The Secret to Having it All......: cookware

Friday, October 4, 2013

cookware

{October 31 Day Challenge}
31 days of.......keeping it simple-keeping it real.

Day 4: The item at the top of my "want/need" list right now is cookware. Problem is, it takes me forever to make a decision on most everything I buy. I've been talking about how I hate my cookware {especially the frying pans}, but that's all I've done for the past few ~~years~~ months....talk about it. I thought I had pretty much narrowed down the type of cookware I want, non-stick as compared to stainless steel. Then I did a little homework and found out what my favorite tv chef, Ina Garten~ Barefoot Contessa had to say about cookware:

What kind of cookware should I buy?

I know there is lots of really good cookware available, but the ones I use are All-Clad stainless steel and Le Creuset enameled cast iron. They're expensive, but they really do last a lifetime. They're also incredibly easy to clean.
I recommend that you start with two stainless-steel saute pans (an 8-inch and a 10-inch), two stainless-steel saucepans (2-quart and 4-quart), and one 16- to 20-quart stainless-steel pot for making stocks and pasta. If your budget allows, a stainless-steel roasting pan is perfect for chicken and meats.
For soups and stews, you'll need a heavier pot; I like the 7G- or 9-quart Le Creuset French Oven, in Flame (orange). Not only is it great for cooking, but it's beautiful enough to go directly from the oven to the table. .

10-inch fry pan $134.95

Sorry Ina, I really wanna cook like you, but this is probably not in my budget! :O) Thanks for the great advice though!

I guess this set from Williams-Sonoma is a no-go too.
$799.00 for a 10 piece set...YIKES!

KitchenAid Hard Anodized Nonstick 10-Piece Set - $119

Rachael Ray Hard Anodized II Nonstick Dishwasher Safe 14-Piece Cookware Set, Orange - $209

Gotta keep looking.........

Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless-12-Piece - $299

Emeril by All-Clad Hard Anodized Nonstick 12-Piece Set - $200

I checked out Good Housekeeping's Best Non-Stick Cookware list and the very first set I looked at {months ago}, Rachel Ray's Hard-Anodized Cookware set, got very good reviews. I'm not sold on the orange handles though. I really like the color of this set.......hmmmmmm......