The Cooks' Den » Cookware http://www.thecooksden.com Cooking Tools - Gear for Cooks and Chefs Thu, 27 Oct 2011 04:49:11 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Green Gourmet Wok by Cuisinart | GreenGourmet Ceramic Nonstick Eco Friendly Recycled Cookware http://www.thecooksden.com/green-gourmet-wok-by-cuisinart-greengourmet-ceramic-nonstick-eco-friendly-recycled-cookware/ http://www.thecooksden.com/green-gourmet-wok-by-cuisinart-greengourmet-ceramic-nonstick-eco-friendly-recycled-cookware/#comments Thu, 29 Sep 2011 19:47:33 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12790 Green Gourmet Wok by Cuisinart The GreenGourmet line from Cuisinart is a really great idea conceptually. Both product and packaging are made from materials that are recycled, better for the environment, and healthier for your body. This wok is just one of many GreenGourmet options to choose from, and it holds up like the rest.

The solid construction is made out of hard anodized aluminum, a material that heats up quickly and requires less energy to maintain high temperatures. The wok is coated inside with ceramic-based non-stick coating, not petroleum-based -- just one more way to conserve resources. It's also PTFE and PFOA-free. All stainless steel parts are made from 70% recycled materials, and the product packaging is 100% recycled and printed with soy ink.

This wok measures 12 inches in diameter and comes with a tight-fitting glass lid. The handles are stay-cool, and it's still safe in oven temperatures up to 500 degrees as well as under the broiler. Cuisinart also covers this GreenGourmet product with a limited lifetime warranty.

At first, this GreenGourmet wok offers a lot more non-stick action than an ordinary stainless steel pan. After a while, though, it's possible that the surface could become more reminiscent of stainless steel. Some users mention that after 6 months or so, it's not as non-stick as it was out of the box. However, most cooks don't report any problems at all. In any case, it's best to follow the manufacturer's cooking and maintenance instructions to extend the life of the pan, such as not exposing it to extreme stovetop temperatures or not washing it in the dishwasher.

Compare this GreenGourmet wok with the Joyce Chen Wok Set, another eco-friendly alternative.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/green-gourmet-wok-by-cuisinart-greengourmet-ceramic-nonstick-eco-friendly-recycled-cookware/feed/ 0 Cuisinart Multi Purpose Pot w/ Glass Lid | Chef’s Classic Cookware Bowl, Stainless Steel http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-multi-purpose-pot-w-glass-lid-chefs-classic-cookware-bowl-stainless-steel/ http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-multi-purpose-pot-w-glass-lid-chefs-classic-cookware-bowl-stainless-steel/#comments Tue, 27 Sep 2011 19:11:51 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12786 Cuisinart Multi Purpose Pot w/ GlassThis Cuisinart Multi-Purpose Pot follows the streamlined stainless steel look of the Chef's Classic product line. It has a modern, minimalist design and is just as functional as the rest of the set -- maybe even replacing a few pots & pans altogether.

The large bowl-shaped pan can be used for countless recipes: soups, pasta, roasts, layered casseroles, desserts, etc. There's not much it can't do. My favorite feature? Cuisinart says this pan is safe to use in extreme temperatures, both hot and cold extremes. You can put it in a 550-degree oven (Fahrenheit) and later use it for storing leftovers in the freezer. Not all cookware is safe to use with temperatures that high. It also comes with a fitted lid and features strong double loop helper handles.

As with Cuisinart's other stainless steel cookware products, the Multi-Purpose Pot won't stain or react with foods. Its aluminum base distributes heat quickly and evenly across the surface. Care is easy, too, because the pan is dishwasher safe.

Over time, you may start to notice small discolorations on the bottom surface. These are typically small in size and would be matched with the most repetitive, hottest source of direct heat, especially if you frequently cook on the stovetop higher than medium heat. It doesn't affect the pan's functionality, though.

There are dozens of cookware options that match this pan in the Chef's Classic product line. For starters, take a look at the Cuisinart Double Boiler Insert.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-multi-purpose-pot-w-glass-lid-chefs-classic-cookware-bowl-stainless-steel/feed/ 0 Chestnut Roasting Pan by Paderno | Perforated for Roasted Nuts, Black Carbon 11 Inch http://www.thecooksden.com/chestnut-roasting-pan-by-paderno-perforated-for-roasted-nuts-black-carbon-11-inch/ http://www.thecooksden.com/chestnut-roasting-pan-by-paderno-perforated-for-roasted-nuts-black-carbon-11-inch/#comments Wed, 22 Jun 2011 19:45:02 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12475 Chestnut Roasting Pan by Paderno "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire" isn't a phrase that frequently enters my mind during the summertime. Roasted chestnuts come with memories of winter holidays, hot cider by the fireplace, and Nat King Cole.

But in many other cultures, roasted chestnuts are a street food staple. In Portugal, for example, roasted chestnuts are an integral part of the national holiday of St. Martin's Day, which celebrates the year's new wine.

This pan by Paderno makes it possible to enjoy roasted chestnuts year-round. It can be used by a bonfire, over the fire pit, fireplace, or on the stovetop -- quite versatile. The carbon steel construction makes it an excellent conductor of heat, and it's safe to use with very high temperatures. Over time, it will also season naturally to become non-stick, like a cast iron pan.

To get an authentic flavor, score the chestnuts before roasting by carving an "X" on the shell, then add sea salt and toss frequently over the heat. The nuts will steam through the scoring and turn black when ready to eat. An easy way to score the nuts is to use a pair of strong, sharp kitchen shears instead of a knife.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/chestnut-roasting-pan-by-paderno-perforated-for-roasted-nuts-black-carbon-11-inch/feed/ 0 Swiss Diamond Wok, Nonstick | Dishwasher Safe Cast Aluminum w/ Lid & Rack http://www.thecooksden.com/swiss-diamond-wok-nonstick-dishwasher-safe-cast-aluminum-w-lid-rack/ http://www.thecooksden.com/swiss-diamond-wok-nonstick-dishwasher-safe-cast-aluminum-w-lid-rack/#comments Tue, 31 May 2011 19:04:02 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12394 Swiss Diamond Wok, Nonstick To me, this Swiss Diamond Wok is a stand-out product for two reasons: the cooking surface and the added features. Both are things that don't normally come with every wok purchase. Time to take a closer look.

First, the cooking surface is unlike any other on the market. It's made from real diamond crystals, the hardest material known to man. Swiss Diamond uses this diamond surface in a cast aluminum pan that they advertise will never "peel, crack or blister." All that, and it's non-stick, too. A virtually indestructible pan would also allow cooks to use metal utensils liberally, since they wouldn't affect the surface.

Second, not every wok comes with a rack attachment and a special lid like this one does. The rack is used for deep-fat frying; when draining fat or oil from the pan, the rack keeps the food in place. Additionally, the tempered glass lid also works as a steam vent via the center handle.

The standard, "typical" cookware features are there as well. The Swiss Diamond Wok has a flat surface that is safe for use on all electric, gas, and ceramic cooktops. It's also dishwasher safe and is OK to use in the oven up to 500 degrees F.

With all its nifty features, however, keep in mind that this wok has a chance of not living up to your expectations. It's a gamble. I've used this pan for a while and don't have any problems with it -- then again, I don't take chances with metal utensils and I normally wash it by hand. Swiss Diamond's "virtually indestructible" claims don't necessarily mean "perfectly indestructible." There's always room for imperfections, and that's not something I want to test to the max, since Swiss Diamond's limited lifetime warranty and customer service can be a bit of a gamble as well. In any case, I feel it's a good habit to treat any of my cookware items with care, regardless of whether or not it's made to withstand more than it should. So far, so good.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/swiss-diamond-wok-nonstick-dishwasher-safe-cast-aluminum-w-lid-rack/feed/ 0 Swiss Diamond Induction Frying Pan Skillet | Nonstick 11 Inch w/ Cast Aluminum Helper Handle http://www.thecooksden.com/swiss-diamond-induction-frying-pan-skillet-nonstick-11-inch-w-cast-aluminum-helper-handle/ http://www.thecooksden.com/swiss-diamond-induction-frying-pan-skillet-nonstick-11-inch-w-cast-aluminum-helper-handle/#comments Thu, 26 May 2011 19:51:09 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12365 Swiss Diamond Induction Frying PanI'm still fascinated by the induction cooking method, even though induction ovens and cooktops have been around for a while. It reminds me of using a gas burner on an electric stovetop because it has that level of temperature control. I also like that induction appliances are much more energy-efficient, since it takes less electricity to heat the surface of the pot or pan I'm using.

This Swiss Diamond skillet is made to work solely on induction cooktops. The surface will heat quickly -- and that's not any ordinary surface, either. It's made from cast aluminum with 200,000 diamond crystals. Yup, real diamonds. They're stronger than titanium and are the hardest material known to man. With this build, Swiss Diamond advertises a product that is impervious to dings, scuffs, scratches and cracks -- imperfections that would show up over time with typical non-stick cookware.

Be forewarned about a couple of things, though:

First, this pan should just be used with an induction stovetop or oven. It's not safe for using on a gas range. However, it is dishwasher safe and oven safe up to 500 degrees F.

Second, treat any Swiss Diamond product with care. And by "care," I mean not using metal utensils or using harsh cleaning tools on the surface. Even though the genuine diamonds on the cooking surface are built in to avert this problem, they aren't perfect. Take a close look at the warranty, too. It's a limited lifetime warranty, so that means Swiss Diamond may refuse to refund or replace this skillet if it looks "abused" rather than "malfunctioning."

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/swiss-diamond-induction-frying-pan-skillet-nonstick-11-inch-w-cast-aluminum-helper-handle/feed/ 0 10 Piece Cookware Set by Swiss Diamond | Nonstick Cast Aluminum http://www.thecooksden.com/swiss-diamond-cookware-review-set-nonstick-cast-aluminum-10-piece/ http://www.thecooksden.com/swiss-diamond-cookware-review-set-nonstick-cast-aluminum-10-piece/#comments Thu, 19 May 2011 19:00:51 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12342 Swiss Diamond Cookware Review Set In the 1980s, one of the many technological advancements in kitchen cookware was the invention of a titanium ceramic non-stick cooking surface. Companies used titanium to make the surface more durable, allowing cooks to use metal utensils without fear of chipping or cracking the surface.

Swiss Diamond decided to take that concept a step further by using real diamond crystals, a stronger substance than titanium, as a part of its patented non-stick cookware surface. They advertise pans that will never "peel, crack or blister" and come with a limited lifetime warranty.

Each pan in this 10-piece cookware set is made from hard cast aluminum and is built with Swiss Diamond's non-stick diamond crystal technology. The set is a good inclusion of standard pieces any cook would need in the kitchen: two saucepans (1.4-quart and 2.2-quart), two frying pans (8- and 10-inch), an 8.5-quart stockpot, and a 3.2-quart saute pan. Each dishwasher-safe pot comes with a tempered glass lid and is fitted with stay-cool handles.

In theory, Swiss Diamond's indestructibility is a great idea. But does it actually work?

If you're taking extremely good care of the set, babying it and using metal utensils rarely or never, then yes. If you're lucky. However, over time, the surface will show wear and tear just like any other cookware set. Fortunately, there's a chance Swiss Diamond will replace them under the limited lifetime warranty, but there's also an equal chance of a voided warranty if Swiss Diamond deems normal wear and tear as "abuse."

Compare this set with the Cuisinart Green Gourmet cookware set. It features a durable non-stick surface that's healthy and free of Teflon as well, plus it's less expensive.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/swiss-diamond-cookware-review-set-nonstick-cast-aluminum-10-piece/feed/ 0 Cuisinart Double Boiler Universal Insert & Lid | For Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel Saucepan, Fits 2, 3 or 4 Quart http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-double-boiler-universal-insert-lid-for-chefs-classic-stainless-steel-saucepan-fits-2-3-or-4-quart/ http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-double-boiler-universal-insert-lid-for-chefs-classic-stainless-steel-saucepan-fits-2-3-or-4-quart/#comments Thu, 24 Mar 2011 19:40:33 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12067 Cuisinart Double Boiler UniversalIf you have a Cuisinart Chef's Classic cookware set and find yourself in need of a double boiler, great news -- you don't have to shell out big bucks for a bulky double boiler set just so you can make that perfect sauce. Instead, take a look at the Cuisinart Double Boiler insert pictured here.

This double boiler has a rounded bottom which can fit into 2, 3, and 4-quart saucepans in the Chef's Classic product line. It's made from stainless steel and comes with a fitted lid topped with a large loop handle. The diameter is rimmed in such a way to discourage excess dripping when the contents are poured out. The double boiler is dishwasher-safe and oven-safe up to 550 degrees.

As with other products in the Cuisinart Chef's Classic line, this double boiler holds up and performs very well. It heats evenly, cleans easily, and is fairly non-stick -- as long as the temperature stays at medium heat or lower.

Peruse with caution if you don't have a matching Chef's Classic pot or pan. While this Cuisinart double boiler is labelled "universal," chances are it will only seal tightly on cookware bearing the same name, like this 7-piece cookware set.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-double-boiler-universal-insert-lid-for-chefs-classic-stainless-steel-saucepan-fits-2-3-or-4-quart/feed/ 0 Tramontina Dutch Oven Cast Iron Cookware | Covered Casserole Dish, No Seasoning Required http://www.thecooksden.com/tramontina-dutch-oven-cast-iron-cookware-covered-casserole-dish-no-seasoning-required/ http://www.thecooksden.com/tramontina-dutch-oven-cast-iron-cookware-covered-casserole-dish-no-seasoning-required/#comments Sat, 05 Mar 2011 19:33:42 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=11987 Tramontina Dutch Oven Cast IronThis cast iron Dutch oven by Tramontina has been getting a lot of attention over the past year or so. After getting praised by "America's Test Kitchen" as the top-rated Dutch oven casserole dish by their test cooks, its popularity has soared. The Tramontina Dutch Oven's performance surpassed popular cookware brands like Le Creuset and Lodge, which are often more expensive. Cooks are looking to Tramontina to get the best bang for their buck.

The versatility of a Dutch oven in the kitchen is a great asset when cooking, and the Tramonina Dutch oven lives up to expectations. It's useful for simmering soups and stews, slow cooking, braising, roasting, sauteing, baking, and even frying. The pot itself comes in 3.5- or 6.5-quart varieties in either red or black. The sides have loop handles, and the heavy lid is fitted with a stay-cool knob handle.

A common drawback for Dutch oven users, especially those new to the method, is the need to pre-season cookware before use. It can be a tricky thing to figure out at first. However, with the Tramontina Dutch oven, no pre-seasoning is needed. The cast iron dish is coated with a porcelain enamel interior instead, so those looking for the versatility of a Dutch oven can get it all with Tramontina without having to worry about the perfect way to pre-season it.

While the list of the Tramontina's positive features is quite long, there are a few cautions to keep in mind. This Dutch oven is not ideal for cooking on the stovetop any higher than on a medium setting. Otherwise, there's a risk of voiding the included limited lifetime warranty if problems arise. Also, the enamel must be treated with care. One tip is to wash the dish by hand immediately after use; don't soak it in water prior to washing, or the enamel may absorb the water and start to crack.

The Tramontina Dutch Oven is a better value than its competitors due to its equal performance and lower price, but it isn't entirely low maintenance. If treated with care, it will perform well for years in the kitchen.

It's also very comparable to the Le Creuset French Oven, another highly-praised model by numerous chefs.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/tramontina-dutch-oven-cast-iron-cookware-covered-casserole-dish-no-seasoning-required/feed/ 0 Hawkins Pressure Cooker Review | Hard, Anodized Aluminum Futura Cookware http://www.thecooksden.com/hawkins-pressure-cooker/ http://www.thecooksden.com/hawkins-pressure-cooker/#comments Sun, 23 Jan 2011 19:24:58 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=11739 Futura Pressure Cooker -- New, Easy &The Futura Hard Anodized Pressure Cooker by Hawkins converts one of the beasts of the kitchen into a helpful ally. No more messing around with gaskets that won't stay put -- this is space-age technology put to good use.

Pressure cooking is a simple idea that's been around for a long time. Sealing the food in the pressure cooker raises the air pressure inside the pot as the food heats. As the air pressure goes up, so does the boiling point of the water. Food cooks at a higher temperature, and overall cooking time drops by as much as 50 percent. Cooking with an old style of pressure cooker, however, was not a job for a nervous person. Getting that gasket to seal often took several tries and a liberal coating of vegetable oil.

This modern design uses an entirely different type of pressure seal -- an O-ring style of gasket permanently bonded to the rim of the lid. Set the lid in place inside the pot, not on top of it, and a squeeze of the double handle locks the lid down. You can't release the lid again until the pot cools to a safe temperature. An automatic release valve vents steam downward to keep the pot working within safe pressure limits. You'll find the handbook that comes with the pot essential. Follow the instructions carefully if you're new to pressure-cooking. The recipes included give you a good sampling of what's possible, including more efficient cooking, more nutrients, and more flavor.

The hard anodized aluminum oxide surface has more abrasion resistance than steel, and cleans up easily with ordinary detergent.

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Hawkins Futura Anodized Pressure Cooker 5 Liter Hawkins Futura Anodized Pressure Cooker 5 Liter
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Hawkins Futura Anodized Pressure Cooker 7 Liter Hawkins Futura Anodized Pressure Cooker 7 Liter
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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/hawkins-pressure-cooker/feed/ 0 Omelette Pan By Mauviel – The Best Copper Omelet Frypan http://www.thecooksden.com/omelette-pan-by-mauviel-the-best-copper-omelet-frypan/ http://www.thecooksden.com/omelette-pan-by-mauviel-the-best-copper-omelet-frypan/#comments Thu, 20 Jan 2011 23:59:49 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=11727 Mauviel Omelet PanMauviel's Cuprinox frying pan has such a fast reaction time to heat adjustments that you'll be able to perform tricky feats like making French omelets correctly, instead of American style. This makes a cast iron pan look like a frontier relic.

Most of the material in this frying pan is actually copper. The bilaminated construction uses copper as the external layer, which makes up 90 percent of the pan. The copper conducts heat so efficiently that the pan heats quickly to the exact temperature you need, allows fast fine-tuning, and shuts down soon enough to eliminate overcooking from residual heat. If you want a perfect omelet, folded just right and not overcooked, that temperature control makes it all possible instead of an unattainable goal.

The interior of the Mauviel Cuprinox frying pan is a thinner layer of 18/10 stainless steel. The stainless steel resists corrosion, cleans up easily, and won't impart metallic flavors to food. Since this layer only makes up ten percent of the pan, you get the fast reaction of copper plus the durability of stainless steel. You'll find the Mauviel pan your best choice whenever working with food that needs to be done just right -- cook a steak exactly the way you want it instead of just close.

The copper exterior does tarnish, but the gloss restores easily when rubbed with copper cleaner, a fine polishing compound. You'll need to clean this pan by hand since the copper exterior of softer metal needs special care. Mauviel warns that chlorine-based cleaners pit the metal, but with mild detergents and ordinary hand washing the pan should last a lifetime.

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