The Kitchen Guru

Should you buy Stainless Cookware?

2009-04-21T15:55:00.000-07:00

There are many different choices for individuals looking for the perfect cookware for their kitchen. One of the most popular choices for the average consumer is stainless steel cookware. It is easily one of the most widely recognized and well known types of cookware, and is a favorite of many individual cooks. But is it the best choice for you? What makes this cookware so great? It is worth the price? These are questions that this article will help to answer so you can make an informed decision.

First off, what exactly is stainless steel cookware? Stainless steel is an alloy, or a combination of metals, that mixes basic iron with chromium, nickel, and some other minor metals. The chromium is what provides rust protection and an extra degree of durability. Nickel also provides extra rust protection, and adds the "highly polished" look that is often attributed to this cookware. The bottom of pans often have copper or aluminum added to increase the pan's ability to conduct heat, since one of the disadvantages of the pans are that they are poor heat conductors. Another important factor to consider is that there are high grade levels of cookware, and then there are lower quality levels of cookware. My advice is if you decide to buy this type of cookware, don't skimp: the high quality is a huge difference over the lesser varieties.

There are several advantages to using this type of cookware. For one, it is extremely durable and can last years and years. It is also extremely hard, its non porous meaning you won't have to worry about cracks, leaks, or spatters. It also has a smooth surface that is dent and scratch resistant, is usually easy to clean, and it is actually easy to keep that brand new look.

There are some disadvantages to it as well. For one, it is a poor heat conductor, which is why the pans have to be coated with copper and aluminum to help cooking. This means that if speedy cooking is a big deal with you, then you should look at other cookware. Good stainless steel cookware also has a relatively high cost, which is always an issue in shopping for anything. While it is extremely easy to clean, the outside tends to discolor with very high heat, and extensive exposure to salt water can also damage the pans by causing pitting. While the heat discoloration can be cleaned off to an extent, if appearance is always an issue, then this cookware may or may not be worth the purchase depending on the amount of work you're willing to put into upkeep.

For many people, it is a great addition to the kitchen. For others, cast iron may be a better choice. Always look at the pros versus the cons, and decide which on each side are more important. Since there is a trace amount of nickel in the cookware, those with a rare allergy to nickel should NOT eat from it. Otherwise stainless steel cookware can be a great addition to any person's kitchen.

One Stop Online Shop

2009-03-31T07:49:00.000-07:00

Looking for a one stop shop for your kitchen needs? PotsNracks.com is the place! You will find the finest quality Pot Racks, Cast Iron and Stainless Steel Cookware available. Along with other kitchen products and accessories, at great prices to boot! So whether you are looking for a hanging Pot rack, or a wall mounted one, They've got something for you, and their Pot Racks, Stainless Steel Cookware, and Cast Iron sets are backed by the best warranties and exceptional service!

kitchen Trends

2009-02-19T10:51:00.000-08:00

Trends in the cookware industry, like most industries, are set and determined by what consumers are buying. Trends will follow the consumer's preferences and interests based on supply and demand and the purchasing power of individuals.

As far as cookware is concerned, there has been a shift to a more aesthetically pleasing exterior. People want their cookware to be as beautiful as they are and with this, new materials are being developed and used in cookware design and manufacturing. Stainless steel cookware, while it is highly durable, is also used for its high shine bringing aesthetics into your cookware. In addition, glass cookware is on the rise as it is pretty and functional falling into the aesthetics of the current trends. Cast Iron has always been appreciated in the Kitchen and with enameled cast iron cookware, it comes in a variety of beautiful finishes as well.

Looking for a good Juice Extractor?

2009-02-19T10:36:00.001-08:00

Looking to slim down with fruit and vegetable drinks? Make them yourself with this Fruit and Vegetable Pracessor /Juice Extractor and Citrus juicer from The Biggest Looser.
This 320-watt fruit-and-vegetable processor and juicer with 2 speeds, plus pulse with a 1-1/4-quart stainless-steel pulp container that allows for continuous juicing
It has a Transparent juice cup with pouring spout; with a safety interlocking latch
Non-slip rubberized feet keeps it from moving across your counter top, convenient cord storage along with recipes that are included and dishwasher-safe parts makes this juicer a great product!
-Measures 11-1/2 by 7 by 12 inches as a vegetable processor and 9-1/4 by 7 by 12-1/2 inches as a citrus juicer

Food Dehydrators

2009-02-13T11:04:00.000-08:00

When looking for a food dehydrator, there are three important elements you need to take into account. One food dehydrator is not like another. Even if you purchase a well-reviewed brand-name model, you should put some thought into what you are going to use it for, how much space you will need for storage, and whether you will be able to add accessories to your food dehydrator.

How Will You Use Your Food-Dehydrator?

If you are going to dehydrate primarily one type of food, then one dehydrator is all you will need. Depending on how much dehydrating you plan on doing with your new machine, you will want to purchase either a small, medium or large unit. Don't over-purchase. Most food dehydrators are expandable. If you plan to dehydrate a variety of different foods such as meat, fruit, and vegetables all at the same time, it is wise to purchase two or three small dehydrators. As with cooking, different foods require different temperatures and lengths of time to process. There are several fruits and vegetables that can be dehydrated but not every fruit or vegetable retains quality. There are many more complicated recipes for dehydrating foods. However, before you expand on your dehydrating activities buy a food dehydrator recipe book and be sure to follow it carefully.

How Much Storage Space Will You Need to Store Your Food Dehydrator?

Do you have room for a dehydrator? Can you make space for a large dehydrator? One option you might consider is reserving a permanent spot for your food dehydrator. You might have a "cubby" area that is perfect for holding your unit whether you are using it or not. This solves the problem of finding room in the pantry. If you only have space for a small dehydrator, then utilize that space to the best of your ability (or find a way to make more space).

Does the Food Dehydrator Come with the Option to Expand?

Just because you start small doesn't mean you will want to keep it small. You might find that after looking through food dehydrator recipe books, you have a completely new appreciation for the variety of ways food can be dehydrated, stored and cooked. If the dehydrator you like is expandable, make sure you can get a great deal on additional trays.

Espresso and Drip Coffe Maker

2009-02-13T10:01:00.000-08:00

Looking for something that makes both Espresso and Drip Coffee, Try DeLonghi's Combination Espresso & Drip Coffee Maker. This All-in-one Espresso-maker and drip coffee maker brews up to ten cups of coffee or espresso simultaneously. It also prepares Cappuccino Latte or Hot Chocolate. Instant froth dispenser adds frothed milk to a cup of coffee to make Cappuccino. Electronic programmable digital timer lets you wake up to a fresh cup. Vario system and Accuflafor(TM) selector allows you to choose the strength of espresso and coffee. Adjustable steam emission and safety cap prevents accidental opening. Has drip interrupt feature as well as removable water tank for convenient filling and easy cleaning.

Pot Racks - The Perfect Kitchen Accessory

2009-02-09T10:17:00.000-08:00

Not only does a pot rack give your kitchen a designer look, but they are practical as well. They are simply the best way to display and store your fine cookware, utensils or decorative items. Your pot-rack will soon become the most functional accessory in your home. Whether you choose a hanging pot rack, or wall mount, a pot rack adds charm to any kitchen, whether classic or contemporary. Choose from an assortment of styles and colors of pot-racks to complement any kitchen and perfect for organizing and storing your cookware.

Cooking Healthy

2009-02-05T09:46:00.000-08:00

Healthy cooking or healthy eating doesn't mean denial. Changes that we implement towards a healthier lifestyle will impact our health, the way we feel and perhaps extend our life.

Cooking is a personal experience and we can implement different methods for the same meal. For example, if we want to make mashed potatoes, we could boil the potatoes, or we could steam them, we could peel the skin, buy instant mixes, etc. The choices we make will modify and transform the quality and the nutritional value of the food you put on your table. So here are a few tips that you can easily implement in your kitchen.

Healthy Cooking

For a healthier lifestyle, you may want change what you cook as well as how you cook. Depending on the method you choose, you may be depleting the nutrients out of your food. You could be preparing a meal with the right nutritious ingredients but after you are done cooking, you may end up with a dish that has no nutritional value.

When heat is applied, many vitamins and minerals are burnt away. The higher the temperature and the longer you cook it, the fewer nutrients you will have in your meal. It is important then not to overcook your meals, try to cook your meals in the shortest time possible and with the minimum amount of water possible. However, dry cooking methods such as roasting and baking are perhaps the worst method, as they require a longer cooking time. Microwaving, frying, boiling and sautéing are some of the methods that you need to consider before you cook. Steaming and stir-frying are better choices, as they will allow the natural nutrition to remain in your food.

It is also important to consider the oxidation that occurs in vegetables once they are cut, as oxidation will neutralize the vitamins. For this reason, try not to cut or chop your vegetables way ahead of time.

Seasonings

You may also want to think about the seasonings that you add to your foods when cooking.

Consider adding unrefined sea salt to your meals instead of the commonly available commercial table salt, which is a highly refined product containing 99.5% sodium chloride with almost no trace minerals left. Unrefined sea salt taste wonderful and depending on the method of processing, it contains 0.5 to 3% trace minerals in addition to sodium chloride and small quantities of other elements found naturally in the ocean. You also need to remember that too much salt can cause hypertension, excessive fluid retention and other complications. You could also add a lot of spices and herbs instead if you need to add more taste to your meals. Try adding fresh lemon juice or lime juice to add a little extra taste.

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). It is used to enhance flavor and some people are extremely sensitive to it. It is believed to cause headaches, muscle tightening.

Baking powders that contain aluminum.

Cooking utensils

Quality cookware and utensils that do not interact with food are also important to consider. Natural materials such as earthenware, ceramic, glass and metals such as stainless steel, cast-iron or enamel coated steel are recommended. Avoid aluminum, plastic, Teflon and other synthetic materials. Nonstick cookware such as Teflon will emit toxic fumes when heated to a high temperature. Inhaling these toxic fumes can lead to respiratory disease, weakening of the immune system, cancer, depression, asthma and other health problems.

More Things to Consider

Choose quality vegetable oils. Avoid hydrogenated oils and fats, refined margarines and oils, animal oils and fats and shortenings. Hydrogenated oils are manufactured oils. Studies have found that they attack the arteries with a risk of heart disease, the kidneys, liver, spleen, intestine and gallbladder.

Avoid Aspartame. MSG and Aspartame are both considered excitotoxins. Studies have found that Aspartame is the cause for many medical problems, such as headaches, hyperactivity in children, seizure disorders and memory loss. Both Aspartame and MSG and other similar substances cause harm to the brain and nervous system.

Try using less white flour and introduce more fiber by adding bran and soy flour and wheat germ to your bread recipes.

Avoid white processed sugar. The living vitality is not there. Organically grown unprocessed living sugar can be found at health food stores.

Avoid artificial sweeteners, they are manufactured chemicals. Use raw organic honey, fresh organic fruit juices or organic raw evaporated sugarcane juice.

Balance your diet with fresh fruits and vegetables versus frozen or canned. Choose 100% organic fresh produce that is free from chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. Have a salad every day. Make your own salad dressing. Here is the one I make for my daily salads. In the food processor chop garlic, ginger, onion, jalapeño pepper and parsley. Add fresh squeezed lime juice (from 4 or 5 limes) or lemon juice, extra virgin oil, and unrefined sea salt, that's it, and it is delicious. You could also add honey for a little extra flavor. As far as the amount for each ingredient, I would say, 5 cloves of garlic, a 1/2" piece of ginger, 1/2 onion, 1 jalapeño pepper, a handful of parsley and 4-5 limes. Add oil and salt to taste. Yields about a pint.

Storing foods depletes their vitamin and mineral content. So remember not to keep leftovers in the fridge for more than a couple of days. Instead, try freezing your leftovers right away, as soon as your food has cooled.

And last but not least, cook with a light heart and avoid meals prepared by people who are sick, angry or they have an unhappy attitude when cooking.

Glasslock Safe Food Containers

2009-02-04T07:42:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for something that is safe to store your leftovers or other food in? Have you heard all the bad things about plastic storage containers including things like they can leach into your food and can cause cancer? Then it's time to change to Glasslock.

Glasslock Glass Food Storage Containers are Healthier & Safer for your family

•Glasslock is unique and innovative. The tempered glass is stain resistant, durable and safe. It is airtight and watertight, keeping the foods locked inside. Glasslock is microwave safe, non-toxic, and non-reactive, ensuring nothing transfers into your food while reheating. You can take it from the freezer to the microwave with no concerns. Glasslock glass food storage containers are top rack dishwasher safe.

Bennefits of Glasslock glass food storage containers

Tempered Glass

•Freezer Safe

•Microwave Safe (no lid)

•Refigerator Safe

•Top Rack Dishwasher Safe

•Air Tight / Water tight – Silicone Seal

•Simple design for microwave to table use.

•Environmentally Friendl

Save Time Cooking

2009-02-02T10:49:00.000-08:00

Does the idea that good food has to take a long time to make keep you from spending time cooking? There are many ways to help speed and efficiency in the kitchen. The arrangement of your kitchen, as well as the tools you use, make all the difference. Don't give up on trying to expand your skills and abilities. Try these suggestions to make gourmet cooking well within your time constraints.

You might have heard the old adage, "a place for everything and everything in its place." This is a great time saving practice. Put the same things in the same place in your kitchen and work area. You will not waste time trying to find things and get frustrated. Tools and items that are frequently used should be placed accessible and easy to get. The bowl or platter you only use at Thanksgiving can be placed in the basement or in the back of the cupboard. It is also worth noting that you won't know if something works until you try it and you might make changes as time goes by. Don't be afraid to reorganize or adjust.

The smell of bread baking alone is enough to make the senses ripple with pleasure. Don't deny your home of the enticing aromas of fresh baked goods that relax and invigorate the soul because you think they take too long. If you are among the population that think making homemade bread is a horribly long process that you do not have time for, invest in a mixer, it does all the work! While the ingredients combine you can spend your time checking a recipe, loading the dishwasher, or making a call. When choosing a mixer consider the quart size capacity of the bowl and wattage of the mixer. This is important because a smaller, less powerful machine will not be able to handle some quantity of ingredients. More time will be spent mixing by hand and cleaning up than if you would have done it without the machine to start with. Another important thing to note about a free standing mixer is their ability to do so many different tasks. Whipping, whisking, blending, and kneading, can all be done without you participating at all. Not only does this save time, but it also saves effort, freeing up up energy for other aspects of preparation.

Another time saving product that will help you cook like a pro is a food processor. Different jobs need different sizes and so it is recommended to have a smaller and larger capacity processor. Chopping onions, garlic, tomatoes, peppers, nuts, etc. is quick and easy. Those items you frequently use do not need to take so much time to prepare. Use the tools that speed your work and you will be more apt to do more of it.

One of the most frustrating and time taking occurrences is running out of measuring cups or spoons because they are dirty. More than one set is needed to cook efficiently. If a cup is only used for dry ingredients it is not a problem, or if you can do all the dry ingredients first and then the wet, you solve the problem, but usually they are interchanged as you cook. Two to three sets will allow you to be quick in measuring without having to stop and wash (and then thoroughly dry) measuring tools while you cook. Having a set of odd sized cups and spoons makes cooking and baking faster and easier also. A two cup, one and a half cup, 2 tablespoon, half teaspoon measures are a great time and ease saver.

These products are worth the space they take up. The time saved making delicious dinners, breads and treats will allow you to spend time that you want to working or playing without sacrificing making good food yourself. Cooking gives so much more to a person that food on the table. It allows for relaxation, contemplation, creativity and enjoyment. Free up unnecessary time spent in your kitchen and become the gourmet cook you have always wanted to be, but thought it just took too much time.

Keep your kitchen organized

2009-01-31T08:41:00.000-08:00

Here are some things you can do to organize your kitchen better.

Pantry or food shelves: Put like items together, soups in one place, and canned vegetables in another and canned fruits all together, pasta in one place—you get the idea. Everything has its place so when you need it you will save time and easily be able to see what you have. (It just might scream 'take out' pizza night.) If you haven't done this for awhile it is a good idea to make sure the cans or bottles are still good by checking expiration dates and check to see it is bulging. If it is, it is definitely spoiled and you need to get rid of it.

Refrigerator: One way to keep your fridge organized is to keep leftovers in square or rectangle food storage containers, it takes more efficient use of your space.

Snacks: Place them in a basket at a convenient level to grab and go. Or if you have family members that you don't want to get into them, hide them.

Lids: Do you have plastic or glass bowls used for storing left-overs? If the lids are always all over the place, put them in a basket by themselves which makes it easy to match to the bowl and eliminates hunting for the matches. If you keep the lids on the container that takes up a lot of space in your cupboard.

Dishes: Do you have enough room for all you have? Get metal stacking shelves that can double the amount of space in your cupboards. They come in many sizes and there are corner ones as well as straight ones that are adjustable. It is a good time to determine if you like or need all the dishes you have. If you see you never use some as you don't like them or you have too many for your needs or space; then donate to a charity.

Silverware drawer: Place the silverware in a container made for that purpose. Larger serving pieces can be placed next to it. Does your container slide back and forth as you open the drawer? A simple solution is to use sticky Velcro on the underside of the container—works great for bathroom drawers too where containers tend to want to slide about.

Pans: Place the ones you use most frequently toward the front of your shelf . If you have pans with a finish that can be chipped or scratched paper plates between the pans prevents this from happening. Better yet if you can find a place for a pot rack, there are a number of places you can put one, wall mounted, above an island or above the sink. By hanging them you have no problem with finding the right size when you need it.

If you have medicines in the cupboards check their expiration dates and make sure little children can't get into them.

Have vases become squatters under your sink? If they belong in a different place, move them to their home.

If you are looking for a neat way to organize the area around your sink there are several kitchen organizer products out there that will provide a nice solution for this.

Kitchens are often the hub of the home so a well organized one makes everyone happy. While you are waiting for Spring, or if you live where it is already Spring check out those cupboards, take an inventory and Get Organized now.

Choosing Cookware -Which is best?

2009-01-29T08:53:00.000-08:00

How to choose a quality cookware set

If you are considering purchasing new cookware, you probably are wondering how to make the most sensible purchase and still get all the pieces and features you need. Price is always a major factor in deciding which cookware set is right for you. Choosing the perfect cookware set involves much more than color and the availability of nifty glass lids that you can see through. If you are a serious cook, or simply want the best deal for the price, you will need to be more practical in making your decision.

The main factor in choosing cookware is the material from which it is made. Copper is very expensive, but conducts heat better than any other material. Heat conduction allows your food to cook evenly. You will undoubtedly find cookware that is constructed from stainless steel with a copper reinforced bottom. The problem with this type of cookware is that the bottom of the food will cook faster than the rest, making it very difficult to avoiding burning and/or scorching your food. Braising is out of the question in a stainless steel pan with a copper reinforced bottom.

You need cookware that allows heat to be distributed evenly. You are probably very familiar with pans that have hot spots. Hot spots are places in the pan where the food cooks disproportionately faster than in the rest of the pan. Cookware with even heat distribution is imperative if you are serious about the food you cook. The problem with copper, cast iron, and aluminum cookware is that certain foods will absorb a metal taste and color from the pans, not to mention you will ingest some of the metal that is transferred to the food. Copper will scratch and discolors easily, but every cook should have at least one copper bowl for beating egg whites. Copper bowls will allow you to beat eggs whites to their maximum volume.

Aluminum is inexpensive, but as mentioned before, will react with certain foods in an unfavorable manner. Aluminum wears down quickly, although there are anodized pans that will cut down on reactivity and increase durability. If you opt for aluminum cookware, anodized is the best choice. Cast iron is good for searing steaks and a few other specialized cooking tasks, but you must keep your cast iron cookware seasoned to avoid sticking and pitting of the pan. Unless you are using an Enamaled Cast Iron Cookware. Enamaled Cast Iron Cookware brings the time lasting features of cooking with cast iron into the present day where color, design, health and cooking ease have become an important part of our lives.

The fact is that there is no perfect cookware. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Stainless steel is probably the best compromise. Stainless steel is in the middle price range and heat conductivity. It is durable and cleans easily and will not react with any type of food you cook. Another good choice is stainless steel with an aluminum insert that goes all the way up the sides of the pan. Or if you want even easier clean up, choose a stainless steel with a good non-stick coating. There are also some Stainless steel Cookware that encorporates tri-ply Stainless steel base with aluminum Heat Core for better heat conduction.

The conclusion would seem to be that in order to get a good set of cookware, you will have to spend some money, but it is not necessary to get the most expensive type. A good stainless steel cookware set with a few special pieces such as a non-stick frying pan, a copper bowl, and any other extras you desire will be your best choice.

	Advantages	Disadvantages
Aluminum
	excellent heat conductor	- porous and relatively soft
	- relatively light in weight	- dents and scratches easily
		- difficult to clean
		- stains easily
		- reacts to food
		- oxidizes to a dull gray color
		- warps easily
		- requires a "nonstick" coating

Stainless Steel
	- extremely durable	- poor heat conductor
	- non porous, extremely hard
	- smooth surface, easy to clean
	- dent and scratch resistant
	- does not react to foods
	- easy to maintain mirror finish

Cast Iron
	- relatively low cost	- extremely heavy
	- holds heat longer	- rusts easily if not enameled
		- reacts to food

Copper
	- excellent heat conductor	- relatively high cost
		- reacts to food (toxic with some foods)
		- oxidizes, very difficult to maintain finish
		- dents and scratches easily
		- must be lined with tin, nickel, or stainless steel

Enameled Steel
	- colorful, fashionable	- very poor heat conductor
		- chips easily
		- rusts easily when chipped

Carbon Steel
	- low cost	- very poor heat conductor
		- rusts easily

Glass
	- can be decorated or plain	- extremely poor heat conductor
		- heat resistant if tempered

The Kitchen Guru

Should you buy Stainless Cookware?

One Stop Online Shop

kitchen Trends

Looking for a good Juice Extractor?

Food Dehydrators

Espresso and Drip Coffe Maker

Pot Racks - The Perfect Kitchen Accessory

Cooking Healthy

Glasslock Safe Food Containers

Save Time Cooking

Keep your kitchen organized

Choosing Cookware -Which is best?

Aluminum

Stainless Steel

Cast Iron

Copper

Enameled Steel

Carbon Steel

Glass