I mentioned earlier this week that Randy and I have almost been married for 10 years. I was young when we married, and I don't even remember cooking a full meal before I got married. I'm sure I did, but I lived in a dorm (with a meal plan) or with my parents until we married. Actually, now that I think about it, I'm sure I cooked in Randy's apartment at some point.
Anyway, with the big wedding comes the big gift registry stuff. I knew very little about what kind of cooking I would do and what I would need for my kitchen. I registered for a set of non-stick pots and pans. I didn't treat them right, they've worn out, they've been abused. In fact a couple of pieces have been tossed. Over the last years (especially since the tight-money years... since Danny was born) I have learned to cook more at home. I have learned what pots and pans I really use, and which appliances are just a waste. I have updated many of the appliances (the blender/food processor to make baby-food and the coffee maker since I now drink coffee). I haven't done anything with my pots and pans, though. The non-stick has worn off. And now I know about the dangers of Teflon, so I wouldn't even choose those now. I recognize that I like to make big pots of soup and stewy-type things (rarely with meat). I now cook more fresh veggies instead of plopping the can or contents of a frozen bag in a saucepan!
These are some of the things I am looking at replacing my cookware with in the next year. I'll start with the costliest stuff first.
All Clad Stainless Steel Saute Pan (3 qt)
Le Creuset Oval Dutch Oven (at least 6 qt, in Red... they have one at Costco now)---I think I would use this most for my soups and stewy-things!
A cast iron skillet like this one ... something that is versatile and will brown things nicely
Two simple saucepans like these (1 qt and 3 qt... or maybe 1 1/2 qt and 3 qt)
This paring knife set from Williams-Sonoma. I'm always (always, always) hand-washing my paring knife before it has a chance to go through the dishwasher, and the colors are amazing!
We do want to buy a four-slice toaster. That is just something that comes with having a bigger family!
A frying pan I haven't yet decided on... I feel like I should get non-stick for fish and eggs, but I'm just not sure what is available without Teflon (is there anything?).
My bakeware is fine. I eye the fancy stuff sometimes, but in all truth I don't bake much, so it isn't worth it for me.
I'm curious if any of you have the above-mentioned items or have any opinions on such things. Let me know!
Jun 26, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
I swear by All-Clad (more expensive initially, but well worth it in the long run both for the great cooking it produces and the durability--cheap cookware just deteriorates too quickly). They've got great heft (and you want a heavy bottom for anything that needs the even distribution of heat), very durable, look great . . . . I don't know what they use for their nonstick products, but I can tell you that we have had our nonstick frying pan for six years and it has no flaking or scratching on it (and I use it every day or two). My guess is that you probably want to go high-end on the nonstick (All-Clad or Calpholon, ect.) so as to avoid the flaking tephlon thing. I have wanted a Le Creuset for a long time now, so if you get one, let me know how it works out for you.
Post a Comment