Pots and pans

Buying new pots and pans may seem like a straightforward process, but that's only because you haven't been to a local kitchen supply store since you bought your previous pots and pans back in 1986.

Questions about Pots and Pans
by the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine
Cite This! ...

This smoothes out the surface of new pots and pans, particularly cast-iron, and prevents foods from sticking.
SEED
To remove the seeds from fruits and vegetables.
SHRED
To cut food into thin strips.

Cast iron skillets, pots and pans have long been a choice of the pros. But, cast iron cookware can be a little daunting. Seasoning, pre-seasoning, re-seasoning, cooking the seasonings in, oils to use, etc.

The curve also provides a larger usable cooking surface versus western-styled pots and pans, which typically have vertical edges.

According to The New Professional Chef, mise en place “means far more than simply assembling all the ingredients, pots and pans, plates, and serving pieces needed for a particular period. Mise en place is also a state of mind.

Pots and pans made from stainless steel conduct the heat evenly and are easy to clean. They look attractive and hygienic in a kitchen and can be used on all types of hobs (check this before you buy.) ...

The trademarked name for a coating used on pots and pans to prevent food from sticking. This nonstick coating can cut down (or eliminate in some cases) the need for oil in cooking, and is helpful to people on low-fat diets.

Good heat conductor --heats evenly and quickly
Can place pots and pans directly on glowing coals, making cast iron ideal for camping
Inexpensive --lasts a lifetime with minimal or no damage

Disadvantages of Cast Iron
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potholder: A small pad or piece of thick cloth used for holding and handling hot pots and pans.
potsticker: A Chinese dumpling that's steamed and then pan fried until the bottom is crispy and caramelized.

French term meaning 'the complete set of kitchen utensils'. This includes, but not limited to, pots and pans, bakeware, cookware, knives and all other equipment and utensils for cooking and the making of desserts, pastries, and confections.

To coat the cooking surface of a new pot or pan with vegetable oil then heat in a 350 degrees F oven for about an hour. This smoothes out the surface of new pots and pans, particularly cast-iron, and prevents foods from sticking.

Nonstick pots and pans are not essential, but make life easier. The heavy-based Scanpan® line is perfect for stew, soups and sauces.

or after cooking to enhance its flavor, but not taking away from the natural flavor of the food. The term also refers to coating the cooking surface of a new pan or grill with oil and then heating, this smoothes out the surface of new pots and pans ...

a high-end cooking store, it’s easy to feel insecure about your motley collection of cookware. You find yourself imagining the heroic feats of braising and broiling you could achieve if only you had that matching set of copper pots and pans.

See also: Cooking, Kitchen, Pan, Water, Season