Monday, March 26, 2012

The Facts About Wolfgang Puck Cookware

Wolfgang Puck is a chef who became a celebrity by building his flagship restaurant in Hollywood called Spago. Since then, he has become an all around business man and expanded into publishing cookbooks, opening multiple restaurants, catering business and branded products, including cookware and appliances. He has become so well known that he has even made some cameo appearances in TV shows and movies.

In addition to his cooking skills and business abilities, Wolfgang Puck is not afraid to take a stand. His most current program is called WELL - Wolfgang's Eating, Loving, and Living. The WELL program is designed to ensure that every one of Wolfgang's restaurants serve only all-natural and organic foods. Animals that have been crated unnaturally or those animals that have been abused will not be purchased or used in any of his food products.

Wolfgang Puck's cookware includes two separate collections. The Bistro Collection and the Café Collection both include glass covers, but the Bistro Collection also offers omelet pans, grill pans, saucepans and stockpots.

The cookware collection is of the highest quality 18/10 Stainless steel with an Excalibur coating. The Excalibur coating is a stainless steel product patented by Whitford Worldwide. Basically this coating is considered the most durable coating, highly resistant to corrosion and considered stick-resistant.

What is unique about the Excalibur coating on the Wolfgang Puck Cookware collection is that metal utensils can be used in the cooking process. Most cookware manufacturers recommend using only plastic or wood utensils, so this added ability is definitely a plus.

Because this cookware is specially designed to distribute heat quickly and evenly, the use of the highest heat setting on the stove top is not recommended. Medium to Medium-high heat is the highest recommended setting to use. This cookware is oven safe in an oven of up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is recommended that one pre-heats pans prior to adding food for cooking.

Taking Care of Cookware

Due to the unique Excalibur coating, this cookware is dishwasher safe, but hand-washing with soap and water is the preferred method. Nylon scrubbing pads and stainless steel cleaners are also acceptable for cleaning purposes.

Do not use knives or sharp objects to cut food in the cookware. Even though metal utensils are allowed, the sharpness of the knives can scratch the surface.

Consumer Reviews

Most consumer reviews are extremely positive. Consumers report that Wolfgang Puck Cookware is a great value for the price, is extremely durable and is easy to use. Most customers also love the fact that this cookware is dishwasher safe and can be used with metal utensils. Of the few negative comments, stickiness of food was the most common, but even the consumers who notated negatives, overall satisfaction remained high.

Where to purchase

Wolfgang Puck partners with HSN and Sam's Club. Collections can also be purchased through the Wolfgang Puck cookware site. For purchasing used items or partial collections, e-bay or Amazon is most noted as the choice among consumers.




Still looking for the perfect cookware? Try visiting http://www.cookwareanswers.com a website that specializes in providing cookware advice, tips and resources to included information on Wolfgang Puck cookware.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Is It A Good Idea To Microwave A Can Of Whipped Cream?

Experiment #251: Whipped Cream Besides being delicious, compressed aerosol foods always pack a potential explosion inside them, so it's time once again for us to combine our love of food with our love of fire. So, you're probably wondering, Is It A Good Idea To Microwave This? Tune in to...

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Bacon Wrapped Sausages

Succulent Appetizer Finger-food.

Here comes the Holiday Season again, right around the corner. You will need some quick, easy ideas that won't cost a small fortune. I love to entertain, and I do it a lot. This little dish is a favorite mine, it's nothing fancy and does not require a snazzy presentation, but it's a sure winner with my guests.

Bacon Wrapped Sausages

Oh yeah! Another snack that your guests cannot refuse and they'll ask for the recipe! All you will need is bacon, sausage links and maple syrup. You probably have all those ingredients in your freezer all ready. Here's how:

-Preheat your oven to 325°.

-Set out a cookie sheet, (I use parchment paper or foil on the cookie sheet for easier clean up).

-Take thin sliced bacon and cut each piece in half width wise.

-Wrap each sausage link with a half of slice of bacon. Poke a toothpick through it. This not only keeps the bacon from unwrapping during the baking process, but also serves as a little handle for your hors dourves.

- Set each wrapped sausage on the tray, pop into the oven for 25 minutes, or until the sausages and bacon are cooked to a crispy brown.

-Remove from the oven and drizzle maple syrup over each while they are still hot.

-Put them back into the oven for another 15 minutes to let the maple flavor bake in.

-Using a spatula, place all of them onto a glass or microwave safe serving dish.

Eat fresh from the oven or reheat later when you are ready to serve. Bake and share. It's that easy!




Maria Graver is the author of many articles related to cooking and entertainment. While she has catered full dinners to groups as large as 400, most of her writings are focused on the family and creating memorable meals that keep everyone coming back for more. If you'd like to learn how do start cooking like a pro, please visit her website, MariasCookery.com [http://www.mariascookery.com].

Friday, March 16, 2012

Microwave Tips

Jack Scalfani shows you some of his personal favorite microwave tips. Check out his line of sauces at TheBestSauces.com

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

A Guide to Thanksgiving Turkey - Serving Size, Thawing, and Roasting

As Thanksgiving approaches and you begin to prepare for your Thanksgiving turkey dinner you may be having questions about how much turkey you need per person. Or how long does it take to thaw a frozen turkey? Finally is the all important how long do I need to roast my turkey. Here are three guides to follow to help you achieve your perfect Thanksgiving turkey.

Turkey Serving Guide - How much turkey to serve per person

When planning your Thanksgiving turkey dinner it can be overwhelming wondering how much to serve per person. You will want to have enough for each person to have at least two servings and enough for turkey leftovers.

Up to 12lbs. = 1lb. per person

Over 12lbs. = 3/4lb. per person

Bone in breast = 1/2lb. per person

Boneless breast or role = 1/3lb. per person

Turkey Thawing Guide

Refrigerator thawing is the recommended method for thawing turkey. It used to be comon practice to thaw turkey in the sink with cold water. The problem with this method is that bacteria can grow on the turkey while it is thawing. This is the reason that refigerator thawing is recommended.

6 to 8lbs. = 1 to 1 ¾ days

8 to 12lbs. = 1 to 2 days

12 to 16lbs. = 2 to 3 days

16 to 20lbs. = 3 to 4 days

Bone and breast = 1 to 2 days

Boneless breast roll = 1 ½ to 2 days

Turkey Roasting Guide

Pre-heated 325° oven.

6 to 8lbs. = 2 ¼ to 3 ¼ hours

8 to 12lbs. = 3 to 4 hours

12 to 16lbs. = 3 ½ to 4 ½ hours

16 to 20lbs. = 4 to 5 hours

Bone and breast = 1 ½ to 2 ¼ hours

Boneless breast roll = 1 ¾ to 2 ½ hours




Shauna Hanus is a gourmet cook who specializes in creating gourmet recipes. She has extensive experience cooking with easy to find grocery items to create delightful gourmet meals. She has put together a special Thanksgiving report that gives you 73 recipes to use with your leftover turkey as well as a special holiday ice cream cookbook that includes favorites like pumpkin pie ice cream and pecan pie ice cream. She has also put together a holiday planning guide to help you have the most enjoyable Thanksgiving ever. You can find all of these at http://www.turkey-leftovers.com