Cuisinart Toaster Oven Broiler model TOB-195?

1. The manual instructs, "do not use on heat-sensitive surface." Has anyone set the appliance on a wooden surface, such as a table or butcher's block? Have you had any problems doing so? (I assume they mean don't place it on a plastic cutting board or such.)

2. Have you used the oven with the door open to accommodate a skillet with a long handle? Specifically, using a feature/setting to brown the top of a frittata or fruit crumble.

2.1. What setting do you recommend if you've successfully used the skillet as mentioned in my second question?

2.2 (or 3, if you prefer). What metal dishes/pans have you used in the oven? Has anyone tried using cast iron in the TOB-195? What about copper or copper-stainless combos?

4. The manual says not to use "oven glass dishes to broil." This means Pyrex and the like, yes?

5. What about using Pyroceram dishes (classic Corning Ware from the sixties and seventies) or Corning Ware French White (TM) stoneware?

6. Has anyone used a pizza stone in the TOB-195? (Not interested in the Brick Oven Classic model #BRK-100. Just wanting to know how a stone may or may not work in the TOB-195.)

I've called Cuisinart customer service and have their (limited) answers; however, I am curious how the device is used in real kitchens, more than in Cuisinart's testing stage.

Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.

sigari in Cookware

Stand Mixer-Hamilton Beach 63220 or Kitchen Aid Artisan?

Consider this: http://www.chefscatalog.com/product/23095-cuisinart-stand-mixer.aspx

sigari in Cookware

Does Tramontina make Copper pans?

"Tramontina’s newest product offering features the full-clad stainless
steel and copper “Butterfly” line of cookware designed and produced
by award-winning designer Claudio Bellini for Barazzoni S.p.A., of
Italy. This outstandingly beautiful line is available as a product offering
in Tramontina Limited Editions."
From www.tramontina-usa.com/global_innovations.pdf

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Tramontina Tri-Ply 5 Quart Stockpot?

http://www.125west.com/Tramontina_Tri-Ply_Clad_Cookware.html
Yes, it appears there is a 5-quart "casserole with lid," pictured in the eight piece set, but also available separately. I think there seems to be a big difference in price btwn the item there and what you see at Walmart--whether it's the same product, can't say, don't know.
Then there's this: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10335547 which has the 5-quart included.
The eight quart is going to allow you more options--sorry if stating the obvious. I find a five quart can be a little tight if making chicken soup from scratch with a whole chicken. I also prefer making pasta and all stocks in my eight.
Consider this, if you will. I purchased a 6-quart Lodge enameled dutch oven at Walmart; it was on clearance for around $40 after Christmas 2008. (I LOVE this Lodge product, btw, and use it all the time.) Just this evening, I purchased a six and one-half quart Calphalon Contemporary Stainless sauce pot for $30, and a five quart Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick saucier for $40--both on clearance at Dillard's department store. Just thought I might present some figures and options for you in case you aren't dead set on the Tramontina Tri-Ply. The Tramontina products have gotten great reviews in Cook's Illustrated magazine, and I've been tempted by them myself--went for the aforementioned Lodge oven instead.
Apologies if this is too much information. May your kitchen be filled with good food and great friends.

sigari in Cookware

Basic Beginning Vegetable Gardening Book?

You're probably going to laugh (or scoff), but start with a children's gardening book. "The Garden Book" (ISBN 0894803468) written by Wes Porter is a nice little introduction. At just 64 pages, it doesn't overwhelm with info and terms, but does cover all the basics you requested in your post. It appears the book is currently out of print, but plenty available used.
My favorite "grown-up" book is Terence Conran's "Chef's Garden: Fresh Produce from Small Spaces."
As a completely different resource, check your local library or adult education facilities for introductory classes. Or, volunteer at a community garden if one is near.

sigari in Gardening