Thursday, October 8, 2009

What are the essential bbq accessories and grill tools?


Grilling and barbecue are two terms which are generally used interchangeably by the people in order to explain a kind of food, method of cooking it or a social gathering which frequently comes about when this particular food is prepared. But grilling and barbecue are not the same. There are a number of differences between the two. The chief distinction between the two is that of the source of heat. Barbecue utilizes an indirect or a low-level heat for cooking whereas in grilling the food is prepared directly over the flame or some other source of high-heat. However, the bbq accessories and grill tools required for both barbecue and grilling are the same.

The bbq accessories and grill tools simplify the whole cooking process and are extremely useful. It is always better to spend a little more and purchase your bbq accessories and grill tools of the best quality as they are more durable and useful in comparison with their cheap alternatives. Thus, once purchased these tools and accessories can be used whenever needed and most of them are easy to maintain.

One of the essential bbq accessories and grill tools are a pair of tongs which have a long handle. This is perhaps the handiest as well as most indispensable tool needed for barbecue and grilling. It is used for flipping the food as well as to move the coals, the grates and so on. Secondly, a spatula which is long handled is ideal among the bbq accessories and grill tools for picking up the delicate foods which might break on being lifted with tongs. The spatula must have a curved handle as well a broad blade.

A fork is also a must when it comes to bbq accessories and grill tools. It helps you test whether the veggies and meats are done. A fork can also be utilized to pick up the food which sticks to the grill without tearing it. A fork with long handles is preferable. Then you must also have some brushes as bbq accessories and grill tools. One brush must be kept for just the oiling of the cooking surfaces of the barbecue grill and another one must be utilized for basting. The brushes too must have long handles so that you do not burn your hands over the flame.

Oven Mitts too are needed as bbq accessories. They are very useful when you have to turn or remove say kebabs which are generally on the metal skewers from the barbecue or grill. Mitts are used for lifting food which is grilling in the foil parcels and also for dealing with sizzling metal items like the drip pans and so on. You can also purchase the fireproof mitts so that they do not catch fire on making contact with the flames.

For cooking kebabs skewers are necessary bbq accessories. They are broadly of two types – the long skewers made of metal and the bamboo skewers. Then there are some bbq accessories and grill tools which are not essential but are useful. They are wire racks which are hinged, meat thermometer for checking the meats’ internal temperature, wire brushes for cleaning the grill and plastic covers for protecting the grill or barbecue in storage.
(ArticlesBase ID #1221994)

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Special Features of the Fissler Stainless Steel Cookware - Fine German Craftsmanship With Superior Functionality


It is hard to not get excited about all the exceptional features of the Fissler stainless steel cookware products! Fine German engineering and beautiful design are incorporated into each piece, for any and every cooking application. Let's review some of these innovative features, but to appreciate the outstanding quality of these products, be sure to visit Your Smart Kitchen for further information.

1. The Fissler CookStar Base, so called because of the star patterned expansion joints on the bottom, increases the performance of your cooking surface. This solid base is constructed of a six millimeter pure aluminum core and top quality 18/10 stainless steel. Fissler guarantees this perfect technology base from hot spots, warping and separation. It is also guaranteed to stay flat forever on any cook surface. The layers of aluminum and stainless steel in the CookStar Base are heated and then bonded together by an impact greater than 1500 tons of pressure. This process creates a single, solid piece base with no holes, as opposed to other cookware which is layer and then glued or welded together. The base is actually slightly concave when the pan is cool, so that upon heating, it ensures that the bottom is flat. The patented expansion joints allow the aluminum, (which heats faster than the stainless steel) to expand without ever affecting the stainless steel. This innovative design is truly an example of the outstanding attention to the quality and functionality of Fissler Stainless Steel Cookware.

2. The Stay Cool Handles are large and comfortable for ease in handling your Fissler products. These handles have a lifetime guarantee because they are actually welded to the pans so there are no rivets which can come loose, wear out, or trap food particles or grease. The handles are also guaranteed to stay cool to the touch.

3. Condensate Plus Lids are another unique feature. These lids are uniquely shaped to cause condensation to collect in the center of the lid and drip onto the food. Natural flavors, juices, nutrients and moisture are sealed into your foods. The moisture from food returns back to the food rather than cooking out of it. The lids are also shaped so that ice cubes may be place on the center of the top of the lid to increase the condensation process.

4. Pouring Rims allow for dripless, precise pouring off of retained juices from the pan.

5. A practical Measuring Scale is laser etched into the side of the so that you do not need to measure out liquids before cooking. Simply pour the desired amount right into the pan.

6. Easy maintenance is achieved by simply cleaning with hot soapy water. For burned on food, soak the pan in soapy water and then boil gently for ten minutes. Cool and clean with a nylon scourer such as Scotch-Brite. Avoid using beach or ammonia to clean stainless steel, however a cleanser such as Bon Ami is fine. All the Fissler products found at Your Smart Kitchen are dishwasher and oven safe.
(ArticlesBase ID #1230172)

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Tips to Make Your Enameled Cast Iron Cookware Last a Lifetime!


Chasseur Enameled Cast Iron Cookware can be an investment which will last you for as long as you cook, if you treat and maintain your cookware properly. By observing a few guidelines, your cast iron cookware will become a well-seasoned and much-loved heirloom to pass on to future generations of fine cooks!

To begin with, a new enameled cast iron pan needs to be washed with warm soapy water, and towel dried. Although the pan is very durable, take care not to drop or knock the pan against a hard surface, such as the sink. This could cause damage to the enameled surface, and lead to possible corrosion of the iron.

Never heat a dry pan over a cook surface. Your cooking oil of choice should completely cover the base of the pan before heating the pan. Using medium and low heats will give you the best cooking results. This includes frying and searing as well. By allowing the pan to heat up slowly and gradually, you will achieve the most thorough and even cooking results possible. Once you have reached the optimum heat for the pan, you can reduce the heat and almost all cooking can be done at a lower temperature. Remember that the line of Chasseur enameled cast iron cookware has an easy lift knob on the lid which is designed for use in ovens up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Using your cast iron cookware on high heat should be avoided except for boiling water for pasta, rice, etc. Never pre-heat the pan on high heat. Cast iron tends to hold the heat so well that if you overheat the pan, you may be disappointed in the cooking results. Food will tend to stick to the surface and could cause some discoloration or burning.

Always be sure the pan base matches the size of the heating zone. This prevents loss of energy, overheating of the pan handles or sides. Do not allow a pan to boil dry as this could cause damage to the enamel. Never cut food directly on the surface of the pan, or use an electric hand-held mixer or beater in the pan as you may cause permanent damage to the surface.

After use, be sure to allow the cast iron cookware to cool for a few minutes before you immerse it in hot water with a little mild detergent. Never fill a hot pan with cold water, or plunge the pan into a sink of cold water, as the abrupt temperature change could damage the enamel. If there is any burnt or stuck-on residue, allow the pan to soak about fifteen to twenty minutes in the warm water. Wash and then dry your cast iron cookware completely before you store it away. While you are cleaning the pan, this is a good time to check the knob on the lid to be sure it remains tightened.

High quality cast iron cookware should last a lifetime. There is an extensive extensive range of products available specifically designed for flexibility and ease of use. By following the suggestions above, you will enjoy using your Chasseur enameled cast iron cookware for all the styles of cooking you prefer and on any type of cooking appliance.
(ArticlesBase ID #1230229)