Archive for compare calphalon cookware to pampered chef cookware

Do cooking measurements matter? When a recipe calls for a pinch of this and a dash of that, does it really matter how much you put in? What will happen if you leave an ingredient out?

If you’re an inexperienced cook, you wonder about the answers to these and other questions. Let’s take the mystery out of cooking measurements once and for all.

What’s a Pinch or a Dash?

A pinch of an ingredient (usually a spice) is literally the amount of the ingredient that can be held between your thumb, your index finger, and your middle finger. A small pinch is the amount of an ingredient that can be held between your thumb and one finger (take your pick which one you want to use). A dash, on the other hand, is a measurable amount – less than one-eight of a teaspoon but more than one-sixteenth.

Converting Cooking Measurements

Follow this table to convert U.S. measurements to metric:

1/5 teaspoon…1 ml

1 teaspoon…5 ml

1 tablespoon…15 ml

1 fluid ounce…30 ml

1/5 cup…50 ml

1 cup…240 ml

2 cups (1 pint)…470 ml

4 cups (1 quart)…95 liter

4 quarts (1 gal.)…3.8 liters

1 oz. weight…28 grams

1 pound…454 grams

What If It Gets Left Out?

Including all the minor ingredients is more important in baking things like cakes, cookies, and pastries, than it is in meat loaf, omelets, and salads. Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to follow the recipe. Whoever wrote the recipe experimented with the cooking measurements to get them just right.

Now, if you know you can’t stand the taste of cumin, and you want to substitute oregano for cumin in a meat loaf recipe, that’s one thing. But leaving ginger out of ginger spice cookies is just wrong.

Measuring Tools

The importance of cooking measurements has led to a whole industry of cooking measuring cups and spoons. One of the most popular cooking measuring cup sets today is a blue ceramic set that looks just like a big coffee cup, marketed by Nigella Lawson the beautiful and famous television chef.

The most popular measuring spoons are heart-shaped measuring spoons by RSVP International. These spoons have arrow handles and heart-shaped measuring spoons. They make the user smile every time they use them.

The final cooking measurement device every cook needs is a scale. The best scales are digital, with the ability to accurately weigh items in bowls or plates or on slips of waxed paper.

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Categories : General
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Mar
20

Cast Iron Pans

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Cast Iron Pans

If you prefer a pan that distributes heat evenly and moderately, then cast iron pans may be exactly what you’re looking for. Unlike aluminum ones, they are a lot heavier and do not heat rapidly. In terms of price, they are generally pocket friendly i.e affordable or reasonably costly. One thing to note is that though they may heat slowly, once they’re hot they definitely maintain the temperature.

 

They are part of traditional art of cooking and are believed to be some of the oldest cooking pans ever used. They are amazing in control of cooking temperature and preventing food from burning. In addition, Cooking often goes smooth and evenly with no risk at all in creating hot spots and this makes them considered professional tools by many chefs.

Long-term effects such as rusting, stain formation and decaying when exposed to certain foods are some of cast iron pans disadvantages. Nevertheless, it’s possible to prolong its life when you take extra care. All you’ve to do is simply take care when washing them, keep them dry and never leave food in them.

Cast iron pans are commonly used for frying and slow cooking. Moreover, they can be used both on top of the stove and in the oven. When it comes to cleaning, wipe them clean with a piece of paper and use hot water to remove any food stuck. Once you’re done washing, dry the pan thoroughly and if possible, coat it with a thin layer of oil so as to avoid rusting and decaying.

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Categories : Cast Iron
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Feb
01

Titanium Cookware

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Titanium Cookware Versus Copper and Brass

Cookware is made of different materials. And these materials have varying characteristics that can either be useful or disadvantageous to cooking. Most of these cooking items are made of copper and brass. Some are made of titanium.

Titanium cookware has the highest strength-to-weight ratio compared to many different metals. It is considered a durable, lightweight cookware. Many industries and households have switched to titanium pans, for healthy living and cooking. The high cost actually pays off in the long run.

Titanium cookware is advantageous in many ways. It has a patented non-stick, high-tech abrasion-resistant surface finishing. It is therefore highly resistant to scratches. You can even use metal utensils for stirring. It secures a fine grip because of its heat-resistant handles. It is screw-less and rivet-less. Its handles, knobs and lids can be oven proof (up to 260oC). The thermostatic base is impossible to warp in years of daily use. It definitely looks new, classy and elegant even after a long time of use. The 8 mm thick hand cast aluminum core can conduct heat seven times as compared to steel or iron. This provides even heat distribution as well as retention for evenly cooked meals. No oil or water is required. It even keeps the food from burning.

Titanium layers are non-porous, very resistant to warps, and durable. It prevents aluminum from leaking onto the food. It also gives indirect heat for a perfect cooking atmosphere. Glass lids are heat-resistant, allowing the viewing of the cooking process.

Titanium cookwares weigh less than cast iron pots and pans. It is good for people with arthritis. Its lightweight nature is ideal for camping and backpacking adventures.

Titanium cookware is non-porous, posing no potential harmful poisons and toxins that can make their way onto the food you cook. It is ideal for health-conscious individuals because the non-stick feature requires lesser amount of oil to cook. Having less cooking oil is a healthy way to eliminate much fat or calories. Titanium cookwares are also heat quickly and evenly, and easy to clean after use. It works on any stove top. It is dishwasher safe. It has an anti-bacterial coating (titanium dioxide). This kills nasty bugs that cause food poisoning.

Titanium cookware is considered as a perfect material for cooking with class. Popular forms are open French skillet, stir-fry pans, stock pots, sierra cup, multi-compact cook set, sauce pans and backpacking cook set.

With the onset of titanium, it is often compared side by side with brass and copper. Although these last two materials have been used for many years already in manufacturing cookware, it has disadvantages. First and most important of all is its high ability to rust and corrode, and thereby contaminating the foods cooked. Although copper and brass cookware is lined with non-corrosive materials, it wears off after several washing.

This is what sets apart the titanium. For the same rate of durability and usefulness, titanium is proven to be safer. More and more cooks are switching to titanium cookware because of the obvious advantages.

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Categories : Non-Stick
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