Cookware Gallery
Archive for February, 2011
Waterless Vegetables: Quick Start Guide to Health
A healthy diet requires multiple daily servings of fresh fruits and vegetables. Natural foods fulfill complex bodily needs. ‘Complex’ because dietary supplements just don’t provide the natural food constituents essential for efficient and thorough digestive absorption of nutrients.
But fresh produce does! Known fact: to efficiently and thoroughly absorb vitamins, the body human requires a variety of minerals–minerals naturally present in fresh fruits and vegetables.
Today’s factory-farm fruits and vegetables contain substantially less nutrient value than produce grown in the 1930′s (80% less studies show). Retain as much nutritional value from the produce you buy and serve to your family:
> raw fruits & vegetables are best.
> boiled/baked fruits & vegetables lose 60% to 80% of nutrient value.
> Waterless Cookware retains 98% nutrient content–proven fact.
Value natural sources of Health and Vitality every day, served as part of a Balanced Diet (40% natural Carbohydrate, 30% protein, 30% fat). Here’s a few Waterless Cooking Tips:
General Directions
- Wash, remove blemishes, retain vitamin/mineral rich skin unless recipe calls for removal
- Loosely fill pan (too much empty space is detrimental)
- Freshen vegetables in water to revitalize moisture and garden crispness (5-10 minutes)
- Lightly drain (don’t allow to dry)
- Cover and cook over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes (create vapor seal)
- Reduce heat to low/simmer, continue cooking…
…for specific vegetable cooking times (& waterless cooking info): > visit ChoiceCookery’s Waterless Cooking Tips/FAQ’s.
RELATED POSTS:
Vegetables: the Minerals of Health
Nature’s Goodness: Honored and Retained
Is Organic Worth It?
Monday Mornings: …a Story Behind the Numbers
Eat Your Veggies?
Veggie Wars
Cook healthy, eat honestly, and thrive
Waterless Cookware: the Inside Story
If you have been curious about Waterless Cooking, or have sought information on the nature of Waterless Cookware, then you have likely seen this visual of the waterless pot or pan. The image text notes features (Maxam’s patented Steam Control knob for example, or non-slip handles, heat-conductive element base, the waterless lid and so on); but the large, colorful arrows more aptly point to the fundamentals of waterless performance.
Nature’s honest foods deserve honest cookware:
- unprocessed food (meat, fruit, vegetable) naturally contain ample water & oils for ideal non-stick cooking–there’s no need for additional fats or water;
- low heat waterless cookware retains the nutritional integrity of Mother Nature’s honest efforts;
- waterless cookware honors these efforts with the perfect cooking environment of temperature + pressure + moisture.
Multiple plies (5-ply or more) of surgical grade (#t304) Stainless Steel retain heat better than any other metal. A quality Waterless utensil brought to medium heat will then complete the cooking cycle on ‘low/simmer’ (or ‘off’ depending on what is being cooked).
Low heat cooking retains the complex & essential constituents of whole foods (vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, fiber)–dry oven heat and/or boiling destroys much of nature’s nutrient goodness.
Stainless Steel pots & pans are chemically inert (non-toxic, no Teflon fume or metallic contamination). Stainless Steel is non-corrosive and non-porous (safe and hygienic–no cast iron ‘seasoning’ to manage rust or microscopic holes for bacteria to fester unseen). #t304 Stainless Steel is simply the most superior cooking surface ever created.
Scratches on Stainless Steel cooking surface (if they occur) self-heal by natural oxidation. The health and beauty of Stainless Steel utensils go far beyond the polished outer sheen.
Elements (or layers of heat conductive metals–copper, aluminum, titanium for example) are encapsulated within stainless steel plies. Elements are the reason responsive Stainless Steel pots and pans heat quickly, evenly, thoroughly, yet avoid char or burn.
Vapor Seal Lids are unique to waterless cookware, the perfect weight and contour to channel condensed steam into the molded ‘well’ at the upper lip of each waterless utensil. When the ideal temperature+pressure+moisture is reached, these precision-crafted lids spin freely on the utensil. For convenience, the Maxam family of cookware brands feature patented Thermo and Vented knobs which act as alerts–time to turn the stove down to low/simmer or off. These lids seal the goodness in, from beginning to end of the cooking cycle.
Harold McGee, widely acclaimed author of On Food and Cooking: the Science and Lore of the Kitchen says of today’s stainless steel cookware “…these hybrids are the closest thing we have to the ideal chemically inert but thermally responsive pan” (page 791, Scribner 2004 edition). The fundamentals of Waterless Cookware are unique–the cooking advantages and healthy benefits unmatched.
Cook healthy, eat honestly, and thrive.
.
Cleaning Waterless Cookware
In addition to cooking your food more effectively, waterless cookware is also easier to clean than normal cookware. Just follow these simple steps to clean and maintain your waterless cookware:
Wash each piece of waterless cookware thoroughly with warm soapy water before first use.
Do not use metal scouring pads when cleaning, as they may scratch the polished surface.
Cookware utensils can be placed in the dishwasher.
Use a good stainless steel cleaner every once in a while.
Remove minor scratches with stainless steal cleaner and a damp dishcloth.
Maxam Cookware Quality at Affordable Price Points
We sometimes hear from folks who want a hands-on experience when it comes to cookware. And rightly so. For example, this note from Brent:
“I was wondering if there are any local stores to check out your products? I live in the greater Phoenix area.”
Hi Brent,
Thank you for contacting us.
We are not aware of a cookware store representing Maxam Cookware in the Phoenix Area. Maxam products are primarily found on-line which significantly lowers expense for us and for you. You may find Maxam cookware products shown in home demonstrations or at county fairs in your area, but these marketing methods simply add costs which ChoiceCookery prefers to avoid. Our business is to provide the highest quality waterless cookware available at affordable price points.
We of course appreciate the hands-on experience of shopping for products and, for this reason, we offer a Satisfaction Guarantee which simply means if our cookware doesn’t meet your expectations, we refund your purchase in full. We do so with confidence because our customers unanimously delight in the quality, performance and value of Maxam products–cookware originating in the USA 60 years ago. Like many companies, Maxam could not continue to offer affordability without moving manufacturing off-shore. Interestingly, Maxam is now the most popular selling brand in the world—a world of cooks untainted by Teflon.
Multi-ply #t304 Surgical Stainless Steel (18/10 Chromium/Nickel blend) is the industry epitome of material performance. 5-ply (or better) fabrication and precision isn’t found in department or even specialty stores in the US because, at standard brick & mortar markups, this level of quality exceeds favorable customer price points. What you will find in department and specialty stores are ‘tri-ply’ cookware—a fabrication which fails to meet the minimums of waterless cookware performance.
We appreciate the want of quality, as well as the time it takes to become informed about cookware varieties and differences. Our on-line blog hosts lots of information to help customers more fully appreciate the character and value of quality Stainless Steel Waterless cookware. And to that end, I am personally delighted to speak with folks about cookware differences in today’s marketplace and offer insight into the different features within the Maxam family of cookware brands.
Thank you again Brent for your interest in Maxam Quality and Value. We hope to hear from you.
With Respect,
Steve Denning
ChoiceCookery
Waterless Cookware Review: January 2011
You may have already sampled our Monthly Reviews, so you know how handy they can be when searching specific cooking or cookware topics—from waterless cooking tips & recipes for example, to waterless cookware FAQs & how-to’s.
Our mos
t recent Review hosted “…the Best of 2010” featuring the most popular posts based on the number of times a page was accessed—a vote if you will from tens-of-thousands of folks who deemed these posts most helpful, informative, or entertaining—maybe all three. Enjoy sampling “…the Best of 2010” and cast your vote.
We begin our January 2011 Review with a little fudge—back dipping into 2010 for a December 29 reminder worth re-visiting!
Dec 29 – Is Organic Worth It?
…the sustainable value of real food
Jan 7 – The Cookware Challenge: 
…finding real value for your dollar
Jan 13—Preparing Your Child for College:
…cookware on the menu
Jan 21— Are Cookware Warranties for Real?
…well, let’s see!
Jan 22— A Lifetime Guarantee:
…only as good as the cookware itself!
Jan 27— The Diversity of a Frying Pan:
…the ultimate cooking tool
Jan 31— The Other White Meat:
…the menu, value, and variety of pork
…& more from 2010:
September Review:
August Review:
July Review:
Cook healthy, eat honestly, and thrive
Pork Loin: Served Sweet & Tangy
A Family Favorite dinner: basket of crispy French Fries surrounded by a bevy of thin cut Pork Loin sautéed in molasses and cayenne, served with a dollop of peach salsa. It’s so easy, and so quick!
Ingredients: frozen crispy French Fries, inexpensive Loin Chops with bone (thin cut), unsulphured molasses, cayenne pepper, peach salsa.
1. Fries: heat as recommended on package (oven is good, but we prefer oil-free stove top).
2. Chops: heat a large waterless fry pan until a sprinkle of water dances on the cooking surface (use no more than medium heat). Lay chops on the hot surface and turn heat to low/simmer—sear chops, covered with a vapor-sealing lid for 3-to-4 minutes (please, no added oil, fat or grease).
3. To Complete: uncover, turn chops over to sear other side, adding molasses and shakes/pinches of cayenne to taste. Turn heat off and cover pan with lid. Chops will take another 5 to 7 minutes—adjust cooking time to your preferred doneness.
The unique heat-retentive constitution of quality 5-ply (or 7-ply) Stainless Steel Fry Pans will complete the cooking process without continuous heating. The quick & easy result: tender Chops with a ‘fried-in’ sweet & spicy sear. Chops are ready when the fries are—8 to 12 minutes in all. Use some of the thinned molasses remaining in the fry pan to sprinkle lightly over fries.
Serve creatively, informally—these fries and chops are kid-friendly finger food at their best. Don’t forget to top the chops with peach or berry salsa, and serve a fresh nutritious citrus beverage too–for vitamins, minerals, fiber, and to help a body better manage those hyper-glycemic starch-laden potatoes.
ENJOY.
Cook healthy, eat honestly, and thrive.
Cookware Warranty: A Lifetime of Service
In this previous post we affirmed that users of cookware with a Lifetime Warranty can expect their cookware free of defect to last their lifetime > Are Cookware Warranties for Real?
We heard from several such users > A Lifetime of Value.
In A Lifetime Guarantee, we heard from a user with another perspective:
January 7, 2011
TO: Steve
FROM: Debbie
Hi Steve,
Defects? I don’t know about defects. My set is worn out. So in other words there is NOT a LIFETIME Replacement Guarantee if I am understanding you correctly. Is that it?
ChoiceCookery assured Debbie that a Lifetime Replacement Guarantee IS in effect such that if defect appears during her lifetime, the item is replaced for free. Otherwise she can expect her original cookware to provide her with a lifetime of service. We again asked Debbie to provide us with the manufacturer of her cookware so we could respond specifically.
Limited Lifetime Warranty:
Limited Lifetime Warranties exclude handles, knobs and electrical components (controller, cord or plug for example on electric skillets). Durable as they are, these attachments may fail or break over time but are generally available for most cookware brands manufactured after 1950. A reputable dealer will assist in locating the appropriate contact for specific brands.
100% Satisfaction Guarantees:
Cookware dealers offer Guarantees to support their confidence in the quality of manufactured products they represent. In a post to follow, we’ll look at the value of dealer Satisfaction Guarantees.
To wrap up warranties, we close with this follow up note from Debbie:
January 9, 2011
TO: Steve
FROM: Debbie
HI Steve,
I will look up the model number at home. My set is in almost perfect condition even after 30 years. Just some loose handles and some scratch marks on the inside bottom of the pans from spoons. I am at a point I feel the need to replace them but wanted to first check out the warranty.
Again, I will look up the model number this evening and get back with you.
Thank you in advance for your help
Debbie
…and Thank You Debbie for helping us appreciate 30+ years of trouble free cookware service.
Cooking for 40
During my last semester of college, one of my friends thought it would be a great idea to host a big home-cooked meal for our 40-member service organization. Everyone was eager to attend. We divided up the dishes between a few of the senior girls and I wound up making vegetarian matzo ball soup.
The day of the event I borrowed my father’s giant 30 qt stock pot to make enough soup for the crowd. With the help of my roommate, carrots were chopped, celery, onions, potatoes, tomatoes–all simmering in what seemed like gallons of vegetable broth and my special blend of seasonings. Our small home filled with the tangy sweet scent of vegetable and spice.
Everyone enjoyed the hot soup and we all had a blast negotiating the logistics of fitting 40 people into one college apartment.
A Question on 7-ply Cookware Construction
We value the questions that come our way. If you have a question about waterless cookware or cooking methods, please ask–here at the blog or using the Contact Us page at ChoiceCookery. We’ll get back to you asap. For example:
| Date: | Wed 2 Feb 2011 |
Name:
D. Brownfield
Comments/Questions:
Is the 14 piece 12 element waterless Chef’s Secret cookware 7 ply construction? Also does the colander act as a steamer? Do the lids seal themselves? Does the colander lid have a temperature gage?
* * *
Mr. Brownfield,
Thank you for contacting ChoiceCookery.
Good questions all: I hope my responses satisfy your specific questions and also a more general understanding of the cookware.
1) The KTLarge14 (12-element) set is 5-ply #t304 Surgical Stainless Steel (18/10 chromium/nickel blend)—efficient, chemically inert, thermally responsive, a truly fine set of cookware—the very set my wife Lorie and I have used at home these last 15 years.
In my experience, 7-plies add little to cooking performance or lifelong durability. 7-plies do add weight and, as you will note, expense. I’ve used all ply variations and 7 or 9-plies (if you will) are analogous to adding yet another blade to a razor—at some point the addition becomes more gimmick than function. That said, our KT17 and KT17Ultra are 7-ply construction and we are happy to oblige for those who appreciate a substantially heavier utensil and the satisfaction of owning the epitome in cookware.
For more information, visit this blog post > What’s in a Ply?
2) The colander is indeed a 2nd steamer that fits atop the steam insert and/or the 8qt Stock Pot. Truly ingenious for a number of reasons, and given your reminder, I should author a blog post on the many ways my wife Lorie and I use the colanders for cooking. Good point! …and yes, the thermo-knob lid of the 8qt stock pot is designed to incorporate the colanders.
3) Lids are fundamental to waterless cooking performance, designed to rest atop the utensil ‘well’. During heating, condensed steam on the inner lid pools in the molded channel or ‘well’ around the inner lip of a waterless pot or pan, forming a seal. At the optimal cooking point of heat + moisture + pressure, the waterless lid will spin freely on the utensil (the vapor seal has formed).
Vented and Thermometer knobs (patented by Maxam) are relatively new features:
- the vented knob whistles when this optimal point is reached—an audible alert that notes it is time to close the vent on the knob and turn the heat to low/simmer or off, depending on what is being cooked.
- the thermo-knob on the KTLarge14 will read 50 C’ degrees internally—visually noting ideal cooking conditions (heat + moisture + pressure) have been reached, the lid will spin freely on the well of water—time to turn heat down or off to allow the cooking cycle to complete.
- 5-ply (or better) Stainless Steel retains heat long after the burner is turned off (unlike other metals). This is efficient, but also a superior cooking experience. Foods stay hot, moist and tender.
- An important feature unique to thermo-knobs is the ability to monitor and manage internal utensil temperature—especially helpful when baking stove top (a much more efficient baking method than conventional ovens and, without dry heat, baking results are much more moist and flavorful).
I hope these responses are specific enough to address your questions and general enough to provide insight into the value of quality waterless cookware. I would of course be delighted to speak with you as your time permits, and personally invite you to visit our informative blog for waterless cookware tips and cooking how-to’s.
Enjoy Each Day,
Steve Denning
1-866-200-1973 – toll free
Maxam, Chef’s Secret, HealthSmart, Precise Heat, Wyndham House, Yorkville–Quality to last a Lifetime–ChoiceCookery
Yam & Ham Bone Soup
Roasting a sliced ham is always opportunity to plan a host of meals to follow. We carve prime cuts from the bone for separate storage–another ham dinner, breakfasts (egg & ham on muffins or omelets for example), lunch plate sandwiches and so forth. We also freeze at least 2 cups diced ham for savory rice, egg and veggie bowls prepared weeks or months later.
During dinner, the ham bone and trimmings slow cook (low heat) in 2 to 3 qts of water. After dinner, bone and grizzle are easily removed and a variety of veggies are prepared and added to the broth. Split the broth for two soups prepared later: navy bean & potato for example, and a tasty yam & ham to include:
- 4 cups chunked yam (sweet potato)
- 1 cup thick diced celery
- 1 cup carrot (thick diced or baby whole)
- 1 cup snapped green bean
- ¾ cup red sweet onion
Allow soup to stew in a covered pot (@ 20 minutes at low simmer) until yam chunks soften slightly—avoid overcooking. The blend of yam and brushed molasses from the ham roast lends a mild sweetness sure to please—especially the kids. The orange colors of carrot and yam are vibrant and inviting.
Be Creative:
Russet or new red, or a more exotic variety and color of sweet potato for change–from a basic recipe awaits a world of tastes to explore using unique vegetable and spice combinations.
Storage:
Stainless Steel bowls are ideal freezing containers—chemically inert, no metal taste to foul foods, easily thawed by simply placing the bowl in or atop a standard Stainless Steel stock pot for quick steam heating. A few Stainless Steel Waterless cookware sets include bowls with lids–the Chef’s Secret KT28 for example, or consider a complete Chef’s Secret Stainless Bowl Set .
The Bottom Line:
Savor the versatile goodness of a single ham over many different meals, over many different days.
Cook healthy, eat honestly, and thrive.
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