ellaf's Profile
Stainless Steel or Cast Iron dutch oven?
I have a Le Creuset. To be honest, the pro for me is that it's a beautiful color and looks great when I bring it to the table. Stainless steel isn't as pretty. Regarding the cooking qualities, I don't know.
My first dinner hosting the in-laws. Please help, I want to impress!!
No to serving both potatoes and noodles - your guests don't need that much choice and it's a lot of starchy food and more work for you. P.S. I totally agree with Querencia's comments on keeping it simple and enjoying yourself. Your new family is much more into getting to know a happy relaxed you than eating a fancy meal.
Williams Sonoma Shipping Charges (A tip and a warning)
When I got married I used a registry. I got things that I liked and use.
Washed the copper right off of my vintage Revere pan......anyone heard of this?
Is it a blackish color on the bottom? If yes, try using a cleaner specifically for cleaning copper. If you were able to wash the copper off that would be v. cool, but unlikely. I use my mother's copper revere pots which are about 50 years old and the copper is still there.
Need a cheap, easy & healthy snack for a large crowd
a couple of crates of clementines.
What's for Holiday dinner 2011?
Well, as a Jew married to an athiest, our traditional (hah!) Christmas dinner is spaghetti and meatballs. When we visit my husband's family we make that for Christmas eve. I'm thinking maybe beef wellington for New Year's Eve.
Suggestions for a housewarming cookware gift in the the $150 range?
I disagree with everyone who thinks a small Le Creuset is too specialized, but I disagree more with the concept that every gift has to be perfect and picked out by the recipient. A gift is supposed to show thoughfulness and that you have taken notice of the recipient. Isn't that the main point of gift giving?
"Fortunately my friends are big believers in "its the thought that counts," so even if I get something they find utterly useless they'll probably appreciate the gesture"
Amen.
Get the Le Creuset in a pretty color, I'll bet they use it. A small pot is a small pot, perfect for side dishes or meals for two.
Sexy/Romantic yet affordable menu suggestions needed
one more thing, have the ingredients and cook the meal together. Very fun and very romantic. Good luck!
Sexy/Romantic yet affordable menu suggestions needed
Yum, a big fat yum on this one and on smtucker's menu below. My husband is a friend who became something more after a dinner of shrimp scampi. I guess seafood is a common theme. I am a big believer in simple - main dish, salad, bread, desert, and wine (particularly wine)
Authentic American holiday recipe ideas and/or dishes!?
This is brilliant. I loved reading what is considered typical American and it gave me an idea. If you want to keep it easy and fun, you could use football or the super bowl as an idea.. buffalo chicken wings, nachos, onion dip, all strike me as typical american foods.
It was pretty pricey... and you don't use it!
I cook for two and use the food processor a couple of times a month. It goes in the dishwasher for cleaning, every little piece.
Need Recommendations for 30" Slide in Electric Range
I bought a slide in gas range earlier this year and had the same problem with consumer reports. I used it to check on brand reliability and costs as opposed to a specific model. I ended up with a Kenmore elite gas range and am very happy with it.
Need Vegetarian App Ideas
This looks fantastic. I will be making this for a vegetarian friend this Friday.
Do onion goggles work?
Agreed. I bought a pair of onion goggles and LOVE them. I also have swim goggles, but I wouldn't want to wear those without a swim cap. :)
WAR(ming drawer) - What is it good for?
I just bought a new stove and purchased a model specifically to have a warming drawer. I use it mainly to make pizza dough, but it's great for keeping food warm (duh) if you haven't timed everything to finish at exactly the same time. I admit, I love it and I'm glad I have it.
Why almost always nutmeg in quiche ?
I add freshly grated nutmeg to dark green veggies as well. I got the idea from Rachael Ray (I know, I know).
Friend is trying pig for the first time...
I agree on the BLT with both Bada Bing and KaimukiMan.
Have you tried these Penzeys spice blends?
I like the turkish blend because I like all the spices in it. We also use their currys because we typically don't stock all the spices required to mix it our selves.
Valentine's Day---Going Out or Cooking?
We are definitely staying in for Valentine's Day, I need to finalize the menu. We have made a tradition of going out for dinner the night before New Year's Eve, so much nicer and it works for us.
Glasses/glass bowls for soup, salads, desserts, etc.
I would check out depression glass at your local flea market.
Mac n Cheese recipe that looks like Krafts Mac N Cheese
I would like to make a home made mac and cheese that has the same texture, color as the bought stuff for when we have kids over. I make a terrific Martha Stewart mac n cheese, but the kids think it looks "funny". Does anyone have any ideas, maybe orange cheese as a starter? I want to use real cheese, no Velveeta, and I want it to taste good.
Resistance to New Pots and Pans
First, whatever you do, don't give her new pots as a present. I would buy one good quality 10" wide pan and use it when YOU cook. Then encourage her to try it - the rest should happen by itself.
I had these awful serrated knives before I married my husband, but it didn't take long to agree with him that his knives were better.
Your favorite pot roast recipe?
Love love love the Pioneer Woman's pot roast recipe, http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/01/2008_the_year_of_the_pot_roast/
Any special meals you like to cook when you want to impress someone you are interested in?
I agree with the Italian food suggestions. The meal that segued a twelve year friendship to romance - shrimp scampi, salad, bread, lots of wine.
Weeknight Dinner Party Challenge
I don't do a lot of prep work ahead of time, but one of my favorite weeknight dinner party menus is marinated flank steak cooked on the grill (easy and fast), potato, a salad, then sorbet with fruit for desert.
Oh, and get your fiance to help! It will impress both sides of the family. Congrats on your engagement.
Large group. Small Rice Cooker. Strategies?
I would make it in a big pot ahead of time. I'm not understanding how cooking a big batch in a pot, either on the day or ahead of time would be more difficult than making smaller batches. It would certainly be easier and less time consuming.
