Newlyweds Guide to Pots and Pans

Pots and Pans!  What kind should I buy?? What do I need?? Almost everyone is perplexed by this question, but it isn't that difficult.The bottom line is---  What you need depends on what you cook.  I fell into this trap and have pots I never use but am too guilty to discard.   The pots I don't use were part of a  large set I bought.  So my first suggestion: STAY AWAY FROM THE BOXED SET  WITH OVER 8 PIECES.
1. The 8 piece set usually comes with  2 fry pans (1 being an omelet pan), 1 stockpot with lid,1 saute pan with lid and 1 saucepan with lid. This should be adequate with a few open stock additions.
Non Stick, All Clad ,Multi Clad, Copper,Enamel. Iron???
NON-STICK
1. If you are weight watching or cooking fat free  You can use very little oil or none to achieve great results. The non stick saucepan is also great for oatmeal ,rice, puddings, hot cocoa, melting chocolate, soups or anything you cook that tends to stick to the pan.
2. Omelets come out great in a non stick fry pan--they don't break up and slide right out of the pan.
3. If you are an average cook this may be your best bet, but only use WOOD or NYLON utensils!!!
4.  Works on traditional gas, electric and ceramic cook tops NOT the newer INDUCTION cook top.

ALL CLAD/ MULTI CLAD

1. It's all about the heat conductivity here.  These pans provide even heat to be distributed throughout the pan to eliminate hot spots and uneven cooking. Some of these will work with INDUCTION .If you are a more advanced cook this is for you.


COPPER

1. Similar to the All Clad with heat conductivity.  This was the cooks choice for years before non stick,all clad and multi clad.  It's beautiful but needs to be polished.  If you love the look--go for it!

ENAMEL
1.Enamel cast iron is known for its intense heat retention without the hot spots.  Its great for stews, soups, briskets, slow roasting and stove to oven cooking. The name synonymous with this type of cookware is
"Le Creuset" made in France.
2. It can be used on ALL types of cook tops
CAST IRON
1. Holds high heat for searing,blackening and DEEP browning.  Gives food intense color from the high heat it generates. Nothing gives steak and chops a deep crust like an iron skillet. It also makes great corn bread. The name synonymous with cast iron is LODGE. This is a MUST in every kitchen.
2. Inexpensive

OPEN STOCK PIECES:
Roaster Pan with Rack
NON Stick Griddle/grill
Pasta Pot

                                                             Le Creuset Dutch Oven

So let's get our pans!
1. Select your 8 piece set
2. If you are selecting All Clad, Multi Clad,Copper
    ADD
    Non Stick 8" omelet pan
    Non Stick saucepan
    12" cast iron Lodge Skillet for the searing ,blackening steaks, chops, fish, vegetables
    Double Reversible Griddle for steaks, chops,pancakes
    Le Creuset Dutch Oven for stew, chili, brisket, pot roast
    Large Non Stick Roasting Pan  with rack for Turkey, Chicken  Calphalon has a great one
    Large All Clad pasta cooker steamer for soups, pastas, vegetables
3. If you are selecting Non Stick
    ADD all of the above except the non stick omelet and sauce pans
4. If you are selecting the Le Creuset
    ADD all of the above except the Dutch Oven (unless it is not part of your set)

OPTIONAL :
Electric Fondue Pot
It's fun--make cheese or meat fondues and don't forget chocolate fondue dessert!

Non Stick Wok
If you love stir fry this is a  must have addition

Bridal Registery 104 Everyday Glassware

Everyday Glassware

Everyday glassware should be :
1. Sturdy!  Sturdy! Sturdy! Don't go for the thin glass unless you plan to replace often.  When purchasing ,feel the weight of the glass in your hand and also make certain the rim has some thickness to it OR you will be replacing them alot.
2. How Many?  Select 12 tall iced beverage glasses.  8 short glasses that can double up for juice. At least 12 sturdy stemmed glasses that can serve as a water goblet or an everyday wine glass.

This is an area to get creative.  For instance you can do Canning Jars without or with handles (shown above) or the imported Mexican glassware (shown above).  Beer mugs can also be great for iced beverages. You can mix and match designs.  Have fun with this item since there are many styles to choose from. 




                                                                  

Bridal Registery 103: Stainless Flatware

Stainless Flatware
When purchasing everyday flatware I suggest 12 place settings. This covers everything from small buffet dinners to dinner for 2.  The question here is What to select??
There are a few pointers to follow:
1. Look for something with an 18/8 or 18/10 number.  WHAT IS THAT???
This is the number that refers to the percentage content of chromium/nickel. This is what  makes up the stainless steel alloy.  The higher the back number(nickel content) the higher the sheen. 0 means no nickel therefore, it looks dull and cheap.  The 18 is the chromium which keeps the flatware from rusting. 
2. Knife Construction is the next step. 
a. Is the knife made of one single piece of stainless stamped by a machine?
b. Is the knife constructed in the "drop forge" method where molten steel is poured in a mould?This gives the knife a better blade.
c. Is the knife constructed of a "hollow handle" with a higher quality blade inserted? This obviously makes the best of the 3.
3. Look at the final finish on the flatware.  In the stamped versions, the fork tines and edges of spoons are usually sharp and square. In the hand forged and hollow knife versions, more time is spent on the edges so they usually have rounded edges and smooth fork tines
4. Look at the design and weight.  The utensils should feel balanced and comfortable in your hand.
5.If future availability is important to you, stay away from boxed sets.  They are usually around for a few years and then the style is changed.
6. Price point--with the above information find the flatware that best fits your budget!

Bridal Registry 102---The Everyday Dishes

Get at least 12 settings!
This is something you will be using everyday and for casual dinner parties and buffets.
 Going WHITE is not a bad idea----  It can be mixed with virtually anything.  A floral mug, bowl, glass dishes, wooden salad bowls. the possibilities are endless.  If this is too plain for you, a nice neutral pottery feel is also very versatile.  If this is also too plain--select a color that works well long term--please NOT black! Traditional colors such as blues, greens will work. The whimsical "Fiestaware" or the more traditional "Blue Willow" patterns are longtime favorites ---Then you can add simple accessory items.
1.  A set of glass dishes goes a long way--they can be used for salad, desserts, glass bowls are great for ice cream and cereal.  The price point on glass is also very  favorable.
2. If you are big salad people--invest in some wooden salad bowls which add texture to the table settings and offer hefty salad portions.  Remember wood NEVER goes in the dishwasher.  It should be hand washed and dried immediately.
3. Oriental Shops have great Blue and White dishes and bowls that are inexpensive and can be added where needed.
4. If you are buying table settings try to get MUGS instead of cups and saucers.  UNLESS you are the "Proper Tea" person--- you will rarely use the cup and saucer. 
Not EVERYTHING has to be matched--a little mix up adds interest and makes for a GREAT table!

GREAT SOURCES FOR EVERYDAY DISHES:
Crate and Barrel
Sur Le Table
Juliska
William Sonoma
Bloomingdales
Pottery Barn

BRIDAL REGISTRY 101

Let's start here with the Bridal Registry.This a golden opportunity to set up your kitchen, dinnerware, tableware, bar and home products for your future. Think long term here! Forget about the trendy styles. The word is CLASSIC. In 10 years, you will be saying "What was I thinking?"
I have seen this so many times with my clients in their 30's. They remodel a kitchen, redecorate a dining room and realize their Bridal gifts are very outdated.
If you want trendy, use the current popular colorways in you flower arrangements, table linens, napkin rings, cocktail napkins.

THE FORMAL WARE:






1. Highly Decorated China Patterns? These lock you in to a color scheme and can make your meals unappetizing.
2.Uncomfortable Flatware? Hold each piece of the flatware setting, make sure it feels comfortable--not too heavy or flimsy...I prefer the dinner size. The fork is bigger than the place size.
3. Do you really need that entire place setting? Are you going to use all those cups,saucers,dessert plates? If you don't throw regular formal dinner parties, I would register for 12 dinner and salad plates and 8 cups/saucers. This will better your odds of completing this request because its more price friendly. You can add cut glass salad, dessert plates and bowls to accompany your china.
4.Are you Inheriting Grandma's Silver? Lucky you. You should now concentrate on a high quality stainless set of 12 for everyday use. Make sure you have 12 settings, if not add to Grandma's . If the pattern is discontinued get one that co-ordinates. It's fun to mix it up.
5.Stemware? Stay away from colored crystal and if you are a wine connoisseur you will need a white and red wine glass. You should register for the 12. If you can't have both I would do the white which is a smaller glass. Champagne glasses aren't used that much. If you feel you need them and have the storage space get them, but they aren't a necessity.
6.Water Glasses? There are water goblets and water glasses. I prefer a cut crystal water glass. It is more stable and can be a part of your bar ware collection. 12 is the number.
7. Serving Pieces? These are very important. You will need platter and, bowls. These can match your China pattern or can be white ceramic or glass.You also need,large spoons, forks and pie/cake server. These can match you silver or stainless pattern.
8.Candlesticks? Absolutely! Silver or Crystal ---your choice
9. Silver Napkin Rings? Don't need them. You can add some trendy napkins rings.
10.Salt and Pepper Shakers? Get 4 small glass/cut crystal sets. It's nice to have them scattered around table.
12. Accessories? Glass Pitchers, trays, cake plate, salad bowl and servers, 2 or 3 tier pastry tray,large and small vases are musts.

Some of my favorite places for registry would be Michael C Fina, Bloomingdales , Macy's