Last Saturday evening in Seattle's SODO District, it was rainy. Grey. Miserable. But, outside a large abandoned warehouse, there were colored paper signs that said "SUM -->." Inside, long lines of hungry foodies eagerly wait for a sample of one of Seattle's new, upcoming, and popular restuarants and catering businesses.
Exactly what is S.U.M? It is Seattle's Underground Market, a pop-up foodie event that happens monthly, all over the greater Seattle- area and Eastside. Did you know Underground Markets happen all over the USA? Yup, S.U.M. was inspired by San Franciso's Underground Market.
Eveytime the location changes, making it a true way to explore the city I live in! How do you know where the location is? Sign up to become a member and you will receive email updates before an event happens.
With a small entry fee ($10), and bites costing $1-$3/per plate, it is easy to sample a large variety of cuisine under $20.00. Chefs, restauranteers, and bakers unite to show off their best of the best for the community. From a small dessert catering business, to a popular asian restaurant, and a fresh squeezed juice bar, there are many offerings to delight your palate.
Sign up to become a member, FOR FREE:
http://www.seattleundergroundmarket.com/Home_Page.html
"Like" their page on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/SeattleUndergroundMarket?ref=ts&fref=ts
What did I try and LOVE? The POP-shrimp were golden delicious-ness of popcorn and deep fried shrimp. The seared ahi tuna was one of the most popular offerings! Chiptole braised pork and corn pudding offered comfort food to the crowd in the stormy weather. Plus, the Mexician Coffee kept my hands warm!
I can't wait for another S.U.M!
Happy Cooking,
Kimm
Showing posts with label non-stick. Show all posts
Showing posts with label non-stick. Show all posts
Monday, 19 November 2012
Tuesday, 17 July 2012
5 different people...5 different cookware NEEDS!
Cookware needs depend on your: lifestyle, cooking ability, and budget. Take those three factors and apply them to which pots and pans fits your life. Too many people watch competitive cooking shows and think, "If the pros use 'em, I must also use them!" WRONG. Your cookware should be different than your friends, family members, and professionals.
Below are 5 people/couples with different lifestyles, cooking ability, and budget: All of these scenrios are examples of people I have helped!
SCENRIO #1:
A brand new college student needs a few pots and pans for his/her dorm room. S/he needs pans with multiple use that are not too pricey.
-Some young teens grow up cooking, but most do not. And, if they do, it is basic food: pasta, protein, rice, and potatoes. Thus, they are just learning how to cook.
-Basic cooks do great with a strong, dishwasher-safe non-stick cookware.
-It is rare that you need an entire set of cookware right now.
Go for: What you need is a two non-stick skillets: one medium (10 inch) and large (12 inch) to do basic sauting and stir frying. Also, a medium non-stick size pot (about 5-7 quarts) to do any boiling or simmering. Make sure it is all dishwasher safe since most college student don't want to spend their free time scrubbing and polishing cookware.
SCENRIO #2:
A young couple is about to get married! The couple is choosing cookware for their registery. They are having a tough time deciding since most of it is "mix and match" from college days and both want something different: She wants a good non-stick set and he wants a clad-contruction stainless steel set. But, they do want their cookware to be budget-friendly for their guest.
-Remember, non-stick cookware is great for ALL cooking abilities: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
-Stainless steel is "different" to cook on especially if you have never EVER cooked on it. It also requires more time scrubbing and polishing, unlike non-stick cookware.
-In reality, most people have both types of cookware. (Like me!)
Go for: Non-stick set AND individual stainless steel pans. Too many times I have seen couples do the opposite: Stainless steel set with a couple non-stick skillets. Why do I like the "the other way around?" Non-stick is very user-friendly and easier to clean/maintain than stainless steel. Remember, this couple is young and still leads a busy social and professional lifestyle. Plus if they are planning on having children, they will have less time for maintaining their cookware.
SCENRIO #3
A young single professional loves to cook and entertain for his/her friends and family. Often, s/he likes menu planning social dinners and Thanksgiving. Also, s/he is an avid viewer of all the cooking shows on TV!
-A young professional will demand a higher quality cookware than in scenrio #1 and #2. This person comes in with consumer reviews in hand and ready to ask questions about the differences in cookware.
-Since this person is single and probably living on his/her own, they do not mind spending extra money on nicer pans.
Go for: A clad construction stainless steel set with two non-stick skillets for everyday use. Why? They have extra time and money for it. Also, experienced cooks "know" how to correctly cook on stainless steel and often do not mind spending extra elbow grease cleaning it.
SCENRIO #4
A full family of 5 needs basic, every day cookware. With young kids and teens, the parents need something quick and thrifty to use, cook on, and clean. The parents wants a "reasonable" price without losing quality of the pans.
-If both parents are working, some of the young kids may be helping out in the kitchen, too!
-The parents want healthy dishes for everyone in the family.
-Dishwasher safe is a plus!
Go for: Non-stick, dishwasher safe, set. The true benefits of non-stick cookware, versus stainless steel, is: little or zero fat when cooking, easier to clean, and great for all cooking levels.
SCENRIO #5
An old retired couple needs some new pans. They have some beat up ones from the past when they were raising a family. Now, they are cooking just for two instead of five.
-They are experienced cooks from cooking for their family all those years!
-They do have extra time on their hands versus in the past.
Go for: If they like healthy dishes, go for some non-stick staples (like in scenrio #1). If they do not mind spending extra time cleaning, let them choose some great stainless steel pans.
I constantly inform people, not every cookware fits everyone. There is a style and price-range for everyone. Half the battle is finding the right cookware type for you, and next is maintaing it.
Simple tips for choosing cookware for your lifestyle:
-Non-stick is great for beginner cooks, healthy dishes, and people who do not want to spend extra time polishing their cookware. People constantly say, it is more convient cooking on non-stick when you lead a busy life.
-Stainless steel is great for advanced and experienced cooks. It does take more oil/fat when cooking and extra time scrubbing. Yet, like cast iron, it truly last forever.
-In reality, most people have a combination of both. They like cooking one dish in one type of pan, and another recipe in the other. That is fine, in fact, I encourage people cooking on different styles of cookware. It is a lesson all its own!
-Always: set a budget, read consumer report reviews, and check reviews online.
Happy Baking!
Kimm
Below are 5 people/couples with different lifestyles, cooking ability, and budget: All of these scenrios are examples of people I have helped!
SCENRIO #1:
A brand new college student needs a few pots and pans for his/her dorm room. S/he needs pans with multiple use that are not too pricey.
-Some young teens grow up cooking, but most do not. And, if they do, it is basic food: pasta, protein, rice, and potatoes. Thus, they are just learning how to cook.
-Basic cooks do great with a strong, dishwasher-safe non-stick cookware.
-It is rare that you need an entire set of cookware right now.
Go for: What you need is a two non-stick skillets: one medium (10 inch) and large (12 inch) to do basic sauting and stir frying. Also, a medium non-stick size pot (about 5-7 quarts) to do any boiling or simmering. Make sure it is all dishwasher safe since most college student don't want to spend their free time scrubbing and polishing cookware.
SCENRIO #2:
A young couple is about to get married! The couple is choosing cookware for their registery. They are having a tough time deciding since most of it is "mix and match" from college days and both want something different: She wants a good non-stick set and he wants a clad-contruction stainless steel set. But, they do want their cookware to be budget-friendly for their guest.
-Remember, non-stick cookware is great for ALL cooking abilities: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
-Stainless steel is "different" to cook on especially if you have never EVER cooked on it. It also requires more time scrubbing and polishing, unlike non-stick cookware.
-In reality, most people have both types of cookware. (Like me!)
Go for: Non-stick set AND individual stainless steel pans. Too many times I have seen couples do the opposite: Stainless steel set with a couple non-stick skillets. Why do I like the "the other way around?" Non-stick is very user-friendly and easier to clean/maintain than stainless steel. Remember, this couple is young and still leads a busy social and professional lifestyle. Plus if they are planning on having children, they will have less time for maintaining their cookware.
SCENRIO #3
A young single professional loves to cook and entertain for his/her friends and family. Often, s/he likes menu planning social dinners and Thanksgiving. Also, s/he is an avid viewer of all the cooking shows on TV!
-A young professional will demand a higher quality cookware than in scenrio #1 and #2. This person comes in with consumer reviews in hand and ready to ask questions about the differences in cookware.
-Since this person is single and probably living on his/her own, they do not mind spending extra money on nicer pans.
Go for: A clad construction stainless steel set with two non-stick skillets for everyday use. Why? They have extra time and money for it. Also, experienced cooks "know" how to correctly cook on stainless steel and often do not mind spending extra elbow grease cleaning it.
SCENRIO #4
A full family of 5 needs basic, every day cookware. With young kids and teens, the parents need something quick and thrifty to use, cook on, and clean. The parents wants a "reasonable" price without losing quality of the pans.
-If both parents are working, some of the young kids may be helping out in the kitchen, too!
-The parents want healthy dishes for everyone in the family.
-Dishwasher safe is a plus!
Go for: Non-stick, dishwasher safe, set. The true benefits of non-stick cookware, versus stainless steel, is: little or zero fat when cooking, easier to clean, and great for all cooking levels.
SCENRIO #5
An old retired couple needs some new pans. They have some beat up ones from the past when they were raising a family. Now, they are cooking just for two instead of five.
-They are experienced cooks from cooking for their family all those years!
-They do have extra time on their hands versus in the past.
Go for: If they like healthy dishes, go for some non-stick staples (like in scenrio #1). If they do not mind spending extra time cleaning, let them choose some great stainless steel pans.
I constantly inform people, not every cookware fits everyone. There is a style and price-range for everyone. Half the battle is finding the right cookware type for you, and next is maintaing it.
Simple tips for choosing cookware for your lifestyle:
-Non-stick is great for beginner cooks, healthy dishes, and people who do not want to spend extra time polishing their cookware. People constantly say, it is more convient cooking on non-stick when you lead a busy life.
-Stainless steel is great for advanced and experienced cooks. It does take more oil/fat when cooking and extra time scrubbing. Yet, like cast iron, it truly last forever.
-In reality, most people have a combination of both. They like cooking one dish in one type of pan, and another recipe in the other. That is fine, in fact, I encourage people cooking on different styles of cookware. It is a lesson all its own!
-Always: set a budget, read consumer report reviews, and check reviews online.
Happy Baking!
Kimm
Sunday, 15 July 2012
Is your cookware dishwasher SAFE?
"Is this cookware safe to put in the dishwasher?" One of the most common questions I get from customers. Why is it a concern? In the dishwasher, the water is hot and the soap is strong. Plus, pots and pans tend to "bang around" while being cleaned. You do not want those factors killing your brand new pans.
How does a cookware manufacturer determine if a pot or pan is dishwasher safe? It comes down to the metal, also known as the "vessel." Are you concerned about non-stick coatings? Most of them are OK to put in the dishwasher, you just have to worry about the metal.
*Remember: We need some sort of heat conduction from a metal when cooking. Stainless steel, by itself, heats uneven. It is lined with aluminum because it is abundant, conducts heat well, and pretty easy to mold. Or, we can cast, stamp, or hard anodize aluminum and line it with a protective coating.
WHAT IS SAFE TO PUT IN THE DISHWASHER:
- Stainless Steel cookware (Even with non-stick coating in the exterior)
- Hard anodized aluminum non-stick with a protective exterior (like non-stick or color coating) and base (like a stainless steel or rings.)
-Glass lids
-Stainless steel lids and tools
-Nylon/Silicone-handled tools
WHAT IS NOT DISHWASHER SAFE:
-Hard anodized aluminum (if your non-stick pans have zero protection on the exterior or bottom, you cannot put these pans in the dishwasher.)
-Cast aluminum cookware/bakeware (Cast aluminum needs to be treated and seasoned like cast iron.)
-Pure/Straight aluminum cookware/bakeware
-Full cooper or cooper-lined cookware (Even if there is a small amount of exposed cooper on the pan, it is not dishwasher safe.)
-Procelain enamel-exterior/lined cookware
Q: So, what happens if you put your "not dishwasher" cookware in your dishwasher?
A: You just voided the warranty. Remember you have to follow the cookware manufacture's direction to keep their warrany valid.
-Cooper: Will tarnish and turn blue-grey.
-Hard Anodized aluminum: Will turn bright white. (This is most common!)
-Cast Aluminum and Pure Aluminum: Discolor lightly and eventually warp.
-Procelain enamel: Dull over time.
What is your best bet? HAND WASH. Use regular dish soap with a soft yellow or green sponge. Please avoid metal scrubbies (they also void cookware warranties).
Here are some simple tips for cleaning your cookware:
-With stainless steel: In your pot/pan, add 2 cups water and 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar. Let it simmer for 15 minutes. Pour out the mixture and let cool. Use a polish to detail any stains.
-With non-stick: Make a paste with water and baking soap. Rub it on your pan, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Wash as you would. Repeat if the stain is bad.
*Note: Remember when you are cooking, you are exposing some sort of metal to direct heat. It is natural for the bottoms of your cookware to discolor fast. I recommend polishing your cookware (with my tips above or a cookware polish) once a month.
Happy Baking,
Kimm
How does a cookware manufacturer determine if a pot or pan is dishwasher safe? It comes down to the metal, also known as the "vessel." Are you concerned about non-stick coatings? Most of them are OK to put in the dishwasher, you just have to worry about the metal.
*Remember: We need some sort of heat conduction from a metal when cooking. Stainless steel, by itself, heats uneven. It is lined with aluminum because it is abundant, conducts heat well, and pretty easy to mold. Or, we can cast, stamp, or hard anodize aluminum and line it with a protective coating.
WHAT IS SAFE TO PUT IN THE DISHWASHER:
- Stainless Steel cookware (Even with non-stick coating in the exterior)
- Hard anodized aluminum non-stick with a protective exterior (like non-stick or color coating) and base (like a stainless steel or rings.)
-Glass lids
-Stainless steel lids and tools
-Nylon/Silicone-handled tools
WHAT IS NOT DISHWASHER SAFE:
-Hard anodized aluminum (if your non-stick pans have zero protection on the exterior or bottom, you cannot put these pans in the dishwasher.)
-Cast aluminum cookware/bakeware (Cast aluminum needs to be treated and seasoned like cast iron.)
-Pure/Straight aluminum cookware/bakeware
-Full cooper or cooper-lined cookware (Even if there is a small amount of exposed cooper on the pan, it is not dishwasher safe.)
-Procelain enamel-exterior/lined cookware
Q: So, what happens if you put your "not dishwasher" cookware in your dishwasher?
A: You just voided the warranty. Remember you have to follow the cookware manufacture's direction to keep their warrany valid.
-Cooper: Will tarnish and turn blue-grey.
-Hard Anodized aluminum: Will turn bright white. (This is most common!)
-Cast Aluminum and Pure Aluminum: Discolor lightly and eventually warp.
-Procelain enamel: Dull over time.
What is your best bet? HAND WASH. Use regular dish soap with a soft yellow or green sponge. Please avoid metal scrubbies (they also void cookware warranties).
Here are some simple tips for cleaning your cookware:
-With stainless steel: In your pot/pan, add 2 cups water and 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar. Let it simmer for 15 minutes. Pour out the mixture and let cool. Use a polish to detail any stains.
-With non-stick: Make a paste with water and baking soap. Rub it on your pan, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Wash as you would. Repeat if the stain is bad.
*Note: Remember when you are cooking, you are exposing some sort of metal to direct heat. It is natural for the bottoms of your cookware to discolor fast. I recommend polishing your cookware (with my tips above or a cookware polish) once a month.
Happy Baking,
Kimm
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