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Select the right size utensil - Best results are obtained when utensil
is at least 2/3 full. Never attempt to cook a small quantity in a large
pan, and always be sure to use the cover designed to fit the pan.
Use the right size range unit - The diameter
of the range unit should be about the same as the diameter of the utensil.
If cooking on a gas range, the flame should not extend up and around
the sides of the pan.
Use little or no water - Fresh vegetables
and fruit contain enough natural moisture to cook without adding water.
Simply place vegetables in utensil and cover with cold water. Pour off
quickly. The moisture that clings to the food is enough for cooking.
Vegetables which lack sufficient moisture (such as corn-on-the-cob)
require about a 1/4 cup or less of water for cooking. Remember that
some water is also necessary for dried fruits and cereals, etc. Meats
can be cooked in their own natural juices, too. When cold meat is placed
in a preheated utensil it will stick at first, but as the meat browns
and fat is released, it will loosen. Add liquid or shortening only if
specified in the recipe. A small amount of cooking oil or shortening
may be necessary when preparing foods which do not contain natural fats,
such as eggs. Just enough oil or shortening to cover the cooking surface
is sufficient.
Forming the water seal - Put food in utensil
and cover. Place on range unit over medium heat. In about 3 to 5 minutes,
vapor will begin to escape from beneath the cover and the cover will
be hot to touch. Give the cover a spin, but DO NOT lift it. If it spins
freely, water seal has been formed. After a few minutes there will not
be any vapor escaping and the proper cooking temperature will be reached.
If vapor continues to escape from cover, the heat setting is too high;
reduce to the lowest setting. If cover locks on pan, heat setting is
too low; increase heat slightly to loosen cover. Since temperature settings
vary from one range to another, a few days of careful practice will
tell you which heat settings are right for minimum moisture cooking.
Use low or moderate cooking temperatures
- To insure the success of minimum moisture cooking, it is very important
that only medium and low heat be used. Always begin cooking over medium
heat, then reduce to low for the remainder of the cooking period. High
heat will cause moisture to be driven out of the utensil. This will
prevent the water seal from forming, and will result in shrinkage, sticking
and burning of foods.
Avoid lifting cover during cooking - To retain
heat and moisture, do not remove cover during cooking as this will break
the “water seal” and lengthen the cooking times. Remove
cover only near end of cooking time to test for doneness. However if
you suspect food as “boiled dry” or has finished cooking
in less time than estimated, remove cover to check. If food has not
finished cooking, quickly add 1 or 2 tablespoons of water and reset
heat to medium. When vapor escapes from cover, spin cover to check for
water seal, and reduce heat to low for remainder of cooking time.
Another convenience of this cookware is that cakes and breads may be baked
on top of the range. When preparing batter, follow the recipe or package
instructions. However, slight adjustments may have to be made in baking
times. Preheat well-greased skillet or saucepan over low heat for 3 to
4 minutes. Quickly pour batter into utensil. Cover, reduce heat to lowest
heat setting and bake for specified time. To remove excess moisture from
food, tilt the cover during the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking. The browning
on top of the baked goods will be slight.
Oven temperatures up to 350o F will not damage the phenolic handles and
cover knobs, provided the broiler unit is not on. The direct heat from
the broiler unit in either a gas or electric oven will cause the handles
to blister. Before placing utensil in the oven, make certain that the
oven is completely preheated. Preheating is necessary because the oven
heat required to reach the desired cooking temperature can exceed 350o
F during the preheat period.
Clean after every use - To maintain the attractive appearance and cooking
efficiency of your cookware, it is important that it be cleaned thoroughly
after every use. Always allow utensil to cool completely, then wash in
hot soapy water with a sponge, dishcloth, or plastic pad. Do not use a
metal scouring pad or harsh scouring powder on the polished stainless
steel finish. Rinse thoroughly with clear hot water and dry. Your cookware
may be cleaned in an automatic dishwasher.
Removing heat tints and food stains - Gold
brown or blue heat tints may result from persistent overheating or stains
may result from action of minerals in foods. (Sulphur-dried fruits should
be cooked with the cover removed to prevent staining.) Make a paste
with water and a non-abrasive stainless steel cleaner. Suggested cleaners
include Barkeepers' Friend® and Cameo® Cleaner. DO NOT USE A
CLEANER THAT CONTAINS CHLORINE BLEACH. Apply paste with a sponge or
cloth, and rub lightly in one direction. Wash again, rinse and dry.
Removing minor scratches - During the first
few times of use, bright metal marks may appear on the inside of the
utensil. Remove with a non-abrasive stainless steel cleaner, following
the steps above. Avoid hitting metal kitchen tools against rims of pans,
and do not cut or chop foods with knives or other sharp-edged tools
on the stainless steel surface. Any metal will scratch if gouged with
a hard metal.
Special tips for using salt - Although stainless
steel is very durable, it is not indestructible. Pitting may result
if undissolved salt is allowed to remain in the bottom of a utensil.
Do not allow acidic foods or foods that have been seasoned to remain
in utensils for long periods of time.
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