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.

Are pour over coffee makers worth it?

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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.

Can ceramic blades be sharpened?

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You can always send your ceramic knives out to a sharpening service, but it is more economical and easy to use the home DIY method for sharpening your knives. Zirconia is a very hard material, and you will need an extra-hard diamond sharpening tool if you want to sharpen your ceramic knives at home.

What utensils do you use on a griddle?

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Use soft utensils, such as heat-proof silicon spatulas, on nonstick griddles. Metal utensils will scratch the surface, and over time, make food stick to the griddle. Metal utensils can be used with stainless-steel and cast-iron griddles. Choose your utensils to match the food being cooked.

How do you clean a badly burnt pan?

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How It Works: Fill your dirty pan with equal part water and vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil and then add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Remove from heat and let soak for up to 15 minutes. Discard the liquid down your drain and then use a sponge or scouring pad to scrub away any remaining burnt-on bits.

What can I use if I don’t have an ice cream maker?

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You fill a large plastic bag with ice and salt, and then put a smaller bag inside with a cup of ice cream mix. … If you just throw ice cream mix into the freezer you’ll have a solid block of icy dairy — not very scoopable or fun to eat. You have to prevent large ice crystals from forming while freezing the mix.

What is the best grill pan for steak?

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10 Best Grill Pans for Seared Steak and VeggiesBest Overall Grill Pan: Le Creuset Square Grill Pan.Best Value Grill Pan: Gotham Steel Aluminum Grill Pan.Best Nonstick Grill Pan: All-Clad NS1 Nonstick Square Grill.Best Ceramic Nonstick Grill Pan: GreenPan Valencia Pro Ceramic Nonstick Grill Pan.

How do you use Starfrit apple peeler?

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A Starfrit innovation exclusive, the automatic apple peeler makes preparing apples and pears a breeze. To peel, put the fruit on the base and turn the knob. A very thin layer of skin will be peeled off preserving as much as fruit as possible. A simple and efficient way to peel apples!

Are bamboo spatulas good?

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Bamboo utensils are extremely strong and durable. … Bamboo utensils are long-lasting, and much more durable than wooden and plastic ones. Bamboo kitchen utensils have a smooth finish and will not get a rough or porous surface after a few months of use.