TOTALLY GEEKED!

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

RE: The Cooking Thread

NAOW · Vette's SS

Mellow Momma wrote:
NAOW wrote:
Those look fantastic, I would love them, but I'm not sure they are in our budget yet.. maybe the set after this..hopefully :)
We have a Le Crueset outlet near us. I am not picky about the colors (I have Fiestaware dishes in 8 different colors) so I get whichever item I can afford in whichever color they have! Lol. I am saving up for the big one though.

Thats a good idea! I'm not picky either do I can keep my eye on good deals.

NAOW · Vette's SS

msrock wrote:
The advantage of stainless steel pots and pans lies in its versatility — it’s a workhorse that goes from a stovetop to an oven to a sink full of water for easy cleanup, all without damaging the pan. Not to mention that the surface allows food to develop a great crust, even leaving behind flavorful browned bits ideal for making a pan sauce or gravy.

Read more at: www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/articles/solutions-for-common-issues-with-stainless-steel-cookware.html

Haha! I googled it to make sure I knew! the one thing I will say is if you buy a decent set, it should last you a lifetime. One thing I've learned. You need to make sure you heat the pan up before you add meat. lol!

Thanks! I'll check out that link!

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

Mellow Momma wrote:
I want a silicon baking mat and silicon baking cups.

I despise my silicon baking cups. I hate all silicone baking things. They should be banned.

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

Nobody Just Nobody wrote:
Mellow Momma wrote:
I want a silicon baking mat and silicon baking cups.
I despise my silicon baking cups. I hate all silicone baking things. They should be banned.

Really?! Tell me more!! Why?? I am on another site and everyone raves about them, but I don't know those people and they could be blowing smoke! Lol

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

Well, we invested in some pot holders. You simply can't hold whatever for very long. Those things get hot quick. I don't care what they say. We do use them for trivets and for opening bottles and stuff. They make great non slip openers for that. I've also been using one of them lately for holding my water bottle in place on the carpet while I roll my heel on it. As far as my cupcake pan? I paid a TON for it and I can't get the cupcakes out. They stick. You are not supposed to grease them. Hate them. The regular ones are so much better.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

DH watched another documentary and another kitchen casualty in our pursuit of healthier eating will be all my teflon non-stick pans. Good thing I just discovered ceramic. Now if someone tells me that is bad, I'm going to cry.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Mellow Momma wrote:
Nobody Just Nobody wrote:
Mellow Momma wrote:
I want a silicon baking mat and silicon baking cups.
I despise my silicon baking cups. I hate all silicone baking things. They should be banned.
Really?! Tell me more!! Why?? I am on another site and everyone raves about them, but I don't know those people and they could be blowing smoke! Lol

I like the mats - I don't like the baking cups. Although, an alternative use for them that doesn't actually involve cooking is using them to divide up foods in your lunch containers.

NAOW · Vette's SS

Lawyerlady wrote:
DH watched another documentary and another kitchen casualty in our pursuit of healthier eating will be all my teflon non-stick pans. Good thing I just discovered ceramic. Now if someone tells me that is bad, I'm going to cry.

They are bad for healthy eating?

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

Lawyerlady wrote:
DH watched another documentary and another kitchen casualty in our pursuit of healthier eating will be all my teflon non-stick pans. Good thing I just discovered ceramic. Now if someone tells me that is bad, I'm going to cry.

Yep. Non stick pans are super bad for you. I have one ceramic and I LOVE it! I want more!

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

I dont like Teflon nonstick pans. Thats why i use stainless.

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

Lawyerlady wrote:
Mellow Momma wrote:
Nobody Just Nobody wrote:
Mellow Momma wrote:
I want a silicon baking mat and silicon baking cups.
I despise my silicon baking cups. I hate all silicone baking things. They should be banned.
Really?! Tell me more!! Why?? I am on another site and everyone raves about them, but I don't know those people and they could be blowing smoke! Lol
I like the mats - I don't like the baking cups. Although, an alternative use for them that doesn't actually involve cooking is using them to divide up foods in your lunch containers.

We use our pot holders as mats.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

NAOW wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
DH watched another documentary and another kitchen casualty in our pursuit of healthier eating will be all my teflon non-stick pans. Good thing I just discovered ceramic. Now if someone tells me that is bad, I'm going to cry.
They are bad for healthy eating?

They leach chemicals into your foods.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Lawyerlady wrote:
Mellow Momma wrote:
Nobody Just Nobody wrote:
Mellow Momma wrote:
I want a silicon baking mat and silicon baking cups.
I despise my silicon baking cups. I hate all silicone baking things. They should be banned.
Really?! Tell me more!! Why?? I am on another site and everyone raves about them, but I don't know those people and they could be blowing smoke! Lol
I like the mats - I don't like the baking cups. Although, an alternative use for them that doesn't actually involve cooking is using them to divide up foods in your lunch containers.

I like the Silicon baking cups. They are super easy to clean.

I want the mats, too.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Nobody Just Nobody wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
Mellow Momma wrote:
Nobody Just Nobody wrote:
Mellow Momma wrote:
I want a silicon baking mat and silicon baking cups.
I despise my silicon baking cups. I hate all silicone baking things. They should be banned.
Really?! Tell me more!! Why?? I am on another site and everyone raves about them, but I don't know those people and they could be blowing smoke! Lol
I like the mats - I don't like the baking cups. Although, an alternative use for them that doesn't actually involve cooking is using them to divide up foods in your lunch containers.
We use our pot holders as mats.

Not that kind of mat. The mats you lay on your cooking sheets as a liner so the cookies don't stick.

msrock · Guru

Oh and another must have is a dutch oven! I adore mine!

This is Alton Brown's recipe Coq au Vin marinating in my fridge the day before!

Coq Au Vin 002.JPG

And here's another favorite. My famous Pot Roast made in one of my favorite pots!

Pot Roast Sunday 007.JPG

-- Edited by msrock on Saturday 9th of January 2016 10:16:45 PM

NAOW · Vette's SS

Lawyerlady wrote:
NAOW wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
DH watched another documentary and another kitchen casualty in our pursuit of healthier eating will be all my teflon non-stick pans. Good thing I just discovered ceramic. Now if someone tells me that is bad, I'm going to cry.
They are bad for healthy eating?
They leach chemicals into your foods.

Wow. I had no idea. This thread is enlightening!

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Love my Dutch Oven.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

NAOW wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
NAOW wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
DH watched another documentary and another kitchen casualty in our pursuit of healthier eating will be all my teflon non-stick pans. Good thing I just discovered ceramic. Now if someone tells me that is bad, I'm going to cry.
They are bad for healthy eating?
They leach chemicals into your foods.
Wow. I had no idea. This thread is enlightening!

Google "why teflon is bad" or something similar. ESPECIALLY if it gets any scratches. If your teflon has any scratches at all it needs to hit the bin.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

I like the ceramic better, anyway.

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

NAOW wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
NAOW wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
DH watched another documentary and another kitchen casualty in our pursuit of healthier eating will be all my teflon non-stick pans. Good thing I just discovered ceramic. Now if someone tells me that is bad, I'm going to cry.
They are bad for healthy eating?
They leach chemicals into your foods.
Wow. I had no idea. This thread is enlightening!

I TOLD YOU SO! biggrin This thread isn't so much about what we're eating at the time but all about cooking. And there's so much to cooking! Cooking is one of my hobbies so I can get really carried away with it!

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

I dont have a Dutch oven. I just use one of my big stainless pots.

NAOW · Vette's SS

Lawyerlady wrote:
NAOW wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
NAOW wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
DH watched another documentary and another kitchen casualty in our pursuit of healthier eating will be all my teflon non-stick pans. Good thing I just discovered ceramic. Now if someone tells me that is bad, I'm going to cry.
They are bad for healthy eating?
They leach chemicals into your foods.
Wow. I had no idea. This thread is enlightening!
Google "why teflon is bad" or something similar. ESPECIALLY if it gets any scratches. If your teflon has any scratches at all it needs to hit the bin.

Oh no.. well I may need new pans sooner rather than later then. At least I think they are Teflon. I'll have to check.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
I dont have a Dutch oven. I just use one of my big stainless pots.

If you had a Dutch Oven, you'd be happier. It really is better. biggrin

C'mon, you know you want one. All the cool cooks have one.

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
I dont have a Dutch oven. I just use one of my big stainless pots.

I do too.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

NAOW wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
NAOW wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
NAOW wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
DH watched another documentary and another kitchen casualty in our pursuit of healthier eating will be all my teflon non-stick pans. Good thing I just discovered ceramic. Now if someone tells me that is bad, I'm going to cry.
They are bad for healthy eating?
They leach chemicals into your foods.
Wow. I had no idea. This thread is enlightening!
Google "why teflon is bad" or something similar. ESPECIALLY if it gets any scratches. If your teflon has any scratches at all it needs to hit the bin.
Oh no.. well I may need new pans sooner rather than later then. At least I think they are Teflon. I'll have to check.

Teflon or teflon knock-off. If you've had them longer than a year or so, they are probably not the new and improved "safer" versions.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

I have ceramic skillets. So far, I love them. And really easy to clean.

I have stainless pots.

And glass baking dishes.

I miss using my iron skillets as much. I still prefer cornbread and fried tators in my cast iron.

I want a Dutch oven, but I can't help wonder what's better about them than my crock pots?

I have 4 crock pots.

A 2.5, a 5, and a 10 quart. The fourth is just big enough for a can of soup or a dip. It was great for taking to work.

NAOW · Vette's SS

Lawyerlady wrote:
NAOW wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
NAOW wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
NAOW wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
DH watched another documentary and another kitchen casualty in our pursuit of healthier eating will be all my teflon non-stick pans. Good thing I just discovered ceramic. Now if someone tells me that is bad, I'm going to cry.
They are bad for healthy eating?
They leach chemicals into your foods.
Wow. I had no idea. This thread is enlightening!
Google "why teflon is bad" or something similar. ESPECIALLY if it gets any scratches. If your teflon has any scratches at all it needs to hit the bin.
Oh no.. well I may need new pans sooner rather than later then. At least I think they are Teflon. I'll have to check.
Teflon or teflon knock-off. If you've had them longer than a year or so, they are probably not the new and improved "safer" versions.

..I got them as a wedding gift, 9 1/2 years ago.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

ooooh, ten years of marriage sounds like a fabulous excuse for new pots and pans!

msrock · Guru

Lawyerlady wrote:
Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
I dont have a Dutch oven. I just use one of my big stainless pots.
If you had a Dutch Oven, you'd be happier. It really is better.

C'mon, you know you want one. All the cool cooks have one.

Yeah. I love mine! If you're serious about cooking, you should have one. Some of my best dishes ever made came from my dutch oven. aww

NAOW · Vette's SS

Lawyerlady wrote:
ooooh, ten years of marriage sounds like a fabulous excuse for new pots and pans!

It's gonna have to be! Lol.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

I'm not sure I'll ever buy a "set" again. I have found that buying the pans piece by piece at TJ Maxx or similar for what I really need works best.

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

I want a stainless steel skillet. All steel. One that can go from stove top to oven.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Nobody Just Nobody wrote:
Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
I dont have a Dutch oven. I just use one of my big stainless pots.
I do too.

Well what would i do with it that i dont do with my large SS pot? I dont know so i havent gotten one. But they are pretty.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Nobody Just Nobody wrote:
I want a stainless steel skillet. All steel. One that can go from stove top to oven.

I have a big set of Cuisinart.

jlbear71 · Guru

Mellow Momma wrote:
chef wrote:
Great thread idea!

Things I want:
the spiralizer attachment for my Kitchen Aid
canning stuff
pressure cooker

Foods I want to attempt:
piecaken (totally forgot all about attempting it for Christmas)
turducken (it intrigues me)

That's all I can think of for now. I'd love to get some quality one-on-one time with Gordon Ramsay. When we get a house, I want a good set of professional-grade knives and one of those sharpening knife blocks. I also want a good set of cookware.
Get the pressure cooker!!!!!!!!! I love my InstaPot!! It's amazing. I have only made 2 things in it so far but I love it. And you can use it for canning.

Love, love, love my Instant Pot. And no, you cannot use it for canning. It does not have enough pressure unless it is an acidic item like tomatoes. Even though some sites say you can, Instant Pot says no.

i have used my IP 4 times just today alone. And will be used twice tomorrow.

msrock · Guru

I use glass pans for my stuffed peppers. BUT! I make the sauce in my stainless steel skillet!

Stuffed Peppers 002.JPG

Stuffed Peppers 004.JPG

Stuffed Peppers 007.JPG

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
Nobody Just Nobody wrote:
Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
I dont have a Dutch oven. I just use one of my big stainless pots.
I do too.
Well what would i do with it that i dont do with my large SS pot? I dont know so i havent gotten one. But they are pretty.

It's the way they hold and conduct heat that makes them special. They are big roasting pots rather than cooking pots, if that makes any sense? Kind of a cross between cooking on the stove-top and cooking in the oven.

jlbear71 · Guru

No Teflon here. It is very toxic to birds. We use cast iron or stainless.

That's not true. We have one non stick pot we use once in a while and a large two burner skillet we use once a year.

We have a Dutch oven that we use on the grill. Between the IP and the slow cookers, we just don't use it often.

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

Lawyerlady wrote:
Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
Nobody Just Nobody wrote:
Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
I dont have a Dutch oven. I just use one of my big stainless pots.
I do too.
Well what would i do with it that i dont do with my large SS pot? I dont know so i havent gotten one. But they are pretty.
It's the way they hold and conduct heat that makes them special. They are big roasting pots rather than cooking pots, if that makes any sense? Kind of a cross between cooking on the stove-top and cooking in the oven.

Can you put one in the oven? I don't know what I'd put in it. The dutch oven is beautiful but none of them are big enough for what I need.

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

Nobody Just Nobody wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
Nobody Just Nobody wrote:
Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
I dont have a Dutch oven. I just use one of my big stainless pots.
I do too.
Well what would i do with it that i dont do with my large SS pot? I dont know so i havent gotten one. But they are pretty.
It's the way they hold and conduct heat that makes them special. They are big roasting pots rather than cooking pots, if that makes any sense? Kind of a cross between cooking on the stove-top and cooking in the oven.
Can you put one in the oven? I don't know what I'd put in it. The dutch oven is beautiful but none of them are big enough for what I need.

Mine is cast iron with enamel coating so it goes right into the oven from the stovetop. And it comes in all sizes.

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

jlbear71 wrote:
Mellow Momma wrote:
chef wrote:
Great thread idea!

Things I want:
the spiralizer attachment for my Kitchen Aid
canning stuff
pressure cooker

Foods I want to attempt:
piecaken (totally forgot all about attempting it for Christmas)
turducken (it intrigues me)

That's all I can think of for now. I'd love to get some quality one-on-one time with Gordon Ramsay. When we get a house, I want a good set of professional-grade knives and one of those sharpening knife blocks. I also want a good set of cookware.
Get the pressure cooker!!!!!!!!! I love my InstaPot!! It's amazing. I have only made 2 things in it so far but I love it. And you can use it for canning.
Love, love, love my Instant Pot. And no, you cannot use it for canning. It does not have enough pressure unless it is an acidic item like tomatoes. Even though some sites say you can, Instant Pot says no.

i have used my IP 4 times just today alone. And will be used twice tomorrow.

Boooo! I was looking forward to trying to can with it. 😢

What did you use it for this weekend?

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

That makes sense on the Dutch oven LL.

msrock · Guru

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
That makes sense on the Dutch oven LL.

There are so many good recipes you can make in your dutch oven. If you need a list... I can help you. lol. aww

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Sure. It is something i havent really thought about. Maybe i will pick one up.

NAOW · Vette's SS

I don't have a dutch oven either, but it's on the list. I'm running out of room to store stuff though.

msrock · Guru

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
Sure. It is something i havent really thought about. Maybe i will pick one up.

Here's a starter recipe. Paula Deen's Sauerkraut and Ribs recipe!

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
1 rack pork baby back ribs, cut into individual ribs
Salt and pepper
1 medium onion, chopped
6 medium, white new potatoes, quartered
1 pound bag sauerkraut
1/2 cup white wine (optional, may substitute water or stock)
Parsley sprigs, for garnish
Add Checked Items To Grocery List

Directions

Set Dutch oven over medium-high and heat the vegetable oil.

You can also cook this dish in the oven at 325 to 350 degrees F for the same time.

Season the ribs with salt and pepper. Lay ribs in the oven, meat side down and sear them in a single layer. Transfer them to a platter. Add the onions and saute until softened, scraping up any browned bits from the ribs. Add potatoes. Add ribs back in and cover with sauerkraut. Poor wine over top. Cover the Dutch oven and lower the heat. Simmer the pot on the stove for 2 to 3 hours until the ribs are very tender.

If the dish gets too dry at any point stir in a little chicken broth or water to keep it moist.

Serve garnished with parsley sprigs.

Recipe courtesy of Paula Deen

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/sauerkraut-and-ribs-recipe.html?oc=linkback

msrock · Guru

And here's another one! This is a favorite!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/coq-au-vin-recipe.html

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Yummy.

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

NAOW, I can help you on storage! Leave it to me. There's always more room!