Kitchen Essential

The pots and pans in your kitchen can make or break all future cooking experiments and experiences. If you’re still using your Mom’s or Gran’s discarded pots and pans, you’re going to have to replace them some or other time. On your first outing to buy a pot, you will find that there is such a wide variety that it is quite hard to choose. Here are some guidelines to help you with this treasure hunt. Continue Reading »

Fireproof earthenware

Elizabeth David gives the following advice for French fireproof earthenwaredesigned for use over direct heat, such as pot-au-feu, marmites and poelons. It is advice worth following for all ceramic cooking pots if they are designed to be used on the stove. Always heat slowly. Keep heat very low and steady throughout cooking. Earthenware retains heat well so even if initial cooking is over direct heat, a mat should be used to check and reduce heat once simmering point has been reached. Don’t add cold liquid to a casserole containing hot fat or food. Hot casseroles should be left to cool before they are washed.

For safety, the cooking ring should not be smaller than the base of the pot. Oval baking dishes, for example, are safe under the grill and in the oven, Continue Reading »

Good cookware makes the world of difference,and there is a vast range of materials to choosefrom. Pots and pans need to be well balanced and heavy enough to prevent warping or denting. The handles should be comfortable to hold, strong enough to manoeuvre the pot or pan, and should be securely attached with rivets or screws. Lids should fit securely and have handles that are safe and easy to grip.

The ideal material for cookware provides quick, efficient heating. Continue Reading »