Sunday, March 14, 2010

Weil by Spring video 2

Dr. Andrew Weil, new line of cookware and electrics.

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How to Cook Cornish Hens

My family loves it when I cook Cornish hens for them. Because of their diminutive size compared to other chickens, the kids think they’re cute. We all find the taste to be a grade above most other kinds of chicken, too.

What most people in the United States know as a Cornish hen is really a cross-breed of poultry created from Cornish chickens and White Rock chickens. Technically, then, it should be called a Rock Cornish hen (or, to draw the name out even further, a Rock Cornish game hen).

The Rock Cornish hens found in your supermarket usually will be of a size to provide about 1 serving of meat per person. Obviously, this makes it a cinch to determine how many to buy. Serving four? Purchase four hens. Cooking for a church picnic of a hundred folks? You’ll need a hundred of these little birds (plus a few to cover the people who will insist on seconds). And so on.

Rock Cornish hens are best when oven-roasted. Roasting time varies, depending on the size and number of birds. A minimum time is 20 minutes, but most will require between 25 and 35 minutes and some will need 40 or 45 minutes. A good sign the hen is done is when you can stick a sharp knife or fork tine into it and the juices from it run clear.

You can roast Rock Cornish hens as they come straight from the butcher or supermarket, but it’s better to rub them with herbs and spices first. Try thyme or rosemary along with a little salt and fresh-ground black pepper. Some cooks like to baste their hens with melted butter—this will help to brown it and will also add extra flavor. As the hen cooks, juices will collect in the oven pan. From time to time, just scoop up these juices and pour them over the bird to keep it from drying it.

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Saturday, March 13, 2010

Aluminum Health Risks - Real Or Myth?

For years we have been warned about the risk of aluminum in deodorants. A recent study reported by WebMD Health News indicates there may even be a link of aluminum in deodorant and other personal care products to breast cancer.

Dr. Philippa Darbre of the University of Reading in England has found evidence that aluminum-based active ingredients in deodorants can mimic estrogen in the body.

She goes on to state, "If the aluminum salts in antiperspirants enter the body and mimic estrogen, it stands to reason that constant exposure over many years may pose a risk."

Most commercial antiperspirants contain aluminum. For years the discussions about risk of aluminum centered around Alzheimer's. This degenerative form of dementia mostly affects persons over 65 years of age.

Some studies have found there are higher than normal concentrations of aluminum in the Alzheimer's brain cells. Other studies have either not been able to conclude this or are still questioning the results. However, it is known that large amounts of aluminum can contribute to nerve toxicity and therefore possibly Alzheimer's disease.

The question becomes, can small amounts over time cause harm or is the danger only with one large exposure?

It is easy to see how we can accumulate aluminum in our bodies, since deodorant isn't the only product that contains it. It is also found in many other sources including antacids, aluminum tubes used with some brands of toothpaste, baking powder, nondairy creamers, table salt, drinking water, and processed cheese. Aluminum cookware, of course, is also a consideration.

It makes sense that small exposures on a daily bases could result in accumulation in tissues over many years, just as Dr. Darbre reports.

Our bodies do not require aluminum. We also know what we rub on our skin, we do absorb into the body and bloodstream.

Although there are no studies to this date that conclusively point to aluminum as a major cause for breast cancer and Alzheimer's, the results are not all in yet.

If you are not a gambling person, you may want to choose your personal care products very carefully to avoid aluminum. Remember, cigarettes used to not be considered unhealthy. Today, we know better.

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Friday, March 12, 2010

Microwave Cookware - Making Cooking More Convenient

Perhaps the most obvious testament to our fast-paced lives is the proliferation of the microwave oven and microwave cookware, for that matter. We have them in all shapes and sizes, and the simple convenience of using microwave cookware to "heat, store, and serve" has made these items indispensable in any 21st-century household.

There is no lack of critics who look down on the fad that is microwave cooking. In reality, because fast-paced lifestyles are likely here to stay, microwave cookware may be more of permanent household fixtures than merely fads.

They may not be handed down from one generation to the next as heirloom pieces, but microwave cookware are bought for practicality's sake. These days, most working men and women rarely have the time to do hour-long baking, roasting, or slow-cooking.

It is common knowledge that microwave cookware is made of plastic, and the accidental use of metals creates the risk of the microwave oven breaking down in the long run. However, there are some metals which could actually be used for microwave cooking.

Aluminum foil, for instance, could be used to wrap the ends of a turkey's or chicken's legs to keep these from burning. Its primary purpose is for shielding. Small skewers made of metal won't be a big deal, and microwave cookware such as shallow convenience trays lined with some metal won't harm the appliance.

Keep in mind, though, that any microwave cookware with metal should be placed at least an inch away from the walls of the microwave oven. In addition, deep metal pans and cartons which are lined with foil are not used, simply because they keep the microwaves from reaching the food's core.

There are various grades of plastic used in the manufacture of microwave cookware. Some are durable while others are good only for a few uses. Cheaper microwave cookware is usually not microwave safe, so it's best to go for the well-known brands. At least you are assured that big companies see to it that all their products go through quality testing.

And because it is a known fact that microwaves travel in straight lines, square- or rectangular-shaped microwave cookware is better than round or circular containers. Choose shallow microwave cookware to ensure that microwaves reach even the interior parts of the food and not just the surface.

Microwave cooking is generally safe if you follow cooking times and directions to the letter and use only the right microwave cookware.

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Great Price Piral RT280MRCR for $43.95

Piral 11 Inch x 8 Inch Rectangular Baker, Rich Umber Review





Piral 11 Inch x 8 Inch Rectangular Baker, Rich Umber Feature


  • for use on the flame
  • for use in the oven on grill and in wood fired ovens
  • for use in the microwave
  • dishwaher safe
  • from refrigerator to stove-top or oven



Piral 11 Inch x 8 Inch Rectangular Baker, Rich Umber Overview


Rectangle Baker, Rich Umber 28cm x 20 cm (11” x 8”) Perfect for Oven Roasting, Use on Grill, or Wood Ovens


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Customer Reviews












*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Mar 12, 2010 15:20:09

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Great Price SCANPAN Titanium SPN90028 for $79.99

Scanpan Classic Ceramic Titanium 11-Inch Stir-Fry Pan Review



We have most of the classic Scanpan line of cookware. I own both sizes of woks. This smaller classic 11" wok is a nice size for small meals. If I am preparing a small stir-fry meal for my wife and I, or just something for myself, this is my "go-to" pan. I have had several steel woks and even an electric wok in the past. The Scanpan is my favorite for a couple of reasons. First, Scanpan has a great surface, and it is nearly non-stick. It's not as slick as Teflon, but it holds up well in the kitchen. My 15-20 yr old Scanpans have some chips in the non-stick surface, but every traditional non-stick pan I have ever owned needed to be replaced after a few years despite delicate treatment.

I have an electric stove, and love to stir-fry on HIGH. I noted another reviewer said cooking on high seemed to change the surface of the pan. I haven't encountered that. I try to always have my food prepared before I start the heat. The pan won't burn if there is adequate food in it to absorb the heat.....and I stir like crazy at times!

These pans are great if you need to "deep fry" small batches of something. The small bottom and high sides allow me to use just a small amount of oil and not get splatter all over my stove.

And lastly, there is no problem with rusting like on the steel woks. When the food is done, we serve it from the wok, and whatever is left can stay in the pan. Our old woks would discolor or rust right away. As I have said, I own both sizes of Scanpan woks and have even given them as gifts to family members. They are the best woks I have ever used.



Scanpan Classic Ceramic Titanium 11-Inch Stir-Fry Pan Feature


  • 11-inch stir-fry wok made in Denmark of pressure-cast aluminum
  • Green Tek ceramic-titanium nonstick finish is safe for metal utensils
  • High-density phenolic resin handles; includes metal rack and wooden chopsticks
  • Dishwasher-safe, washing by hand recommended; oven-safe to 500 degrees F
  • Stainless-steel lid available separately; covered by full lifetime warranty



Scanpan Classic Ceramic Titanium 11-Inch Stir-Fry Pan Overview


Scanpan's Classic 11-in. Stir Fry Pan allows you to heat up the pan for great stir fry and you'll love if for the easy clean up.Green Tek from Scanpan is Certified PFOA-Free process for its patented ceramic-titanium nonstick surface that is healthy for you and the environment. With still giving you the only non-stick cookware that you can use metal utensils on it, allows for even browning, searing and deglazing-all things that are not recommended for traditional non stick pans. It requires little or no fat for cooking. Easily clean up will not find these pans taking up space in your dishwasher. Yes, it is dishwasher safe also. Pressure-cast aluminum base with optimum thickness for perfect heat distribution and superior heat retention. Oven Safe to 500.


Scanpan Classic Ceramic Titanium 11-Inch Stir-Fry Pan Specifications


Scanpan's stir-fry/wok pan has an extra-thick base, allowing you to save energy by using low-to-medium heat for almost all your cooking. Other features include a heat-tempered glass lid, a heat-resistant handle, and a ceramic titanium interior surface that is safe for use with metal utensils and won't crack, peel, or blister. The pan is oven-safe to 500 degrees. This pan comes with a lifetime nonstick guarantee, but it is suggested that you follow a few easy steps to ensure long-term use: immerse the warm pan in water immediately after cooking and hand wash with warm, soapy water; when you're ready to use it again, spread a few drops of oil on it with a paper towel. --Julie McCowan

From the Manufacturer

About Green Tek Nonstick Technology:

In the more recent past, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken the leading manufacturer of nonstick compounds to task over excessive emissions of PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid). PFOA has been used as a catalyst in the production of PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), the basic building block for all nonstick cookware surfaces.

PFOA is a chemical that is hard to break down in the environment. It has a half life of 3.8 years, meaning that if there are 4 grams of PFOA in the body today, the body will have 2 grams in it in four years from now, 1 gram in eight years from now and so on. The human metabolism does not remove PFOA. While it is not a carcinogen or toxin and is generally assumed inert and not harmful to your health, it is environmentally unfriendly and just sticks around forever. That is why the EPA and the leading nonstick manufacturer have agreed that by 2010, the amount of PFOA used to produce PTFE compounds need to be cut by 95%, and by 2015 no PFOA could be used, at all.

Towards the end of this process, PFOA is completely extracted via ionization filters. Even if any traces of PFOA were still present by the time the nonstick compound reached the cookware factory, the pan surface curing temperatures would destroy such remnants. The same is true for the old nonstick compound used for Scanpan Classic and Scanpan Professional. That's why Scanpan has always been able to present the finished product as not containing PFOA.

Why is Scanpan Environmentally Friendly?

Scanpan cookware has always been PFOA free, but the negative publicity that PFOA and, by extension, PTFE had received over the last few years, had caused Scanpan to work closely with their suppliers to find a substitute for PFOA that is environmentally friendly and biodegradable. Scanpan received patents on PFOA-free technology in 2007 and has been producing Scanpan Classic and Scanpan Professional with this new process since spring 2007. With their new Green Tek technology, there is no PFOA used at any stage of the entire process, resulting in a "clean and green" nonstick PTFE compound, the production of which no longer uses chemicals that could have a negative impact on the environment.

The performance of the Scanpan Green Tek surface is not different in any way from the performance of Scanpan's previous surface. And Scanpan continues to incorporate their patented ceramic-titanium technology. Scanpan is safe to use with metal utensils and each piece comes with a lifetime warranty.

Taking Care of Scanpan Classic Cookware:

1. Before first use, remove all packing materials, labels and tags and wash pan in hot, soapy water. Rinse well and dry. Assemble the glass cover handle, if applicable, following the instructions on the poly bag that holds all handle parts. Tighten by hand, only, do not use tools. Make sure the small washer that goes on the underside of the glass cover is flush with the glass surface. If not, turn the washer around and re-assemble the handle.
2. Heat pan to working temperature. Medium heat is typically sufficient for frying and sauteing. Since each stove top has its own settings, find the best heat setting for your stove by starting at a lower setting, then gradually increase until water splashed on the pan surface evaporates immediately with a sizzle. High heat can be used for other applications, like boiling water, stir frying, oven roasting etc. Scanpan Classic Cookware is oven safe to 500 degrees F.
3. Scanpan Classic can be used without oil, butter, or other seasonings, making it especially suitable for low fat diets.
4. After use, remove food and clean Scanpan Classic with warm, soapy water. Scanpan Classic wipes clean with a sponge. Scanpan Classic is dishwasher safe, however, Scanpan recommends using extra care if you decide to clean the pans in the dishwasher to prevent damage to plates, glassware, etc.
5. When storing Scanpan Classic Cookware and "nesting" (placing smaller pots inside larger pots) is required due to space limitations, Scanpan recommends placing a paper or cloth towel between the pots and pans to prevent scuff marks. Glass covers should ideally be stored upright. If that is not practical, Scanpan recommends using towels or other suitable material to wrap the covers and to prevent them from chipping or breaking.

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Customer Reviews





Better each time: - yUi02 - Zion Grove Pennsylvania United States
Just LOVE these things. Work on the road, so I'd normally buy one for cooking in motels from Calgary to New Iberia. Then give it away at the job's end. Now that the handle's more stable and heat resistant it's just about perfect. The plasma-embedded titanium ceramic means you'll still need some oil. But has none of the shortcomings of PTFE. You can find the same with slate-coated pure aluminum skillets for less at TJ or Marshall's, but here it's Scanpan's design features that seem superior. Don't even think about the price. I've had one for 18 years and you can see a few scratches in but not through the coating.



A little too big - Christine -
I bought this one, but it was a little too big for my stove. So I returned it and bought 12 1/2 inch instead. So far I like it very much.



Contains PTFE--same as Teflon - Power fish -
I bought this pan thinking that I am buying a non-stick pan without Teflon. While the health issue became questionable concerning Teflon, I am willing to pay extra to be safe, and at the same time still enjoying the non-stick feature. The product description somehow suggested that the pan is non-stick because it's ceramic titanium.

Well, I was wrong, and I didn't know I was wrong until I accidentally browse the company's website and read its FAQ. In their FAQ, it says: "The ceramic-titanium particles become one with the pan at that point. A subsequent application of a specially formulated PTFE provides the nonstick effect." PTFE is the problematic element of Teflon. Well, I wish the company discloses this information somewhere on the product!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Mar 12, 2010 05:15:09

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Thursday, March 11, 2010

Great Price Lodge EC6D33 for $35.95

Lodge Enameled Cast-Iron 6-Quart Dutch Oven, Caribbean Blue Review



I found this for .00 w/FS a month or so back. I have several cast iron pieces in my kitchen arsenal but this is my first enameled one.
The day I got it, I cooked up a Chicken Cacciatore recipe I've been toying with. It came out superb. I've both baked and stove top cooked a dozen or more times now. It keeps the heat for a long time and distributes very evenly throughout the pot. The enameled cast iron is a dream to work with. It browns nicely and deglazes with ease. Since it is fully coated, rust is a non-issue.
The only complaint is the knob. It is only rated to 350°, so I had to buy a Le Creuset Stainless Steel knob to cook at 400 and above. That is why it only rated four stars from me. The dutch oven is a definite must have for your kitchen and Lodge performs great.



Lodge Enameled Cast-Iron 6-Quart Dutch Oven, Caribbean Blue Feature


  • Easy clean up.
  • Two layers of porcelain enamel are chip resistant
  • Superior heat distribution and retention
  • Tightly fitting lid seals in moisture
  • Porcelain surface eliminates the need to season



Lodge Enameled Cast-Iron 6-Quart Dutch Oven, Caribbean Blue Overview


This 6 Qt enamel Dutch oven is great for cooking, marinating, refrigeration and freezing. The color porcelain enamel on cast iron can be used on gas, electric, ceramic and induction cooktops, as well as in the oven. Not recommended for use on outdoor grills or over open outdoor flames. Not for use in microwaves. Lodge Color Porcelain Enamel on Cast Iron cookware is cast from molten iron in individual sand molds. The porcelain surface eliminates the need to season cast iron. The cast iron vessel has superior heat distribution and retention, evenly heating bottom sidewalls and even the lid. Tightly fitting lid seals in moisture. The excellent heat retention reduces the amount of energy needed for cooking. Two layers of very hard, glossy porcelain enamel are chip resistant and easy to clean. Lid knob is oven safe to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The black rim on the pot is matte porcelain, not exposed cast iron. Hygienic porcelain enamel is non-reactive with food. Although dishwasher safe, hand washing with warm soapy water is recommended to preserve the cookware's original appearance. 10 3/4" diameter, 4 1/2" deep. Caribbean Blue


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Customer Reviews


What a Fabulous Knockoff! - Shoppingmaller - Wisconsin
I should have bought one of these years ago. Dollar for dollar, it's a great buy. I use it at least once a week - stews, soups, sauces. I hope to purchase the 3 qt. casserole size. I replaced the lid knob with a stainless steel Le Crueset knob () because I wanted to be able to bake bread in the Dutch oven and the OEM knob won't stand the heat. It cleans easily, just follow manufacturer's instructions. Staining from tomato sauce, soups cleans up in seconds with a little bleach solution and a sponge. With weekly use since Christmas, mine looks brand new.



It's Junk - D Shelton - Tucson AZ
We bought 2 of these pieces, based on reviews and on price, but they are already on their way back to Amazon -- because the enamel started to come off with the very first use! Furthermore, the claim that there is no bare cast iron around the rim of the pan appears to be untrue, because it rusted immediately. The lid, in fact, left a circular rust stain on my countertop. Despite the fact that Lodge constantly touts the fact that they are a US company and their wares Made in America, when you get the box you will find that all of their enamelware is actually made in China, which may be the problem. What a disappointment.



Wedding gift. - Margarita - Cajun Country
I bought this Dutch Oven as a wedding gift. I had priced the same item at their wedding registery and found it with you for less money. This is the exact pot that they were looking for. Lodge Cast Iron pots are the best, I have in the past bought other name brand cast iron and they do not come close the the Lodge name brand. For the price they are the best cast iron pots you can find.




*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Mar 11, 2010 18:55:06

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