Different Types of Pots and Pans

Pots and pans are the basic essentials for the average kitchen, but before you buy, you might want to consider all of the choices you have to choose the best ones for you and your kitchen. Pots and pans come in different materials like aluminum, anodized aluminum, cast iron, copper, non-stick, and stainless steel.

Aluminum

Stainless Skillet

Aluminum pots and pans are usually cheaper than most other kinds of cookware. Aluminum is lightweight but fairly durable and can withstand high temperatures. One drawback is that it reacts with acidic and alkaline foods altering the taste, you can still use aluminum and avoid this problem by using anodized aluminum.

Different Types of Pots and Pans

Anodized Aluminum

This type of aluminum cookware has a special coating to prevent the aluminum from reacting with certain foods. It is a great choice to cook with, but the coating can be sensitive. To avoid damaging the coating, do not cook highly acidic and alkaline foods in them, also, hand wash these pots in warm, soapy water instead of putting them in a dishwasher with harsh soaps.

Cast Iron

Cast iron pans are also fairly inexpensive, but can be a little more than aluminum. This type of cookware takes longer to heat up, but once heated, holds the heat well. This makes it ideal for slow cooking and frying. The drawbacks are that it's very sensitive and rusts, stains, and becomes pitted easily. To best care for your cast iron, do not wash it with soap, but run a damp paper towel over it after cooking to clean any excess food off.

Lined Copper

Copper pans are more expensive than most, but conduct heat extremely well. They heat up fast when on the burner and cool down fast when taken away from the heat. Copper pans must be lined with another material, otherwise the copper reacts badly with food making it poisonous and altering the taste. For this reason, copper should be delicately hand washed and relined every few years.

Non-Stick

These pots and pans simple have a special coating that keeps foods from sticking to it. These should not be washed in the dishwasher or with abrasive scrubbers, but gently washed in warm soap and water.

Stainless Steel

This moderately priced material is very durable, but alone, does not conduct heat well at all. For this reason, when shopping for stainless steel, look for pots and pans with a thick layer of copper or aluminum on the bottom for better heat conduction. It is best to wash these in warm soap and water, and these can withstand nylon scrubbers.

These are the main materials that pots and pans come in. And for the adventurous cook, there are other wonderful and exciting types of pots to choose from like crock-pots, stockpots, saucepans, and crab pots to name a few.

Different Types of Pots and Pans

How to Get Stainless Cookware on Sale - Especially Farberware

Need stainless steel cookware and at the best deal around? Look no more. I will share with you some good information about price and shopping, along with a bit of a review. Buying from a reliable source is also my idea of a comfortable purchase.

A great set of shiny new cookware can change your life in the kitchen. At any stage of your cooking life, some new equipment will always improve your inspiration and your expertise. Picture yourself--yes-- as captain of your kitchen, a good chef at any time of any day.

Stainless Skillet

Can you imagine a busy chef needing a saucepan that isn't there? Imagine, then, owning a whole set of cookware that is just right and is there for you. Imagine, too, getting it on sale! When you know that you're getting a really good deal, it takes the stress out of shopping.

How to Get Stainless Cookware on Sale - Especially Farberware

I found Farberware's Millenium 12 piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set, for example, a rather amazing assortment for the price at Amazon.com. Here's what's included:

• The big Stockpot 8 Qt.--with Glass and Steel Lid--for pasta, soups, stews, chile and more
• 3 Saucepans, all with Stainless Steel and Glass Lids
• 2 Skillets, one 8 inch and one 10 inch and two untensils: slotted spoon and turner

Picture an assortment like this; it's basic and it will work through all your ideas and meal plans. This type of cookware is not delicate. Use it, cook with it, store it easily.

Here's why this cookware is so popular

• Stainless Steel Glass see-through lids
• Easy cleanup.
• Works with any stove top, flame, electric or ceramic.
• Farberware quality generation after generation. Since 1900. Made in the USA.
• Affordable price.

To get personal for a moment here, my own Farberware has been with me for years, including two pots that I inherited and are still like new with handles still tight. Stainless Steel is for real cooking. Some foods need the reliance of metal for browning and glazing.

Finding Farberware Stainless Steel cookware on sale is a treat.

How to Get Stainless Cookware on Sale - Especially Farberware

Secrets of Perfectly Moist Chicken Breast Recipes

Sometimes it is difficult to keep boneless chicken recipes moist. Either the breasts meat comes out dry or they are not cooked properly.

You have to be careful when making a chicken breast recipe and that applies to anything from easy chicken enchiladas to chicken stew. Chicken must be cooked to 165 degrees F in order to be safe to eat but a lot of people overcook the chicken and dried out chicken is not enjoyable to eat!

Stainless Skillet

There are various ways to cook boneless chicken recipes, including grilling, steaming, sauteing, deep frying and baking, but one of the best secrets for moist chicken breast recipes is to poach the chicken in a little liquid after sealing the outside. Not only does this cooking method add lots of flavor but it stops the chicken from drying out.

Secrets of Perfectly Moist Chicken Breast Recipes

An Easy Recipe for Moist Chicken Breast

This recipe makes enough chicken for two people. A nonstick stainless steel skillet is best to use, if you have one. The amounts of broth, flour and olive oil are approximate and it depends on the size of the breasts and the size and shape of your skillet.

Serve this delicious poached chicken with mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables for a wholesome and delicious dinner. You can use any herbs you like, so feel free to substitute the rosemary and oregano for parsley, cilantro, thyme or even a pinch of mixed herbs.

You will need:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1/2 pint chicken broth
• Salt and black pepper
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

How to make it:

Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken and then dredge them in flour, shaking off the excess. Preheat a skillet over a medium heat until it can evaporate droplets of water you drop into it. Pour a little olive oil into the pan. You could also use canola oil or any fat with a high smoke point. You should coat the bottom of the pan with oil but that is enough.

Add the chicken breasts to the hot pan and sear them for a couple of minutes until they are golden brown. Turn them over and sear the other side. If you are going to double this recipe, do two chicken breasts at a time. Crowding the skillet means you will not be able to brown all your chicken properly.

Turn the heat down to low, and then add chicken broth. It needs to come a third of the way up the chicken breast. If you add to much you will be boiling the chicken, which is not what you want. Add the onions, rosemary, oregano, garlic and lemon.

Cover the pan with a lid that fits tightly and cook the chicken breasts over a low heat until they are done. They are done when a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the chicken breast. If you do not have a meat thermometer, cut into the chicken. It is done when it is white all the way through with no hint of pink in the middle.

Secrets of Perfectly Moist Chicken Breast Recipes