Some cooking questions...
#225107 - 11/15/05 10:16 AM
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Angela E.
Reged: 10/14/04
Posts: 2518
Loc: Michigan
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With Christmas coming I have a MIL who doesn't always know what to get me but loves to buy things for my kitchen so I am trying to see what appliances are necessary to put on my wish list. Any input would be greatly appreciated!!
1.Double Boiler?? I have seen it in a few of Heather's recipes.What is it and what is it good for?
2. recommendations for a good brand of non-stick pans. My pans are T-Fal and they are from about 7 years ago. They are horrid and I would love some new ones!
3. Iron Skillet? What is the difference of cooking things in this instead of a regular one? I noticed one of the Thanksgiving recipes Candied Sweet Potatoes say to use this.
4. Any other suggestions of things that might be handy in the kitchen to use?
Thanks everyone!
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Not sure of the other things, but as for the double boiler question, here's a few to give you an idea of what they look like: http://fantes.com/double_boilers.htm You basically boil water in the bottom pot and the "pot" on top cooks from the steam given off by the bottom pot.
Well, one thing that might be handy if you like to cook with garlic is a garlic press...I just got one as a wedding gift (one that actually works too! LOL), and I love it. I can't remember the brand name, but if you're interesed, I can let you know when I get home....
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Double boilers...I dont' know why, but these scare me. I haven't used mine yet.
Non-stick pans: Calphalon, the midgrade set with the glass lids they sell at Bed, Bath, & Beyond. They are not exactly cheap (mine were all wedding gifts, I admit), but I love, love, love, them.
Iron skillet: I know there's more to it, but things cooked in cast iron have a different (better) flavor. That being said, I don't like cleaning cast iron, so I don't use it that often.
Kitchen gadgets: I have one of those little electric chopper thingies. Comes in handy when I don't feel like chopping. Oh, and one of those apple peeler things. It peels, cores, and slices...and it's fun to use.
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Double boilers are typically used for cooking things that would normally scorch if put directly over the burner... you see it a lot in recipes that call for melting chocolate, but also a lot of creamier sauces, and some recipes that call for eggs to be incorporated, call for one too.
I have crappy nonstick pans, so I'll skip that one. 
Cast-iron pans are kind of a pain to clean, but I don't think anything beats them as far as heat conductivity and even cooking. I use mine when I'm roasting meat/poultry - it can be seared on the stovetop, and then tossed in the oven to roast - and for some "old-fashioned" bread/cake recipes, like cornbread. Plus, they're typically pretty cheap, and if you take care of them, they'll last a lifetime, unlike a lot of nonstick pans.
Bonus - I just learned this this past weekend: you can actually thaw frozen meat in them. Put it on the stove - no heat - and put the frozen meat in it. Cast iron acts like a heat sink (cold sink?) and apparently will thaw meat faster than any other method except the microwave.
Other kitchen things I can't live without: my slow-cooker, my bread machine, and a GOOD set of knives. On MY wishlist this year is an ice-cream maker.
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I recommend a rapid chopper.
http://www.cookingtoys.com/store/0801221.html
that is what the look like. the one I have is from crate and barrel and I love it.
what about a slow cooker and a wok. I LOOOOOVE MINE.
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1. Bread machine
2. Rice cooker
3. Braun multimix (mini chopper)
4. Crockpot
5. Enamelware - comes in all colours. I have a small enamel roasting pan that I use ALL the time - cleanup is a breeze - throw it in the dishwasher, marks and all. No need to pre wash or soak. Great for stove and oven cooking. (NOT micro)
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Formerly HanSolo. IBS, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD times 3.
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oh alicia.. you reminded me!
I love my rice cooker. Thats also from crate and barrel. The rice tastes fabulous cooked this way. Just like from an asian food restaurant. sticky but not mushy. YUMMY.
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I use most of their stoneware and the chopper. I don't think there is anything from Pampered Chef that I don't like.
I love my crockpot...rice cooker...salad spinner...ooooh the list goes on!
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Have a blessed day!...Rachel
stable and sooooooo thankful!
I have IBS but it doesn't have me!
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Thanks Melissa! The double boiler isn't as scary as I thought! I do have a garlic press and love it.
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Thanks Snorkie! I do have an apple peeler corer thing too! I know what you mean about the double boiler but Melissa showed me a link and it doesn't look to scary! I would love some new Calphalon pans but I don't think they are quite in my MIL budget. I was thinking maybe Farberware!
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