YumSugar

How to Care For Your Cast Iron Cookware

YumSugar — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:00:54 -0700

Cooking with cast iron can be intimidating - not to mention heavy - but once you try it, it's easy to become a convert. I love my pan; it's great for making skillet breads or indoor grilling, and distributes heat incredibly evenly. Cast-iron pans can even help boost your iron intake.

But be warned: you can't treat cast iron like any old pot. To make sure it lasts as long as possible - basically, forever - you have to do some things differently. Before using your cast iron for the first time, you need to "season" it. This process will protect your pan's surface from moisture and rust. Find out how to care for cast iron.

YumSugar Gift Guide: The Junior Chef Brother

YumSugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:17:44 -0800

Want your kid bro or nephew to follow in your culinary footsteps? Get him ready for the kitchen with an assortment of fun cooking equipment.

Finally, he'll be able to reach the counter with a little help from these colorful stools. He can keep you company and help you out with kitchen prep using these properly sized cooking utensils. Under your training, he'll soon graduate to cutting with this safe knife set.

Want more gift ideas? Browse the selection below or check out all the gift guides on HolidaySugar.

Registry Roundup: Cook Up a Perfect Kitchen

YumSugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 01:18:51 -0700

We've covered all the items you should register for in order to create the perfect tablescape. And today we're talking about everything you need in order to create the food for the table! That's right, today it's all about cookware and bakeware.

If you're a big baking fan, then take the opportunity to register for all the things you've been wanting to splurge on. However, if you don't bake, don't bother with every kind of cake pan, just stick with a few basics. Don't worry about sticking to sets either. Get the pieces you want in order to create the best set for you and your sweetie.

Not sure where to begin? Take a look at our handy printable registry as well as all of our wedding coverage at IDoSugar.

Glass & Stainless-Steel Cookbook Holder - $39.50	Flour Sifter - $19.95
Epicurean® Natural Pizza Peel - $34.99	Anolon Advanced 4 Piece Measuring Cups - $29.99
Kitchen Art® Adjustable Measuring Spoons & Cups - $5.95	OXO 2 Cup Angle Measuring Cup - $7.95
Adjust-a-Cup - $9.95	Calphalon Classic Rectangular Cake Pan, 9" x 13" - $27.00
Chicago Metallic Perforated 14" Pizza Crisper - $12.99	Cake Tester - $3.95
Mini Tea Cake Pan - $31.95	Nordicware® Mini Scone Pan - $29.99
Pie Carrier - $8.99	Chicago Metallic 2-Piece Baking and Roasting Set - $12.99
24-Cup Cupcake Carrier - $24.95	Pizza/Baking Stone by All-Clad - $99.99
Baker's Dozen Measuring Set - $19.99	Anniversary Bundt® Pan - $34.00
Covered Muffin Pan - $19.00	Calphalon Classic Large Jelly Roll and Brownie Pan Set - $24.99
Anolon Advanced Open Stock Bakeware - $19.99	Williams-Sonoma Nonstick Goldtouch™ Cookie Sheets - $27.00
Melamine Mixing Bowls, Multicolored, Set of 4 - $38.00	Fluted Pie Dish - $14.95
Non-Stick Springform Pans (Set of 3) - $14.99	Silpat Nonstick Baking Mat - $19.99
Martha Stewart Collection Nonstick One Pound Loaf Roll Pan - $12.99	Dessert Bar Pan - $24.99
Kaiser Non-Stick Tart Pan - $15.95	Wilton Tri-tanium Bakeware - $11.99
Sur La Table Nonstick Cake Pans - $7.00	Mixing Bowl Set - $24.99
Nordic Ware® Nonstick Quiche/Tart Pan - $12.50	Nonstick Popover Pan - $21.00
Everything Kitchen Porcelain Bakeware Sets - $14.99	Calphalon Classic Muffin Pans - $15.99
9" Pie Dishes by Emile Henry - $40.00	Square Cake Pans - $15.95
Flared-Edge Tartlet Form - $2.00	Deep Round Cake Pans - $5.95
Kids’ Rolling Pin & Mat - $27.00	Wilton Covered 13" x 9" Cake Pan (Set of 2) - $9.99
Stainless Mixing Bowls with Pour Spouts - $39.95	Madeleine Pan - $15.95
Nordicware Baker's Quarter Sheet with Lid - $14.99	Williams-Sonoma Commercial Aluminized Steel 24-Cup Mini Muffin Pan - $19.95
OXO Salad Spinner - $29.95	Over-the-Sink Colander - $35.00
Footed Colander - $16.95	Emerilware Cast Iron Bacon Grill Press - $19.99
11" Square Grillpan & Griddle by All-Clad - $54.99	Lodge Logic™ Rectangular Grill & Griddle Pan - $49.95
Calphalon Tri-Ply Cookware Set and Open Stock - $39.99	Le Creuset® Dijon Enameled Cast Iron 6-Piece Set - $549.95
Oval Casserole with Lid - $29.95	Lodge Logic Dutch Oven - $44.95
Oven to Table Tagine by All-Clad - $199.99	Emile Henry Ruffled Auberge Oval Baker, Red - $49.00
Le Creuset 13-Ounce Petite Bell Pepper Casseroles (Set of 4) - $99.99	Le Creuset® Cobalt Round French Ovens - $184.95
Le Creuset Braiser, 2 1/4-Qt. - $240.00	Le Creuset Enameled Steel Stock Pot, 12 Qt. - $99.99
All-Clad LTD Stock Pot, 8 Qt. - $319.99	Fagor 4 Cup Egg Poacher - $49.99
Asparagus Steamer - $39.95	All-Clad Brushed Stainless Steel Professional Stockpots - $285.00
Pasta Pot with Lock-In Strainer, 6-Qt. - $74.95	Stainless Steel Splatter Screens - $20.00
Lodge Logic™ Cornbread Skillet - $19.95	Calphalon One Infused Anodized 10" Stir Fry - $49.99
Le Creuset® 3-Ply Stainless Steel Sauté Pan - $154.95	Joyce Chen 10" Bamboo 3 Piece Steamer Set - $14.99
All-Clad® Saucepan with Ceramic Insert - $199.95	All-Clad® Roasting Pans - $159.95
Le Creuset® 10 1/4" Square Skillet - $109.99	Lodge 12" Skillet - $32.95
Calphalon One Nonstick Frittata Pan, 10" - $135.00	Sur La Table Nonstick Skillets - $49.95
Calphalon Tri-Ply Shallow Saucepan, 2.5-Quart - $50.00	Berndes 4.5 QT 11" Nonstick Sauteuse with Lid - $125.00
All-Clad Stainless Steel Saucepans - $119.99	Rösle® Ice Cream Scoop - $23.00
Oxo Good Grips Ice Cream Scoop - $9.99	OXO Food Scale - $49.95

Source

Show Your Cook a Little Love

YumSugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 11:08:31 -0800

If your sugar is a stay-at-home and make-delicious-treats sort of Valentine then surprise her with something fun for the kitchen. I've rounded up some lover-ly kitchen finds; browse through them by clicking "Start Slideshow" below!

View Slideshow ›

Another Expensive Item You'll Never Use (or Afford)

YumSugar — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 15:01:31 -0700

I have a hard time conceiving of a meal that would cost £100,000 ($205,000), let alone a pot that costs that much. However, German cookware firm Fissler doesn't seem to have a problem with it. Their 11-inch pot is studded with 200 diamonds and has solid gold handles. Fissler is insisting that the $205,000 pot can be used like any other saucepan - only I don't see why you would. That would be like saying you could use a solid gold chain to lock up your bike. It would probably work, but why?!?

Source: Spluch

Wedding Registry 101: Cookware

YumSugar — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 05:57:31 -0700

To round out our wedding registry tips, I thought I'd cover my favorite category, cookware & bakeware. To begin, look at both of your current pots/pans and see if there are any worth keeping, or any sets you have already started. Also look to see what kind of pans you have, are there any you love and want more of? Or maybe you splurged on a fancy brand only to learn you hated the way they heated. Also think about your cooking style. If you're more health conscious, you may want to consider non-stick so that you can use less oil. If you're an aspiring chef, go for hard anodized stainless or copper for superior heat conductivity. To learn what you should look for when selecting pots, pans and bakeware, as well as a pretty full list of things you might want to register for, read more

Be sure to select materials and styles that reflect your cooking style.
Consider registering for a few different types of pans. Stainless steel requires the least maintenance and can go in the dishwasher, and sometimes you really don't feel like washing the pans by hand.
Copper pans are the best heat conductors, yet cool quickly allowing for maximum heat control. They are also oven safe, however you will have to hand wash them and occasionally polish them too.
Stainless Steel pans have a clean look, and are easy to take care of. They're also oven and dishwasher safe (bonus!).
Enameled Cast Iron pans heat slowly, but distribute heat effectively. The ones with porcelain-enamel insides are stick-resistant and the ones with the porcelain-enamel outsides are quite durable and cute. Plus, the enameled ones are dishwasher and oven safe.
If you don't like baking, then there's probably no need for specialty pans such as springform or popover. You may decide to register for more dinnerware or appliances instead.
Consider registering for pan sets as well as individual pieces. This way you'll break apart the range of prices your guests can choose from.
Cookware should feel good and sturdy in your hands. Also note the weight. If you find the pot too heavy to carry while empty, imagine it full of food.
Be sure to include at least 2 round cake pans and a square or rectangular cake pan. Also most muffin/cupcake recipes yield 24, so you may consider adding two to your registry.
For a fully stocked kitchen, you'll want to consider some of the following:
Cookware:
- Sauce Pans
- Sauté Pans
- Stock Pots
- Frying Pans
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Double Burner Griddle
- Casserole Dishes
- Wok
- Grill Pan
- Braiser
- Roasting Pan
- Paella Pan
- Fish Poacher
- Asparagus Pot
- Double Boiler
- Fondue Pot
- Steamer
- Pressure Cooker
- Tea Kettle
- Dutch Oven

Bakeware:
- Pizza Pans
- Muffin Pans
- Cookie Sheets
- Cake Pans (Round, Square, Rectangular)
- Pie Pans
- Tart Pans
- Loaf Pans
- Bundt Pans
- Popover Pans
- Ramekins
- Rolling Pins
- Springform Pans
- SilPat
- Pizza Stone
- Flour Sifter

- Mixing Bowls
- Cookbook Holder
- Measuring Cups

Shown: Sur La Table Professional HD Hard-Anodized Nonstick 8-Piece Cookware Set

Food Section Sampler - Sept. 30, 2009

YumSugar — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:50:50 -0700

Beer tries to earn a spot next to cheese plates. - Wall Street Journal
Reforming school lunches isn't easy - or cheap. - Washington Post
New green cookware lets you sauté without worry. - San Francisco Chronicle
In West Virginia, pepperoni rolls are an old-time favorite fast food. - New York Times
Should restaurants be allowed to ban diners from using laptops? - Boston Globe
How dinner parties are changing among cost-conscious foodies. - Chicago Tribune
One LA bakery's strawberry cake is a local legend. - Los Angeles Times

Source: Flickr User Samat Jain

Yum's Top 10 Kitchen Registries

YumSugar — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:00:47 -0700

Earlier this week, we offered some wedding advice for finding a gift registry that's right for you, but even with our recommendations, there are so many stores to choose from. So, we've compiled a list of our favorite registries - for the most part, nationwide retail outlets with standalone stores, call centers, and online sites to suit all of your guests' needs. We also took stock of shops with a wide selection of products and convenient perks and benefits. To see the list of our favorites (in no particular order), read more.

Williams-Sonoma: This tried-and-true kitchen store favorite boasts a thank you note manager, a solid return policy, and a 10 percent discount on items both remaining in your registry and outside it.
Target: Despite your income bracket, you can't go wrong at this ubiquitous store, which proffers a huge assortment of practical, everyday items at bargain prices. Guests can shop online with a Target or an Amazon account.
Crate & Barrel: This 160-store chain boasts a 10 percent completion discount on registries - and that includes furniture. Anytime an item is purchased or added, all changes, whether online, in store, or over the phone, will be reflected within a short window of 15 minutes or less.
Macy's: This national network of department stores is everywhere in the United States and offers a number of perks, including a charity donation program, completion rewards of 10 percent off, and a Registry Star Rewards program, which rewards purchases in the form of a Macy's Gift Card.
Bed Bath & Beyond: Aside from being practical and everywhere, this store offers a registry incentive program where you can register for or complete certain sets and get other items free. Need help? That's available anytime through the store's call center.
Bloomingdale's: For a range of timeless kitchen pieces and fun kitchen gadgets, sign up for this high-end retailer, which pairs you with a personal registry consultant and also provides a 10 percent completion program and donations to charity.
Sur La Table: Everything your kitchen ever wanted can be found at this culinary haven, which carries specialty items like DeLonghi grills, John Boos cutting boards, and Le Creuset cookware.
Kohl's: This registry ups the ante with a completion program offering 15 percent off, as well as announcement cards that give guests discounts on in-store purchases.
Neiman Marcus: Head here for the gold standard of gift registries, where you can choose from a massive selection of formal tabletop items. Gift packaging is complimentary on bridal registry purchases.
Cooking.com: If you want to go virtual, you can find everything and anything kitchen at this one-stop online shop, which has an extreme selection of 80,000 products and a 10 percent off completion program.

Brides-to-be, where have you registered? Let us know if you have any other recommendations!

Source

How to Choose the Right Kitchen Registry For You

YumSugar — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:15:35 -0700

If you've got a wedding in the works, you've probably begun looking into a crucial element of the event - the registry. This retail service will help you determine what cookware, dinnerware, servingware, drinkware, tools, and appliances will be stocked in your kitchen. But with dozens of retail outlets, where should you sign up? Get tips for selecting the right registry for your kitchen when you read more.

Establish priorities. If your place is small, are you looking for kitchen tools to do double duty? Is eco-friendliness a must? If you want to mix and match tableware, make sure that's an option.
Choose a national registry that takes orders online, by fax, over the phone, and in person. That way, both your cousin in Silicon Valley and your computer-challenged great aunt in Baltimore can shop happy.
Your registry should offer a wide range of price points, so your guests can select gifts within their means.
Look for a large assortment of styles as well, from traditional to contemporary and basic to ornate.
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the return and exchange policy, as well as the overall terms of service. For instance: Is there a service charge? How long will the registry be kept active?
Some questions to consider: How much attention is paid to customer service? Is there a representative who can help you resolve any logistical issues? Does the registry alert you when gifts have been purchased? Will updates be reflected on your registry within 11 minutes, or 11 hours? Is the registry flexible with shipping locations?
Don't overlook perks. Some registries offer a completion program, which allows couples to fill in incomplete kitchen sets at a discount. Other sites will donate to a charity of your choice every time a gift is purchased.

If you've got any helpful tips for finding the perfect registry, please feel free to chime in below!

Source

Yummy Links: From Leah Cohen to Korean Barbecue

partysugar — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 07:50:47 -0700

Making ravioli with Top Chef's Leah Cohen. - Decider New York
Learn the difference between pudding and custard. - Chow
Go green with Cuisinart's new Green Gourmet cookware. - Al Dente
One expert's advice on hosting the perfect Seder. - The Epi-Log
Padma Lakshmi appeared in this weekend's Parade magazine. - Eat Me Daily
Use a whisk to break up brown sugar. - The Kitchn
Find out what your favorite contestants from The Next Food Network Star are up to now. - The FN Dish
Take a trip to Korea in your kitchen by making this easy barbecue beef bulgogi. - Serious Eats