Kitchen Essential

The term ‘china‘ is used to describe widely different materials ranging from the finest porcelain to heavy earthenware pottery. Fine china is usually kept for entertaining and a heavier duty pottery or earthenware is used every day.

Porcelain and bone china

This is the very best china and, treated carefully, will last well. Its extremely delicate appearance is deceptive, for it is remarkably robust and, unless knocked quite hard, is far more resistant to chipping than one might expect. It should not, however, be put into or on a very hot oven but should be warmed very gently. Overheating will cause tiny cracks to appear in the glaze and the lustre will disappear. Fine china should never come into contact with direct heat such as a low gas flame. 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 »