Cookware: What else do I need other than stainless steel?

[val01]

I am trying to go through and update my kitchen. I have purchased a stainless steel set of pans, and I have one non-stick pan for eggs only.

What other pans do you find helpful in the kitchen? I am a decent cook, but I have always made due with what I had. I am ready to upgrade..

Thanks in advance!
Valerie

[rin]

My SIL just gave me a Le Creuset casserole dish for Christmas; I love, love, love it!! I think it's this one, or similar: http://www.amazon.com/Creuset-Enamel...ef=pd_sbs_k_47.

I'm not sure I'll ever buy myself something this nice, but it's my absolute favorite piece of cookware and I'm somewhat infatuated with it right now.

I also love having a couple cast-iron skillets; we have two, one with 2" sides and one with just a 1/4" lip. I use the low one to make crepes, pancakes, grilled cheese, etc, and the higher sided one to do things like Dutch baby pancakes, fry salmon croquettes, etc.

[Uno-Mom]

I was going to say Le Crueset, too. I have the large dutch oven. We use it for everything, so versatile.

[sntm]

I use staub instead of le creuset and I love it. It's perfect for slower cooked items (particularly roasts, since the little bumps enable it to self baste) and is easy to clean. It's a workout to lift, though.

[hellokitty]

I agree with an enameled cast iron casserole and dutch oven. I didn't want to shell out the $ for staub or LC, so I got a lodge (casserole) and mario batali (dutch oven) and LOVE them both. So, don't hesitate to get the less expensive brands.

[zukeypur]

I have a LC Dutch oven too. You NEED one.

[Uno-Mom]

I agree with an enameled cast iron casserole and dutch oven. I didn't want to shell out the $ for staub or LC, so I got a lodge (casserole) and mario batali (dutch oven) and LOVE them both. So, don't hesitate to get the less expensive brands.

I just saw the episode of America's Test Kitchen where they tested dutch ovens. LC still came out on top but the Mario one was their "best buy." It performed every bit as well as the LC but got beat out only because the LC is bigger.

I'm glad for the extra room in my LC but it was a generous gift. If I had to replace it right now, I'd look for the Mario Batali just because of the cost.

[val01]

Thank you everyone for the replies.

I have toyed with the enameled cast iron - does anyone use their enameled cast iron on the stove? I am trying to think of what dishes I would make in it. We are a family of 2.5 (my 2.5 year would rather eat cheerios), but I do like to have leftovers for work. Sometimes we cook at small gatherings for up to 6, but that's only 4-6 times per year.

Has anyone tried the skillet/sauce pan enameled cast iron cookware?

The other night, I was heating marinara, and thought I remembered that I shouldn't put tomato based products in my stainless steel. I still have some old pans and pulled one of those, but they need to go too. Is there anything else you can't or shouldn't cook in stainless steel? Maybe that would help determine what exactly I would use the enameled stuff for.

I really appreciate the help!

Valerie

[mikala]

Thank you everyone for the replies.
I have toyed with the enameled cast iron - does anyone use their enameled cast iron on the stove? I am trying to think of what dishes I would make in it. We are a family of 2.5 (my 2.5 year would rather eat cheerios), but I do like to have leftovers for work. Sometimes we cook at small gatherings for up to 6, but that's only 4-6 times per year.

The enameled cast iron is great for anything that needs slow, continuous heat on the stovetop. We use it most often for soups/stews and it makes it easy to make a big batch of something and then freeze the leftovers. The even heat means less hot spots and burnt bits at the bottom of the pan. Enameled cast iron is also nice for recipes where you need to saute or brown meat or veggies in a pan before baking them.

If you plan to put the cast iron in the oven watch for the type of knob on top when buying. If you buy something with a plastic knob you likely need to unscrew it for higher oven temps.

[hellokitty]

If you plan to put the cast iron in the oven watch for the type of knob on top when buying. If you buy something with a plastic knob you likely need to unscrew it for higher oven temps.

This is one reason why I got the mario batali dutch oven. The handle is metal, so oven safe.