Become a Master Chef with Some Good Quality Cookware
March 23rd, 2010Pasta is one of the world’s most popular dishes. Whilst a basic < ahref="http://www.homewareblog.com.au/2010/03/quality-cookware-bring-you-cooking-skill-to-the-next-level/">saucepan can be used when cooking Italy’s signature dish, a pasta pot and insert is just so much easier. Tall and durable, pasta pots from Scanpan, Essteele, Jamie Oliver or any other leading manufacturer also double as a sturdy stockpot. For those feeling confident using a pasta pot, they can also be used to cook risotto.
The French are famous for their cuisine, so it’ll come as no surprise that they have a few pieces of cookware that are equally well known. Crepe pans, French ovens and terrines will give your repertoire a decidedly Continental edge. The last item is used for making pté, that delicately rich dish that says elegant hors d’oeuvre like no other. Le Creuset and Le Chasseur make extraordinarily high quality cast iron French ovens and terrines. The best crepe pans are traditionally made by Scanpan and Jamie Oliver. We also have the French to thank for saute pans. The most sought after saute pans are made by Scanpan, Woll, Swiss Diamond and Circulon. For those who want a decidedly greener option, GreenPan manufactures their saute pans in a more environmentally responsible fashion.
Making a big leap to the other side of the planet, the piece of cookware from Asia that immediately grabs our attention is the wok. Stir frys are such a quick and healthy way to break up a week of humdrum dishes. It needs to be pointed out, though, that a wok can also be used for steaming, deep frying, braising and making soup. A fry pan simply isn’t up to the all of those tasks. While some cheap and nasty woks are fine for your average kitchen, for those who really want to explore new cooking heights Scanpan, All-Clad and Calphalon produce exceptionally good woks.