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.

How do I know if my Le Creuset is vintage?

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If you are looking to buy genuine Le Creuset cookware, you need to look for the tell-tale signs.The name of Le Creuset.There should be a double-digit number.It should have ‘France’ or ‘Made in France’It should also have the Diamond mark of Le Creuset.

How do I season a brand new cast iron skillet?

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How To Season Your Cast-Iron Skillet:Scrub skillet well in hot soapy water.Dry thoroughly.Spread a thin layer of melted shortening or vegetable oil over the skillet.Place it upside down on a middle oven rack at 375°. (Place foil on a lower rack to catch drips.)Bake 1 hour; let cool in the oven.

How do I know what element my water heater needs?

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You will need to find out the voltage and the wattage. This information can usually be found on the label affixed to the side of your water heater tank. Compare and match your results of volts and watts to the volts and watts columns below. Choose the volts that match your voltage 120 or 240.

What is a convection microwave oven?

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A convection microwave has at least two modes – the first is a standard mode that uses microwaves to heat or cook food. The second is a convection mode that transforms your microwave into a convection oven, which uses a heating element and a fan to evenly distribute heat throughout the appliance.

What is the best 4 slice toaster to purchase?

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Best Overall: Cuisinart 4-Slice Custom Select Toaster at Amazon.Best Budget: Oster 4-Slice Long-Slot Toaster at Amazon.Best Splurge: Breville Die-Cast 4-Slice Smart Toaster at Amazon.Best Wide-Slot: Hamilton Beach 4-Slice Toaster at Amazon.Best Design: Smeg Retro 4 Slot Toaster at Amazon.Best for Brunch:

What is an old can opener called?

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For those unfamiliar with the term (like myself), the opener that became associated with “church key” was a simple device used to pry open a new type of bottle closure that was invented in 1892 — the bottle cap or “crown cork.” Since necessity is usually the mother of invention, someone in Canada in 1900 is thought to …