like.  Next, top your pizza with your shredded cheddar cheese.  Now you are ready to add your barbeque chicken, bell peppers, onion and green onions.  You can add them in any order you would like.  I usually like to add the chicken and then top with the vegetables.   Once you have all the ingredients you want on your pizza, sprinkle the top with your shredded mozzarella cheese.  You are now ready to bake your pizza.  Depending on they type of pizza crust or dough you will need to bake according to the package directions.

Once the pizza, is done, slice and serve.  Not only does it taste good, but it makes a wonderful presentation.

Because this pizza is so wonderful and easy to make, it is a great dish to take to pot lucks, parties or just anytime you want to impress your friends and family.  It is sure to please and have your friends and family asking for more.

Choosing Camping Cookware

Thursday, January 17th, 2008 by The Cooking Guy

One of the favorite activities for many during summer is camping. There’s something very peaceful and relaxing about being outside and sleeping in a tent.  In fact many individuals enjoy getting away from the modern conveniences of their home and instead roughing it.  This usually entails cooking food over a self-built campfire.  If this is your plan for your next camping trip, you will want to make sure you have the right camping cookware before you begin your journey.  While you make think that cookware for camping is all the same, there are actually many differences you should take into account before purchasing them.

Durability
One of the biggest concerns of most campers buying camping cookware is how durable is it.  They know that cookware can take a beating as it travels through the woods and is put to use on an open fire.  Therefore they want something that will last, and they can use for several future camping trips.

Size
Size is also another important aspect for individuals choosing camping cookware.  Most individuals have already purchased their backpack prior to purchasing their camping cookware, thus they must get cookware that will fit into what they already have.  However, it is important that individuals don’t skimp on the size of a pot or pan simply because they don’t have room.  You’ll want to make sure you choose camping cookware that can accommodate multiple people as you may be camping with family or friends.

Weight
Another important factor to consider when purchasing camping cookware is the weight of the cookware.  Many individuals hike several miles from their vehicle before they come to the actual spot where they will camp.  For them it is important to have a light-weight piece of camping cookware to prevent them from getting tired during their hike.  This is why many individuals choose not to purchase cast iron skillets for camping even though they are highly durable.

Ability to Handle Heat
Finally it is important to choose camping cookware that can handle high heat and fire.  Camping cookware is always used over an open campfire, thus it is important that it is made of a material that is fire resistant.  While burning your dinner is bad, burning your cooking utensil is even worse.

Lodge Logic Pre-Seasoned 5-Quart Dutch Oven with Loop Handles

Going camping can be a fun experience if you are properly prepared before you depart.  One of the things you should ensure you have is camping cookware.  While there are many differences in cookware currently available you can find the one that’s right for you by determining in advance what your needs will be while camping.

Chicken Tetrazini Recipe

Monday, January 14th, 2008 by The Cooking Guy

For those of you who have hectic lives, but still want to feed your family a healthy and delicious, freezer cooking is a great option.  Making meals ahead of time and freezing cuts down on your time spent in the kitchen.  Freezer meals can be made all at once or one at a time.  Each time you cook dinner for your family, make a double or even triple batch and freeze the rest for later use.  This is one of those great meals where you can have it for dinner tonight and freeze for later.

This recipe makes one meal.  You will need to double or triple if you are freezing.

So here is what you will need to get started
Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti, cooked
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup green pepper, chopped
• 5 cup cooked chicken, diced
• 4 cup grated cheese (Monterey jack or cheddar/Monterey jack)
• 2 cans cream of chicken soup (you could use a combo of mushroom, chicken or celery)
• 1 soup can of milk
• Salt and pepper to taste.

Steps:
Combine all the ingredients into a big bowl and mix well.  If you are freezing this meal for later use, freeze in a freezer plastic bag.

When you are ready to serve (from frozen state), simply microwave until heated all the way through and serve.  If you are not freezing, preheat oven to 375 and bake for 30-40 minutes or until bubbly.

If you want a fancier meal, you can put it in a pan and top with buttered breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes and bake until bubbly and the top is crunchy.

This is literally one of those meals that you can have on the table in 15 minutes.  While the Tetrazini is microwaving or in the oven, cut up some fruit and maybe make some quick refrigerator biscuits.  Ta-da!  Dinner is served.

Calphalon Cookware

Monday, January 7th, 2008 by The Cooking Guy

One of the more popular cookware brands is the Calphalon cookware is . This company is reputable and has produced high quality cookware that is able to withstand high temperatures level without warping. Their secret lies in the ability of their products to evenly distribute heat.

Besides this, they are also very easy to clean. Calphalon cookware is also known for having an attractive appearance and they offer a wide variety of cookware styles.

Calphalon One Infused Anodized
Calphalon claims that if you require high performance cookware then Calphalon One Infused Anodized is an excellent choice. They have designed the surface of this variety of cookware with smooth metal which they claim provides great results when you are searing or browning meats.

If you want to create a caramelized texture for your meat they suggest purchasing Calphalon One Infused Anodized cookware. They are designed for the stove and the oven and can also be used for broiling. They come with a sturdy handle that was designed to stay at a cool temperature while being used on the stovetop.

Stainless Steel Calphalon Cookware
Their stainless steel cookware is available in three product lines consisting of Contemporary Stainless, Simply Calphalon Stainless and Tri-ply Stainless. The Contemporary Stainless comes with a brushed stainless steel and sculpted handles and they are provided with domed glass covers. Due to the tri-ply construction, Calphalon boasts of fabulous cooking results whether using this version of Calphalon cookware on the stove or for use with a broiler.

The Tri-ply Stainless version of Calphalon cookware is manufactured with a heavy gauge aluminum which is situated between two layers of stainless steel which provides a superior cooking performance. The Calphalon Stainless is made from stainless steel on the interior as well as the exterior of the pans and they are also dishwasher safe. This line of Calphalon is considered their budget variety of pans.

Copper Calphalon Cookware
The Try-ply copper line of Calphalon cookware is manufactured with a copper exterior, a stainless steel interior and a middle layer of heavy gauge aluminum. The design of the pots and pans gives this quality cookware line a very attractive appearance.

Calphalon offers numerous nonstick varieties of pots and pans as well as attractive enamel cast iron cookware. This variety of calphalon cookware comes in a variety of colors and can be used on the stovetop and in the oven. When shopping for cookware you will notice a variety of styles, quality and prices. Calphalon cookware is known for its quality and they have a variety of styles to choose from.

Planning a Weekly Menu

Saturday, January 5th, 2008 by The Cooking Guy

Are you a busy parent? Most of us are so busy that we forget to think about dinner. The kids are late for soccer practice or someone needs to be picked up from dance class. How many times have you run out of the house with a cookie or candy bar in your hand or ran through the drive thru because you didn’t have time to make dinner? With our lives so busy, we forget to think about what’s for dinner. I have some great suggestions on how you can plan delicious and healthy dinners.

Start with a plan
A great way to start is to plan out the week’s menu. An easy way to plan is to make each night of the week a different theme.

Here is a sample week. These are just suggestions, so you can tailor it to your family’s preferences.

Monday-Mexican
Tuesday-Italian
Wednesday-American
Thursday-Miscellaneous Salads
Friday-Casseroles
Saturday-Open for eating out
Sunday- Grilling

Make a list of your favorite dishes that apply to each theme, so when you sit down to plan your week you can choose off the list. For example, you could have tacos on Monday, Ziti Bake on Tuesday, Hamburgers on Wednesday and so forth. Other options could include world cuisine your family enjoys, sandwiches or breakfast for dinner. Planning with a theme helps narrow down the possibilities, thus making it easier to plan a weekly menu. The options are endless as long as your family will enjoy them.

Whether you want to plan themed nights, or choose from a list of your family favorites, making a list of recipes will save you time and energy from having to look through your recipes trying to figure out what to make. It will also save you from being tempted to taking a trip to the nearest fast food place. This also works well with appetizers, side dishes, breads or desserts.

Plan in action
Now that you have a plan, make as many preparations as possible ahead of time. Cooking meats or chopping vegetables and freezing or chilling them can save a lot of time. If you know you are going to need 5 pounds of cooked hamburger that week, spend a half an hour cooking and separating into meal sized portions. Once you have the meat cooked, decided if you want to freeze or refrigerate.

If you do freeze your meat, when you are ready to use, pop it in the microwave on defrost mode for a couple of minutes or throw in a sauté pan with a little bit of oil until it breaks apart. Another suggestion is slow cooking a whole chicken and shredding the meat once cooked. Slow cooking is a great option because all you do is throw the bird in the slow cooker in the morning and when you get home at night chop it up. These preparations can be made in the morning before your kids get up or after they go to bed at night. When your meal requires a pound of meat, pull one of your containers out and throw it in the dish. This is also true for your chopped vegetables.

Making more than needed
Another great way to make the most out of your time is to cook your meats and vegetables or prepare marinades and vinaigrettes while you are preparing another meal.
For example, if you need grilled steak for a salad later on in the week, grill a few extra pieces and keep in the refrigerator until you are ready to make the salad. You could also do that with chicken or other meats. Same goes for your vegetables. If you need mushrooms to put in your pasta dish, make extra and store until ready to use. Or if you are making vinaigrette dressing that goes on a salad one night and could be used as a marinade the next nigh,t making extra will save you prep time. Because you are adding flavors to your meats and vegetables when you cook them, this will give your next dish the same great flavor but with a new twist.
With these great suggestions, taking the time to plan ahead will ensure you are ready with healthy and delicious dinner ideas when your busy weeks hits. It will also help instill healthy eating habits that are sure to last a lifetime.

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