Saturday, August 27, 2011

Pots, Pans, and Plates - Getting Your First Kitchen Essentials

Pots, pans, plates, glassware, flatware and a host of other items are required to have an efficient running kitchen. When setting up a new home very rarely do people think about those little things that they took for granted when they lived at home with mom and dad.

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It seems like those types of things should come with a home, but they do not, and it also seems that those types of things somehow go missing. Pots, pans and utensils are probably some of the most used items in the household.

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Pricing Means Quality?

When you browse around shopping for those things that make a home it is hard to figure out if you pay more will it be worth it in the long run. The answer is yes and no. For certain items it is a good idea to pay more to find better quality items that might last a bit longer but for some items clearly you are not paying for the function your are simply paying more for the design.

Pots, pans and cooking utensils for example might be worth investing a bit more money if you can fit it into your budget. You will be using these items probably just about everyday, and they will take more wear and tear if you pay for a better quality item. Flatware is flatware what you will be paying for more times than not is the styling not much to do with quality.

You want to put your money where it will matter most, a place where the returns will be clearly met.

Where To Purchase

You can purchase pots, pans and cooking utensils from a host of sources. Any home goods store will have a wide range of styles and prices. You can also purchase these items online. Shopping online affords certain freedoms that you can not find at the local home goods stores. First off you can shop any time that you please to shop. Even in the middle of the night. Secondly the range of prices and products is probably going to be much greater online than it will be locally. Of course comparison shopping is much easier online than it is to trudge from store to store picking up pots, pans and cooking utensils and checking out the prices.

Of course if you must you can shop the old fashioned way. Any discount store and many department type stores will sell these items.

Pots, Pans, and Plates - Getting Your First Kitchen Essentials

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Friday, August 26, 2011

Roasting Pans

A time like now when the holiday season is just around the corner, we really rush to buy a roasting pan so as to cook something special for our families. Am sure you may be planning to get one soon. Well, you need a few tips so as to get the best quality out there. Stainless steel with porcelain enamel does magic when it comes to roasting, in fact some come with serving trays.

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Their prices will normally vary from one manufacturer to another and so is the quality of the design. They're mostly used in roasting meat though can also be used to prepare large desserts and special cakes. The overall sizes varies and generally you get to choose the size that suits you. However, for the depth you need at least a pan that is three inches deep so that drippings can accumulate safely.

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Advanced roasting pans normally include special covers that traps the flavor inside and definitely the meat is amazing. Though a bit difficult to clean, the non-stick are the best pans. Their special coating does not allow food to stick or scorch. However, they can only be cleaned with plastic sponge made of nylon.

Some time we just pick items off the shelves and buy them. If you want to purchase a good roasting pan, please do not do this. You ought to consider some few things like; do you need it for slow or quick roasting, is the weight of the pan okay with you, do you want a pan with a handle and if you do, how is the handle attached to the pan? Basically take a good look at the pan and ensure it suits you before buying.

Roasting Pans

Peter Gitundu Creates Interesting And Thought Provoking Content on Frying Pans. For More Information, Read More Of His Articles Here FRYING PANS If You Enjoyed This Article, Make Sure You SUBSCRIBE TO MY RSS FEED!

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How Dangerous Are Teflon Pans? The Dangers of Teflon Pans

How dangerous are Teflon pans? I get asked this question quite often so I decided that it needed to be addressed right now. First off people have been using Teflon pans for the longest time possible. Just now we're hearing about just how Teflon pans are danger and that we need to stay away from them. Well what do we know for sure? The only real thing that we know is that once these pans are heated we immediately have to deal with the dangerous chemicals that come from these pans.

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Think about this for a second. You're cooking food in these teflon pans. All of the food that we consume is cook and therefore coated in all of these harmful chemicals. So now we ingest chemicals like fluoride that go into our system and turn into fat soluble chemicals. Why is this important? When we're trying to lose stomach fat our body attempts to break down all of the chemicals out of our fat cells. Well these fat soluble cells can't be broken down. So we're left wondering why we can't lose body fat. It isn't because we have parasites or things like that. It's because of all of these harmful chemicals.

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Also all of our natural hormones are going to be affected including insulin. The whole point of a fat loss diet is to minimize rapid spikes in insulin.The problem is that once these chemicals come into our body we no longer are able to control our hormones through the normal diet and training methods. In addition, our brain neurotransmitter balance is off. This results in increased cravings and feeling of depression. So we're less likely to go to the gym and workout hard and we're more likely to cheat on our diet.

So what are a few ways that we can get rid of these chemicals if we have them in our body? First off, we should choose to eat more organic foods. We want to limit any new chemicals from entering our body. Second, we need to make sure that we heavily increase our ingestion of omega-3 fish oils. Why? Well omega-3 fish oils help to improve the hormonal balances in our body as well as detoxify our body on a regular basis. The best thing that we can do to avoid the dangers of teflon pans though is to not use them. Go out and grab some non-stick pans.

How Dangerous Are Teflon Pans? The Dangers of Teflon Pans

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Different Types of Cookware

Cookware consists of several different types of pots and several different types of pans, most with its own specific purpose depending on what kind of food preparation and cooking you plan on doing. First we'll look at a couple of the most common cooking apparatus and the types of foods they are often used to prepare.

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Sauce Pan

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This is probably your most common and versatile cooking device. Sauce pans can be used for boiling, steaming and heating liquid-based foods like sauces and soups. If you don't have a rice-cooker, sauce pans serve as a good replacement for cooking rice.

Skillet

Also known as a frying pan, skillets are flat cooking devices that are light in weight with low ides which makes it easy to toss and turn the food with or without a spatula. Skillets are quite versatile - they can used to cook scrambled eggs as well as saute a variety of foods including meat, chicken, shrimp and vegetables.

Next we'll look at more specialized, less well known types of cookware that are usually associated with cooking a specific type of food.

Stockpots

Stockpots are the largest types of pots and range in size from six quarts to twenty quarts. They have an upright appearance as they are taller than they are wide. These are used when you need to simmer a large amount of liquid, as the tall shape helps prevent the liquid from boiling or foaming over the top. Stockpots are ideal for cooking stock, chili and thick soups.

Dutch Oven

A Dutch oven pot is round or oval in shape and large in size. The capacity ranges from two quarts to six quarts. They work great for pot roasts, pastas, stews and large batches of soup. Dutch ovens can be used on the stove top or in the oven.

Double Broiler

A double broiler consists of two pots - one sitting on top of the other. The bottom one is slightly larger in diameter so the top pot slightly rests inside. This apparatus is often used for cooking sauces that have a tendency to separate when exposed to direct heat. Sometimes the top pot will have perforations on its bottom so the double broiler can serve as a steamer as well.

Stir Fry Pan

A stir fry pan has a wide top that slopes down so that the bottom of the pan is smaller in diameter. This pan is used for cooking rapidly at high temperatures. You can stir the food so that only a portion of it is exposed to the hottest area at the bottom at any given time which helps keep it from burning.

Roasting Pan

A roasting pan is a large rectangular pan with low sides and a grill rack insert. This is used to roast chicken, tenderloins and beef. The idea behind a roasting pan is that the meat will sit above the juices so it will brown as opposed to stew, and the steam of the juice will make its way into the meat to help tenderize it and give it added flavor. Along with the juice on the bottom you can add vegetables such as peppers and onions, and when finished cooking you can pour the juice and vegetables over the meat and serve it in its juices so that it will further absorb the moisture.

Griddle

Griddles have a flat surface with hardly any sides, usually just a small lip to prevent run-off of liquid, fat or oils. These are to be operated over stove top burners and conduct heat quickly. Griddles are commonly used to cook breakfast meals like pancakes, French toast and fried eggs.

This is a quick overview of some of the different types of cookware - some of them common kitchen items and others more specialized. If you are just getting into cooking you can start with basic cookware like sauce pans and frying pans and then delve into more specialized items as you expand your cooking horizons.

Different Types of Cookware

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Thursday, August 25, 2011

Choosing Pots and Pans

Can you imagine investing money in shaped cake pans when you actually don't have time to bake? Well, it would definitely be ridiculous. That's why before you buy any cook ware you've to consider the type of food you actually cook and whether you really need it. Though some items replace each other in terms of functionality in our kitchens, there ought to be various cook wares such as Pots, pans, bowls and trays of various sizes. In fact, they are a must have in our kitchens.

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For cookware such as pots and puns to serve their purpose, they ought to be made of quality materials. Stainless steel is a good example. It's reliable and even better when copper or aluminum core is incorporated in it's structure. Stainless steel also heats evenly well with no hot spots and doesn't chemically react with food. Cookware made of this materials are a bit costly and actually the greatest choice you can make.

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Non-stick coated pans are also available, they are actually the best you can buy for your kitchen. When it comes to cleaning pots and pans hand wash is the best, unlike the dish washer it does not ruin the looks of the dish. However, if you wish to use a dish washer, then you need to remove them before drying process begins and manually use a towel to dry them. That way they'll be safe from water spotting.

Interestingly, even though you may lack a vast culinary experience, your selection of quality pots and pans can improve your kitchen activities. Actually many great cooks use quality cookware that suits their needs. The most recommended cookware is that made up of heavy-gauge materials, it accumulate and preserves heat evenly.

Choosing Pots and Pans

Peter Gitundu Creates Interesting And Thought Provoking Content on Frying Pans. For More Information, Read More Of His Articles Here FRYING PANS If You Enjoyed This Article, Make Sure You SUBSCRIBE TO MY RSS FEED!

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Cooking - Selecting the Right Pots and Pans

One of the first steps in getting your kitchen ready to cook is choosing and purchasing the right cookware. One of the most important things you will need to buy are pots and pans. Having the right cookware makes cooking and clean-up a breeze and a lot more fun.

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Before you buy

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Before you buy, you need to determine what level of cooking you will be doing and most importantly how much you want to spend. Although you do not have to purchase the most expensive brands you can find, however, you do want to make sure you are investing in good quality pots and pans that will last. If not, you will find yourself purchasing them year after year. Plan on buying the best cookware you can afford. If needed, do a little research before buying. Read consumer review and reports.

What to buy

Here is a list of what most cooks consider to be essential pots and pans:

Sauce Pans are one of the most versatile pots. They are used for making sauces, cooking smaller portions of food, steaming, reheating or just about anything that needs to be heated. Because they are so versatile, you may want to consider purchasing a few different sizes. Some common sizes are 2 are 3 quarts with lids.
Saute Pans are wide and flat with straight sides to help when sauteing, searing or preparing recipes that have pan sauces and for recipes that require extended cooking times. Good saute pans are made of metals that quickly and efficiently conduct heat. Saute pans should also come with a long handle and a lid. Common sizes are 3 to 5 quarts.
Skillet or frying pans have moderately high, slightly flared sides. It is considered your all purpose pan for frying. Ideally they should be made out of metals that help conduct heat. Non-stick surfaces are helpful when cooking omelets. Common sizes are 8, 10 and 12-inch sizes.
Large Soup or Stock Pots are tall and narrow. They are excellent for cooking or boiling things like soups, stews, stocks, pasta or large quantities of food. Good stockpots should be made out of stainless steel with an aluminum core or anodized aluminum. Depending on how much you will be cooking, you should have a capacity of at least 8 quarts; soup pots may be 4 to 6 quarts.
What to look for

If you are buying a set, make sure it is made of sturdy materials that would not dent and warp. Handles should be comfortable and securely attached.

Pots and pans can be part of a set or bought individually. Buying sets can save a lot of money. If you do buy a set, make sure it fits your individual needs; otherwise it does not make sense to purchase pots and pans you will not use. The idea is to purchase ones that can be multifunctional.

Stainless steel is the most common and versatile material for cookware. Although stainless steel by its self is a poor conductor of heat. Stainless steel works best if it has an aluminum or copper core. It could also have a thick aluminum or copper disk bonded to the bottom of the pan. Adding a core will increase to the price, but will perform better. Anodized aluminum and no stick also make excellent choices.

Look for cookware that offers different shapes and sizes. Be picky about the pots and pans you need. If you want uniformity, buy in a set or collect individual pieces from a specific line. Hope you have found these tips useful to help you choose the right pots and pans.

Cooking - Selecting the Right Pots and Pans

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Tile Ready Shower Pans For Fast Shower Construction

Tile ready shower pans are a modern alternative to traditionally built shower pan liners for ceramic tile showers. Traditional pans require masonry skills and some art for several of the construction steps. Tile ready pans require skill too, but not as much skill. Also the newer designs go in faster since there is no cure time for masonry liners.

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The new design shower pans are ready for ceramic tile setting as soon as they are installed. The drain is built in to the base pan and the slope is built into the pan. Check local building codes for approval of whatever system you choose.

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The traditional shower methods work great if done properly and are especially suited for custom sizes. But the newer systems are perfect for custom sizes too and are especially good for multi-unit installations like apartments or hospitals. The disadvantage of tile ready showers is cost. Installation is faster but cost is consistently higher. In most cases you can get a traditional shower pan built for just the cost of the ready made shower pan material. So look carefully at cost.

Consider these three systems.

The Tile Redi system includes a polyurethane pan with a built-in drain. Standard pan sizes come with built in curbs and side shields. The pan sets in a mortar base supplied by the builder. Level the unit and attach all the pieces and it's ready for tile installation. Check the prices!

The Schluter system has a pan with material for foam curbs and sealing material for the shower wall plus matching adhesives. The Schluter also includes a matching drain. This system is better suited for odd size locations and has the large advantage of sealing the entire wall. The pan sets in a mortar base and after installation is ready for tile.

Lastly, the Wedi system from Germany uses foam panels with adhesive to build any size shower. Foam boards make up the walls for a completely waterproof shower. The pan is set in a mortar base and is ready for tiling the morning after installation.

Conventional masonry construction of shower pans builds ceramic tile showers that will last for decades at a reasonable cost. Tile ready shower pans do have advantages in some situations.

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Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Essential Kitchen Pots and Pans

If you enjoy cooking and spending time in the kitchen then you will need the correct equipment and kitchen pots and pans. Having the right kitchen cookware is essential for you to be able to cook the meals that you want. There are many different styles of pots and pans that you can buy and the ones you choose will often be down to your taste and budget. Although there are cheaper styles of pans available, it is worth spending more and getting quality ones to cook with.

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All kitchens need pots and pans. They are essential items and although you may think you can cook without them you will find it very difficult to do so. If you are on a tight budget then you should get one or two top quality pans rather than a set of very cheap ones that you will need to replace very quickly. You can then add to your kitchen pots and pans when you have the money to do so.

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The kitchen pots and pans can be made from various different materials and which one you choose will depend on what you are cooking and how often you cook with them. Choosing non-stick kitchen cookware is advised because this will make cooking a lot easier. It also means that the cookware is easier to clean and maintain. You can buy kitchen pots and pans in different materials including cast iron, aluminum, carbon steel and stainless steel. All of these are good and can cook your foods differently and enable you to try different cooking styles.

Copper kitchen pots and pans are the best you can buy as they cook the food in a very even way and allow the heat to be used in an efficient way. Cast iron kitchen cookware is ideal if you want to cook foods for long periods at a very low temperature. This type of pan will allow the food to cook evenly and not burn easily. They heat up slower than other pans and therefore cook the food slower, which is ideal for casseroles and stews.

Stainless steel kitchen pots and pans not only look fantastic but they also cook your food very well they do not stain or rust and never react with alkaline or acid foods. This style of pan can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher and will not dent easily. If you use quality kitchen cookware then you will be able to create quality foods. Professional chefs tend to use these types of pots and pans as they are easy to use, easy to clean and very affordable.

Although it may take you some time to decide what kitchen cookware to buy when you have found the right kitchen pots and pans for you then you will love cooking. If you have the right equipment and cookware, then cooking will become a pleasure rather than a chore. You will love spending time in the kitchen creating new and wonderful meals. If you keep your kitchen pots and pans well looked after then they will last you for many years.

Essential Kitchen Pots and Pans

Nicole Roberts
The Quality Cooking Corner offers high quality, affordable kitchen pots and pans that is perfect for you, your friends, and loved ones.

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Woll Pans Provide High Quality Low Fat Cooking

If you have ever cooked with any Woll non stick pans or pots you will already know the superior quality of these pans compared to others available. Woll have been manufacturing outstanding quality cookware for over twenty five years. Every single Woll pan is hand cast with the company placing a large amount of emphasis on the precision and quality that traditional craftsmanship can provide compared to most modern cookware that is mass produced today.

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Combining the craftsmanship of Woll pans with the companies innovative non-stick technology results in a range of cookware that stands out from the rest and has become the industry standard for professional cooks and chefs worldwide. The product is endorsed by a number of high profile celebrity chefs with the likes of Gordon Ramsey giving his backing to the quality of the cookware, as he claims to use it throughout his kitchens and chain of restaurants.

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The non stick cooking surface is created from a specialist highly technical process that involves using hot plasma jets to create a hard surface that will stand the test of time, being exceedingly durable and unique, as the processes is patented you will only find this quality of cookware available with Woll. The quality of the pans means you can prepare and cook meals with the minimum of oil needed reduced fat and encasing vitamins within the food, making it ideal for anyone health conscious or who has low saturated fat dietary needs.

There are a large number of different pans that you can choose from including the highly regarded titanium and Nowo product ranges. The Woll Nowo pans in particular have an eight millimetre thick pan that is created using a specialist stress-relieved chill cast aluminium, ensuring that the optimal heat can be absorbed without any distortion to the cooking surface and guaranteeing your food is evenly cooked in a timely manner.

If you choose to buy a Woll pan you can be certain of a continued high level of aftercare and manufacturers guarantees, the majority of its pans come with twenty five years guarantees and if you have any problems you can usually have you pan replaced or repaired in your country of residence.

If you are looking for a healthier way to cook high quality food then it is well worth considering the Woll cookware range. You can find the majority of their pans from online retailers, and if you are unsure of making the purchase some retailers will be willing to offer a thirty-day trial, and if your not happy with the quality of the product you can return it and receive your money back.

Woll Pans Provide High Quality Low Fat Cooking

Scott King is a consumer specialist who reviews the latest range of Woll cookware and other interesting home consumer products available on the market.

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10 Things You Didn't Know About Circulon Cookware

If you're a professional chef or cook, or enjoy cooking as a hobby then you're sure to be aware of Circulon, and the amazing products and technology that have revolutionised cooking over the last 25 years. However, if you're new to cooking, or don't know much about pan technology, here's what you need to know.

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1. Circulon was introduced in 1985, and was the original manufacturer of anodized non stick cookware.

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2. This new type of cookware offered unprecedented performance, and meant that everyone could experience professional and restaurant quality pans at home.

3. The non stick coating on the pans meant that food wouldn't stick, which made cleaning them much easier. Also, even the most inexperienced cook could appreciate the professional performance offered by these pans.

4. Circulon were so proud of their products, that they offered a 10 year non stick guarantee on their pans and cookware. This was unheard of in the industry, and show just how good these products were.

5. Because the Circulon pans are more efficient and better than cheap pans, they heat up and cook quicker, which meals that meals take less time to prepare. They also use less energy to heat up, making them more energy efficient as well as time saving.

6. The range of Infinite Circulon cookware is dishwasher safe, and so do doesn't have to be washed by hand anymore. Again, this can be time saving, and means that cleaning up as well as cooking is easier and quicker.

7. Infinite Circulon cookware products are also suitable for using on all kinds of cooker tops, and so if you change your cooker, or move house, there's no need to change your pans, or worry about your stove top.

8. The Total Non Stick technology features a Hi Lo surface which has raised circles, the Hi area, so that utensils use a separate area of the pan, and don't damage the Lo area, which is the cooking area.

9. As well as a non stick interior, the exterior is non stick too. This means that the pan or other cookware won't stain scratch or chip.

10. Because of the non stick exterior, and technology involved, it's not surprising that Circulon products are long lasting and look good too. They represent excellent value for money, and you're sure to notice a difference between Circulon pans and other cookware brands.

Now you know more about the brand history and technology, and why it's so popular, perhaps now is the time to change to Circulon Pans and Circulon Cookware.

10 Things You Didn't Know About Circulon Cookware

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Tuesday, August 23, 2011

The Evolution of Today's Clay Bakeware Pans and the Muddy Chicken That Inspired Them

If you're a big fan of clay baking and own several clay bakeware pans like I do, you may have heard of the Chinese folklore of Beggar's Chicken. It's a fabulous tale with many different versions, one of which is the story that a beggar snuck into a local farm and stole one of the chickens.

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While sneaking away with this chicken, the beggar had to be a bit creative as to how he could possibly cook his food. Ingeniously, he wraps the chicken in lotus leaves and buries it in the ground covered in clay mud on top of burning embers. Yet another story is that the beggar stole the chicken from the Emperor himself and cooked it in this manner so the royal guards could not detect the smell.

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Regardless, and possibly to his surprise, when he uncovered the chicken and broke through the clay shell, one of the most aromatic and tender cuts of poultry he had ever eaten was discovered. Obviously, this culinary creator must have passed down this secret because in several restaurants today, the dish called Beggar's Chicken is still being made in the traditional manner of coating in a muddy clay wrap.

For the rest of us, however, that want to achieve the same flavor and tenderness in our food, we have to resort to a more attainable cookware and you can find several brands of clay bakeware on the market today. And to answer a possible question, you do not need to bury these in your backyard fire pit!

So how do the modern version of clay bakeware pans work? How do they hold the claims of being a healthier method of cooking? Well the answer is in the preparation of the baking pan itself. Clay, and in particular unglazed clay that is widely used in today's cookware, is very porous and absorbs water quite easily.

So in advance of cooking any meal, you must soak the lid and base of your bakeware pan in water for at least 10 minutes. The absorption of this water into your bake ware is released as steam as it cooks in your oven at a moderately high temperature. The steam moisturizes and tenderizes your meal as well as amplifies any spices you have added to the dish.

Why this is considered healthy is due to the fact that you no longer have to add any additional oils or fats to keep your baked food moist. By all means, feel free to fatten up your recipes all you want, but the benefit is that it's no longer a necessity to keep flavor in your meal when using this cooking method.

Another great benefit to a somewhat careless cook as myself is that there is a very slim chance of burning the pot or the meal. Unless you take a nap for hours after putting dinner in the oven, you're fairly safe.

Finally, clean up is simple. Fill the clay bake ware with water and vinegar or baking soda and let sit for a few hours and wipe clean with a non-abrasive sponge. I know all of you dedicated dishwasher junkies just groaned but it's important not to clean your bake ware with anything that is a chemical due to the porous nature of the pot itself.

So give this cooking method a try. It's cheaper and healthier than take out and makes cooking even for the novice a piece of cake...so to speak.

The Evolution of Today's Clay Bakeware Pans and the Muddy Chicken That Inspired Them

Tracy Farnsworth is creator and owner of BakewarePans.com
Her fascination with clay baking and knowledge of bakeware pans started at a young age while learning to bake as well as cook under the guiding wing of her mother. Her store brings the best of bakeware and baking accessories to the market and she can often be found blogging tips and techniques for novices.

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Cake Pans Come in Different Shapes and Sizes

If you've been using boring round and square cake pans for all of your baking projects, then perhaps it's time you start looking into shaped pans. Sure, traditional round and square pans serve their purpose, but why not change things up a bit and surprise them with a fun shaped cake the next time you bake?

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Most novice bakers, and even some experienced ones, stick to what works for them. Maybe the round and square cake pans you've been using have done the trick. But, how about spicing things up a bit? Why not try something different and give shaped cake pans a whirl? There are so many different shapes to choose from. In the old days, if you wanted to achieve an intricate look, you would bake multiple cakes, and then proceed to cut them up and layer them until you achieved the look you were after.

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The days of cutting up multiple cakes to achieve the desired look is long gone, at least for those bakers that live in the 21st century. Why not use technology to your advantage? With shaped cake pans, you can easily achieve intricate designs by using the appropriate mold.

Shaped cakes are also easier to decorate. If you've a novice baker, you can easily look like an expert when you use shaped cake pans. All you have to do is use a pan that already has the look you're after. For example, if you want to bake a Tinker Bell cake, get a Tinker Bell shaped cake pan. Then, all you have to do is decorate it to finish off your project. It's that simple.

What's even better is that most shaped cake pans also come with decorating instructions. That's true of several of the major brand names, so if you don't know how to achieve those finer details, just follow the instructions and you'll look an expert even if you're just a beginner.

Shaped cake pans come in all sorts of fun shapes and sizes. For example, they can be shaped like various Disney characters, like Mickey, Goofy, Tinker Bell, etc., or even kid's TV show characters like Sponge Bob Square Pants, Elmo, Dora the Explorer, and so on.

But cartoons and kid's characters aren't the only shapes that shaped cake pans come in. They also come in cool train shapes, cars, air planes, and even guitars. How about castles, hearts, soccer balls, and butterflies? If you can imagine it, there's probably a cake pan shaped like it.

I know that baking includes a lot of tradition, but using multiple cake pans, and then cutting them up to achieve a certain look doesn't have to be one of them. That's how they used to do it. These days, you just use a shaped cake pan that already has the shape you're after. Then, just decorate it and you are now the expert baker, even if you're just starting out.

Cake Pans Come in Different Shapes and Sizes

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Pie Pans

They are also known as pie plates, pie tins or pie dishes. This pans are round and slope-sided in shape with rims that holds the crusty tops, in fact their shape is a bit easier to recognize though some people still can't differentiate them with tart pans. These cook wares are made from different types of materials such as aluminum, steel, clay, tin or even glass like the popular Pyrex glass pie pans.

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They are generally affordable when it comes to price and also available in various designs. However, a standard one will be circular, an inch deep and about 9 inches in diameter. They vary in sizes that can suit an individuals specifications and some even comes with removable bottoms. On the other hand tart pans are in various shapes such as rectangular or circular and they lack slope sides.

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When buying one, it's wise to find out more about the material used in coating if at all it's coated. Inquire if the coating can have chemical reactions with food or compromise the taste. In fact, experts claim that coating is safe while their critics on the other hand are busy trying to prove that it compromises the food quality. Pie pans are also available with handles which makes it easier to use.

When baking, it's important that you place the pie pan in the center of the oven to ensure even hot air flow. However, their shape enables these pans to reflect heat around their shinny surface and their outcome is amazing. Finally, you should be careful when cleaning and make sure not to scratch the coating or the steel.

Pie Pans

Peter Gitundu Creates Interesting And Thought Provoking Content on Frying Pans. For More Information, Read More Of His Articles Here FRYING PANS If You Enjoyed This Article, Make Sure You SUBSCRIBE TO MY RSS FEED!

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Monday, August 22, 2011

Tips to Help You Remove Cakes From Cake Pans

Removing cakes from cake pans is quandary to most first time bakers. As bakers, we want to make the most delicious cakes possible. Not only that, we also take great pride in the appearance of our cakes, and want to show off our cake decorating skills.

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A question I get asked a lot from novice bakers is, "What is the best way to remove freshly baked cakes from cake pans?" I know from experience that cakes just out of the oven are extremely delicate things, and require and equally delicate touch. In this article, I will give you my simplest and best tips for doing just that.

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First, you have to answer a simple question. What type of cake are you baking? Believe me--this does matter as certain types of cakes require different removal methods from their respective cake pans.

For example, angel food cake will require you to cool it upside down while it's still in its cake pan. This is because of its tendency to collapse in the center (I know you've experienced this). One way I like to do this so that you don't spill the cake out in chunks is to place a lightweight cutting board, or something similar, on top of the cake. I'll then carefully flip the whole thing over making sure not to smash the cake, so that the cake pan is on top (with the cake still in it), and the cutting board is now on bottom.

When baking sponge cakes, you'll have to keep an eye on it and make sure you don't cool it too much because it has a tendency to shrink on you. After it's cooled down a little, you'll be able to slide it a bit easier out of its cake pan.

Most other cakes you can let cool right side up in their cake pans before removing them. Once they are cool enough, you can gently flip them over, and slide them onto a separate cooling rack.

As for how much time should you actually cool the cakes before removing them from their cake pans? All I can say is that it'll vary from cake to cake. I personally don't have a set time. After so many years of baking, I can usually "just tell" when they're ready. As you gain experience of your own, you'll develop the same ability so keep at it, and don't get too frustrated if your first few cakes don't end up like you envisioned.

Tips to Help You Remove Cakes From Cake Pans

Baking cakes is easy when you have the right cake pans. Check out CakPanStore.com which offers the best selections, at the best prices.

BONUS: Receive an Instant 10% off any first time purchase: http://cakepanstore.com.

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How to Clean Burnt Pans

So engrossed in reading the latest salacious showbiz gossip that you forget about the stew bubbling away on the stove? Now it's charred, blackened mess burned onto the base of your best saucepan! Forget about cooking dinner, order a takeaway instead, and get to work restoring your prized pan. You'll have it back in tip top condition before the food's even arrived.

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What to do:

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Fill the pan with water and throw in a dishwasher tablet or 1 tbsp biological washing power. Place it on the hob and bring it to boil. Leave to simmer for around 10 minutes. ll those nasty burnt bits will simply lift away, leaving you pan as good as new. Repeat if necessary, then wash thoroughly as normal. You can also use this method for hob safe roasting tins.

Beat the burn:

For cooking scrambled eggs or other foods that tend to stick, invest in a good quality, hard anodized saucepan. These are easy to clean, it's laughable, even when burnt. Simply wipe with a sponge and the mess will usually come straight off.

One word of warning when trying out this technique, is that the perfume odour from the dishwasher tablet or washing power can sometimes stay on the pan. Some biological washing power is perfume free so you might get away with it. If you pan does happen to smell of perfume then let it sit for a day or two in cold water and washing up liquid. After drying the pan off, add some oil and let it sit on the heat for a while. This should remove any smells.

How to Clean Burnt Pans

Author: Mr D Taylor

If you are looking for more tips please visit Cleaners in Reading.

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Using Litter Pans For Ferret Poop

The decision to adopt a pet is a vital one and should be dealt with seriously. Adopting a pet is quite like welcoming a new family member. Adequate preparations and arrangements are mandatory. If it is a ferret you are planning to adopt, a lot of preparatory measures need to be taken, to make this association a mutually beneficial one. One of the biggest challenges would be to maintain cleanliness and hygiene, since ferret poop can create a lot of unnecessary nuisance.

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Ferrets have an extremely tiny intestine, therefore the need to defecate in quite often. They are extremely curious and active pets, running around your house incessantly, so the possibility of littering the house is substantial. Though ferrets are known to be kind of stubborn, basically they sport clean habits. Every time the ferret feels like passing stool or urine, it backs up with its tail tucked inside. Therefore he is remotely aware of some kind of toilet manners. He just requires some patient training, to better them.

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The best way to prevent your ferret from spreading nuisance is to use litter pans. You need to buy several of these, for the entire house. Buy one that fits tightly into his cage, leaving no free space for him to litter. Leave little excreta on the litter pan, so that he can identify it as his toilet. Keep him locked in the cage, for at least an hour, before taking him out to play, and keep bringing him back at hourly intervals. Results will not be easy to achieve, you need to show a lot of patience and unconditional love towards him, to achieve desired outcomes.

A healthy ferret is a storehouse of energy and some people like to leave it out of the cage, for most parts of the day. During these times, you have to exercise extra caution, or else there will be ferret poop, all over the place. Ferrets have their special nooks and corners in the house. You need to place litter pans in each of these, so that if they retreat to the corners for defecating, they find the pan. Positive reinforcement is equally important. Reward him, every time he uses the ferret litter pan as his toilet.

Using Litter Pans For Ferret Poop

Clint is a ferret enthusiast who enjoys giving information about Ferret Poop. You can learn more about taking care of ferrets the correct way at FerretCareHelp.com.

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Sunday, August 21, 2011

9 Pans That Every Baker Should Know

If you are ready to tackle any baking project it is important to have a range of tools in your baking arsenal. My baking pans are the back bone of my baking operation.

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It is important to note that baking pans are made of metal, not to be confused with baking dishes that are traditionally made of glass. I prefer to use pans for baked goods. Most newer baking pans come with a non-stick surface, making them much easier to clean.

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Here is a breakdown of the pans I keep handy in my cupboard.

Springform: This unique pan is actually two pieces. Round in shape, the pan has a locking device on one side that will release the base of the pan, making cakes easier to remove. This clever device is great for cakes that are too delicate to be turned over, like a cheesecake, torte or flourless cake. The separate parts are also great for easy clean up.

Muffin: Also known as a muffin tin, a muffin pan is unique in shape. It features circular craters up to 2 inches deep that are used for baking mini-cakes (or muffins!). The pan usually comes with slots for 6 or 12 muffins and is also perfect for baking cupcakes!

Bread: The bread pan is easily recognizable by its "loaf" shape. The rectangular shape helps the loaf rise while it is baking. This pan is ideal for making Dassant beer bread, or pumpkin bread.

Bundt: The Bundt pan is all about presentation. This oddly shaped pan is used for baking decorative, fluted cakes. The tubed center allows for even cooking while the carvings on the side of the pan create a unique, decorative cake.

Tube: The tube pan is much like a Bundt pan without the fluted sides. The walls are a bit taller, but the circular cake still cooks evenly. This pan is commonly used for Angel Food Cake.

Baking Sheet: A baking sheet is flat, with short sides that keep food from sliding off. Also known as a sheet pan, the baking sheet is generally used for cooking baked goods. The pan comes in lighter or darker shades of grey. Darker shades will create a crispier end product.

Cookie Sheet: Unlike a baking sheet, a cookie sheet is completely flat. There are no sides. Cookie sheets are often mistaken for baking sheets, but the open sides ideal for scraping cookies off as they have finished baking.

Pie: This shallow circular-shaped pan has slanted sides for easy removal of pie pieces.

Tart: Unlike a pie pan, a tart pan has straight sides. Like a Springform pan, the bottom of the pan is often removable. The pan sometimes has fluted sides, but also comes in a smooth variety. The tart pan creates a taller, less slanted shape than the pie pan.

What is your favorite type of baking pan? Are there any that I missed?

9 Pans That Every Baker Should Know

Emily Ward

Contributor, http://www.scottymacblog.com

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Shaped Cake Pans

Cakes don't always look round and square. They may take various funny shapes that are pleasing and enjoyable to everyone in a party or generally a celebration. Have you ever wondered what you can achieve with a funny shaped cake pan? It's quite interesting. For instance, you can get your child a shaped either in cartoon pictures,castles, princesses and so on. This pans can be ordered via the Internet in varieties.

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Interestingly, this pans can be inspired from the world of sports and are in fact very popular. In case you're interested in buying one, the Internet can help you find what you are actually looking for and what suits your idea. With the help of this shaped cake pans,you can achieve round or oblong football or soccer balls that are craze.

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Shaped cake pans does magic during holidays especially when one wonders what sought of innovation that can actually make the occasion more lively. With this pans your imagination is your limit and thus There's lots of tricks you can do using them. However, the most common are showmen, fur trees, stars and snow flakes. Christmas and weddings are also occasions where they can come in handy. Wedding ones on the other hand are also considered special since they can be bought by the majority.

When you go out to buy one, remember there are instructions to follow to achieve the best results. Make sure you check the materials used in making them since they're normally designed for various uses. For instance, cold cooking, baking and so on. Finally make sure you use your shaped cake pans for it's designed purpose.

Shaped Cake Pans

Peter Gitundu Creates Interesting And Thought Provoking Content on Frying Pans. For More Information, Read More Of His Articles Here FRYING PANS If You Enjoyed This Article, Make Sure You SUBSCRIBE TO MY RSS FEED!

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Best Rachael Ray Cookware - Cooking Pans

Over several years, Rachael Ray has made a perennial star out of herself, specifically on the field of Food Network using her temperate personality and her practical cooking techniques, which definitely has been helping home cooks and mothers to create delectable 30-minute meals and other mouthwatering recipes. At this time, the Food Network icon is placing that same warmth and affection into an array of custom-designed Rachael Ray pots and pans. Peruse more reviews telling about Rachael Ray Cookware in order for you to positively decide which cookware piece is exactly right for your kitchen.

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Less known to the general public is the fact that Rachael Ray is not the type of personality who places herself on a high pedestal. If truth be told, she would prefer to call herself a mere cook and not a chef seeing that she never went to cooking school and did formally study culinary arts at all. She always believes that if she can cook, then anybody can.

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Ray's specialty of cookware mirrors her way of thinking with a fusion of excitement, flamboyant colors and a lovely look with elegant design. A stress on easy use to create a line of pots and pans deserves a prime place in any kitchen.

Rachael Ray is a great choice if you truly like to have vibrant, cheerful colors in your kitchen. Ray's signature line of her cookware comes in three bright colors, as well as stainless steel and hard-anodized black. These hues are a fiery orange, rich blue, and a light, spring-like green.

Moreover, the Rachael Ray pans are entirely designed to be both practical and beautiful. Too, the pots are embellished with a charming tulip shaped which demarcates these pots apart from the standard assortment of pans and pots.

What is also important of this brand is its commitment to quality. Furthermore, Rachael Ray cookware set is in fact restaurant tested by professional chefs in order to ensure quality and practicality. The utmost care is taken into consideration in the workmanship of the products. Amazingly remarkable, this popular brand also guarantees a full money-back and limited lifetime warranties on some products subject to specific terms and conditions. Also, Rachael Ray cookware offers a wide variety of features making it easier to use by home cooks. Such features include tight-fitting glass covers that let you see at a glance how your food is doing; shapes that are elegantly designed to make multiple large pans suit better on your stovetop; and the handles which are made from special non-slip silicone coatings that remains cool at temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you feel having this cookware in your kitchen, the company offers you four different consumer product lines, as well as their commercial lines. Make your choice of cast iron with stainless steel, hard anodized aluminum, an enamel finish, and porcelain enamel cookware.

But if you are searching for supreme quality, practical cookware adorned with an exciting and cheery appearance, then this set is a probably the best choice you will ever make. The prices are really affordable for good-quality cookware. The cookware pieces are absolutely easy and fun to use. On top of it is its elegant appearance which is highly distinctive and very attractive.

Best Rachael Ray Cookware - Cooking Pans

Visit our Rachael Ray cookware site, and see our best Rachael Ray pans.

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Saturday, August 20, 2011

Shaped Cake Pans Online

Making cakes is a lot of fun, and I find that I enjoy it even more when I can add my personality to the cake. Or sometimes I want to make a cake specifically for someone, and I want that cake to reflect them and their life. Using shaped cake pans really lets me put everything I have into it, and the results are my way of telling that special someone that I care for them.

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I want to look at the most popular shaped cake pans that I have found at my favorite online retailer - Amazon.com. You get great deals at Amazon, and they are the world's largest retailer, so you know you can trust them.

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The first shaped cake pan is this basic Wilton Decorator Preferred 10-Inch Heart pan. This is just a standard pan in the shape of a heart, but it is the one I use the most. It is 2 inches deep, and it is made of thick aluminum. This gives it great heat distribution so that my cake cooks perfectly, and the aluminum also makes it very durable and easy to clean up.

I like this product because it has thick sides which makes it easy to carry and very simple to get the cake out. I would recommend cleaning it by hand - not running it in the dishwasher because you need to protect its coating. This Wilton heart pan comes with a lifetime warranty. The manufacturer also recommends that you use a heating core with this heart shaped pan.

This Bone-Shaped Non-Stick pan is an excellent choice in shaped cake pans. If you love dogs, this pan allows you to show your love through your cakes. This pan is a little over 9" long and is 6" wide. As the name implies, it is a non-stick pan which means your cake will turn out great!

There is also a Bone-Shaped Muffin Pan that creates 6 muffins at once. They make muffin bones about 3" long and 2.5" wide. These two pans would be a perfect match for anyone that loves dogs and loves to bake.

Wilton also produces many more shaped cake pans that are great for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions. For example, this Wilton Dinosaur cake pan will produce a great cake with intricate details that will make people think you spent tens of hours creating it. Little do they know that it didn't take any more time than making a regular cake.

Or you could buy this Monkey Shaped Pan. It is aluminum just like the other pans we have described, and it produces a fun and exciting monkey shape that kids (and most adults) will absolutely love!

Wilton has made shaped cake pans for a shamrock, a princess carriage, a pirate ship, hearts, and just about anything else you could think of. They even have one of golf clubs in a golf bag! You could really let your imagination run wild and create a specialized cake for anyone at any occasion. The great part is that it doesn't take a lot of time to make or clean up, and you know that you have created something that everyone will remember. And you get to do all of this without spending a fortune at a bakery. It is your way of telling someone else that they are special.

Shaped Cake Pans Online

Learn more about where to find the best Shaped Cake Pans online at my website http://shapedcakepans.org.

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Season Your Pans for Non Stick Cooking

Nothing is more frustrating than trying to cook a delicious meal and having it stick to the bottom of the pan. A well season or cured pan will make cooking more fun, easier to clean and create better tasting food. There is a saying in the restaurant business; Hot pan - Cold oil. Meaning never put the oil in a cold pan and then heat it up. By heating the pan first and then adding the oil, then immediately the food, you'll have much less sticking. Furthermore if you season the pan when you first purchase it, you will have even better results.

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Curing by metal types

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Stainless Steel - Unfortunately stainless steel cannot be seasoned because of the hardness of the metal. A matter of fact I don't know of a single restaurant which uses stainless steel pan. They are great for storing food because the food won't react with the metal, but horrible for cooking. My advice is just stay away from them altogether.

Aluminum - First wash the pan with soup and water using a sponge or cloth (no steel sponge). Rinse and dry thoroughly. Heat the pan until hot then add two ounces of oil to the pan. Carefully swirl the pan so the oil coats every part of the pan. Let the pan cool. Remove the oil and repeat the process one more time. From this point on, never use soap again. Wash with warm water and dry with a paper towel. If some food does stick us a little salt with oil and a paper towel to remove it.

Teflon and other non stick surfaces - Non stick technology has come a long way over the years and there are dozens of infomercials to prove it. But the truth is even non stick pans will eventually stick. Follow the steps for seasoning aluminum pans and your non stick pans will last longer and perform better. Remember after the first time, never wash with soup again.

Cast iron and wok's - For cast iron and wok's the process is similar, but because of the nature of the metal you'll heat the pans to a much higher temperature. Fist wash the pan with soup and water then dry thoroughly. Heat the pan up until it is very hot. Add two ounces of oil and swirl to coat all sides. Let cool and remove excess oil. Heat the pan up again until it begins to smoke. Add more oil and repeat the process until you've done this three times. Never wash again and always store you pans at any angle or by hanging so they won't rust.

By taking the time to properly season you pans, you will enjoy cooking much more and increase the life of your investment. I recommend spending a little extra money and buying good quality pans and take care of them, in the long run you'll be much happier. Another tip is to never buy pans with plastic or wooden handles because you can't place them in the oven. As you increase you cooking skills you'll find many recipes start on the burner then move to the oven. By having an all metal pan this transition is flawless.

Season Your Pans for Non Stick Cooking

About The Author

Chef Richard has worked for some of the top fine dining restaurants in Washington State and is the author of the ebook “Chef’s Special”. You can find free recipes, informative articles and order the ebook at [http://www.csrecipes.com]

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Griddle Pans

What do you think of when you hear the words "griddle pan"? Do you picture making a nice stack of pancakes or French toast? Maybe you picture some nice, big juicy burgers or barbecued chicken. Either way, you know that you can cook lots of delicious food with a good, quality griddle pan.
 
If you are a frequent cooker, you should be sure to have a wide variety pots, pans, and other cooking tools and utensils. You should also be sure to have the right appliances such as a blender, microwave, coffee pot, etc. It is also important to have the right quality tools. If you only buy cheap kitchen appliances and tools, you will notice it in the quality of your food. Your food will not come out as good as it otherwise would and the tools will not last as long either.
 
The griddle pan can be used to cook up a lot of different foods. For example, you could cook pancakes, French toast, prairie chicken or fried chicken, burgers, seared steak, fried potatoes, and the list goes on. A griddle pan is a definite tool that you should have your kitchen but you will get a lot of use out of.
 
When looking to buy a griddle pan, keep several ideas in mind. Look for quality. You want a pan that is going to last for many years to come, not something that's going to break or look destroyed in a year or two. Find something with quality at an affordable price. Some brands are high-priced but not necessarily great quality. Read reviews to find where to get both good quality and an affordable price.
 
Once you have your griddle, learn how to use it correctly and take good care of it. This will each get the best results in your dishes and to allow the pan to last as long as possible.

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Griddle Pans

Learn more about cooking with a griddle pan and where to get one. Get cooking pans at the best price.

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Friday, August 19, 2011

Cake Pans in 3 Styles - Traditional, Springform and Shaped Cake Pans

Different cakes call for different types of cake pans.  Here is an overview of the three main types of cake pans that home bakers will want to have on hand: traditional round pans, springform pans and shaped pans or cake molds.  If you buy high-quality cake pans, they can last a lifetime. Using our suggestions below, you'll find just the right bakeware. With it, you'll turn out one beautiful cake after another for years to come.

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Traditional round cake pans

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One of the most versatile cake pans is the traditional round pan, sometimes available in sets of two.  They come in sizes from 6 to 18 inches in diameter and 2-3 inches tall, and are ideal for single or stacked round cakes.  Aluminum is the preferred metal for a traditional cake pan, as it evenly distributes heat. They're very versatile and can also be used for casseroles or baked fruit desserts. Some come with handles for easier gripping though the majority are just a circular shape.  Non-stick coating is a must so that you can easily release your crumb-free, perfectly-baked cake. Traditional round pans range in price from to for professional versions.

Springform pans

One of the most important things to look for when buying a springform pan is that the metal, usually coated steel, resists sticking and thus is easy to clean. It's also key that the entire pan will hold its shape without warping.  This will ensure you have perfectly round cakes. A springform pan comes in two pieces, the sides and bottom, which should snap together seamlessly and provide even-heating. Prices range from to .

Shaped cake pans

Shaped cake pans are like molds that produce a three-dimensional cake. Brands such as Wilton carry dozens of shapes including animals, cartoon characters, dinosaurs and other kid favorites. The convenient thing about many of these pans is that they come with detailed instructions for how to decorate the cake including tips and equipment needed. The downside is they may be specific to an occasion so you may not get use out of a Dora the Explorer cake pan as often as you'd like.  Nevertheless, they are fun and attention-getting, and will help create a memorable celebration.

Cake Pans in 3 Styles - Traditional, Springform and Shaped Cake Pans

In the mood for something sweet? Sarita Haines offers expert tips on cake baking, frosting and decorating at Frosting Recipes.

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Are Your Aluminum Pots and Pans Dangerous?

There has been a lot of press about what kinds of pots and pans are safe. With the news that Teflon can flake into your food, some people are looking for alternatives to nonstick. Aluminum pots and pans are usually inexpensive and many people use them because they fit in their budget. They are lightweight and heat quickly and evenly during cooking.

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Aluminum's primary problem is its reactivity. Foods prepared in aluminum can chemically react with the metal and form aluminum salts in your food. Excessive amounts built up over time can cause impaired vision and motor coordination as well as Alzheimer's disease. When you think that more than half of all the cookware sold today is made of aluminum, you have to wonder if this is a growing problem.

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No definitive link has been proven between using aluminum cookware and deteriorating health. However, why take the chance? Here are some strategies you can use to keep your aluminum risks to a minimum.

Safety Precautions

Keep your aluminum cookware in good condition. If you see pits in the bottom or it seems worn, your food will absorb more aluminum. Replace it. Don't store food in aluminum. The longer you store or cook food in aluminum, the more aluminum your food absorbs. In other words, use a stainless steel kettle when you're cooking spaghetti sauce or homemade soup.

Don't cook acidic foods in aluminum. Foods with a high acid level or a large amount of salt may cause more aluminum to get in your food. Acidic foods include tomatoes, rhubarb and sauerkraut.

Alternatives

Anodized aluminum goes through a process that coats the surface of the cookware. This coating helps prevent aluminum from being absorbed by the food. Anodized aluminum doesn't react to acidic foods like aluminum so you can use it without worrying about topping your pasta with aluminum sauce. Anodized aluminum cookware is usually more expensive than plain aluminum.

Stainless steel is a combination of chromium and nickel. It lasts a long time and easy to clean. It is the choice of professional chefs the world over. Stainless steel can also be expensive and heavy. It does not react with foods, but may require special cleaning. If you have nickel allergies, you may want to avoid stainless steel cookware.

Copper pans are usually coated with stainless steel to make them easier to care for. Copper is a great conductor of heat and cooks food well, but it may react with food. They are very expensive and require a lot of care to remain looking their best.

Nonstick

Nonstick cookware is coated with Teflon or Silverstone. Both of these coatings may scratch easily if you use metal or wooden utensils. If overheated, the coatings may release toxic fumes that may also be carcinogenic. If you keep pet birds, keep them far away from the kitchen as the fumes are hazardous for them. Many people like the convenience of nonstick despite these problems.

Cast iron holds heat evenly and for long periods of time. They require a little extra care because they must be seasoned to keep food from sticking, and they are very heavy for some people. They can be used in the oven as well as on the stove. Keep them oiled between uses to prevent rust.

Are Your Aluminum Pots and Pans Dangerous?

Article by Nancy Cope of Cook For Your Health - the place to shop for waterless cookware sets and cooking pans.

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Cake Pans With a Professional Touch

Baking is an all inclusive activity which requires the best of ingredients and an equally good set of utensils and appliances. This activity requires lots of greasing and heating and if the accompanying tools and appliances are not of a professional make, and then it may create a problem.

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Earlier the baking pans were made either of cast iron or ceramic. But these pans were heavy and made cake making a tedious task. But over the years, there has been a lot of innovation and change in the technology of making these pans and a variety of more lighter and heat resistant metals have been used. Aluminum has gained a major place in the pan manufacturing industry. It is a lighter, tougher, rust free and corrosion resistant metal and is used on a large scale.

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There are different varieties of professional cake pans which differ in size, shape, the brand name and the metal used therein. Bake ware is an essential part of any kitchen as they are different from the other utensils used. Baking needs are different and hence the use of a different kind of vessels and pans. The most prominently used bake ware come in glass and ceramic which are oven friendly and perfect for cooking, baking, food storage and many more things. There are a variety of portable sets, casseroles and baking dishes, bowls which are available in the market.

Jelly Roll Pan has one inch deep sides and is used as a baking sheet. These kinds of pans are generally used for roasting vegetables, baking cookies, coffee cakes and jelly roles. The Jelly Roll Pans are usually made of aluminum as it is rust and corrosion resistant metal and it also helps in distributing the heat evenly. The commercial jelly roll pans are made up of heavy gauge steel for extra strength and to prevent bending and warping. Most of the jelly roll pans have a non-stick interior which makes for a clean and hassle free cake making.

Professional Round Cake Pans are a baker's favorite. They are made of heavy gauge aluminum metal which is rust free as well as a very good conductor of heat. Most of these round cake pans have straight sides and are dish washer friendly. They do not stain or discolor easily which makes them last for a longer time.

Professional Square and Round Cake Pans are designed for consistent baking. These pans have straight sides and square corners which give out much better results. These professional pans are made of anodized aluminum which is the best for even conduction of heat and is also much more durable. The insides of these square and round pans are Teflon coated non-stick material which does not allow it to chip and scrape, unlike the other normal non-stick utensils. The heavy metal of the pans prevents it from warping and bending. These pans are dishwater safe and also do not corrode easily.

Cake Pans With a Professional Touch

For more information on Pear Filled Bundt-Cakes and Fish Terrines please visit our website.

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Thursday, August 18, 2011

Why Use a Stovetop Grill? - Breakdown and Benefits of Grill Pans

Why use a stovetop grill? Are they purely aesthetic used only to put grill marks on meat? How do they compare with a good old fashioned outdoor grill?

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Stovetop grills, a.k.a. "grill pans", do more than add those dark char grilled marks to cuts of meat. They are great for cooking fish, thin steaks, pork chops, and vegetables. Using this type of grill is healthier than pan frying, because a grill pan allows the fat to drip off of the meat as it is cooking.

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These grills aren't the same as an outdoor gas or charcoal grill. The biggest difference is that you are not cooking with an open flame, so the finished product isn't exactly the same. However, it is similar, especially when cooking the items mentioned above. The fact that the method of cooking isn't exactly the same does not mean that meals prepared on a grill pan in your kitchen will be of a lesser quality than meals grilled the old fashioned way.

An indoor grill pan is a great alternative to outdoor grilling. They are a quick and easy way to cook meat and vegetables without having to prepare and clean a commercial grill. Many people say that they are great on a rainy day, but the truth is they are a valuable asset to your kitchen regardless, not just a back up plan. Efficiency is the name of the game here.

Some people prefer indoor electric grills, such as the George Foreman. A lot of these people would give stovetop grill pans a try if they knew how cheap they are. You can get some stovetop grill pans for as little as to , with the more extravagant ones (bigger/better quality) running around 0.

Stovetop grills are a quick and easy way to grill healthy meals. With very reasonable prices, they are worth looking into.

Why Use a Stovetop Grill? - Breakdown and Benefits of Grill Pans

Alan J is a student, blogger, and exercise junkie, who's passions include cooking, playing sports, and hang-gliding.

Stovetop Grill [http://www.stovetop-grill.com/]

Recipe [http://www.stovetop-grill.com/stovetop-grill/stovetop-grill/]

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Waterless Pans - The Cooking of the Future

Give yourself more time and better health by cooking with waterless pans.

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Waterless pans and cookware in general do not get much press, but their benefits warrant it. We all talk of how families these days are constantly busy and mealtimes have suffered because of it. Statistics also show that obesity is at its highest rate. With these facts in mind, any product that uses less time to cook a meal and also makes it healthier should be a priority.

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The way the cookware is made is the key to how it works so well. All waterless pots and pans are made of stainless steel, both inside and out, with surgical stainless steel being the highest grade available. The following are the advantages of using stainless steel with cookware:

resists corroding maintains temperature protects flavor (will not flake into the food) is easy to clean

Another key component to the cookware construction is the iron core plate. This piece keeps the temperature steady and evenly distributed when the heat of the burner is turned off. This saves energy because once the food is at the correct temperature, the stove can be turned off, but the food will continue to cook. The special pan lids also aid in this process by forming a water seal that prevents steam and juices from escaping. With most foods, especially vegetables, their own juices are the most nutritious part and usually are lost when cooked. These lids prevent that from happening, making the food moister and considerably healthier by cooking it in natural juices. Adding water or oil to the pan is not necessary.

With the different products now available in the waterless cookware line, you can not only cook as you normally would on top of your stove, but you can also bake, steam, broil, roast, or baste on the stove as well. Although the pots and pans can be used in the oven, it is not necessary. That is correct - you can bake a turkey or chicken or even chocolate chip cookies, on your stove top with waterless cooking products. In addition, it is possible to put a meat and two vegetables into a pan and have them all cook together, and quickly. Some pots even stack so that you can cook an entire meal on one burner. Because of the technology, the heat from the burner carries through all the way to the highest sitting pot.

Once you realize that waterless pans are kitchen pieces you must have, you'll want to know how you can purchase them. There are private home showings you can book, and these will show you firsthand how well the cookware works. Typically, though, the pricing at these shows is flat out expensive. If you are comfortable shopping online, it really is the best way to find variety at an excellent price. Before you get too excited about a particular buy, do your homework. Things you should research about a company before you purchase from them are as follows:

Is there a warranty? Can I call the company and talk to a person about questions and/or concerns? Are there videos online showing cooking and cleaning tips? Does the cookware come with a recipe or cookbook?

Since these products are different from what we are all used to using to cook, you need to know the tricks of the trade, so to speak. For example, in order to avoid burning cabbage, you need to places a few large leaves across the bottom of the pan and then place the rest on top for even cooking. Make sure the company will provide you with these and similar instructions so you get the most out of your new purchase.

The benefits of these products along with the availability and reasonable pricing online should put them on everybody's shopping list. We all could use more time and healthier meals, and waterless pans are one way to give ourselves both.

Waterless Pans - The Cooking of the Future

To learn more about the benefits of waterless cookware go to Waterless Pans. Peter Cerrato is the owner of www.WaterlessCookwareSystem.com where he provides surgical stainless steel cookware products and tips.

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Cast Iron Pans

If you prefer a pan that distributes heat evenly and moderately, then cast iron pans may be exactly what you're looking for. Unlike aluminum ones, they are a lot heavier and do not heat rapidly. In terms of price, they are generally pocket friendly i.e affordable or reasonably costly. One thing to note is that though they may heat slowly, once they're hot they definitely maintain the temperature.

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They are part of traditional art of cooking and are believed to be some of the oldest cooking pans ever used. They are amazing in control of cooking temperature and preventing food from burning. In addition, Cooking often goes smooth and evenly with no risk at all in creating hot spots and this makes them considered professional tools by many chefs.

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Long-term effects such as rusting, stain formation and decaying when exposed to certain foods are some of cast iron pans disadvantages. Nevertheless, it's possible to prolong its life when you take extra care. All you've to do is simply take care when washing them, keep them dry and never leave food in them.

Cast iron pans are commonly used for frying and slow cooking. Moreover, they can be used both on top of the stove and in the oven. When it comes to cleaning, wipe them clean with a piece of paper and use hot water to remove any food stuck. Once you're done washing, dry the pan thoroughly and if possible, coat it with a thin layer of oil so as to avoid rusting and decaying.

Cast Iron Pans

Peter Gitundu Creates Interesting And Thought Provoking Content on Frying Pans. For More Information, Read More Of His Articles Here FRYING PANS If You Enjoyed This Article, Make Sure You SUBSCRIBE TO MY RSS FEED!

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Mini Bundt Cake Pans - Small Ones for Ridged Baking

Mini bundt pan cakes are miniature models of bunt cakes. The pans resemble the cup cakes but have a hole in the center with scalloping sides. Though made of silicon, some of them are also made with other metals with a non-stick coat on the outer side.

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Mini Bundt Cake Pans - Exclusive Baking Tips

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Bundt cakes are small and round with ridged surface owing to baking them in mini bundt cake pans. Though it is a popular and easy kitchen appliance, proper mixture of the batter and buttering can make a yummy pan cake. The size of the mini bundt cake pans varies from a few cups to a dozen of cups in a single pan. It is wise to determine the size of the bunt cups before adding the batter and is wise to add only to about 2/3 rd of the size. Before baking, it is recommended to fully butter the sides of the pan to avoid sticking. Since it has many ridges, butter carefully so that the entire surface is covered. While some recipes require flouring, apply flours to the inside portion and turn the pan upside down so that all the extra flour falls. A coat of baking spray helps to create an excellent cake. Aluminum bundt pans allow distribution of heat evenly while baking and assist in even browning.

Cake Baking Pans - Pans that Improve Cakes

There is a variety of cake baking pans that are used for different cakes. However, a majority of them are made of metal varieties or glass. Aluminum, carbon steel or tinned steel is usually used for metal. Copper bottom pan are also available but not preferred due to uneven heat distribution. Silicone pans are widely preferred by a majority of households. Most of the pans have a non-sticking surface which makes baking an easier process. Tempered glass is also used for glass cake baking pans. The main advantage is that they conduct heat for a prolonged period. They are available in clear forms as well as in different, attractive colors. Jelly roll pans are commonly used for filling jelly or jams in the cakes.

Baking Ware - Kitchen Helpers

There are enormous varieties of baking ware available in the market to assist you in baking. They come in different styles, shapes and sizes depending upon the need of the customer. Insulated bake ware is one among the most popular ones that are constituted of a metal piece and air pocket between the trays. The air pockets help in uniform heating of the metal trays. Nonstick surface helps in safe handling of the baked products. Though they are strong, they cost relatively high as compared with the other bake wares owing to its efficiency. Silicone, on the other hand, is sturdier as compared with the other materials and it does not get hot when baked leaving your hands burn-free. Aluminum sheets and stainless steel are also used to bake a variety of food stuffs. They can be used either in a conventional oven or microwave oven.

Mini Bundt Cake Pans - Small Ones for Ridged Baking

aMillionLives - helpful resource providing articles about all walks of life. How would you like to read a wide variety of relevant articles classified into various categories like Fashion, Finance, Health, Home & Garden and Travel? At aMillionLives.com, our home and garden section contains helpful articles on various aspects related to your home and garden. For instance, read this great article on bundt cake pan

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Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Baking Pans

Cooking is an inseparable part of our lives. Otherwise, how else can we make healthy and yummy food. In many generations this has been quite a challenge. Problem being, finding a conductive and non-reactive metal since cooking requires heat conductivity and lack of chemical reactions with food. In the past, pans would be made of reactive materials and then coated with neutral ones. However, today's technology has made it possible to have safe baking pans for cooking made of aluminum, cast iron, stainless steel and carbon steel.

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For along time now aluminum baking pans have been considered great for cooking. This is due to their exquisite thermal conductivity i.e. they heat fast and without creating any hot spots they do not corrode or rust. However, they react with certain acidic foods such as egg yolks, asparagus and artichokes thus influencing their taste.

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Copper pans are quality when it comes to models with stainless steel linings rather than tin. Traditionally they were made of tinned copper. They were great to heat conductivity and safe from chemical reactions with acidic foods. However, today they are expensive and require periodical re-tinning to their tin layer thinning.

In our homes today, stainless steel and carbon steel baking pans are mostly used. They are immune to corrosion and chemical reactions with acidic food. They however do not conduct heat evenly. Aluminum or copper core is mostly used to rectify this problem. Carbon steel on the other hand heats rapidly but not as well as other materials. Nevertheless, it's suitable for instance where pans require different cooking temperatures.

Baking Pans

Peter Gitundu Creates Interesting And Thought Provoking Content on Frying Pans. For More Information, Read More Of His Articles Here FRYING PANS If You Enjoyed This Article, Make Sure You SUBSCRIBE TO MY RSS FEED!

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Shower Floor Pans - Often Made Mistakes

Shower floor pans consist of several layers all working together to keep water where it belongs. Make one of several mistakes and the shower leaks and the repair bills mount. Here are some common errors.

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1. Shaky Base

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Tile cracks if installed over a base that moves. That goes for shower floors too. The sub-floor below the shower should be braced and rot free or the shower mortar moves and the whole structure self-destructs.

2. No Slope On Mortar First Layer

Some tile installers see no reason to slope the mortar under the liner. That works for awhile. Eventually what happens is the whole shower base stays wet and creates a perfect environment for mold. Mold begins in the mortar and spreads through the whole floor, completely turning the base to a big mold bed. Symptoms of that are signs of mold in the grout lines that just keep coming back no matter how often you clean.

The first mud layer should be sloped to help water exit the base.

3. Faulty Liner

Shower floors leak. Grout will not stop water and neither will some kinds of tile. A built in waterproof liner membrane serves as the barrier past which not one drop of water should pass. The liner most often takes the form of a vinyl sheet especially made for the purpose. Leave it out or fail to get it sealed to the drain and disaster waits. The liner truly is the layer that keeps water in it's place.

Really all parts of a tile shower exist to properly support the liner and the drain. They are the critical pieces.

4. Drain Problems

Tile shower drains contain drain holes at two levels. One you see in the floor. The other lies buried and sealed to the lower drain base. That special drain is key to a waterproof shower. No substitute will work the same.

5. Not Containing Moisture

Water vapor goes everywhere around a shower. Even if the floor remains waterproof, walls can become mold harbors. Vapor barriers behind tile shower walls keep water in it's proper place instead of feeding mold in walls creating a terrible mess.

Shower floor pans constructed the right way keep water where it should be for many years. Make any of several basic errors and the shower fails and water damage results.

Shower Floor Pans - Often Made Mistakes

Our site includes a free shower pan installation article series with much more detail.

Check out our website for tips on installing ceramic tile projects of all kinds.

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Non-Stick Pots & Pans - Do They Release Harmful Chemicals?

It seems like the "Green Movement" is building momentum. Green advocates tell us to try environmental friendly alternatives for the many things we do or use in our lives... Things like driving hybrid vehicles to using paper instead of plastic bags.

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Now there are Green alternatives to the non-stick cooking pots and pans. Some believe the non-Green non-stick cookware releases harmful chemicals into the air if used with high temperature.

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Consumer Union tested several brands of non-stick pots and pans and their testing equipment didn't detect any significant amount of toxic pollutants being given off.

Regardless, if you are still concern about the claims, there are Green non-stick pots and pans available that range from 0 to 0 for 10 piece sets. Consumer Union tested these for their non-stick performance and durability. Many performed well, but in one brand the handles fell off.

Just because we believe we should protect our environment doesn't mean we need to buy everything that is labeled "Green." Stainless steel pots and pans are alternatives to non-Green non-stick pots and pans. They aren't as easy to clean but they are environmental friendly.

Cast iron cookware is also another alternative to non-stick cookware. The disadvantage is that they are heavier than stainless steel. The bare cast iron pots and pans take a bit of effort to clean depending on what you cook.

However, some manufacturers have improved the cooking surfaces so that they are almost non-stick and clean fairly easily. Le Creuset is a brand that makes mostly cast-iron cookware and the interior is enamel coated making them non-stick.

So you see we don't have to toss everything out in our kitchen if it isn't labeled as "Green." Many things we use in our kitchen are already environmentally safe.

Copyright © Jon Chan

Non-Stick Pots & Pans - Do They Release Harmful Chemicals?

Afraid of harmful toxic chemicals being released from your non-stick pots and pans? Read our reviews of environmentally friendly cookware sets at http://www.1-online-stores.com/category/cookware/ and feel good about cooking while saving the earth.

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Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Oil Drip Pans For Cars - Discover How to Make Oil Drip Pans For Cars Even More Effective

Oil changes can be messy. So oil drip pans for cars are a real life saver because they catch the oil as it drains. Read on to find out how to make them even more effective.

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Oil drip pans are handy for several reasons:

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1) Oil drip pans are a very economical and flexible way to handle spills.

2) They make it easy to dispose of the oil properly and quickly.

3) The safety of your facility is enhanced while maintenance costs are reduced.

But there's a way to make them even more effective. They can still spill and oil can get on the floor. And oil can make a floor very slippery, which turns it into a slip and fall hazard almost instantly.

But when you use oil drip pans in conjunction with Abzorb Oil mats, you can prevent those problems.

For instance, you can place a mat around your oil change center. You can keep them around walkways and any areas that could become affected by oil. That way if you experience any drips and leaks, they are taken care of immediately.

With its super absorbent material, the Abzorb Oil mat makes for increased safety within your facility. Furthermore, the material is non-penetrable and it has a non-skid backing. That way the mat doesn't move around on the floor, which is another reason why it's helpful in preventing falls. A mat that slides is just as bad as walking over spilt oil because the slip and fall risk is still there.

Among the Abzorb oil mat's many fine features, you'll find durability as well as affordability. Even though throwing those pans and mats away may not a big loss if you need to do so, it's great to know that you'll get quite a bit of mileage out of them before they wear out.

Furthermore, you want different sizes for different size jobs. For instance, a truck is going to hold more oil than a car. And if you have a large facility, you are going to want mats that are large enough to cover the areas that you need covered.

Fortunately, you have a choice of sizes. First, you can choose between 3 foot and 6 foot widths. You can also choose rolls that can easily be cut by scissors, but will remain intact and durable on the floor.

So oil drip pans for cars and oil absorbing mats can be really handy when you want to make your facility safer. They help you keep oil off of the floor and away from under the feet of your employees, your customers, your vendors, or yourself.

And with the proper disposal of oil, you are able to keep up with EPA requirements as well. This will keep you on the good side of the EPA and can save you a fortune in fines you would have to pay if you were less diligent.

Oil Drip Pans For Cars - Discover How to Make Oil Drip Pans For Cars Even More Effective

Want to know more about choosing the right oil drip pans for cars? Find more information and all the latest absorbents and other environmental and industrial safety products on Travis Zdrazil's Absorbents Online website and get his FREE newsletter too. Travis is an expert on environmental safety products and has supplied businesses with products to aid in meeting EPA and OSHA requirements for more than 10 years.

You may publish this article, but must keep the resource box ©2010 PCI Products Company. All rights reserved.

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Aluminum Foil Steam Table Pans - The Complete Consumer Guide

Aluminum foil pans are the most versatile disposable food containers produced today. Steam table foil pans are cost-effective, practical, and intended for one-time use. They are designed to withstand extreme temperature ranges, from below freezing to broiler oven temperatures. For these reasons, they are the #1 choice for food transport used by restaurants, caterers, and chefs within the food service industry. There is no need to clean them up after using, simply discard in a recyclable manner. Aluminum can be recycled a countless number of times, therefore we suggest recycling aluminum products whenever possible.

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With such an extensive selection of foil containers and products to choose from online, it can sometimes become confusing to the consumer. This guide will help you in choosing which specific pan fit your needs.

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Steam Table Foil Pan Background

Almost all US manufactured foil pans are made with aluminum alloy 3003. The strength of a foil pan is determined by how thick the aluminum sheet is, which is measured by its gauge. A heavier gauge results in a stronger pan. Many US manufacturers make several different gauges of the same sized pan to allow for economical usage in different applications. For example, transporting light-weight food items such as salads does not require such a strong pan, so a lighter gauge foil pan will do the job adequately.

Steam Table Pan Sizes

Apart from a few negligible variances, all steam table foil pan sizes are universal among US aluminum foil manufacturers. There are 3 size categories of steam table pans: Full-Size, Half-Size, and Third-Size.

Half-Size Pans

These measure 12-3/4" length by 10-3/8" width. The most common half-size pans are made with 40 gauge heavy duty aluminum, full curl rim, with the exception of the half-size extra deep pan which is even stronger at 50 gauge. (A stronger 45 gauge version of the half-size deep is also available).

Half-Size Pans (4 Depths) 12-3/4" x 10-3/8" (Packed 100 pans per case)
Half-Size Shallow: 1-11/16" Vertical Depth Half-Size Medium: 2-3/16" Vertical Depth Half-Size Deep: 2-9/16" Vertical Depth Half-Size Extra Deep: 4-3/16" Vertical Depth

Uses: Light-medium volume catering, smaller party portions, bulk food transport, barbecues, broiling, baking, casseroles, pastries, cooking.

Full-Size Pans

These measure 20-3/4" length by 12-13/16" width and vary in depth. Generally, these are made with 65 gauge heavy duty aluminum, full curl rim. These will not bend or crush easily. Economy gauge pans are 55 and 60 gauge, also known as cheater gauge. These are best used for light duty applications and we generally do not recommend them for commercial food service use. And if you need even stronger support, 70 gauge extra heavy duty pans in the Full-Size Deep and Full-Size Medium are available.

Full Size Pans (3 Depths) 20-3/4" x 12-13/16" (Packed 50 pans per case)
Full Size Shallow: 1-11/16" Vertical Depth Full Size Medium: 2-3/16" Vertical Depth Full Size Deep: 3-3/8" Vertical Depth

Uses: Full-service volume catering, party pan portions, heavy bulk food transport, broiling, barbecues, baking, cooking.

Third-Size Pans

The third-size deep steam pan is the exact same pan as the 5LB loaf/bread pan. These are available in cases of 100 and 200.

Uses: Loaf/bread pans, pound cakes, broiling, barbecues, cooking, baking

Steam Pan Lids

Matching foil lids are available for all steam foil pans. Lids will universally fit their respective size pans, including pans made by various US manufacturers. In addition to foil lids, clear OPS dome lids are available for half-size pans.

Foil Pan Tips

Did you know foil pans can be refrigerated or frozen, and they can go straight into the oven? This is one main reason they are the top choice for disposable food transport within the food service industry. However, there are a few things you can do to get the most out of your steam tables.
Always Support The Bottom! Keep in mind that aluminum containers will bend under weight, and holding a pan by the edges when full of food is something you should try to avoid. Use at least one hand under the pan for support whenever transporting food. Use matching foil lids. These serve several purposes. They cover the food and keep food hot (steaming!). They help eliminate spills. They also provide significant added support once they crimp fully around the pan. With liquid foods, use plastic cling wrap to cover the pan, then crimp the foil pan lid over the top. This will significantly reduce leakage and spills. Aluminum pans are recyclable. Help the environment by recycling your foil products whenever possible.

Copyright Pactogo, Inc. 2010. All Rights Reserved

Aluminum Foil Steam Table Pans - The Complete Consumer Guide

For a complete line of the widest selection of steam table foil pans online, please visit: Pactogo.com Steam Table Foil Pans

For a complete line of cake and baking foil pans, please visit: foil pans

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Dried Fruit Nutrition: Educate Yourself On The Top 5 Dried Fruits

With the increasing awareness of the need to improve diet and carefully watch the foods we eat and the food we give our family, it pays to educate ourselves on dried fruit nutrition. Dried fruit can keep for long periods, it is easy to store, it is convenient to carry as a snack, and it can be quite economical.

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Just exactly what is dried fruit? Fruit with a large proportion of the water content removed. The fruit retains a high nutritional value. The drying process can either be done naturally under the sun, or artificially through hot dryers or food dehydrators. In additional to equipping a kitchen with a quality cookware set, many also invest in a quality stainless steel food dehydrator and process their own fruits and nuts.

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In this article we will consider five of the most common and most popular dried fruits. Educate yourself on these five and see how you can benefit from the nutritional value by working them into your weekly diet, for yourself and your family.

Dried Apricots

Dried apricots actually contain more nutritional value than fresh ones simply because the nutrient content is much higher. Dried apricots contain a high level of carotenes, good for lowering the risk of some cancers. This dried fruit also is a good source of vitamin C, silicon, iron, phosphorous, calcium and potassium.

Dried apricots are rich in iron and therefore helpful in the fight against anemia. They can also act as a gentle laxative and help avoid constipation. They even help with digestion.

Dried Dates

Dried dates are packed with nutrients which include phosphorous, magnesium, vitamin A, calcium, and potassium. They promote the existence of healthy bacteria in the intestines and they can help ease the problem of constipation, acting as a mild laxative.

Dates are an excellent source of energy and they can provide a quick energy boost, being full of natural sugars. Dried dates have less calories than fresh dates and therefore can be included in a healthy snack for those wishing to maintain a healthy weight.

Dried Figs

Dried figs are rich in potassium and therefore help control blood pressure. They are also an excellent source of fibre and can be incorporated in a weight management regimen.

Other minerals present in dried figs are: manganese, iron, copper, potassium, calcium, zinc and selenium. Both copper and iron and important in the production of red blood cells in the body.

Dried Plums - Prunes

Prunes contain vitamins A and C, chromium, potassium and iron, lutein and fibre. In practical terms they help with healthy bowel movements, contribute to healthy hair and skin, help maintain proper blood sugar levels, provide energy, and the lutein even helps prevent eyesight failure.

And here is something of interest to all those trying to lose weight: prunes are an appetite suppressor! Why? Prunes can help slow down the rate at which food leaves the stomach thereby giving the sensation that you are full. This can help in the fight against overeating.

Dried Grapes - Raisins

Raisins contain high levels of natural sugars, up to 72% of their weight. They are high in antioxidants - key factor in fighting cancer and heart disease. Why they can even contribute to healthy teeth and gums, fighting cavities and gum disease.

Raisins also help prevent constipation, and as they are rich in iron, help with the fight against anemia.

Motivation - Why Should I Bother?

If a family has been used to snacking on crisps, candy bars, and the like, it will take a considerable effort and mental shift to get out of unhealthy eating habits. However, thinking of the end result can be a powerful motivation. Dried fruit has a high nutritional content and when combined with dried nuts, it can provide a very healthy snack.

As with anything, it can take time to make an adjustment. If a person had a habit of putting sugar in tea or coffee and then decides to go without sugar, these beverages will taste unpleasant in the beginning. If the person persists however over the course of a few weeks, the taste senses actually change and become accustomed to beverages without sugar. After a period of time, when that same person is mistakenly given a cup of tea or coffee with sugar, they almost spit it out as a reflex action because it tastes so sweet!

So give yourself or your family a little time for the taste senses to adjust to your new healthy eating habits. It will pay rich dividends in an increased level of health, energy, and sense of well-being. Educate yourself on dried fruit nutrition and start improving your diet today!

Dried Fruit Nutrition: Educate Yourself On The Top 5 Dried Fruits

A food dehydrator can be a very useful addition to any kitchen. Check this guide: Stainless Steel Food Dehydrator Guide

Thinking of buying new cookware? Be sure to checkout the Circulon range: Circulon Cookware Set

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