Cooking Little

Lodge Double Dutch Oven

Cast iron cookware has been popular for decades because it is inexpensive, conducts heat well and is long lasting. Recently, cooks have been embracing pre-seasoned cast iron as a safe nonstick alternative. Among all the hardworking pre-seasoned cast iron pieces made by Lodge, the 5 qt Double Dutch Oven stands apart. The lid also functions as a 10 ¼ skillet or bake pan that is terrific for cornbread, tartin, frittata and anything that you may start on the stove and finish in the oven. Pot and lid together create the “oven in an oven” system used in Jim Lahey’s no-knead bread technique, and if pictured on the cover. Shop around for this one because prices vary from $35 to $55.

$37.96 AT WALMART.COM

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By cookinglittle on November 11, 2009 9:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

All-Clad Round Baker

Potluck Chic

Make an entrance at your next potluck dinner with the industrial chic of the Round Baker from the All-Clad. This nine inch pan is the right size for cakes, fruit crisps, frittatas, gratins, small roasts or a pair of Cornish Game Hens. Try it for one-pot oven recipes such as the Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash dish, a vegetarian Thanksgiving side-dish classic in the making from the Veganmonicon cookbook. For petite baked dishes, the All-Clad Soufflé/Soup Ramekins, also from the Gourmet Ovenware collection, are right for individual baked entrees, onion soup or a small shared side dish. Pair the round baker with the ramekins and you have an oven-to-table set – think main dish cooked and served in the round baker and the garnish and finishing sauce warmed in the ramekins. If it is a late night dessert that you are after, the ramekins stand in beautifully for the bulky fondue pot that you don't have room for anyway. They measure 4 1/2 by 2 1/4 inches and, if you have one handy, will sit squarely on a votive candle stand. The All-Clad Soufflé/Soup Ramekins come two in a set and cost around $54 and make enduring vessels for those homemade food gifts that will soon be delicious memories.

$89.95 AT SUR LA TABLE

Versatile

Two Bottle Tote

Built NY Original

Built on the utility of neoprene and pared down design, Built NY has been delivering fantastic products for toting food, drink and gadgets for years. Long before our collective minds turned to reusable grocery bags for environmental reasons and bringing lunch from home for recessionary reasons, Built NY was there designing the way. So, I loathe saying anything less than glowing, but as cute as they are I will not be partaking in the fishnet two-bottle wine totes that are such the rage. My loyalty will remain with the original two bottle tote in "Ski Patrol Red" for nostalgic reasons and for this item’s unrelenting usefulness. The first year they were available the two-bottle wine tote saved me at Christmas time. Every wine fan on my Christmas list got one, filled with two of their favorites decorated with a ribbon and a card. The gift and the gift-wrapping in one. Since then I’ve learned that the two-bottle tote is much more than a smart gift for a wine lover or a discrete, clink-free way to carry wine to a dinner party. The two bottle tote can also pull its weight when trying to travel light. It's a no brainer for packing wine discovered on vacation for the ride home. Pack a baguette sandwich on one side and thermos or water bottle in the other. And it also makes quite a resourceful ice bucket for chilling drinks and an ice pack for minor first aid. Still, the fishnet totes are adorable… nope, it is the original for me.

$15.95 AT WRAPABLES.COM

Versatile

By Katie on October 25, 2009 7:24 PM | Permalink

Natural Vanilla

Seasonal Blend

September can be the last gasp of Summer, the first taste of Autumn or something in between. To make the most of whichever September you get, consider vanilla as the flavor to gracefully meld seasonal flavors. Vanilla’s complex flavor make up gives it a versatility that few home cooks use to its full potential. A good way to experiment with vanilla beyond baking is make a simple vanilla oil with a ½ cup of canola oil and a teaspoon of quality vanilla extract for use on grilled vegetables or fruit. From there, try vanilla vinaigrette with seafood or a mix of summer and fall vegetables. Two vanillas makers worthy of your money are Nielsen-Massey, with over 100 years making vanilla and other extract products and Madécasse, a relative new comer who specializes in sustainable products from Madagascar. Nielsen-Massey is more accessible with availability at gourmet stores chains such as William Sonoma and Sur La Table. Neighborhood specialty and independent gourmet stores are where to find Madécasse Vanilla and it is worth the hunt. Or you can go for the sure thing and buy Madécasse Vanilla products online. (Throw some dark chocolate bars in the cart while you are there, they make one of the best tasting organic dark chocolate bars around.)

Versatile

Organicville Foods

Delicious, Healthy, and Helpful Foods

In my world, I can look around at any social gathering and see a variety of takes on being a vegetarian, some specialized approaches on healthy eating, the unapologetic carnivores, two or three allergy considerations, a couple of "doctor's orders" and a smattering of lovable picky eaters. Typically, I juggle these specs pretty well, barring anyone switching sides without notice, and I am happy to accommodate. Even so, I was thrilled to discover Organicville Foods -- condiments made from agave nectar, my go-to sweetener, and also gluten-free. The Herbes de Provence salad dressing had a well balanced flavor and made a quick warm green bean and potato salad. Next it was used to marinate chicken breast for broiling. The Sesame Teriyaki, with a generous amount of whole sesame seeds, worked well for stir fries, quick saucing and dipping. Though fairly low in sodium, I diluted it with a mix of citrus juice to bring down the sodium content for some folks. And the pineapple salsa went very fast -- first with chips, then it was tossed into a mixed grain salad -- bulgur, quinoa and black rice -- with minced red onion and jicama and cucumber. The pineapple salsa is tangy and mild, but the Organicville line has other salsas if you like more kick. The best part about opening the bottles and jars and tasting the Organicville treats is that is real food. There are plenty of good stories behind brands big and small, but the folks behind Organicville have been living the organic life for three generations and are committed to making it easier and less of a novelty for the rest of us. You can find their products in a variety of health food and organic shops, but look for Organicville Foods in Pathmark and Costco. Score! And as of this month, the salsas will be available at Whole Foods. If there is no store near you, the Organicville online store sells individual products and bulk. Everything Organicville is very summer-ready!

$3.99 and up AT ORGANICVILLE FOODS

Versatile

By Katie on May 6, 2009 3:06 PM | Permalink

Lodge Wonder Skillet

Name sounds lofty at first...

It's a mere 5 by 5 inch square and three quarters of an inch deep. Why bother?, you ask. Well, the more uses for this petite pre-seasoned cast iron pan that we find, the more we get with the name. A stack of four takes up very little space on a shelf or when on the job. Extra handy for searing meat or fish on the stove and finishing in the oven. Individual pans work for satisfying "rare" and "well done" differences. The energy-frugal can take advantage of a heated oven by sliding a skillet loaded up with olive oil and garlic on to an unused space on the oven shelf while cooking something else. In a small kitchen a small pan makes a complicated dish do-able. Grab it when it's time to toast nuts, seeds and spices. Their cast iron chicness goes from oven to table for tapas and appetizers. Use two Lodge Wonder Skillets for grilling sandwiches. Place the second pan as a lid with a quarter turn. For thin sandwiches it's a mini cast iron oven. For thick sandwiches it's a press. Next? Baking low-profile corn bread! Target.com sells the Lodge Wonder Skillet at the best price, but there is no free shipping deal at this time. Amazon.com prices these higher but they qualify for free standard shipping for orders over $25. Yep, this little cutie works.

$9.99 AT TARGET.COM

Versatile

By cookinglittle on March 23, 2009 3:20 PM | Permalink

Tidy Set

joseph and joseph measuring spoon and bowl set.jpg

Spoons And Bowls

Joseph & Joseph design for small spaces. A measuring spoon and prep bowl set nest together ready to work when you are. In white or multi-colored. Also available in the UK via Amazon. More…

$59.00 AT THE CONRAN SHOP

Versatile

Five Senses Bakeware

By Kahla

The Five Senses Collection by Kahla wins our devotion. Every inch offers elegant utility. Our space conscious favorite is the baking dish with accessories. The platter is also a trivet or a lid for the baking dish. The raised grid insert works for fish, meat or veggies with the platter or dish for cooking or serving. Sigh. Available in S-M-L. See more of the whole Five Senses collection...

$27.00 and up AT LEKKERHOME

Versatile

Minimalist Coffee Service

Iittala Trio

Together they make your daily coffee habit less routine. Independently, they can serve up snacks, sweets or nuts. Switch out the trio to hold salad dressing and all the tasty bits that go on the side. Available in clear or multi-colored, the best prices are currently at Finnishgifts.com, but the iittala trio is also available at Amazon.

$68.00 AT FINNISH GIFTS

Versatile

By cookinglittle on October 4, 2008 2:59 PM | Permalink

Triple Leaf Ginger Tea

Eat your Tea

Made with 100% ginger root, you can break open a tea bag and use the contents as a substitute for fresh ginger in recipes. A strong brewed batch of Triple Leaf Ginger Tea is a quick soup broth starter, particularly for carrot soup. Combine the tea with other flavors such as garlic, onion then with miso, chicken or veggie stock. Attempts to do the same with other ginger tea have been disastrous. For drinking, it’s a year-round drink hot or cold and as a natural ginger ale with soda water and honey or agave nectar syrup.

$3.23 AT AMAZON

Versatile

By cookinglittle on October 3, 2008 2:54 PM | Permalink

Sauce Goddess

Moroccan Twist Rubrub

Inspired by her father’s BBQ sauce recipe, the Sauce Goddess makes a line of rubs and grilling glazes for people who like their food sticky. Our tasters were more partial to the rubs than the glazes, but the Sweet & Spicy glaze has received some award attention. The Moroccan Twist and the Latin Heat Rubrubs are terrific small-batch blends to use in cooking or as intended as a meat or vegetable rub.

$6.00 AT SAUCE GODDESS

Versatile

By cookinglittle on October 2, 2008 2:43 PM | Permalink

Diner Chic

Buffalo China Soup Plate

A classic design made famous in American diners, these elegant but sturdy, pale cream bowls dress up or down. Soup plates present soups and stews particularly well because all the ingredients are visible. Set of four 9 ½ inch bowls.

$40 for 4 bowls AT WILLIAM SONOMA

Versatile

By cookinglittle on September 17, 2008 9:15 PM | Permalink

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Lodge Double Dutch Oven

All-Clad Round Baker

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Natural Vanilla

Organicville Foods

Lodge Wonder Skillet

Tidy Set

Five Senses Bakeware

Minimalist Coffee Service

Triple Leaf Ginger Tea

Sauce Goddess

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