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.

Is bamboo good for butcher block?

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Bamboo Countertops offer an upgrade to regular butcher blocks and laminate countertops because of their unique design, durability, and eco-friendliness compared to other wood countertops. Bamboo Countertops, like plywood, are manufactured by pressing bamboo together with non-toxic chemical adhesives to form slabs.

How do you peel sweet potatoes without a peeler?

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Place the potatoes into a pan of boiling water and cook as you would cook a sweet potato. Once they’re soft enough for a fork to slide into the flesh, drain them and transfer them to a bowl of ice cold water. Rub the surface of the potato, and the skins should fall off easily.

Is West Bend a good bread maker?

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The West Bend 41300 Breadmaker is a good bread machine for basic loaves and dough making. It offers a bread-pan size that allows for a horizontal loaf that is more traditional, and its dual-blade paddles ensure a very good kneading cycle for proper rise and result.

How good is a Cuisinart mixer?

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The Cuisinart Precision Master 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer proved in our tests that it is a kitchen workhorse that can blend, whip and knead with the best mixers on the market. It comes with a big and durable stainless steel bowl, three attachments and the option to buy four others for other cooking tasks.

Are Calphalon ceramic pans safe?

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100% Safe: One of the advantages of a high quality ceramic coating is the lack of toxic fumes that with other kind of material can be released when overheating accidentally a pan. It is PFOA- and PTFE-free, cadmium and lead free too. You will be covered on the safety aspect.

Are wooden spatulas sanitary?

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However, research suggests wooden spoons are safe to use in your kitchen. Yes, wood is porous, and it may draw in liquids and oils from the food you’re cooking. … The best way to eliminate bacteria from the surface of a spoon—wooden or otherwise—is to wash it after cooking with soap and hot water.