Annie Watson

Annie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Ask. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book 'Healthy Eating Through the Garden' will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Annie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.

Can you use a broiler pan for bacon?

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Lay bacon out on rack on broiler pan (the roasting or broiler pan with a slotted top that comes with most ovens works very well). You may place slices touching each other, or even overlapping slightly, since they will shrink while baking. Bake for about 25-30 minutes (5 minutes less if you like less crispy bacon).

Why are oven gloves important?

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Oven gloves will protect your hands from hot cookware when using ovens and other cooking equipment. Their heat resistant construction makes it safe for you to remove baking trays, dishes and other cookware from ovens without burning your hands.

What can I use instead of a cloche?

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Old plastic bottles can be used as an alternative to bell cloches. Although it is good to use recycled materials in the garden, plastic bottle cloches need to be removed quickly, must be well-anchored and can suffer badly from condensation.

What is Nambe metal?

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Nambe is made by a small group of Santa Fe craftsmen using sand molds. A bowl or platter is broken away from its mold and shaped and polished to a silvery luster that, with age, acquires a patina all its own. Because each sand mold is used only once, no two pieces are exactly alike.

What’s so special about pour over coffee?

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Many coffee lovers, especially black coffee lovers, prefer the pour over method because many believe it creates a more flavorful cup of brew. Since it’s a longer brewing process, there’s a more intricate flavor extraction. The slower the water filters through the grounds, the more flavor is extracted.

What software does a food processor use?

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With a robust nutrition database at its core, Nutritionist Pro™, an easy-to-use and intuitive food processor nutrition analysis software, is a powerful tool for nutrition analysis, diet, fitness tracking, and menu planning.

Can you use a stock pot to brine a turkey?

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To brine a turkey, you’ll need a pot or other food-safe container large enough to hold the bird and brine. A 12- to 16-pound turkey usually will fit into a 20-quart stockpot. Make sure the container is made of a noncorrosive material, such as stainless steel, glass or enamel.