Monday, February 15, 2010

Tool time


Kitchen tools, that is. Since I've been getting ready to move, I've offloaded a whole plethora of pans and pots that have seen better days and I'm cashed up with David Jones' Gift Vouchers to invest in some more pots and pans. I'm after a saute pan like the one above, a skillet and a non stick Dutch Oven. I've been looking into all sorts of brands and had been leaning towards Scanpan (after hearing such good things about it ) and Caphalon, but I was at the doc this morning, taking Miss G as she has an ear infection and was doing a bit of trashy magazine catch up reading when I saw a Choice magazine article on pots and pans. Their recommendation was the hard anodized Circulon brand and Jamie Oliver cookware.

I was surprised as the Circulon and Jamie Oliver Ranges are way less expensive. The top recommendation was Swiss Diamond Cookware, which I've never heard of. Think I'd better check it out. I've already got a few recipes in mind!

Lately I've also been rediscovering the joys of legumes. I put an entire cup of lentils in our spaghetti bolognaise for dinner last night and it was most popular and I've had cannellini beans in my salad today and included them in some tuna patties that I've prepped for the rest of the week.

Andj has also inspired me this week with her 12 Week Challenge Goals. My goals for the week include getting two swims in and walking on the mornings I don't go and teach class. I find a morning walk incredibly therapeutic.

15 comments:

KatieP said...

I've got Jamie Oliver pots and non-stick fry pans and they are good shit.
xx

Maryanne said...

Am with you on the morning walk - I have been getting up and walking with a friend at 5.20 am! It is a great way to start the day!
have been walking Tucker to school every morning as well - we are loving this time together!

x

LizN said...

I'll have to check out Jamie Oliver too Katie xoxo

I sometimes walk the girls to and from school as well - is it still cool enough where you are to walk? xoxo

MTB Girl said...

I have a little Swiss Diamond pan I use for my omelettes. It is wonderful. It was a special offer to try the pans out, so was cheap, and I use it for nearly everything. I've had it quite a few years now and it's as good as new. My next large frypan will be one of these!

Kek said...

Uh-huh. We have Jamie's pans... anything that man does is OK by me.

Anonymous said...

Maybe I was unlucky but the two Jamie Oliver pans that I have had were crap!

They seemed to lose their non-stick powers very quickly and we chucked them out :(

Anonymous said...

scanpan. all my panware is scanpan.

Kathiej said...

I have cooked with the swiss diamond and have some on layby... I love them and their life time guarntee...
They cost a lot but well worth I think

www.tranquilityroad.com

LizN said...

Two to one in favour of the Jamies and recommendations for the Swiss Diamond and the Scanpan. I think I'm going to visit Peter's of Kensington ...anyone shopped from there - try and get DJs to match the price perhaps.

Thanks for the input, it's really appreciated!
Liz :)

LizN said...

Two to one in favour of the Jamies and recommendations for the Swiss Diamond and the Scanpan. I think I'm going to visit Peter's of Kensington ...anyone shopped from there - try and get DJs to match the price perhaps.

Thanks for the input, it's really appreciated!
Liz :)

Doris's BEHAG journey said...

DON'T BUY SCANPAN!!!!!

My entire range is scanpan, and quite frankly with the thousands of dollars in my cupboard, I am sorely disappointed. I have been recommended Circulon or Analon or Swiss diamond as a replacement when times come up. if you use certain pans everyday as I do, they don't last and the warranty means nothing on these as it comes back with a note saying 'you abused the pot!" Putooey to Scanpan!

LizN said...

Thanks for the heads up - that sucks - did you use metal utensils. I was going to choose them because you can do that....

Kek said...

Whichever brand you get, you have to follow the instructions carefully: Preheat, use medium heat only (they get plenty hot enough), never use crappy cooking spray, pure olive oil only, some other stuff that I can't remember.

You're meant to be able to use some metal utensils, but we stick to silicon-coated or nylon.

And the frypan goes in the oven. Turns out a perfect souffle omelette every time!

LizN said...

You know that's the only reason for that type of pan - for a Kek souffle omelette :)

Doris's BEHAG journey said...

Yep I did you use metal utensils but this is not the damage I complain about. Take my lovely little 20cm pan, perfect for the omelette. It has peeled its coating inside and out. Now about that olive oil..............no recommended for scanpan (as per instructions) the olive oil is not a good high point oil - do not use a spray oil - need grapeseed or palm oil. But as for the peeling of the coating inside and out (especially after the item is oven guaranteed) upon return from warranty claim - nope too much abuse (dishwasher!!!!!!) That apparently goes for every pot or pan ever put into the dishwasher!