Play PC games on your Mac? TUAW tests CrossOver
Posts with tag pots and pans

New set of tools makes setting up a kitchen a snap

set of cookware from My Pro Kitchen
I am a huge sucker for kitchen equipment. I've enjoyed shopping for just about every piece in my kitchen (whether it came from a thrift shop, yard sale or bonafide kitchen supply store). However, I know that not everyone out there wants to invest the time in putting together a working, well-equipped kitchen. There are starter sets of pots and pans out there, but oftentimes they are flimsy, overpriced or missing keys pieces.

However, recently a new company arrived on the scene and they have created a set of kitchen tools that is thoughtful, solid and affordable. Called My Pro Kitchen, the 36-piece set sells for $279 and contains two pots, two pans, one lid, a cookie sheet, a big roasting pan, two kitchen knives (with sharpener), a set of stacking mixing bowls and colander, a peeler, a box grater, a cutting board, a strainer and an assortment of useful and necessary utensils.

Have any of you encountered this set? If so, what do you think about the quality and usefulness?

Must-have pots and pans

This month's Everyday Food magazine has an article about the five essential pots and pans that should be in every kitchen. They definitely picked out the right things, too. If you are missing one of these, or perhaps haven't gotten around to breaking in your kitchen after moving out of the dorms, you will be able to cook most things if you pick up all five items. On the list are:

  • 10-inch nonstick skillet - Nonsticks are great because they don't requite much cleanup, but stick to anodized aluminum brands, like Analon and Calphalon, if you want to avoid potentially toxic PFOAs. Use it for scrambling eggs and searing delicate meats, like seafood.
  • 12-inch skillet - The best choice for sauteing because you'll have lots of room to work, large skillets will allow for higher surface heat and better searing. Make sure that it balances well on your stove and isn't off balance by a too-heavy handle.
  • Large saucepan - A 3 or 4-quart saucepan is the most versatile kitchen pot because it can be used for sauces, small batches of soups or pasta for one for a quick  lunch. Don't get an aluminum one (unless its anodized) because its reactivity with utensils and metal cooking implements can quickly lend an unwelcome taste to your sauces.
  • Large pot - Stocks, soups and stews can all be made in a big 8 or 10-quart pot, but the most common use for a pot like this is to make pasta. Lots of pasta.
  • Dutch oven - These can work both in the oven and on the stove top. They retain heat better than most other cookware, too, so they're ideal for slow cooking and making soups or chili. Look for enameled cast iron, anodized aluminum or stainless steel with a copper/aluminum base.

Tip of the Day

Have you ever stashed a Coke in the freezer, hoping to chill it quickly, then forgotten all about it, only to have it explode all over your frozen peas?

Slashfood Features


What is it?
Beef (507)
Bread (13)
Candy (446)
Cheese (440)
Chocolate (759)
Comfort Food (615)
Condiments (207)
Dairy (490)
Eggs (253)
Fish (316)
Fruit (873)
Grains (594)
Meat (226)
Nuts/seeds (284)
Pork (288)
Poultry (382)
Rice (20)
Shellfish (145)
Soups/Salads (25)
Spices (283)
Sugar (394)
Vegetables (1117)
Holidays
Christmas (68)
Easter (20)
Halloween (40)
Hanukkah (9)
New Year's (11)
St. Patrick's Day (13)
Thanksgiving (49)
Valentine's Day (31)
Memorial Day (0)
Mother's Day (32)
Passover (7)
News
Artisan Foods (14)
Bakeries (119)
Books (708)
Business (1089)
Celebrities (54)
Coffee shops (171)
Farming (375)
Fast Food (206)
Food News (30)
Health & Medical (705)
How To (1179)
Lists (715)
Local Eating (43)
Magazines (450)
New Products (1344)
Newspapers (1407)
On the Blogs (2077)
Raves & Reviews (1042)
Recipes (2015)
Restaurants (1266)
Science (674)
Site Announcements (171)
Stores & Shopping (906)
Television/Film (536)
Trends (1256)
Vegetarian/Vegan (39)
Features
Guilty Pleasures (15)
Raising the Bar (6)
Tip of the Day (45)
Alt-SlashFood (42)
Back to School (14)
Brought to you by the letter D (37)
Cookbook of the Day (394)
Cooking Live with Slashfood (80)
Cooking Without a Recipe (3)
Culinary Kids (218)
Did you know? (438)
Fall Flavors (124)
Feast Your Eyes (23)
Food Gadgets (442)
Food Oddities (874)
Food Porn (875)
Food Quest (168)
Frugal Food (62)
Garden Party (25)
Grilled Cheese Day (34)
Hacking Food (107)
Happy Hour (203)
Head to Tail (32)
in sixty seconds (347)
Ingredient Spotlight (13)
Leftovers (40)
Light Food (181)
Liquor Cabinet (162)
Lush Life (221)
Our Bloggers (17)
Pizza Day (39)
Pop Food (142)
Pumpkin Day (10)
Real Kitchens (76)
Retro cookery (108)
Sandwich Day (31)
Slashfood Ate (80)
Slashfood Bowl 2008 (17)
Slashfood Challenge (1)
Slashfood Talks (3)
Slow cooking (50)
Spirit of Christmas (174)
Spirit of Summer (171)
Spirited Cooking Day (29)
Spring Cleaning (23)
Steak Day (19)
Super Bowl XLII (73)
Super Size Me (115)
The Best ... in All of New York (13)
The History of... (63)
What Time Is It?
Breakfast (677)
Dessert (1176)
Dinner (1295)
Hors D'oeuvres (285)
Lunch (932)
Snacks (1024)
Where Is It?
America (2205)
Europe (439)
France (115)
Italy (138)
Asia (484)
Australia (147)
British Isles (828)
Caribbean (30)
Central Africa (7)
East Coast (530)
Eastern Europe (41)
Islands (51)
Mediterranean (129)
Mexico (10)
Middle East (52)
Midwest Cities (219)
Midwest Rural (67)
New Zealand (61)
North America (70)
Northern Africa (19)
Northern Europe (64)
South Africa (29)
South America (84)
South Asia (120)
Southern States (202)
West Coast (905)
What are you doing?
Baking (698)
Barbecuing (86)
Boiling (126)
Braising (18)
Broiling (33)
Frying (172)
Grilling (153)
Microwaving (31)
Roasting (84)
Slow cooking (25)
Steaming (44)
Choices
 (0)
Fairtrade (10)
Additives
Artificial Sugars (36)
High-fructose corn syrup (12)
MSG (6)
Trans Fats (56)
Libations
Hot chocolate (23)
Soda (147)
Spirits (333)
Beer (286)
Brandy (3)
Champagne (75)
Cocktails (359)
Coffee (339)
Gin (101)
Juice (110)
Liqueurs (48)
Non-alcoholic (12)
Rum (76)
Teas (149)
Tequila (8)
Vodka (144)
Water (79)
Whisky (90)
Wine (573)
Affairs
Celebrations (31)
Closings (9)
Festivals (26)
Holidays (223)
Openings (40)
Parties (193)
Tastings (132)

RESOURCES

RSS NEWSFEEDS

Powered by Blogsmith

Featured Stories

Featured Galleries

I scream, you scream...
Food delivery at its finest
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Feast Your Eyes: May
Better Homes and Gardens Barbecue Book
Julep Iced Tea
Loyal Army Food Clothes
Great American Pie Festival
MOMA's funkiest kitchen accessories
Pork Pie Cake
Canstruction Designs
Taste of Vail
 

Sponsored Links

Most Commented On (60 days)

Weblogs, Inc. Network

Other Weblogs Inc. Network blogs you might be interested in:

Also on AOL