Archive for the 'Cooking Utensil' Category
Caring for Your Cast Iron Cookware
Sunday, January 27th, 2008 by The Cooking GuyWhile 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.
Choosing Camping Cookware
Thursday, January 17th, 2008 by The Cooking GuyOne 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.
Calphalon Cookware
Monday, January 7th, 2008 by The Cooking GuyOne 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.
Selecting Backpacking Cookware
Thursday, December 27th, 2007 by The Cooking GuyGoing on a backpacking trip? There’s several things you’re going to need. One area that often gets overlooked is the need for backpacking cookware. Many trail foods are packed dry and do not need any preparation, but eventually, you’re going to want to cook something. The challenge is trying to find the backpacking cookware that best fits your needs among the many options available.
Aluminum cookware
Aluminum is a metal that is generally very lightweight. For this reason, it was the logical choice for backpacking cookware for many years. However, due to it being so lightweight, it is also not very durable, so it will need replaced if used frequently. Unless it has some type of coating, food sticks to it, making it very hard to clean as well. Another disadvantage of aluminum is that, over time, it begins to break down and leach into the foods you cook. This will not only affect the taste, but poses potential health risks as well.
Trangia 25-1 Stove & Cookware Set
Stainless Steel Cookware
Stainless steel is another material often used for backpacking cookware. It’s a bit heavier than aluminum, making it more durable as well. The major drawback to stainless steel is that it doesn’t distribute heat as well as some other materials. This means that your food may not be cooked as evenly as it should.
Titanium Cookware
Titanium is a material that is growing in popularity for use in cookware. It has many characteristics that make it ideal for backpacking cookware. It is very lightweight while maintaining it’s durability at the same time. It’s also quite efficient as far as heat distribution is concerned. Titanium is also non-porous, which makes it a natural non-stick material. At first glance, titanium seems like the perfect material for backpacking cookware, but like anything else, it has one major downside. Titanium is among the most expensive cookware you can buy. For the avid hiker, this probably doesn’t matter, but the average Joe isn’t going to invest that kind of money for a few trips each year.
In addition to the material, there are several other factors to consider when purchasing backpacking cookware. The size and shape should be considered since you are going to have to carry this equipment many miles on your back. Things such as folding handles will make it much easier to pack. The shape of your pots is important as well. Some shapes are easier to clean and distribute heat better than others. Consider how often you will be using it and what your personal preferences are, and you should be able to find the right backpacking cookware for you.
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All Clad Cookware– Quality Cookware You Can Trust
Tuesday, December 18th, 2007 by The Cooking GuyAll Clad cookware is a well-established brand for the last thirty odd years. When John Ulam, a metallurgist and founder of All-Clad cookware started his company over thirty fives years ago, his strategy was to combine different types of metals to create cookware that gave a superior performance when compared to single metal cookware products that were prevalent at the time of his creations.
All Clad has always been known for its classic design and excellent performance. Even now their cookware is inspected by hand at all the stages of the manufacturing process. The expert metallurgists who are involved in the production of All-Clad cookware use their own specifications when designing the metal formulations that are utilized in producing the cookware.
All-Clad claims they put more emphasis on cooking capability than quick and easy manufacturing when formulating the metals used in their products. They are pleased to mention that their products are manufactured with strict environmental standards. They proudly mention that performance is their most important priority and they will never lower their standards of quality.
All-Clad for Chefs and the Public
All Clad cookware was designed for professional chefs but after it became available to the public it became one of the most popular and respected cookware products available on the market. Most of the cookware products are made with a special triple-ply construction which is excellent at distributing heat evenly which is important for chefs and cooks at home.
All Clad has become very popular due to its sturdy construction, including the handles, its excellent distribution of heat and its lifetime warranty against defects due to improper manufacturing. Some people are willing to pay the high price for All-Clad cookware primarily because it looks classy and professional. All-Clad is found in some of the top restaurants all over the world.
Varieties of All-Clad Cookware
All-Clad stainless products are made with a five-ply stainless steel construction which contains an aluminum core. This type of construction provides All-Clad cookware with even heating and allows the pan to be heated up quicker when compared to most pans available on the market.
The Copper Core selection utilizes copper and stainless steel to give you the cooking advantages of copper and the combination of the copper and stainless steel provide the pans with a an attractive, classy appearance. The All-Clad LTD variety also utilizes three layers of metal and has a beautiful appearance due to the black exterior and the stainless steel handles.
The Cop R Chef style of All Clad cookware is preferred by many professional chefs. The aluminum core of their pans is combined with an outer layer made from copper which provides the heat conduction that pleases the professional chefs. The stainless steel interior is preferred by some chefs for contact with food ingredients. If you are looking for quality cookware you might want to consider All-Clad cookware.
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Enamel Cast Iron Cookware
Sunday, December 16th, 2007 by The Cooking GuyEnamel cast iron cookware has been around for the last three hundred years. Although enameled cast iron cookware has somehow lost its popularity with more cookware made with new metal alloys, it still has some ardent fans and is still sold today especially in the form of Dutch ovens.
Makers of cast iron pots and pans began to place a coating of enamel on them to prevent the iron from rusting. Seasoning of iron skillets is no longer necessary if they have the enamel coating. The enamel coating allows for easy cleaning and provides very attractive bright colors for the cast iron cookware.
There are a variety of brands to choose from and some of the more popular brands include Staub (made in France), John Wright, Le Creuset (made in France), Mario Batali, Daniel Boulud Kitchen and Calphalon. Some people prefer cast iron cookware due to its ability to retain heat as well as to redistributing the heat for a long time. Cast iron cookware is also an excellent choice for those who prefer to use a slow cooking method.
Staub Enameled Cast Iron Cookware
Staub is used by professional chefs all over the world. Staub enamel cast iron cookware is designed with spikes on the interior portion of the lids which provide a self-basting action. They come with a black matte enamel interior. They are constructed to resist rusting and discoloring. They are chip resistant and the more you use your Staub enameled cast iron cookware the better it cooks. After you place some oil in the cookware the oil is able to penetrate the matte enamel and forms a smooth non-stick surface.
Calphalon Enamel Cast Iron Cookware
Their enamel cast iron cookware is excellent for the oven as well as the stovetop. The cookware comes with dome shaped lids which include dimples designed on the interiors of the lids which provide a redistribution of important moisture to your foods while they are being cooked. This collection of Calphalon cookware looks great on your dinner table and keeps your food warm. They also were designed with large handles to make maneuvering them easier.
Calphalon enameled cast iron cookware comes in a variety of beautiful colors and elegant and attractive designs. The enamel is considered to be a porcelain enamel and is resistant to chipping as well as scratching. The cookware comes in cabernet, custard and chive colors. If you are looking for enameled cast iron cookware there are several quality brands available.
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The Good and Bad Of Copper Cookware
Sunday, December 16th, 2007 by The Cooking GuyWhen buying your cookware, you should consider the following:
- what type of cooking you will be doing,
- what is your personal preferences and tastes
- how do you want your cookware to be like- decorative, functional or both
With the wide variety that is available today, cost is another major factor in this decision. One of the more popular options for home and gourmet cooks alike is copper cookware. As popular as it is, it still has some drawbacks that you should be aware of. Here is a look at some advantages and disadvantages of copper cookware.
The Pros
The main reason that copper cookware is such a popular choice is it’s unrivaled heat conductivity. This is an advantage for a number of reasons. A copper pan will heat up quite quickly, which drastically reduces cooking times. This makes it very useful in restaurant settings, where meals must be prepared in a timely manner. This conductivity also allows for more precise cooking. If you adjust the heat on your burners, the temperature of the pan will respond almost immediately.
Revere Copper Clad 9-Piece Cookware Set
Another reason people are drawn to copper cookware is the fact that, if it’s cared for properly, it is quite attractive. Often, you will see copper pots and pans displayed as decorations when they are not in use. There’s no denying the beauty and shine of copper cookware.
The Cons
Even with it’s superior heat conductivity and precision in cooking, copper cookware is lacking in some other areas. Copper is softer and not as strong as some other metals, such as stainless steel. Thus it is very vulnerable to scratching and warping under high temperatures.
Another problem with copper cookware is tarnishing, when used frequently for acidic foods. Copper can also leach into whatever you’re cooking, affecting the taste and possibly introducing harmful toxins into your food. Caring for your copper cookware can be a bit of a hassle as well since it is not dishwasher safe. You’ll also need to polish it frequently to prevent corrosion and maintain the beautiful look. The last, and often the deciding disadvantage, is that copper is among the most expensive types of cookware on the market.
Whether or not you decide to purchase copper cookware is going to depend on your specific needs. If looks are not that important to you and you’re not going to be doing much precision cooking, then the investment is probably not worth it.
The Good and Bad Of Copper Cookware
Sunday, December 16th, 2007 by The Cooking GuyWhen buying your cookware, you should consider the following:
- what type of cooking you will be doing,
- what is your personal preferences and tastes
- how do you want your cookware to be like- decorative, functional or both
With the wide variety that is available today, cost is another major factor in this decision. One of the more popular options for home and gourmet cooks alike is copper cookware. As popular as it is, it still has some drawbacks that you should be aware of. Here is a look at some advantages and disadvantages of copper cookware.
The Pros
The main reason that copper cookware is such a popular choice is it’s unrivaled heat conductivity. This is an advantage for a number of reasons. A copper pan will heat up quite quickly, which drastically reduces cooking times. This makes it very useful in restaurant settings, where meals must be prepared in a timely manner. This conductivity also allows for more precise cooking. If you adjust the heat on your burners, the temperature of the pan will respond almost immediately.
Revere Copper Clad 9-Piece Cookware Set
Another reason people are drawn to copper cookware is the fact that, if it’s cared for properly, it is quite attractive. Often, you will see copper pots and pans displayed as decorations when they are not in use. There’s no denying the beauty and shine of copper cookware.
The Cons
Even with it’s superior heat conductivity and precision in cooking, copper cookware is lacking in some other areas. Copper is softer and not as strong as some other metals, such as stainless steel. Thus it is very vulnerable to scratching and warping under high temperatures.
Another problem with copper cookware is tarnishing, when used frequently for acidic foods. Copper can also leach into whatever you’re cooking, affecting the taste and possibly introducing harmful toxins into your food. Caring for your copper cookware can be a bit of a hassle as well since it is not dishwasher safe. You’ll also need to polish it frequently to prevent corrosion and maintain the beautiful look. The last, and often the deciding disadvantage, is that copper is among the most expensive types of cookware on the market.
Whether or not you decide to purchase copper cookware is going to depend on your specific needs. If looks are not that important to you and you’re not going to be doing much precision cooking, then the investment is probably not worth it.
Getting Started With Your Dutch Oven Cookware
Friday, April 27th, 2007 by The Cooking GuyDutch Oven cookware is pretty unique. Unlike most other types of cookware, it requires some unique preparation and care- even before it’s first use.
As most of Dutch Oven are made of cast iron, they can rust. For this reason, the manufacturer puts a protective coating on all new Dutch oven cookware to prevent this.
The first thing you’ll need to do is remove this coating by scrubbing the pot thoroughly with soap and water. Don’t worry, we are not going to destroy your Dutch Oven cookware. What we are doing is to season them well so that they will not rust. The scrubbing of the cookware will be the first and last time you will use soap on your Dutch oven cookware. After you’ve removed the protective coating, make sure the pot and lid are dried completely.
Seasoning Your Dutch Oven
The next thing you’re going to do is a process called seasoning. This can be done in your oven or in a propane gas grill. The latter is recommended due to the mess you’re about to make. As you’re about to see, you’re house will fill with smoke pretty quickly if you attempt this indoors as well. If you are going to use a gas grill, it should be large enough to accommodate your Dutch Oven cookware with the cover closed.
Pre-heat your grill to between 350-375 degrees. While you’re waiting for the grill to heat up, generously coat the pot and lid with Crisco. Make sure you do the top and bottom of the lid, as well as the inside and outside of the pot. Apply the Crisco as thick as you can, there’s no such thing as too much.
Once the grill is heated and your Dutch Oven cookware is coated, place the lid and the pot upside down inside the grill. Placing them upside down will prevent the melted grease from collecting inside the pot on the cooking surface. Bake the pot and the lid for about an hour. After that, remove the pot and lid and wipe off any excess grease. Then, re-coat and heat for another forty-five minutes to an hour.
After the second baking period, apply a thin layer of cooking oil when the pot is cool enough to handle. If done properly, you have successfully created a baked on protective coating that will prevent your Dutch Oven cookware from rusting. It also creates a non-stick cooking surface that rivals anything you can find on the market commercially.
