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| Forums: January 2011 Kickstart Forum: Cookware and Utensils | |||
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| VeginSTX
Joined: 01/08/11 Posts: 9 |
Cookware and Utensils Posted Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 2:39 PM What are good knives to use for all these veggies? I'm particularly interested in a knife that can easily cut carrots and sweet potatoes. Any suggestions on the best types of cookware and cooking surfaces? Lastly, what kinds of storage containers are recommended? I would like to buy a set of something because I have lots of leftovers. I'm loving this program and I want to invest in some great kitchenware. |
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cch22
 Location: New York State Posts: 999 |
RE: Cookware and Utensils Posted Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 4:47 PM Hi VeginSTx. Cookware.. i like to boil things in stainless steel.. the heavier the better. That's saucepans and dutch ovens. |
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| philocrates
Joined: 03/18/10 Posts: 47 |
RE: Cookware and Utensils Posted Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 7:00 PM My big surprise was Cuisinart Green Gourmet. Our Ollie's had the Chef's knife for 5 bucks as well as some other types of that brand. I bought the chef's knife because somehow one of my good ones got misplaced. I always try to have a sharp spare handy. I figured 5 bucks? I can always use it for something if not cooking if it wasn't a good knife. It is the only one I ever knew that could split a butternut squash in half without struggle. It went half way. I pushed down on the handle and it slid thru like I was cutting butter. It cuts better than my 'good' ones. I'm buying 2 more. Cookware: WATERLESS. Someone said they didn't use nonstick. I think they assumed I used it. My waterless is indestructible, looks like it did 15 years ago, cooks just as good as it did, nothing wears out on it, and it works like a charm. It's not nonstick as people think of it. It is worth every penny to invest in a good set. Cook surfaces? Cast Iron burners [solid] if you can find it. You have to change your cooking style a bit, it is slow to heat up but it stays hot and cooks long after you turn it off so you can turn it off and let it cook for 5 more minutes at that heat. Combined with the waterless? It is heaven. You go cheap, you get cheap. I've saved the cost of the cookware just by not having to buy replacements. The only cookware I have that is NOT waterless is my cast iron and some of those are 75 years old. Again it takes learning to cook with it and also how to care for the cast iron but they are worth it. If you can find old, get it. The new ones are a tad shabby. And get a good chopping block. Large, one side flat and one side with a dip or a ridge to keep chopped things from sliding off with enough room to push things back while you chop. The flat side doubles as a bread board for kneading and the like. Storage? What works for you. Seriously. I've tried all sorts of systems and hate them. I also discovered that bug proof containers might not be. The best I have found so far is the glass pickle jars or the big plastic pretzel containers with the screw lids that stores sell pretzels or pickles out of. Our local country store sells them when they are empty. For leftovers? I use the storage set that came with my wine/cheese lunch box and some other containers that fit for that. I try to cook to size so we don't have to worry about leftovers unless I plan leftovers. |
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| marge
Joined: 09/08/10 Location: Seattle Posts: 211 |
RE: Cookware and Utensils Posted Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 7:00 PM Although I have a really nice set of Henckel knives, (a gift) my knives of choice are my Chicago cultery chef's knife for chopping, and an 8' Chicago knife for almost everything else. I love my wooden chopping blocks. I swear by my cast iron skillet/fry pan. I also like my Kitchen Aid mini chopper. Someday I'll buy a Vitamix, but for now, my blender works just fine. I don't have special cookware. I do use canning jars, and recycled peanut butter jars for storage. (Adams' peanut butter) In the whole food kitchen a lot of stuff gets stored in the fridge, so I like clear glass to see what's inside. |
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| Bugsmom
Joined: 09/13/10 Posts: 2069 |
RE: Cookware and Utensils Posted Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 7:27 PM Hubby likes clear as well so we use a lot of re-purposed glassware - the large honey jars (couple pounds of honey size) are good for lots of things. We usually use old PB jars or salsa jars (depending on size) for storing leftover soups and stir fry and such. take off the lid and they can handle the microwave (at least, the ones we have seem to do okay). We like PB jars because one jar can hold one to two servings, so I can take it to work for lunch and have a day or two of leftovers (there are 4 regular size refrigerators, 5 microwaves, 2 stoves/ovens, and 5 dishwashers for employee use - along with flatware, dishes, pots and pans). we've got a Cutco set that we got about 14 or 15 years ago that hubby loves but we've also got a variety of other knives for various purposes, including a sashimi knife. Hubby is quite particular about his hardware so a bread knife doesn't get used for anything but bread (or bagels). His go-to for most things is a large chef's knife. --Deb R |
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Wild4Stars
 Location: Florida Posts: 832 |
RE: Cookware and Utensils Posted Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 10:31 PM I love my Cutco knives. They are expensive but absolutely the best knives I have ever owned in my 59 years. I like glass containers for leftovers. I NEVER microwave in anything but glass or Corningware. For storing beans and grains in the pantry I have both glass and plastic, but am moving towards eliminating the plastic, going to all glass. I few years ago I replaced the Revere Ware pans that I bought in 1970 only to find that the new Revere Ware is nothing like the old Revere Ware and the new pans only lasted a couple years before they started showing pits, loose handles, etc. I started buying 3 and 5 ply stainless steel Lustre Craft. These pans will last me the rest of my life, and I'm guessing will still be functioning well at least 50 years after I'm gone. I have bought all of them used, in good shape and I absolutely LOVE them. The manufacturer is still in business and they have a lifetime guarantee. They are pretty expensive new, but I have found good buys at estate sales and used on Ebay. My favorite kitchen appliance, another big investment, is my Vita Mix. Makes a smoothie truly "smooth" with little effort, no matter what you throw in. I swear you could make a rock smoothie!!! Makes great soup, too. I probably don't use it to it's full potential but I totally love it. My Crockpot is my second favorite kitchen appliance. It rarely gets put away. Great for beans, stews, soups. Throw eveything in it in the morning, come home to a great smelling house and supper is ready. My pressure cooker has been abandoned for a while, but I have decided to get it back out and use it again. I used it a lot in my meat eating days, but not so much recently. Vikki ~ Wild4Stars@gmail.com |
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| BeansandGreens
Joined: 01/05/11 Posts: 6 |
RE: Cookware and Utensils Posted Sunday, January 9, 2011 at 3:02 AM My newest and most favorite kitchen tool (next to my rice cooker) is my vitamix. I use it for so many things - I make soups, smoothies, juices, and dips in it. It is the only kitchen tool I use on a daily basis. It encourages me to use my fresh veggies by just throwing them in the soup and blending them up. It makes me smile..... |
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| cch22
Location: New York State Posts: 999 |
RE: Cookware and Utensils Posted Sunday, January 9, 2011 at 6:42 AM @ Phil.. waterless.. so if i wanted to cook a bag of baby corn.. how would i do it in a waterless saucepan? @ Wild for stars.. did u see the beans & more postings? there is actually a cooking chart for beans for a pressure cooker. I had to chuckle..pre-soaked dry beans cook in under 10 min instead of 2 hours.. humm i don't have a pressure cooker. but i bet i can find one at a garage sale next year. |
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| txdoglover
Joined: 03/18/10 Posts: 69 |
RE: Cookware and Utensils Posted Sunday, January 9, 2011 at 9:29 AM I have crappy pans and I want a nice set of pans from Williams-Sonoma (can't think of the brand but they are great). Just lots of $$$. Use my crockpot, I would like to see some great crockpot recipes on this site? I have a vitamix that I got from Ebay that I love, too. The crockpot is great as I work long days and love to come home to dinner almost ready. |
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| Mariberry
Joined: 01/02/10 Posts: 297 |
RE: Cookware and Utensils Posted Sunday, January 9, 2011 at 10:13 AM Like Wild4Stars, I also have Cutco knives and they are amazing. I've had them for approx. 10 years and just had them re-sharpened for free by a Cutco rep who came to my home. And my crockpot is my favourite cooking utensil too. All we are saying is "Give Peas a Chance" |
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| cch22
Location: New York State Posts: 999 |
RE: Cookware and Utensils Posted Sunday, January 9, 2011 at 10:13 AM You know i see several people who want a set of pots and pans.... but very often the sets include pieces you would NEVER use.. or almost never.. like stainless steel skillets.. sometimes 2 of them. If you want to upgrade pots and pans to something really quite good, it doesnt' have to break the bank. Cusinart makes decent cookware. Just get a 2qt saucepan, a 3 quart saucepan, and a stockpot. That will take care of most cooking needs as far as stainless. Wouldn't hurt to get a steamer insert. I have seen these pans at tj max.. they are $20.00 and below.. each with lids. Just buy one a month.. then for a skillet.. the green gourmet.. i got a free one with my credit card points.. you probably again don't need the whole set.. just either the 10 inch or 12 inch.. Pick up one a month... they are about 30.00 & $40.00 There just is no reason to spend crazy on pots and pans. There might be something to the waterless... but not everyone can afford hundreds of dollars on cookware.. maybe someday.. for now all the above works just fine. It doesn't pit, rust or carode, it cleans up well and will last as long as you need it. Cynthia |
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| theodore
Joined: 09/16/10 Posts: 641 |
RE: Cookware and Utensils Posted Sunday, January 9, 2011 at 11:16 AM Not sure if this counts, but I love the Berkey water filters. I also love the Vitamix blender. As Wild4Stars says, it can blend just about anything and it can even heat the stuff up while it's blending. Did anyone read through the file of not-so-nutritious recipes that came with their Vitamix ?? The first thing I did was blend the chicken soup recipe and the lamb tagine recipe both in the same jug. The trick is to put some water in first so that the paper doesn't get stuck under the blades. Theodore Never make assumptions. You'll end up being an A**, and the UMP will TION you. -- Coach Smiley -- Fresh Prince of Bel Air |
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| theodore
Joined: 09/16/10 Posts: 641 |
RE: Cookware and Utensils Posted Sunday, January 9, 2011 at 12:23 PM I hear the Kuhn Rikon pressure cookers are pretty useful too, although I have yet to purchase one myself. Theodore Never make assumptions. You'll end up being an A**, and the UMP will TION you. -- Coach Smiley -- Fresh Prince of Bel Air |
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| veganer
Joined: 01/04/11 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 196 |
RE: Cookware and Utensils Posted Sunday, January 9, 2011 at 12:45 PM Are electric pressure cookers better than regular pressure cookers? |
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| theodore
Joined: 09/16/10 Posts: 641 |
RE: Cookware and Utensils Posted Sunday, January 9, 2011 at 12:59 PM I hear the regular pressure cookers are better because you can add stuff to the pot after you've started cooking. Never make assumptions. You'll end up being an A**, and the UMP will TION you. -- Coach Smiley -- Fresh Prince of Bel Air |
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| Bugsmom
Joined: 09/13/10 Posts: 2069 |
RE: Cookware and Utensils Posted Sunday, January 9, 2011 at 7:21 PM cch22 wrote: You know i see several people who want a set of pots and pans.... but very often the sets include pieces you would NEVER use.. or almost never.. like stainless steel skillets.. sometimes 2 of them. If you want to upgrade pots and pans to something really quite good, it doesnt' have to break the bank. Cusinart makes decent cookware. Just get a 2qt saucepan, a 3 quart saucepan, and a stockpot. That will take care of most cooking needs as far as stainless. Wouldn't hurt to get a steamer insert. I have seen these pans at tj max.. they are $20.00 and below.. each with lids. Just buy one a month.. then for a skillet.. the green gourmet.. i got a free one with my credit card points.. you probably again don't need the whole set.. just either the 10 inch or 12 inch.. Pick up one a month... they are about 30.00 & $40.00 There just is no reason to spend crazy on pots and pans. There might be something to the waterless... but not everyone can afford hundreds of dollars on cookware.. maybe someday.. for now all the above works just fine. It doesn't pit, rust or carode, it cleans up well and will last as long as you need it. Cynthia We've done that, gradually adding pieces as we find good stuff. But, hubby still would like to transition over to totally cast iron. We almost put that on our registry when we got married 17 1/2 yrs ago but didn't because I couldn't lift them easily enough to get them off the burner if they were hot. Now I rue that decision - especially since I'm not doing the majority of the cooking. --Deb R |
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| cathyb
Joined: 09/13/10 Posts: 149 |
RE: Cookware and Utensils Posted Sunday, January 9, 2011 at 9:23 PM I love Victorinox knives, made by the swiss army knife company. I get them from Amazon. I have two paring and a small serated that were $5 each. I also have their bread knife, which is the best I have ever had. I have been baking my own bread for 19 years, so I have cut a lot of bread! I am hoping to get one of their small chef knives soon, either the 5 or 6 inch. A friend who cuts an amazing amount of produce, says this is all she uses - no need for the huge chef knives. For pans, I love farberware stainless steel. They have a lifetime warranty - I had one that the handle fell off of, and I shipped it back and they just sent me a new pan. Food can look really stuck on, but most comes off with a good soaking. I also like the cuisinart green gourmet pan. I got a small skillet; it was about $20. I also love my blender, a blendtec. Similar to the vitamix, but easier to clean. Also got that through Amazon. Theodore - you are too funny. So how does paper slurry taste? |
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| theodore
Joined: 09/16/10 Posts: 641 |
RE: Cookware and Utensils Posted Monday, January 10, 2011 at 5:10 AM You're too kind CathyB. I don't drink the slurry though. I give it to someone I know who applies it topically to their head. That's all I'm allowed to say at this time. Best wishes Theodore Never make assumptions. You'll end up being an A**, and the UMP will TION you. -- Coach Smiley -- Fresh Prince of Bel Air |
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| VeginSTX
Joined: 01/08/11 Posts: 9 |
RE: Cookware and Utensils Posted Monday, January 10, 2011 at 2:24 PM Thanks for all the good ideas. Particularly like reusing glass containers. I've been using a "CerAmica" frying pan which I like quite a bit, though you have to be careful not to overheat. I found this one and saw other eco-friendly pieces at Ross Dress for Less for substantial savings. A friend suggested going ahead and investing in a mandolin for thin slicing veggies. Amazon has a portable one that has great reviews for less than $20. That site also has a 5-star 8" Victorinox chef's knife that I'm thinking of getting. Happy vegan cooking! |
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| Bugsmom
Joined: 09/13/10 Posts: 2069 |
RE: Cookware and Utensils Posted Monday, January 10, 2011 at 2:28 PM VeginSTX wrote: A friend suggested going ahead and investing in a mandolin for thin slicing veggies. Amazon has a portable one that has great reviews for less than $20. Aren't all mandolins portable? One thing that hubby hated about our old mandolin (He just got a new one) is that the rectangular pusher thing (that holds the item while you slice) had to be locked into the track and it was very cumbersome to use. The new one has a round thing (like a manhole cover) so it doesn't fall out of place and you can turn it as needed while slicing. Sometimes the 'safety features' cause more problems than the thing itself. He used it to shred up some broccoli stems and carrots to add to an existing half empty bowl of cole slaw and the mix is awesome! He also wants to be able to evenly slice onions and cukes to make more pickles (love the homemade kinda sorta sours on black bean patties with just a squirt of organic ketchup). --Deb R |
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