GMG Classical Music Forum

The Back Room => The Diner => Topic started by: Brahmsian on January 10, 2021, 08:38:00 AM

Title: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Brahmsian on January 10, 2021, 08:38:00 AM
I know there are a few diner threads discussing food and drink, but I wanted to start a thread discussing what some of your beloved, favourite cookware are.

So, what are they? Do any of you have all-stars in your kitchen?

For me, my favourite tool and all-star in my kitchen is my 5qt. Lagostina Dutch Oven. More affordable than a Le Creuset, but equal in quality. I use it at least twice a week. I just find it to be so versatile and also easy to clean.
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: bhodges on January 10, 2021, 09:13:09 AM
Good topic! I confess that a dutch oven is also my favorite. Though I did splurge, just a little, on my first piece of Le Creuset earlier this year. (They had a sale with everything 50% off, so I couldn't resist.) I'm not familiar with the brand you mention, but am sure it is competitive.

In any case, yes, it's now the star of my kitchen. Most recent use: gumbo for Christmas Day, and a pot of black-eyed peas for New Year's. Soon I'm going to investigate using it for bread.

--Bruce
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Brahmsian on January 10, 2021, 09:19:34 AM
Quote from: Brewski on January 10, 2021, 09:13:09 AM
Good topic! I confess that a dutch oven is also my favorite. Though I did splurge, just a little, on my first piece of Le Creuset earlier this year. (They had a sale with everything 50% off, so I couldn't resist.) I'm not familiar with the brand you mention, but am sure it is competitive.

In any case, yes, it's now the star of my kitchen. Most recent use: gumbo for Christmas Day, and a pot of black-eyed peas for New Year's. Soon I'm going to investigate using it for bread.

--Bruce

Absolutely wonderful, Bruce! The gumbo sounds divine.

That's pretty darn great that you were able to get a Le Creuset product at such a discount!

I was spoiled with a Le Creuset product for Christmas, from my girlfriend. She bought me a beautiful blue Le Creuset 12 qt. stock pot. I had asked for a large stock pot, as I love making my own stock and broth. I don't ever buy broth/stock since I started making my own. This pot will also be ideal for larger soup recipes, one of my favourites being Ukrainian borscht.

What size is your Dutch oven, Bruce?
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: bhodges on January 10, 2021, 09:32:43 AM
I bought it in April, when they were having a sale (apparently rare), and it's a standard size, maybe 5 quarts? (I can't find the order slip at the moment!) A stock pot might be my next purchase, we'll see. Great that you make your own, and the idea of having a large vehicle to make soup is appealing.

--Bruce
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Brahmsian on January 10, 2021, 09:43:37 AM
Quote from: Brewski on January 10, 2021, 09:13:09 AM
Soon I'm going to investigate using it for bread.

That's one thing I have yet to make in a Dutch oven. I'll have to look at trying it out. Although my girlfriend made bread pudding in it and it was fabulous.
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: BWV 1080 on January 10, 2021, 11:29:12 AM
My chef's knife

(https://nwcutlery.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/468618-1-1.jpg)

Its a chinese chef's knife, not a meat cleaver.  Favorite knife for chopping vegetables, crushing garlic & ginger or cutting smaller sized meats
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Brahmsian on January 10, 2021, 01:19:28 PM
That is an impressive looking knife, BWV!

I can imagine doing a great, efficient job on cutting vegetables and chopping herbs too.
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Holden on January 11, 2021, 12:53:41 AM
My Ninja Foodi is the cooking utensil I use the most because it's so versatile. It's a combination pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, steamer, roaster and dehydrator. It does most of these functions very well.

As for knives it's hard to beat a good Victorinox. This is the knife of choice for the majority of butchers in Australia. The secret to all knives is keeping them sharp.
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Mandryka on January 11, 2021, 02:39:05 AM
Chop to Pot

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31oadb8cWXL._AC_.jpg)     (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41Jq2k5iKAL._AC_.jpg)

Get the white large one if you can. Joseph and Joseph. The reason for white is that you can clean them really easy after use by blasting them with a bleach kitchen cleaner and letting it stand for half an hour. With the colours the knife marks make them look a bit shabby after a few years.


https://www.abraxascookshop.com/products/joseph-joseph-large-white-chop2pot?_pos=4&_sid=4e5efe2d1&_ss=r
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: bhodges on January 11, 2021, 08:02:27 AM
Quote from: BWV 1080 on January 10, 2021, 11:29:12 AM
My chef's knife

(https://nwcutlery.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/468618-1-1.jpg)

Its a chinese chef's knife, not a meat cleaver.  Favorite knife for chopping vegetables, crushing garlic & ginger or cutting smaller sized meats

Now that is one beautiful knife. I may be inspired to get one, thanks.

--Bruce
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 11, 2021, 09:36:11 AM
Boy, favorites?  Hmmm....

1) Another vote for Le Creuset's Dutch ovens.  I have three of them; 2, oval and 1 round (3 1/2 qt, 6 3/4 ? qt. and  7 1/4 qt. - the round one).  I find that I use the two-largest ones the most.  Heavy as (fill in the blank) but great!  I use them for:  soup, spaghetti sauce, browning roasts, and making stews...and yummy things like shrimp creole.  :)  I also have a couple of round brasiers but don't use those as often.

2) A 1970's (maybe '80's?) Osterizer blender (used to be my mother's):  not as strong/fast as those fancy new ones, but made of metal and glass and still working like a charm!  Use it for making smoothies and also for pureeing soups.

3) A nice set of Wusthof knives, a steel, and also a Global chopping knife [Gotta have at least a few good knives and keep them sharpened!].

4) *Two slow cookers:  one is a 6 qt one and I think that the other is 4 maybe 3?  I use the 6 qt one 95% of the time.  I will often brown things like chuck roast on the stove top, put meat into the sc, deglaze, etc. the Dutch oven, and finish cooking the roast in the slow cooker (along with vegetables, herbs, etc.).  Things do come out meltingly tender from it.  I've also made caramelized onions in it....came out great and only stirred it occasionally.  Plus you get great onion-flavored butter for use separately.  They freeze well too.

*Just your bare-bones basic and inexpensive type.  There are a number of much fancier ones these days.

Will ponder further....  :)

Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Mirror Image on January 11, 2021, 09:42:37 AM
I asked my mom this question and she said almost immediately that she couldn't live without her Kitchen Aid mixer, the Artisan model to be exact:

(https://images.crateandbarrel.com/is/image/Crate/KitchenAidStMxrShPlmPntBwlSSF20/$web_pdp_main_carousel_zoom_med$/200831090237/kitchenaid-artisan-shaded-palm-5-quart-tilt-head-stand-mixer.jpg)

She said one of the bonuses of these mixers are their attachments. She said she loves grinding her own ground beef (of the 95% lean variety) amongst other meats.
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 11, 2021, 12:46:25 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on January 11, 2021, 09:42:37 AM
I asked my mom this question and she said almost immediately that she couldn't live without her Kitchen Aid mixer, the Artisan model to be exact:

(https://images.crateandbarrel.com/is/image/Crate/KitchenAidStMxrShPlmPntBwlSSF20/$web_pdp_main_carousel_zoom_med$/200831090237/kitchenaid-artisan-shaded-palm-5-quart-tilt-head-stand-mixer.jpg)

She said one of the bonuses of these mixers are their attachments. She said she loves grinding her own ground beef (of the 95% lean variety) amongst other meats.
Yes, it's a fine piece of equipment.  :)  I have their 6-quart one (believe that your mom's is a 5-er??).  With the help of a friend, I hope to move mine to an easier-to-use spot.  I've used it (so far) for making desserts, but do have a bunch of their attachments (including a meat grinder attachment, some pasta ones and one for making vegetable 'sheets' off the top of my head).  FYI, it's pretty heavy to move!  ::)  And props to your mom for grinding her own meat too.  :)

Another item that I love (and am using more frequently) is this:  https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/food-processors/bfp680.html

PD
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Mirror Image on January 11, 2021, 01:10:31 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 11, 2021, 12:46:25 PM
Yes, it's a fine piece of equipment.  :)  I have their 6-quart one (believe that your mom's is a 5-er??).  With the help of a friend, I hope to move mine to an easier-to-use spot.  I've used it (so far) for making desserts, but do have a bunch of their attachments (including a meat grinder attachment, some pasta ones and one for making vegetable 'sheets' off the top of my head).  FYI, it's pretty heavy to move!  ::)  And props to your mom for grinding her own meat too.  :)

Another item that I love (and am using more frequently) is this:  https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/food-processors/bfp680.html

PD

Yep, my mom's is the 5-quart version. I bought it for her for Christmas one year. I believe I bought it at Macy's with a 40% off coupon. That food processor looks like a good one. My mom has this one (also a KitchenAid):

(https://www.shopmyexchange.com/products/images/xlarge/6886169_3550.jpg)
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Daverz on January 11, 2021, 03:38:42 PM
Ruined a couple sauce pans before I got my rice cooker:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71grTwGwxSL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Brahmsian on January 12, 2021, 07:52:47 AM
This is excellent! I appreciate the participation and sharing in this thread thus far. It has exceeded my expectations.  :)

John (MI),

My girlfriend also got a KitchenAid mixer for Christmas from her mother (Xmas 2017). A different model than your mother's.

Hers is an Ultra Power model, 4.5 quart. It is ice blue in colour (or robin's egg blue), as I like to call it.
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 12, 2021, 08:48:44 AM
Quote from: Daverz on January 11, 2021, 03:38:42 PM
Ruined a couple sauce pans before I got my rice cooker:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71grTwGwxSL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
Yes, rice can be a drag to get off the bottom of a pan if burnt on.
Quote from: OrchestralNut on January 12, 2021, 07:52:47 AM
This is excellent! I appreciate the participation and sharing in this thread thus far. It has exceeded my expectations.  :)

John (MI),

My girlfriend also got a KitchenAid mixer for Christmas from her mother (Xmas 2017). A different model than your mother's.

Hers is an Ultra Power model, 4.5 quart. It is ice blue in colour (or robin's egg blue), as I like to call it.
Some of the colors and bowls that they've come up with are gorgeous!  I loved their limited edition anniversary one, but couldn't justify buying it as I already have one which works just great (in...not certain what they call it, but it's cobalt blue).  This was there anniversary one...in a beautiful icy blue:

(http://www.williams-sonoma.ca/core/media/media.nl?id=69197074&c=3572911&h=c8597aa1852fb72c8094&resizeid=19&resizeh=1200&resizew=1200)
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Brahmsian on January 12, 2021, 08:53:31 AM
That is quite lovely, PD! Especially the frosted bowl.
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Mirror Image on January 12, 2021, 08:57:48 AM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on January 12, 2021, 07:52:47 AM
This is excellent! I appreciate the participation and sharing in this thread thus far. It has exceeded my expectations.  :)

John (MI),

My girlfriend also got a KitchenAid mixer for Christmas from her mother (Xmas 2017). A different model than your mother's.

Hers is an Ultra Power model, 4.5 quart. It is ice blue in colour (or robin's egg blue), as I like to call it.

Great to hear, Ray. They're excellent mixers and, boy, do they take a beating but keep on ticking. :)
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 12, 2021, 09:03:32 AM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on January 12, 2021, 08:53:31 AM
That is quite lovely, PD! Especially the frosted bowl.
The bowl made me think of things like cake stands and candy bowls that had that sort of raised dots (bubbles?) on it from I want to say the 30's (maybe later?).

PD
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Que on January 12, 2021, 11:46:46 AM
Quote from: Brewski on January 10, 2021, 09:13:09 AM
Good topic! I confess that a dutch oven is also my favorite. Though I did splurge, just a little, on my first piece of Le Creuset earlier this year. (They had a sale with everything 50% off, so I couldn't resist.) I'm not familiar with the brand you mention, but am sure it is competitive.

In any case, yes, it's now the star of my kitchen. Most recent use: gumbo for Christmas Day, and a pot of black-eyed peas for New Year's. Soon I'm going to investigate using it for bread.

--Bruce

Love these cast iron pans!  :)

Ours is a similar one by another brand, perhaps less known outside Europe?


(https://image.coolblue.nl/max/500x500/products/1365549)

Q

Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 12, 2021, 12:26:11 PM
Quote from: Que on January 12, 2021, 11:46:46 AM
Love these cast iron pans!  :)

Ours is a similar one by another brand, perhaps less known outside Europe?


(https://image.coolblue.nl/max/500x500/products/1365549)

Q
Staub is well known here in the States.  :)
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Brahmsian on January 12, 2021, 12:43:23 PM
Quote from: Que on January 12, 2021, 11:46:46 AM
Love these cast iron pans!  :)

Ours is a similar one by another brand, perhaps less known outside Europe?


(https://image.coolblue.nl/max/500x500/products/1365549)

Q

I see PD was quicker than me.  :D

Yes, Staub is a highly reputable brand!
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 12, 2021, 12:58:22 PM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on January 12, 2021, 12:43:23 PM
I see PD was quicker than me.  :D

Yes, Staub is a highly reputable brand!
;D


Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Mirror Image on January 13, 2021, 11:59:40 AM
When my mom cooks any large pasta dish (i. e. lasagna, shells w/ cheese, etc.), she swears by this: Calphalon Contemporary multi-pot -

(https://assets.wsimgs.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/202038/0061/calphalon-contemporary-stainless-steel-multipot-c.jpg)
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Mandryka on January 13, 2021, 12:07:53 PM
(https://lakelandcamel.scene7.com/is/image/LakelandCamel/71692_3?$325$)

This is a German clay pot specially for baking potatoes, they come out wonderfully, I use it for Jersey Royals every April.
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Mandryka on January 13, 2021, 12:11:44 PM
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c7/66/91/c766917ee393fca051bb585b47782f0a.jpg)

Originally for grinding meat, I use mine for making breadcrumbs with stale bread.
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Mandryka on January 13, 2021, 12:16:16 PM
(https://scratchypen.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/butchers-hook1.jpg)

Before COVID I used to buy salt cod from a Portuguese shop, but it's a journey and since March 2019 I've learned to make my own. But after the salting process you need to dry it for a couple of weeks - and I use a lovely butchers hook to impale the fish and hang it.
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 14, 2021, 02:55:02 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on January 13, 2021, 12:16:16 PM
(https://scratchypen.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/butchers-hook1.jpg)

Before COVID I used to buy salt cod from a Portuguese shop, but it's a journey and since March 2019 I've learned to make my own. But after the salting process you need to dry it for a couple of weeks - and I use a lovely butchers hook to impale the fish and hang it.
Where do you hang it and how much of a mess does it make in terms of liquid dripping down?

The clay pot looks interesting; I haven't used one before...been tempted in the past to buy a tagine.

Like you, I have an (old) heavy duty grinder with several different grinding plates.  Used to use it to make a family stuffing recipe--for grinding the vegetables, fruit, etc. that went into the bread stuffing.  Clever idea of yours to use it for making breadcrumbs!   :)  I normally use either a food processor (or a mini-prep sized one) or a coffee/spice grinder--depending upon the amount I need.  By the way, do you ever freeze breadcrumbs for future use?  Sometimes (if I have a big chunk of leftover baguette or batârd), I'll cube it and then slowly dry it out further in a low and slow oven.  When dry, measure it out (need 4 cups for a favorite bread pudding recipe), and then put it into a ziplock plastic bag and store it in a freezer.  Then, when I'm in the mood for bread pudding, all I have to do is go into my freezer.  :)
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Mandryka on January 14, 2021, 04:00:16 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 14, 2021, 02:55:02 AM
Where do you hang it and how much of a mess does it make in terms of liquid dripping down?



None. It is dry. You hang it after it has been salted to get it dryer. Recommended if you like Bacalao, it's easy to do and fun. I hang it in a cool spot in the kitchen, a pantry.  I'll try and take a photo later, I've got a couple of pieces in there now. No smell whatsoever, the salting really works.

Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 14, 2021, 02:55:02 AM
  By the way, do you ever freeze breadcrumbs for future use?  Sometimes (if I have a big chunk of leftover baguette or batârd), I'll cube it and then slowly dry it out further in a low and slow oven.  When dry, measure it out (need 4 cups for a favorite bread pudding recipe), and then put it into a ziplock plastic bag and store it in a freezer.  Then, when I'm in the mood for bread pudding, all I have to do is go into my freezer.  :)


Yes exactly that -- I just put a slip knot on a plastic bag!
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Mandryka on January 14, 2021, 04:03:19 AM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71R%2BdQYDpoL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)

I like mashed potatoes, this ricer makes a perfect mash. It doesn't get used often but I'll do it if I'm having a dinner party (beef daube and mash, for example) and people notice the wonderful consistency of the puree.

Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Brahmsian on January 14, 2021, 04:14:11 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on January 14, 2021, 04:03:19 AM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71R%2BdQYDpoL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)

I like mashed potatoes, this ricer makes a perfect mash. It doesn't get used often but I'll do it if I'm having a dinner party (beef daube and mash, for example) and people notice the wonderful consistency of the puree.

Interesting! At first, I thought it was a garlic press.

Cooking tip: If you need to peel a lot of garlic cloves, chop the ends off each clove, and plop all the cloves into a medium or large sized glass container (like an empty pickle jar), and shake for about 20 seconds. Voilà.
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: DaveF on January 14, 2021, 04:20:29 AM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on January 14, 2021, 04:14:11 AM
Interesting! At first, I thought it was a garlic press.

Yes, my initial thought too, speaking of which: does anyone have a really good garlic press?  I'm fed up of those feeble ones that manage to crush out about half of the inside of a clove, while leaving behind a sort of skin blocking the holes.  Not the dry outside skin, which I've already peeled off, but a soft skin of which you're hardly aware when chopping a clove, but which substandard presses seem unable to deal with.
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Brahmsian on January 14, 2021, 04:26:42 AM
Quote from: DaveF on January 14, 2021, 04:20:29 AM
Yes, my initial thought too, speaking of which: does anyone have a really good garlic press?  I'm fed up of those feeble ones that manage to crush out about half of the inside of a clove, while leaving behind a sort of skin blocking the holes.  Not the dry outside skin, which I've already peeled off, but a soft skin of which you're hardly aware when chopping a clove, but which substandard presses seem unable to deal with.

I wish I had the answer, Dave. I'm still on the lookout for the perfect garlic press, but it hasn't been invented yet.  :D
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 14, 2021, 04:36:49 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on January 14, 2021, 04:00:16 AM
None. It is dry. You hang it after it has been salted to get it dryer. Recommended if you like Bacalao, it's easy to do and fun. I hang it in a cool spot in the kitchen, a pantry.  I'll try and take a photo later, I've got a couple of pieces in there now. No smell whatsoever, the salting really works.

Yes exactly that -- I just put a slip knot on a plastic bag!
Ah, great minds think alike!  :D ;)

Don't believe that I've ever had salted cod in anything before?  Will have to look into it more.  :)
Quote from: Mandryka on January 14, 2021, 04:03:19 AM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71R%2BdQYDpoL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)

I like mashed potatoes, this ricer makes a perfect mash. It doesn't get used often but I'll do it if I'm having a dinner party (beef daube and mash, for example) and people notice the wonderful consistency of the puree.


I like my ricer too.  The one that I own was made by Cuispro and comes with 3 different discs.  I believe that I've only ever used the one with the smallest holes before though.  Like you, it helps to make great mashed potatoes.  I've sometimes also used it for making things like carrot mash or turnip mash (or a combo of potatoes and turnips).  Do you use yours for other things too?  https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/cuisipro-reg-stainless-steel-potato-ricer/1012307667/

Quote from: OrchestralNut on January 14, 2021, 04:14:11 AM
Interesting! At first, I thought it was a garlic press.

Cooking tip: If you need to peel a lot of garlic cloves, chop the ends off each clove, and plop all the cloves into a medium or large sized glass container (like an empty pickle jar), and shake for about 20 seconds. Voilà.
Nice idea!  I'll give it a try.  I've used garlic presses in the past, but found that they were a so-and-so to use; very hard on the hands--at least with the press that I have.  I normally just mince it/them by hand.  Plus it also seems like you waste a fair bit of the garlic (sticks to the press)...same thing re using a micro grater.
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 14, 2021, 05:11:41 AM
A couple of other favorites of mine:

A Bron mandoline:  https://www.amazon.com/Bron-Coucke-Stainless-Mandoline-20638CHB/dp/B0001BMZ38

Great for slicing and shredding--particularly when you are doing smaller amounts and don't feel like hauling out the food processor (and then hand washing it afterwards!  ::) ).

Also, my Mouli (Moulinex Food Mill):  great for making things like applesauce (don't need to bother peeling the apples) and tomato sauce.  Comes with three different graters/discs.

https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/moulinex-food-mill/

PD
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Brahmsian on January 14, 2021, 05:25:43 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 14, 2021, 05:11:41 AM
A couple of other favorites of mine:

A Bron mandoline:  https://www.amazon.com/Bron-Coucke-Stainless-Mandoline-20638CHB/dp/B0001BMZ38

Great for slicing and shredding--particularly when you are doing smaller amounts and don't feel like hauling out the food processor (and then hand washing it afterwards!  ::) ).


Hmmm, interesting. Do you think that would work on shredding cabbage (I'm thinking for borscht)?

Also, is it useful for shredding cheese?
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Brahmsian on January 14, 2021, 05:27:46 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 14, 2021, 05:11:41 AM

Also, my Mouli (Moulinex Food Mill):  great for making things like applesauce (don't need to bother peeling the apples) and tomato sauce.  Comes with three different graters/discs.

https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/moulinex-food-mill/

PD

Umm, this is going on my next year's Christmas list!  ;D I can most definitely see myself using this.
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Papy Oli on January 14, 2021, 05:37:20 AM
Another vote for "la cocotte Le Creuset" (from the Cerise collection for ours).

Love it. Boeuf bourguignon, Ratatouilles, Lamb couscous, etc... Yummy  :laugh:

Worth the investment (when on discounted sale). Their non-stick bakeware is expensive too but again well worth it if you can snap them discounted too.

(https://www.hartsofstur.com/media/catalog/product/cache/c687aa7517cf01e65c009f6943c2b1e9/2/1/211784006-Le-Creuset-Cerise-40cm-Oval-Casserole-600px.jpg)   (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61gFFEJKQML._AC_SL1500_.jpg)

Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Brahmsian on January 14, 2021, 05:42:57 AM
Quote from: Papy Oli on January 14, 2021, 05:37:20 AM
Another vote for "la cocotte Le Creuset" (from the Cerise collection for ours).

Love it. Boeuf bourguignon, Ratatouilles, Lamb couscous, etc... Yummy  :laugh:


Maintenant, j'ai faim, Olivier!  8)
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Brahmsian on January 14, 2021, 05:44:11 AM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on January 14, 2021, 05:42:57 AM
Maintenant, j'ai faim, Olivier!  8)

Où, je suis faim? Être, ou avoir?  ;D
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Papy Oli on January 14, 2021, 05:47:01 AM
You and me both Ray !!  ;D

Avoir  :)
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 14, 2021, 05:50:37 AM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on January 14, 2021, 05:25:43 AM
Hmmm, interesting. Do you think that would work on shredding cabbage (I'm thinking for borscht)?

Also, is it useful for shredding cheese?
Here's a link re cabbage (see the coleslaw recipe)...you can start seeing him using a mandoline starting at about 3 minutes into the video.  https://chefdepot.net/howtouseamandoline.htm  Here is also a link to the manual (Note mine is also metal--no rubber coating on 'feet/base').  https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1864335/Bron-Mandoline.html?page=2#manual

Never tried it for cheese; if grating a lot of cheese, I use a food processor.  I don't think that it would work well.  Has anyone here tried to use it for that?

PD
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Papy Oli on January 14, 2021, 05:55:12 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on January 13, 2021, 12:07:53 PM
(https://lakelandcamel.scene7.com/is/image/LakelandCamel/71692_3?$325$)

This is a German clay pot specially for baking potatoes, they come out wonderfully, I use it for Jersey Royals every April.

My parents have an old clay "bell" to bake potatoes à l'étouffée. I only know it as an old traditional cooking apparatus used in the north of France but i am sure there are other regional or national variations. it has that shape:

(https://douaivox.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/1-8.jpg)

in our family, that was known as patates à'l'cloque (Cloque being the Northern patois for la Cloche, the Bell). Not had them since my teenage years but the taste was fabulous.

More info in French here :

https://douaivox.fr/les-patacons-une-recette-pas-si-cloche/ (https://douaivox.fr/les-patacons-une-recette-pas-si-cloche/)
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 14, 2021, 05:55:34 AM
Quote from: Papy Oli on January 14, 2021, 05:55:12 AM
My parents have an old clay "bell" to bake potatoes à l'étouffée. I only know it as an old traditional cooking apparatus used in the north of France but i am sure there are other regional or national variations. it has that shape:

(https://douaivox.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/1-8.jpg)

in our family, that was known as patates à'l'cloque (Cloque being the Northern patois for la Cloche, the Bell). Not had them since my teenage years but the taste was fabulous.

More info in French here :

https://douaivox.fr/les-patacons-une-recette-pas-si-cloche/ (https://douaivox.fr/les-patacons-une-recette-pas-si-cloche/)
Quote from: Papy Oli on January 14, 2021, 05:37:20 AM
Another vote for "la cocotte Le Creuset" (from the Cerise collection for ours).

Love it. Boeuf bourguignon, Ratatouilles, Lamb couscous, etc... Yummy  :laugh:

Worth the investment (when on discounted sale). Their non-stick bakeware is expensive too but again well worth it if you can snap them discounted too.

(https://www.hartsofstur.com/media/catalog/product/cache/c687aa7517cf01e65c009f6943c2b1e9/2/1/211784006-Le-Creuset-Cerise-40cm-Oval-Casserole-600px.jpg)   (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61gFFEJKQML._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
Nice!  I haven't tried any of their non-stick bakeware before.

Regarding baking:  I'm a big fan of Silpat.  I have a couple of their silicone mats.  Haven't tried any of their molds...yet!  https://www.amazon.com/Silpat-Premium-Non-Stick-Silicone-Baking/dp/B00008T960/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?ie=UTF8&aaxitk=XocADgXsue3xtnKklCMaRg&hsa_cr_id=3175403580701&pd_rd_plhdr=t&pd_rd_r=ab0123bf-18b5-4c36-8deb-7184ea6df10b&pd_rd_w=OU8W9&pd_rd_wg=osBSs&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_mcd_asin_0_img  I'm sure that there are other companies who have come up with something similar by now.

PD

p.s.  I just had breakfast, so I'm not hungry!  :D ;)

p.p.s.  Neat Papy!  :)
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 16, 2021, 04:22:39 AM
Another favorite kitchen item:  a good digital kitchen scale.

Mine is a Soehnle.  Looks somewhat like the silver Roma one (purchased years ago).  The only thing about mine which I wish was easier to switch between is the grams vs. ounces switch. Perhaps they've changed the setup?  https://www.soehnle.de/en/kitchen-scales/digital-kitchen-scales/

PD

Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Brahmsian on January 16, 2021, 05:07:38 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 16, 2021, 04:22:39 AM
Another favorite kitchen item:  a good digital kitchen scale.

Mine is a Soehnle.  Looks somewhat like the silver Roma one (purchased years ago).  The only thing about mine which I wish was easier to switch between is the grams vs. ounces switch. Perhaps they've changed the setup?  https://www.soehnle.de/en/kitchen-scales/digital-kitchen-scales/

PD

I was given a digital kitchen scale this past Christmas. First time using it last night.  ;D
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 16, 2021, 05:30:12 AM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on January 16, 2021, 05:07:38 AM
I was given a digital kitchen scale this past Christmas. First time using it last night.  ;D
Your ears must have been burning last night as I almost posted this yesterday!  :laugh: :)

How did you like it and what brand/style was it?

PD
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Brahmsian on January 16, 2021, 05:39:48 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 16, 2021, 05:30:12 AM
Your ears must have been burning last night as I almost posted this yesterday!  :laugh: :)

How did you like it and what brand/style was it?

PD

It works great. Not something I would necessarily use very often, but sometimes you wish you had one!

It is Pampered Chef. My girlfriend likes to buy a lot of things through Pampered Chef. Very high quality stuff!

She buys the things, but I am the main chef.  :D
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 16, 2021, 05:50:57 AM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on January 16, 2021, 05:39:48 AM
It works great. Not something I would necessarily use very often, but sometimes you wish you had one!

It is Pampered Chef. My girlfriend likes to buy a lot of things through Pampered Chef. Very high quality stuff!

She buys the things, but I am the main chef.  :D
Nice!  :)
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Brahmsian on January 16, 2021, 05:56:46 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 16, 2021, 05:50:57 AM
Nice!  :)

Do you use your digital scale often? More for baking, or cooking, or it's pretty even between the two?
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Brahmsian on January 16, 2021, 06:16:55 AM
Wanting to post and ask people what their 10 favourite kitchen food staples are, but not sure whether to post here or in the "What are you eating?" thread?  ;D

I have my list ready to go.  8)
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Mandryka on January 16, 2021, 07:41:30 AM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on January 16, 2021, 06:16:55 AM
Wanting to post and ask people what their 10 favourite kitchen food staples are,

Negin saffron
Carnaroli rice
Castellucio or Puy lentils
Cirio brand chick peas, cannelini and borlotti beans
San Marzano tomatoes
Terra Creta Estate olive oil
"Just Natural" brand dried organic apricots, walnuts, porridge oats, butter beans, pearl barley. Just Natural inorganic almonds.
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Mandryka on January 16, 2021, 07:48:25 AM
Quote from: Papy Oli on January 14, 2021, 05:55:12 AM
My parents have an old clay "bell" to bake potatoes à l'étouffée. I only know it as an old traditional cooking apparatus used in the north of France but i am sure there are other regional or national variations. it has that shape:

(https://douaivox.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/1-8.jpg)

in our family, that was known as patates à'l'cloque (Cloque being the Northern patois for la Cloche, the Bell). Not had them since my teenage years but the taste was fabulous.

More info in French here :

https://douaivox.fr/les-patacons-une-recette-pas-si-cloche/ (https://douaivox.fr/les-patacons-une-recette-pas-si-cloche/)

The word étouffoir reminds me of one of my favourite French expressions - étouffe-chrétien.
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Brahmsian on January 16, 2021, 08:09:31 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on January 16, 2021, 07:41:30 AM
Negin saffron
Carnaroli rice
Castellucio or Puy lentils
Cirio brand chick peas, cannelini and borlotti beans
San Marzano tomatoes
Terra Creta Estate olive oil
"Just Natural" brand dried organic apricots, walnuts, porridge oats, butter beans, pearl barley. Just Natural inorganic almonds.

Well now that is a much more sophisticated list than my list will be!  :D

I will be trying to utilize San Marzano tomatoes in the future.
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Brahmsian on January 16, 2021, 08:12:07 AM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on January 16, 2021, 06:16:55 AM
Wanting to post and ask people what their 10 favourite kitchen food staples are, but not sure whether to post here or in the "What are you eating?" thread?  ;D

I have my list ready to go.  8)

Onions
Garlic
Fresh thyme
Italian sausage
Homemade vegetable broth
Boneless chicken thighs
Dry white and dry red wine
Fresh dill
Grated parmesan cheese
Gnocchi
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 18, 2021, 03:36:02 AM
Quote from: Papy Oli on January 14, 2021, 05:55:12 AM
My parents have an old clay "bell" to bake potatoes à l'étouffée. I only know it as an old traditional cooking apparatus used in the north of France but i am sure there are other regional or national variations. it has that shape:

(https://douaivox.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/1-8.jpg)

in our family, that was known as patates à'l'cloque (Cloque being the Northern patois for la Cloche, the Bell). Not had them since my teenage years but the taste was fabulous.

More info in French here :

https://douaivox.fr/les-patacons-une-recette-pas-si-cloche/ (https://douaivox.fr/les-patacons-une-recette-pas-si-cloche/)
Do you have your family recipe Olivier?  And who is the current owner of the family bell?  If it's unrealistic for them to lend it to you, perhaps you could find one of your own and have a go at it in the kitchen?   :)

PD
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 18, 2021, 03:41:52 AM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on January 16, 2021, 05:56:46 AM
Do you use your digital scale often? More for baking, or cooking, or it's pretty even between the two?
Don't use it that often.  Probably about half and half.  Very important for baking (best recipes have it by weight rather than volume), but have been using it more lately when making recipes by Yotam Ottolenghi [allow 3 days for those!  ::)  ;)].  Trust that your scale can be switched between grams and ounces?

PD
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 18, 2021, 03:56:46 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on January 16, 2021, 07:41:30 AM
Negin saffron
Carnaroli rice
Castellucio or Puy lentils
Cirio brand chick peas, cannelini and borlotti beans
San Marzano tomatoes
Terra Creta Estate olive oil
"Just Natural" brand dried organic apricots, walnuts, porridge oats, butter beans, pearl barley. Just Natural inorganic almonds.
The Terra Creta Estate olive oil sounds nice (looked at their website).  I'm guessing that you use it for making salad dressings or more as a finishing oil (vs. cooking with it)?

San Marzano tomatoes are wonderful though not the easiest to source in my area for 100% authentic SM ones; there are some that used to be labeled as such, but then changed their name/labeling as they come from California....though apparently, they are the same variety as those grown in Italy.  Would be interesting to do a side-by-side blind taste comparison.   :)

Saffron I use but very seldom.

Will have to think of my top staples list...

PD
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Brahmsian on January 18, 2021, 04:05:31 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 18, 2021, 03:41:52 AM

Trust that your scale can be switched between grams and ounces?

PD

Yes it is.
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 18, 2021, 05:13:11 AM
Quote from: Papy Oli on January 14, 2021, 05:55:12 AM
My parents have an old clay "bell" to bake potatoes à l'étouffée. I only know it as an old traditional cooking apparatus used in the north of France but i am sure there are other regional or national variations. it has that shape:

(https://douaivox.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/1-8.jpg)

in our family, that was known as patates à'l'cloque (Cloque being the Northern patois for la Cloche, the Bell). Not had them since my teenage years but the taste was fabulous.

More info in French here :

https://douaivox.fr/les-patacons-une-recette-pas-si-cloche/ (https://douaivox.fr/les-patacons-une-recette-pas-si-cloche/)
Olivier,

I finally got around to translating that article.  What are metka?  Interesting that some people added coffee to their recipe too!  In any event, I like the idea of potatoes, onions, and herbs.  Hungry now!  Must fix something to eat.  :)

PD
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Brahmsian on January 18, 2021, 05:15:34 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 18, 2021, 03:56:46 AM

Will have to think of my top staples list...

PD

Awaiting your list.  :D
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Papy Oli on January 18, 2021, 05:51:29 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 18, 2021, 03:36:02 AM
Do you have your family recipe Olivier?  And who is the current owner of the family bell?  If it's unrealistic for them to lend it to you, perhaps you could find one of your own and have a go at it in the kitchen?   :)

PD

No memory of a specific recipe, PD, but i remember the additions of onions and Bay leaves.

Would have to check with my parents if they still have that bell next we can visit them over the Channel and it is safe to do so  :(
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Papy Oli on January 18, 2021, 05:53:38 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 18, 2021, 05:13:11 AM
Olivier,

I finally got around to translating that article.  What are metka?  Interesting that some people added coffee to their recipe too!  In any event, I like the idea of potatoes, onions, and herbs.  Hungry now!  Must fix something to eat.  :)

PD

I thought Metka was a type of dried Polish sausage but it turns out it is a German spreadable raw mince pork sausage (also called Mett).
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 18, 2021, 06:29:48 AM
Quote from: Papy Oli on January 18, 2021, 05:51:29 AM
No memory of a specific recipe, PD, but i remember the additions of onions and Bay leaves.

Would have to check with my parents if they still have that bell next we can visit them over the Channel and it is safe to do so  :(
Good luck with that and thanks for the info regarding metka!

Quote from: OrchestralNut on January 16, 2021, 08:12:07 AM
Onions
Garlic
Fresh thyme
Italian sausage
Homemade vegetable broth
Boneless chicken thighs
Dry white and dry red wine
Fresh dill
Grated parmesan cheese
Gnocchi

Well, you asked....here are some of them in any event:

Favorite staples (some of them):

Smoked paprika
Vietnamese cinnamon
Whole nutmeg for grating
Fresh herbs: (I haul in several pots of mostly tender herbs to overwinter them) including rosemary, sweet marjoram, sage, thyme (2 types:  German and golden lemon thyme) and a lemon verbena plant plus other herbs from grocery store
cans of beans:  I buy flats of organic garbanzo, cannellini, red beans from my coop
Dried beans, rice, and other grains like quinoa (one of my favorite fallbacks is Texmati long grain brown rice)
Organic tomatoes - flats of canned, some smoked, various cuts, purées, etc.
Garlic
Onions and shallots
Parmesan cheese
Balsamic vinegar - various grades and ages (incl. some really lovely reduction for drizzling over special dishes)
Olive oil, one for cooking and a nice one for drizzling and/or making salad dressing
Some good olives for general snacking on (normally from coop) - one of my favorites is a combo of green olives with chopped garlic and tiny bits of sliced lemon mixed in--yum!
Butter!
A selection of different vinegars for making salad dressings/sauces
Same thing but different oils
Dried pasta (often organic from coop)
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Mandryka on January 18, 2021, 06:49:21 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 18, 2021, 03:56:46 AM
The Terra Creta Estate olive oil sounds nice (looked at their website).  I'm guessing that you use it for making salad dressings or more as a finishing oil (vs. cooking with it)?

San Marzano tomatoes are wonderful though not the easiest to source in my area for 100% authentic SM ones; there are some that used to be labeled as such, but then changed their name/labeling as they come from California....though apparently, they are the same variety as those grown in Italy.  Would be interesting to do a side-by-side blind taste comparison.   :)

Saffron I use but very seldom.

Will have to think of my top staples list...

PD

I buy the tomatoes and the oil from Amazon. I don't heat the oil, so yes, only for dressings.  I think the San Marzano tomatoes make quite a difference to sauces. I only use saffron for risotto.
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Brahmsian on January 18, 2021, 08:31:33 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 18, 2021, 06:29:48 AM
Good luck with that and thanks for the info regarding metka!

Well, you asked....here are some of them in any event:

Favorite staples (some of them):

Smoked paprika
Vietnamese cinnamon
Whole nutmeg for grating
Fresh herbs: (I haul in several pots of mostly tender herbs to overwinter them) including rosemary, sweet marjoram, sage, thyme (2 types:  German and golden lemon thyme) and a lemon verbena plant plus other herbs from grocery store
cans of beans:  I buy flats of organic garbanzo, cannellini, red beans from my coop
Dried beans, rice, and other grains like quinoa (one of my favorite fallbacks is Texmati long grain brown rice)
Organic tomatoes - flats of canned, some smoked, various cuts, purées, etc.
Garlic
Onions and shallots
Parmesan cheese
Balsamic vinegar - various grades and ages (incl. some really lovely reduction for drizzling over special dishes)
Olive oil, one for cooking and a nice one for drizzling and/or making salad dressing
Some good olives for general snacking on (normally from coop) - one of my favorites is a combo of green olives with chopped garlic and tiny bits of sliced lemon mixed in--yum!
Butter!
A selection of different vinegars for making salad dressings/sauces
Same thing but different oils
Dried pasta (often organic from coop)

My goodness. That is quite the list!  ;D
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 18, 2021, 08:52:46 AM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on January 18, 2021, 08:31:33 AM
My goodness. That is quite the list!  ;D
You did ask!  :D

But it does lead to crowded cupboards. ::)

And next time, I think that I will buy less *canned tomatoes (even though they were on special) at one time; there's only just so much tomato/spaghetti sauce one can make over the course of a year!  I do, obviously, use them in other dishes too.

*and probably less beans too!  Co-op sales can be dangerous!  ;)

Speaking of crowded cupboards, oh the issues that can arise when one starts experimenting with other cuisines:  Middle Eastern, Japanese, Chinese.....oh, boy!
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Irons on January 19, 2021, 07:29:19 AM
Someone I had not heard of until reading an article about her this weekend is Rachel Khoo.
https://thehappyfoodie.co.uk/books/rachel-khoos-kitchen-notebook

"I spend way too much - about £1000 a year - on plates, cutlery and pots and pans. Whenever I travel somewhere I take an extra suitcase so that I can bring back what I buy; I usually spend at least a couple of hundred of pounds on crockery when I visit Japan. I'm fast running out of cupboards to store everything."
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 19, 2021, 08:08:14 AM
Quote from: Irons on January 19, 2021, 07:29:19 AM
Someone I had not heard of until reading an article about her this weekend is Rachel Khoo.
https://thehappyfoodie.co.uk/books/rachel-khoos-kitchen-notebook

"I spend way too much - about £1000 a year - on plates, cutlery and pots and pans. Whenever I travel somewhere I take an extra suitcase so that I can bring back what I buy; I usually spend at least a couple of hundred of pounds on crockery when I visit Japan. I'm fast running out of cupboards to store everything."
:laugh:  Oh, I can relate!  Though I certainly don't spend anywhere near that amount--at least these days.  I did pick up some nice lacquerware while in Japan years ago though. I'll bet you though, that she can at least write off a good chunk of what she spends on it since it looks like cooking and writing is her main business?  At least that could help tax-wise.

I'll check out her recipes.  Have you or your wife ever tried making any of them before now Irons?
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: DavidW on January 19, 2021, 09:18:25 AM
What I use on a daily basis is the electric kettle.  I have a variable temp one that I use for pour over coffee and tea, and a normal one I just use for boiling water.  After that the digital scale gets frequent use.  And after that various knives.

On the opposite end I hate garlic presses.  And I like but rarely use my food processor and my blender.
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 19, 2021, 09:27:22 AM
Quote from: DavidW on January 19, 2021, 09:18:25 AM
What I use on a daily basis is the electric kettle.  I have a variable temp one that I use for pour over coffee and tea, and a normal one I just use for boiling water.  After that the digital scale gets frequent use.  And after that various knives.

On the opposite end I hate garlic presses.  And I like but rarely use my food processor and my blender.
Oh, nice!  I've been wanting to get an electric kettle--for the times when I want to make tea (I have a drip coffee maker by Zojurishi).  I didn't know that they made variable temp ones.  How do you like it and does it take longer to heat up than your 'normal' one?  Kitchen counter space is at a premium in my kitchen though.  :(

Do you do a lot of baking?  Or use your scale for all around use?

PD
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: DavidW on January 19, 2021, 01:49:19 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 19, 2021, 09:27:22 AM
Oh, nice!  I've been wanting to get an electric kettle--for the times when I want to make tea (I have a drip coffee maker by Zojurishi).  I didn't know that they made variable temp ones.  How do you like it and does it take longer to heat up than your 'normal' one?  Kitchen counter space is at a premium in my kitchen though.  :(

Do you do a lot of baking?  Or use your scale for all around use?

PD

Yes the variable temp one takes longer but I can set it at precisely the temperature I want other than boiling.  I use the scale to measure the coffee beans.  And then I used the scale alot when I was on a diet to more precisely measure portions.  I don't do alot of baking but one time last year I baked marzipan cookies that required very precise measuring and the scale paid off then.
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Irons on January 20, 2021, 12:34:41 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 19, 2021, 08:08:14 AM
:laugh:  Oh, I can relate!  Though I certainly don't spend anywhere near that amount--at least these days.  I did pick up some nice lacquerware while in Japan years ago though. I'll bet you though, that she can at least write off a good chunk of what she spends on it since it looks like cooking and writing is her main business?  At least that could help tax-wise.

I'll check out her recipes.  Have you or your wife ever tried making any of them before now Irons?

I'm dead jealous you have visited Japan.

The Sunday Times business section run an interview each week "Fame and Fortune" where they ask the same set of money related questions to successful people in all walks of life. This week it was Rachel Khoo's turn. In 2006 she moved from London to Paris unable to speak French and stony broke, she said she had to save up to buy bread. As they say "who dares wins" she now lives in Stockholm. 
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 20, 2021, 05:19:00 AM
Quote from: Irons on January 20, 2021, 12:34:41 AM
I'm dead jealous you have visited Japan.

The Sunday Times business section run an interview each week "Fame and Fortune" where they ask the same set of money related questions to successful people in all walks of life. This week it was Rachel Khoo's turn. In 2006 she moved from London to Paris unable to speak French and stony broke, she said she had to save up to buy bread. As they say "who dares wins" she now lives in Stockholm.
Hey, put it on your bucket list (maybe a year from now??).  I would love to go back!  So many things and places I would love to see and experience (like when the cherry blossoms are flowering).  And the people are lovely!  And the food....and....and.....  ;D

PD
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: BWV 1080 on January 20, 2021, 07:41:56 AM
Rust is a problem in humid houston, mine does not look near as good after 5 years outdoors, but still works

(https://cdn.shocho.co/sc-image/a/6/6/c/a66c13126ca8a2268bbf015ff41b966b.jpg?i10c=img.resize(width:800,height:800))
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 20, 2021, 08:36:45 AM
Quote from: BWV 1080 on January 20, 2021, 07:41:56 AM
Rust is a problem in humid houston, mine does not look near as good after 5 years outdoors, but still works

(https://cdn.shocho.co/sc-image/a/6/6/c/a66c13126ca8a2268bbf015ff41b966b.jpg?i10c=img.resize(width:800,height:800))
Oooh!  Lovely!  What all have you smoked/cooked on it?  I only have a little pan smoker (for stovetop) though I really should make better use of my charcoal grill.
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: BWV 1080 on January 20, 2021, 11:53:49 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 20, 2021, 08:36:45 AM
Oooh!  Lovely!  What all have you smoked/cooked on it?  I only have a little pan smoker (for stovetop) though I really should make better use of my charcoal grill.

The usual BBQ fare- brisket, ribs, pork shoulder, chicken, sausage.  Did alligator once, was just OK. 
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 21, 2021, 04:15:54 AM
Quote from: BWV 1080 on January 20, 2021, 11:53:49 AM
The usual BBQ fare- brisket, ribs, pork shoulder, chicken, sausage.  Did alligator once, was just OK.
Sounds great!  Must admit, I tried alligator once in Louisiana--not really my cup of tea.

Here's a question for you all:  Do you have a favorite (or favorites) digital meat thermometer?  I've been wanting to get a new one.  The ones that I've used in the past never seemed to last long or sometimes were inaccurate.  I've had to fallback to older mechanical ones.

PD
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Brahmsian on January 21, 2021, 04:31:17 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 21, 2021, 04:15:54 AM

Here's a question for you all:  Do you have a favorite (or favorites) digital meat thermometer?  I've been wanting to get a new one.  The ones that I've used in the past never seemed to last long or sometimes were inaccurate.  I've had to fallback to older mechanical ones.

PD

For a digital meat thermometer, I have a relatively cheap Taylor 9847N model, less than $20. It seems to do the job just fine.

I do have a mechanical one as well but hardly use it.
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 22, 2021, 12:03:01 PM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on January 16, 2021, 08:12:07 AM
Onions
Garlic
Fresh thyme
Italian sausage
Homemade vegetable broth
Boneless chicken thighs
Dry white and dry red wine
Fresh dill
Grated parmesan cheese
Gnocchi
O.K., soooo...I wasn't able to get ahold of one of my favorites:  bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.  Purchased boneless and skinless chicken thighs.  So, since they are a favorite of yours:  favorite ways of using them please!  :)
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Brahmsian on January 22, 2021, 12:41:55 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 22, 2021, 12:03:01 PM
O.K., soooo...I wasn't able to get ahold of one of my favorites:  bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.  Purchased boneless and skinless chicken thighs.  So, since they are a favorite of yours:  favorite ways of using them please!  :)

Well, I do enjoy the bone and skin on chicken thighs nearly equally. I could have just listed it as "chicken thighs"  :D

Anyway, I started to prefer them over chicken breasts because they generally stay a lot more moist and have more flavour than breasts.

I think you can, for the most part, generally use the boneless, skinless thighs exactly as you would with the bone in ones, but reduce your cooking time.

I like any kind of braised chicken and rice or orzo casseroles, combined with vegetables either on the side or as part of the casserole. I don't have a specific recipe list for these. I just end up Googling a recipe the day of.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 22, 2021, 12:50:27 PM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on January 22, 2021, 12:41:55 PM
Well, I do enjoy the bone and skin on chicken thighs nearly equally. I could have just listed it as "chicken thighs"  :D

Anyway, I started to prefer them over chicken breasts because they generally stay a lot more moist and have more flavour than breasts.

I think you can, for the most part, generally use the boneless, skinless thighs exactly as you would with the bone in ones, but reduce your cooking time.

I like any kind of braised chicken and rice or orzo casseroles, combined with vegetables either on the side or as part of the casserole. I don't have a specific recipe list for these. I just end up Googling a recipe the day of.  :laugh:
Thanks, but some of the easy recipes that I use rely on cooking the veggies and chicken together--oftentimes the veggies underneath the chicken thighs, so this takes a while.  Will figure it out.  :)  ;)

Best wishes,

PD
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Brahmsian on January 22, 2021, 12:59:02 PM
Https://www.smalltownwoman.com/one-skillet-savory-chicken-and-orzo/
(Https://www.smalltownwoman.com/one-skillet-savory-chicken-and-orzo)
Here is a good recipe. Substitute any vegetable you like and substitute rice for the orzo too.

I see my link doesn't work. I have the hardest time copying and pasting addresses with my phone.  :'(
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Brahmsian on January 24, 2021, 05:48:04 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 22, 2021, 12:03:01 PM
O.K., soooo...I wasn't able to get ahold of one of my favorites:  bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.  Purchased boneless and skinless chicken thighs.  So, since they are a favorite of yours:  favorite ways of using them please!  :)

PD,

A PM awaits you.  :)
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on February 19, 2021, 08:31:55 AM
Looking to buy a rice cooker here and am wondering what brands and models you like the best.  I was thinking of getting one not larger than 5 1/2 cups.  Looking at the reviews in Amazon, it's quite a mixed bag as to reliability or how long you can keep it on warm without drying out the rice, etc.

For those of you who own one, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

PD
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: DavidW on February 19, 2021, 10:08:35 AM
Zojirushi makes perfect rice, even brown rice!
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Benji on February 19, 2021, 12:12:55 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 19, 2021, 08:31:55 AM
Looking to buy a rice cooker here and am wondering what brands and models you like the best.  I was thinking of getting one not larger than 5 1/2 cups.  Looking at the reviews in Amazon, it's quite a mixed bag as to reliability or how long you can keep it on warm without drying out the rice, etc.

For those of you who own one, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

PD

I use an instant pot, does a great job.
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on February 19, 2021, 12:38:13 PM
Quote from: DavidW on February 19, 2021, 10:08:35 AM
Zojirushi makes perfect rice, even brown rice!
And what model and how long have you had and used it for?  I saw some things in reviews of people having issues after X-amount of time and the company not being helpful so I'm trying to understanding your experience.
Quote from: Benji on February 19, 2021, 12:12:55 PM
I use an instant pot, does a great job.
Do you cook a variety of grains and types of rices?   Same for DavidW.  And how long have you owned and also used one?

PD
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: DavidW on February 19, 2021, 01:25:07 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 19, 2021, 12:38:13 PM
And what model and how long have you had and used it for?  I saw some things in reviews of people having issues after X-amount of time and the company not being helpful so I'm trying to understanding your experience. Do you cook a variety of grains and types of rices?   Same for DavidW.  And how long have you owned and also used one?

PD

A month or so.  It is the NHS-10.  You can't expect perfect five star ratings from everyone.  Still an average rating of 4.6 is pretty good. There are also reviews saying that they have owned their brand rice cooker for 15-20 years with no problem.  Not a great variety from me.  Just white and brown rice.  I've also used the steamer several times with kale.
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: SonicMan46 on February 19, 2021, 01:39:39 PM
Quote from: BWV 1080 on January 10, 2021, 11:29:12 AM
My chef's knife

(https://nwcutlery.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/468618-1-1.jpg)  (https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Miscellaneous/i-bKp5vJP/0/aa478e03/O/Knives.jpg)

Its a chinese chef's knife, not a meat cleaver.  Favorite knife for chopping vegetables, crushing garlic & ginger or cutting smaller sized meats

Thanks for the reminder - that type of knife has been on my 'want list' for a while - love knives and gadgets that do specific tasks - we have a nice collection of knives (inserted above); most are WÜSTHOF German brand, several of which I pulled out - the steak knives are great and the serrated bread knife superlative! Newest purchase is the flexible boning knife, great for carving whole bird carcasses.  Just getting into this thread, so may be posting later - Dave :)
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Benji on February 19, 2021, 02:50:29 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 19, 2021, 12:38:13 PM
And what model and how long have you had and used it for?  I saw some things in reviews of people having issues after X-amount of time and the company not being helpful so I'm trying to understanding your experience. Do you cook a variety of grains and types of rices?   Same for DavidW.  And how long have you owned and also used one?

PD

I've had the same instant pot for 4 years now and use it almost every day. It makes any kind of rice - it's really use to use, always 1:1.1 rice:water all that changes is the time (3 mins white basmati,   up to 22 mins for wholegrain). Ive made all kind of rice and grains in it... Basmati, sushi, red, black, brown, Korean 8-grain, barley, buckwheat. It's absorption method and a sealed unit so it won't go soggy or dry out.

Being a pressure cooker it's also a doddle to make beans/lentils and you don't have to soak them. Dried Chick peas take about 30 mins at high pressure. Puy lentils 20 mins or so.
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: SonicMan46 on February 19, 2021, 02:57:17 PM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on January 14, 2021, 04:14:11 AM
Interesting! At first, I thought it was a garlic press.

Cooking tip: If you need to peel a lot of garlic cloves, chop the ends off each clove, and plop all the cloves into a medium or large sized glass container (like an empty pickle jar), and shake for about 20 seconds. Voilà.

Well, there is an easier way by using 'garlic tubes' (below from Amazon - not the several that we own but same principle and cheap) - after getting down to the gloves, we also own a number of garlic presses which do a great job although I sometimes like to mince the gloves w/ a paring knife for the practice (OK at it, but in need of improvement) - Dave :)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Miscellaneous/i-xm8L6fp/0/6bd9470b/O/GarlicTubes.png)
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Benji on February 19, 2021, 03:02:13 PM
Quote from: SonicMan46 on February 19, 2021, 01:39:39 PM
Thanks for the reminder - that type of knife has been on my 'want list' for a while - love knives and gadgets that do specific tasks - we have a nice collection of knives (inserted above); most are WÜSTHOF German brand, several of which I pulled out - the steak knives are great and the serrated bread knife superlative! Newest purchase is the flexible boning knife, great for carving whole bird carcasses.  Just getting into this thread, so may be posting later - Dave :)

I love that relatively stubby looking bread knife - looks like it has good knuckle clearance. My current one is blunt and terrible, I need an upgrade.

I think this Japanese one is what I'll go for...

https://www.kitchenprovisions.co.uk/collections/knives/products/japanesebreadknife
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Benji on February 19, 2021, 03:05:07 PM
Quote from: SonicMan46 on February 19, 2021, 02:57:17 PM
Well, there is an easier way by using 'garlic tubes' (below from Amazon - not the several that we own but same principle and cheap) - after getting down to the gloves, we also own a number of garlic presses which do a great job although I sometimes like to mince the gloves w/ a paring knife for the practice (OK at it, but in need of improvement) - Dave :)

I stopped peeling garlic, life is too short. Now I just microplane it skin on - so you end up with a tiny bit of chaff but it's not noticeable in the food and it's extra fibre. 😄
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: DavidW on February 19, 2021, 05:37:17 PM
Quote from: Benji on February 19, 2021, 02:50:29 PM
I've had the same instant pot for 4 years now and use it almost every day. It makes any kind of rice - it's really use to use, always 1:1.1 rice:water all that changes is the time (3 mins white basmati,   up to 22 mins for wholegrain). Ive made all kind of rice and grains in it... Basmati, sushi, red, black, brown, Korean 8-grain, barley, buckwheat. It's absorption method and a sealed unit so it won't go soggy or dry out.

Being a pressure cooker it's also a doddle to make beans/lentils and you don't have to soak them. Dried Chick peas take about 30 mins at high pressure. Puy lentils 20 mins or so.

That really sounds awesome.
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: SonicMan46 on February 19, 2021, 07:40:49 PM
Quote from: SonicMan46 on February 19, 2021, 01:39:39 PM
Thanks for the reminder - that type of knife has been on my 'want list' for a while - love knives and gadgets that do specific tasks - we have a nice collection of knives (inserted above); most are WÜSTHOF German brand, several of which I pulled out - the steak knives are great and the serrated bread knife superlative! Newest purchase is the flexible boning knife, great for carving whole bird carcasses.  Just getting into this thread, so may be posting later - Dave :)

Well, BWV 1080's mention of a 'Chinese Cleaver' (top pic below) jiggle my 'wish list' from the past - as mentioned we own a LOT of WÜSTHOF German knives, so I looked at their option of a 7" cleaver, but $200 on Amazon was too steep a price (in the past I got a number of discounts on this brand but none now) - looked on Amazon and dozens of cleavers at a wide price range were available - what to choose?  In the end and wanting to pay about a hundred bucks USAD, I picked the Nakiri 7" Japanese cleaver (lower pic) - liked the lesser height for our purposes - should enjoy. Dave :)
.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Miscellaneous/i-7vdk3n7/0/8bb67bbe/O/Cleavers.png)
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Holden on February 19, 2021, 09:53:02 PM
The big thing with knives is keeping them sharp so investing in a really good knife sharpener is a must if you are going to buy something like a set of Wusthof's. Personally, I'm Victorinox fan. If they are good enough for the majority of butchers here in Australia then they are good enough for me.
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on February 20, 2021, 04:20:12 AM
Quote from: DavidW on February 19, 2021, 01:25:07 PM
A month or so.  It is the NHS-10.  You can't expect perfect five star ratings from everyone.  Still an average rating of 4.6 is pretty good. There are also reviews saying that they have owned their brand rice cooker for 15-20 years with no problem.  Not a great variety from me.  Just white and brown rice.  I've also used the steamer several times with kale.
True (re ratings).  I suspect that it can also be a case of 'the more buttons and whistles that come with it, the more chances are that something will break/go wrong'.

PD
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on February 20, 2021, 04:21:38 AM
Quote from: Benji on February 19, 2021, 02:50:29 PM
I've had the same instant pot for 4 years now and use it almost every day. It makes any kind of rice - it's really use to use, always 1:1.1 rice:water all that changes is the time (3 mins white basmati,   up to 22 mins for wholegrain). Ive made all kind of rice and grains in it... Basmati, sushi, red, black, brown, Korean 8-grain, barley, buckwheat. It's absorption method and a sealed unit so it won't go soggy or dry out.

Being a pressure cooker it's also a doddle to make beans/lentils and you don't have to soak them. Dried Chick peas take about 30 mins at high pressure. Puy lentils 20 mins or so.
Nice!  Thanks for the input!  :)

PD
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: DavidW on February 20, 2021, 07:49:42 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 20, 2021, 04:20:12 AM
True (re ratings).  I suspect that it can also be a case of 'the more buttons and whistles that come with it, the more chances are that something will break/go wrong'.

PD

Yes.  Mine has only one button which is cook.  It is idiot proof.  They even have a scoop and numbers on the pot so you fill the water to the # of scoops you used of ice (only difference is that is for white rice, you have to use a table in the manual for brown rice).

Had I known about the versatility of Ben's pressure cooker though I would have bought that instead.
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: SonicMan46 on February 20, 2021, 08:45:17 AM
Another consideration in the kitchen is work surface and storage.  We have a modest size kitchen which we had renovated in the early 2000s (including all new appliances), but there was no room for a central island - so, I ordered a rolling island kit from HERE (https://www.catskillcraftsmen.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html) (construction took a few hours w/ basic tools) - in the first three pics below - the cart is stored in the corner (had to remove a chair but now mainly a 2-person house) - then rolled out and leaves open for an additional 20" x 40" work surface which is near the gas stove top - virtual doubles the room to work.

Of course, a convenient spice rack is always useful especially near the food prep area - the last pic shown is my third iteration for this space w/ an increase in depth which now holds 60% more spice bottles of small/medium size.  I made this one from ambrosia maple.  Dave :)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/WW-Projects-Samples/i-NdTm6ZG/0/224017f4/O/KIsland_A1.jpg)  (https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/WW-Projects-Samples/i-RhXK7jf/0/f8b4080c/O/KIsland_A2.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/WW-Projects-Samples/i-KsL69WQ/0/b5b6daa8/O/KIsland_B.jpg)  (https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/WW-Projects-Samples/i-4BKhrXW/0/b6d2c0cf/O/KIsland_c.png)
Title: Re: Cookware - Your favourite kitchen tools
Post by: Brahmsian on February 20, 2021, 08:52:41 AM
Quote from: SonicMan46 on February 20, 2021, 08:45:17 AM
Another consideration in the kitchen is work surface and storage.  We have a modest size kitchen which we had renovated in the early 2000s (including all new appliances), but there was no room for a central island - so, I ordered a rolling island kit from HERE (https://www.catskillcraftsmen.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html) (construction took a few hours w/ basic tools) - in the first three pics below - the cart is stored in the corner (had to remove a chair but now mainly a 2-person house) - then rolled out and leaves open for an additional 20" x 40" work surface which is near the gas stove top - virtual doubles the room to work.


I like the idea of a collapsible rolling island, Dave. Especially if space is at a premium.