REVIEW: Food Processor

I like the Cuisinart Elite Collection 12-Cup Die-Cast Food Processor.

It has a 12 cup capacity (one of the highest outside of commercial machines) and it has a 4 cup insert so you don't have to get the whole thing dirty if you have a small job. That last is one of its best points, in my book.

It also comes with a 1000 watt motor. So the blades won't be binding just because you gave it three carrots at one time.

The Cuisinart food processor comes with an instructional DVD (I suppose for those who have never watched a cooking show). More useful will be the recipe book.

REVIEW: Sauce Pans

In an earlier post REVIEW: 14-pc. Stainless Steel Cookware Set I pointed out a really nice fourteen piece set of pots and pans that will set up an entire kitchen. If, however, you need to buy sauce pans separately, I found three sauce pans that I like from the same maker. I think of them as small, medium and large (mostly because 1.8 quarts, 3.5 quarts, and 5.75 quarts is just too cumbersome).

Stainless Steel Sauce Pan with Handle - Capacity: 1.8 Quarts

Stainless Steel Sauce Pan with Handle - Capacity: 3.5 Quarts

Stainless Steel Sauce Pan with Handle - Capacity: 5.75 Quarts

They make bigger sauce pans but what's the point? Any larger and you have a stew pot with only one handle. Large, single handled pans are just too difficult to use unless you have arms like Conan (the Arnie version, not Ronin the Barbarian).

All of the pans have a copper layer to distribute heat evenly and riveted handles.

REVIEW: 14-pc. Stainless Steel Cookware Set

If you need pots and pans, this Cuisinart Chefs Classic Stainless 14-pc. Stainless Steel Cookware Set will cover most everything you will need.

This 14 piece set includes:

1 Qt. Saucepan with cover
3 Qt. Saucepan with cover
4 Qt. Saute Pan with helper handle and cover
8 in. Skillet
10 in. Skillet with cover
9 Qt. Stockpot with cover
20 cm Universal Steamer with cover (fits 3 qt. Saucepan)
24 cm Pasta Insert

The easy to clean stainless steel pieces have been given a mirror finish for a restaurant quality look. The aluminum encapsulated bases heat quickly and they heat evenly to minimize hotspots. The riveted handles will withstand vigorous use and are designed to stay cool while on the stove. If you stick the pan in the oven you should, of course, use mitts to pick it up.

Rims of the pans are tapered for drip-free pouring and the lids have a really tight fit. The Tight fit of the covers seal in moisture and nutrients for healthier, more flavorful results.

I also really like the the steamer for cooking vegetables, keeping their color, texture and vitamins intact.