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The Ultimate Kitchen: Colander

YumSugar — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 05:12:01 -0800

In the kitchen there are usually a bunch of things that people take for granted and never think twice about. They get taken out to do their function and then put back as soon as possible. One of these items is a colander. When choosing a colander, you should look for one that is well balanced, not too big for your sink, fits in your cupboard, and has a nice solid base. You can pay over $50 for a great one, or find a surprising one for less than $10.

If money and space is no objection, then definitely look into the All-Clad Stainless 5 Quart Colander ($69.99). The large capacity will allow you to strain almost anything and the heavy stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and non-reacitve to acidic food. The handles have been sized for a firm grip and have re-inforced rivets for strength. Oh and did I mention that it's actually dishwasher safe?

Three more colanders, including one for a tiny apartment, so read more

If you're constantly running out of cupboard space, you may want to consider a collapsible silicone colander ($29.95). This uniquely designed colander has collapsible legs and strainer. This way it will slide into almost any cupboard. It's also heat resistant to 500F and is completely dishwasher safe. I haven't personally tried it, but with a tiny kitchen, it has definitely crossed my mind.

If you're looking for a heavy-duty day to day, but inexpensive option, then look for the OXO Good Grips Plastic Colander. At only $8.99 (and it's actually on sale now for $6.74), this colander gives you good quality for a cheap price. It holds three quarts and utilizes OXO's "Good Grip" soft and comfortable handles. If I was going to go for a sub $10 option, I would definitely look at the OXO brand since most of their products tend to carry the same standard for quality.

Finally, if you have more interest in putting the colander on display, then I'd definitely look into a Calypso Basics Colander. Although it strains just wonderfully and is sturdily built, the real difference lies in all of the color options. Available in over 10 colors (including pink, ice blue, and lemon), the enamel coated colander will look beautiful filled with fruit and placed on a dining table. 3qt capacity available for $17.99, 5 qt for $21.99 and 7qt $25.99.

The Ultimate Kitchen: 2 Quart Saucepan

YumSugar — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 18:26:13 -0800

The next item on my ultimate kitchen list is a 2 quart saucepan. This size is perfect for sauces, heating up small amounts of soup, oatmeal, etc.

Try to find one that has a good grip and a handle that will not conduct too much heat. It should also have a heavy base that will conduct heat evenly. Also, make sure that the pan you choose comes with a well fitted lid.

A good choice for your kitchen is a stainless steel pan with a copper core or bottom. The copper in this 2 quart saucepan from All-Clad will provide for quick and even heat distribution and the stainless steel won't react with food. It has long "stay-cool" handles and a rolled edge rim for dripless pouring. However, it's definitely a splurge at $235 (registry time!).

Two reasonably priced saucepans to check out, so read more

Cusinart's Nonstick Hard-Anodized model is a good choice for a low price ($21.99). It has a "stay-cool" steel handle, distributes heat well, is nonstick, comes with a break-resistant glass lid and is oven safe up to 500 degrees. The downfall with this particular pan is that due to the non-stick coating, it can not be placed in the dishwasher.

Another option is a 2 quart saucepan with double boiler. This one by Farberware is made from stainless steel, has an aluminum core (for heat conductivity), has stay cool handles, and is dishwasher safe. The pots can be used separately (although the upper pan is much thinner and conducts heat rapidly) or combined as a double-boiler (for melting chocolate, etc.). In fact, it's almost like two pans for the price of one ($29.99).

Off to Market Recap: Saute Pan

partysugar — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 06:50:15 -0700

When I moved into my current apartment, my parents gave me an assortment of old pans. Although I love and use these pans, I don't own a very good saute pan, and it's affecting my confidence level as a home cook. To boost my culinary self esteem, I asked you to help me find a new saute pan. You headed off to market in search of large, durable pans in an assortment of colors and styles. You saved the pans in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Saute Pan.

This All-Clad 3-quart saute pan that mellie_608 found is just what I'm looking for! It's specially designed so heat spreads quickly and evenly. For more saute pans, please peruse the collection below.

Last Chance to Enter Our Ultimate Thanksgiving Giveaway!

partysugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:58:16 -0800

For one lucky reader, gifts are coming early this holiday season. Why, you wonder? Because we've joined with Williams-Sonoma® to put together the ultimate Thanksgiving prize package worth over $700! We're giving away a 16-18 lb Willie Bird Organic Turkey and all of the fabulous accessories needed to make the perfect Thanksgiving meal. Potato ricer to guarantee fluffy mashed potatoes? Check. Gravy separator for creamy gravy? Check. Oversized cutting board for serving the bird? Check. That's not all: The winner will also receive a new All-Clad flared roaster pan, baster, brining bags, thermometer, roast lifters, twine holder, kitchen timer, potato peeler, spatulas, garlic peeler, and The New Thanksgiving cookbook.

To enter to win this incredible prize, you must log in and take the Williams-Sonoma quiz below. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct, completing the quiz once you are logged in makes you eligible to win. You do, however, need to be a TeamSugar member before taking the quiz. If you're not already a member, register here for an account. One quiz entry per person, all repeat quizzes will be ignored.

The contest is open to US residents only and ends on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 5:00 p.m. PST. Click here for official rules. Good luck!

Take the quiz

Off to Market: Indoor Grills

YumSugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 05:30:30 -0700

Summer is all about grilling. But if you live in an apartment with limited space like I do, there isn't always room to grill outside. To bring the grilling inside, I'm looking for an indoor grill. Wanna help? Look for electric, indoor grills (like this powerful All-Clad Indoor Electric Grill by Williams-Sonoma) in any color, shape, or size. Bookmark everything you find in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Indoor Grills. Thanks for your help and happy hunting!

Interested in bookmarking? Read geeksugar's explanation of this feature to learn how to participate.

Find out where I like to shop online for food and entertaining accessories when you read more

Bed Bath & Beyond
CB2
Cooking.com
Crate & Barrel
Ikea
Linens and Things
NapaStyle
Pier 1
Plum Party
Pottery Barn
Sur La Table
Target
Restoration Hardware
Williams Sonoma
Wishing Fish
World Market