Rattling Pots & Pans
Updated: Nov 22, 2022
Now that the holiday season is slowly creeping upon us, it's time to prepare your menu. That is, either the one you are going to cook or the dish you'll take along with you as you gather with family and friends. Whether it's an intimate dinner, the full-out spread, or just a little something to contribute to the table here's a little tip. Preparing your tools is just as important as preparing the meal.
By tools, I mean your cookware. I have personally hosted umpteen dinner parties be it Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays, or let's just get-togethers. The one lesson I learned a long time ago is, as you plan your meal, plan the cookware you are going to use for each dish and make sure you have it handy. Unfortunately, I had to learn this lesson the hard way as on one such occasion I began cooking when I realized I didn't have the proper pot or enough of them with which to cook the meal. Believe me. You don't want to get caught in this predicament. It's a simple yet essential ingredient you tend to forget about as you get caught up in the excitement.
Fortunately, there is a wide array of cookware and cooking utensils that make cooking a sheer delight. The decorative colors alone are enough to get you pumped but wait there's more to entice the eye.
While the price range for a basic set can range from reasonable to costly, when you're ready to splurge, your set must include a small fry pan, saucepan, large fry pan, a stock pot, and a Dutch oven for roasting.
VITA - 11-Piece Cookware Set with Lids (Red) for All Stove Tops - Dishwasher & Oven Safe (Enamel on Steel) - Nonstick, Scratch Resistant Kitchen Cookware Sets - Red Pots and Pans Set with Utensils. While all modern-day cookware has the same basic features including nonstick, scratch-resistant, dishwasher, and are oven safe what I like about VITA is that it comes with lids and two important utensils, a spatula, and a spoon to stir and taste. This set is good for all types of stovetops and can go from stovetop to oven.
What I don't like about any set that has metal handles is, when cooking the handles get very hot and you will have to be mindful of the heat lest you burn yourself. Ouch! To avoid this I suggest purchasing heat-resistant pot handlers.
Which is what I like about the NutriChef 20-Piece set. It is designed with heat-resistant silicone handles so you can easily move from the burner to the the countertop to table without worrying about burning your hands. The NutriChef also comes with a full bakeware set necessary for baking delicious blueberry muffins for an early morning treat. Or how about a pound-cake loaf? A cookie sheet to bake Santa's cookies, a square pan for brownies, or a cake pan that can also be used for casserole dishes like mac and cheese; there's nothing like having choices.
One question that comes to mind is, is Non-Stick coating safe, and what makes it so durable? Non-Stick usually involves a process of coating the pan in a mineral-based substance that will evenly act as a protective cover that keeps toxic materials from seeping into the food. This is only one reason why non-stick pans are highly recommended. Always discard any pots and pans whose surface has begun to disintegrate leaving the surface chipped and exceedingly worn as these pieces not only get into your food but also emit CO2 into the air making for an altogether unhealthy situation. Non-Stick pans definitely equate to a healthier diet as you won't need a lot of butter or oil to keep food from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Should we mention how easy they are to clean? I think you get the picture.
YIIFEEO Nonstick Frying Pan Set, Granite Skillet Set with 100% PFOA Free, Omelette Pan Cookware Set with Heat-Resistant Ergonomic Handle. This set is perfect for just sticking to the basics. Whether frying an egg, making grilled cheese, hamburgers, or silver dollar pancakes, these three little pans have been ergonomically made to give the healthiest, and the easiest cooking experience you will ever want to encounter.
It's hard to say which, out of the many beautiful and wonderful wedding gifts I received as to the ones I cherished the most. However, I will say I was beyond surprised and filled with glee once I tore off the wrapping paper and saw the box containing my very first set of cookware. I remember it like it was yesterday and that was 20 years ago.