Archive for cuisinart small griddler
Cooking Measurements and the Inexperienced Cook
Posted by: | CommentsDo 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.
Cast Iron Pans
Posted by: | CommentsCast 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.
Summer Barbeque Cooking
Posted by: | CommentsSummer Barbeque Cooking
If you want to host great summer barbeque events then you’ll need to put a little effort into the preparations. Fortunately, by preparing properly, you’ll still be able to fully enjoy the day itself.
Why is that so many of us enjoying hosting BBQ events? Part of the reason is surely that they give us a good excuse to get out and enjoy the sunshine. Here in the UK, this is undoubtedly a key factor.
After all, when you see so little of the sun during the rest of the year, it’s only natural that you’d want to make the most of the better weather.
Another factor is the chance to socialise. These occasions give us the chance to relax and unwind with friends, relatives and work colleagues. Unlike in the case of more formal dinner parties, there is often a nice, relaxed atmosphere.
So what do you need to do to make your event a success? The biggest mistake that most people make is to be far too casual on the day and hence ruin the cooking of the food.
This doesn’t make a very good impression and can actually be quite dangerous if food is not prepared to a high enough standard.
A better option is to realise that you’re likely to want to have a chat and a few drinks on the day, so to make allowances for this by preparing some food early. This is easier than it sounds – many side dishes, for instance, will be served cold on the day.
The other step that you can take in the direction of success is to make sure that you understand the workings of your BBQ equipment. I tend to use Weber barbeques, but it’s important that you’re comfortable using the equipment that you’ll be cooking on.
By taking these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to a great summer event.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
How to BBQ a delicious Meal
When summer rolls around that signals the beginning of BBQ season. Do like to eat BBQ? Would you like to know how to cook it? Find out how to make a lip smacking BBQ meal.
Chris Hall: How to Cook a Whole Fish
Barbecuing: Last Summer my blogging partner Bridget Moloney and I cooked whole striped bass on the barbecue, and while we were both a little underwhelmed by the flavor of striped bass, it was great.
Become a BBQ Master with Competition BBQ Secrets
Very detailed and exact barbecue recipes to cook championship ribs, butts, chicken and brisket. One chapter for each type of meat with different barbecuing techniques wrtten precisely for you.
Titanium Cookware
Posted by: | CommentsTitanium 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.
..
Titanium Cookware Review – Nonstick Cookware
Titanium cookware is non-stick cookware, and is a better choice over Teflon coated cookware. Although titanium has some properties of aluminum, it is tougher, rust-proof and more.
Titanium Cookware – Titanium Cookware Reviews
Titanium Cookware Reviews – This type of cookware can be a bit pricy but from some of the reviews that this cookware has been getting it appears it is well worth the money.
How To Choose The Right Backpacking Cookware
Titanium is a material that is growing in popularity for use in cookware. It has many characteristics that make it ideal for backpacking cookware. It is very lightweight.
Titanium Cookware Sets – Are Thay Really Worth The Money
Best Syndication News Does titanium cookware have enough advantages to really justify the big price tag that comes with it? Well one of the biggest advantages of titanium pots and pans is weight.
Poisonous Verdigris
Posted by: | CommentsPoisonous Verdigris – Precaution and Tips in Taking Care of Brass
Amidst all the types of cookware coming out in the market, copper cookware is still one of the best. It has been tried and tested already for many generations already. Even if newer models are coming out made of aluminum or titanium, many users still prefer copper cookware. Copper cookware is not only considered classic, it is also popular for its beauty and excellent heat qualities. Most of these pots and pans feature copper and brass exteriors as well as stainless steel interiors. The combined materials make the cookware easy to clean and use. You can simply wash and rinse this using warm sudsy water to prevent food from sticking. Then wash with a copper/brass cleaner afterwards. Dry immediately to prevent discolorations and hard water stains.
Even if some copper and brass brands are deemed dishwasher safe, it still has parts that can discolor and tarnish. Handwash them to prevent this problem.
To clean, you can try using a homemade cleaning solution. This is a mixture of salt, flour, ammonia and lemon juice. This can be applied on copper cookware with a soft scrubbing brush. Make sure that you polish for a dry, clean luster.
Avoid using the following materials because they will scrape off the copper and brass material: alcohol, steel wool, bleach, abrasive cleaners, metal implements and oven cleaners. For burnt copper and brass pans and pots, clean them with cold water. It lessens the burnt taste and drastically reduces temperature after being heated in high temperature.
If you see cake-on, burnt-on coatings or films of food, you can boil it and add 1 tsp baking or washing soda. You can also use cream of tartar. Add 1 tsp for every cup of water. You will see the food flood within 20 minutes. After this, you can wash it the usual way.
Another option is to cover the inner burnt bottom with washing or baking soda. Then, add enough water to cover the soda. Soda will dissolve the stickiness of the food, releasing stuck food in even layers. However, sometimes this procedure takes overnight.
Wash cookware immediately after use. Never place most of your pans and pots inside the dishwasher. It is extremely important also not to boil your copper and brass cookware dry. This will melt the tin lining. Use wooden utensils when cooking with brass or copper cookware. Metal utensils can scrape off and scratch the tin lining.
Most copper and brass cookware are tin-lined because these two substances are known to develop verdigris. It is a highly poisonous substance that can contaminate food. Stop using your cookware when you see greenish discoloration already.
It is important to note that any material has a certain degree of harmfulness. Whatever we choose, precautions are always our first guards. Always keep cooking materials clean because these come in first contact with the food we eat. Dry these well after washing to prevent moisture. Wet surfaces are good environments for germs and other bacteria to grow.
When properly cleaned and maintained well, copper and brass still remain as two of the best materials used in cookware.
All-Clad Stainless 6-Piece Cookware Set with Nonstick Fry Pan
For cleaning of the Cop-R-Chef exterior, simply use a brass/copper cleaner. If your water has a high iron content, you may notice a rusty discoloration. Use Bar Keeper s Friend to remove verdigris.
Healthy Home Cleaning Recipes
Brass or bronze: polish with a soft cloth dipped in lemon and baking-soda solution, or vinegar and salt solution. chrome: polish with baby oil, vinegar, or aluminum foil shiny side out.
150 Tips and Tricks on Cleaning Almost Anything
Chewing Gum Removal Tips; Chocolate Stain Removal Hints; Chrome Cleaning Care and Repair; Clean Golf Club Heads; Clean Water Hardness Buildup; Cleaning Brass: Care and Repair
From Brass to Tin: How to Care for Your Antique Metals
For your outdoor copperware: left untended it develops an appealing green patina, yet people do tend to polish their copper cookware. A timeless homemade remedy continues to be a popular cleaning solution.