Buy Le Creuset Tri-Ply Stianless Steel Covered Saucepan

Customer Ratings:
List Price: $140.00
Sale Price: $109.95
Today's Bonus: 21% Off

I've had a handful of pieces of LeCreuset Stainless Steel Cookware for about two months, cooking roughly 19 meals per week. They're all great performers and very attractive. This line is basically All-Clad Stainless for 30% less. They are made in China, which is a sticking point for some people, but I am convinced that quality has not suffered. It's simply an incredible pan for a better price. Other reviews state that this line approaches or equals All-Clad Stainless, and surpasses Calphalon Stainless.

These pans are fully clad, meaning the aluminum core extends up the sides; it's not only in the bottom. They are incredibly responsive on my gas stovetop. I actually thought they were too fast when I first got them, but now it's just another quality I appreciate. They heat quickly and extremely evenly. You often use a lower heat to achieve the same results.

The handles are comfortable, a good length, and rarely get too hot (obviously, they get hot during oven use). They are made to fit through the handles of the lids, which is a convenient storing option. And incidentally, the lids are great, since they're stainless, too, instead of glass. This means no crud build-up around the edge, and they seal great. The same lids work on both of the saucepans I have.

It has an excellent lifetime warranty. Thankfully I haven't had to use that, but I did use it with a Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 15-3/4-Inch Oval Fish Skillet, Flame, and was very pleased. (It was a lengthy process at nearly a month, but given that I got a brand new replacement for a $200 pan that was 4 years old, it seemed quite generous.)

These pans are a little taller and narrower than most other brands' saucepans. This helps when boiling something long, like asparagus. The bottoms are curved just right, so whisks and utensils fit in easily, allowing you to stir thoroughly and clean easily. The rolled edge truly does make pours a no-drip affair. The pan is balanced and light, but with enough heft to feel substantial and well-made. I haven't mde much use of the measurement internal markings, but people who like those find them very convenient.

Quality cookware like this makes a big difference if you cook frequently. It gets to temperature faster, heats evenly without burning in spots, recovers quicker and keeps its temperature easier. Since it handles well, it's more pleasant to cook with, moving easily around the kitchen, and holding still on the cooktop.

It cleans easily. I use regular dish soap most of the time. Bon Ami 04030 Bon Ami Cleaning Cake and Powder, 12-Ounce is my regular scouring powder, though Bar Keepers Friend® Cleanser & Polish: 12 OZ leaves the pan with a little extra sparkle (powder only, I Strongly dislike the liquid), which is nice since these pans are so pretty. Le Creuset makes a Le Creuset 12-Ounce Stainless Steel Cleaner, but I haven't yet tried it.

I love the LC Stainless cookware I have, and am looking forward to getting a little more.

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

Is this pan heavy? Yes, just like any high quality piece of cookware. That is why it has a helper handle. The long handle is very ergonomic, especially compared to All-Clad. We added this to our collection of high end cookware about six months ago and have not been disappointed. It has a great rolled rim for pouring, the handles stay cool, and it has measurement markings on the inside of the pan. I have owned All-Clad in the past and I think this is a better design, and better quality for less money. And be sure to check out the steamer basket insert, the single best tool I have ever used for steaming vegetables, hands down.

Best Deals for Le Creuset Tri-Ply Stianless Steel Covered Saucepan

I've had this pot for around 6 months now and like it quite a bit. It heats up extremely quick and is great to cook with. The lip that these pots have is a god-send if you're like me and tend to strain or pour items out of your pots and then return to the heater. There's no over-spill or trickling down the side of the pot. They really work!

The lifetime warranty on these pots allows you to wash them in the dishwasher which is great. I have only had discoloring on the inner-bottom portion of my pots but this is expected when cooking with pots that have stainless steel exposed. Scouring with Bar Keepers Friend will remove this but is unnecessary.

I had wanted to upgrade to pots that I felt I would keep for a long time. I initially had bought a set of Calphalon hard anodized aluminum pots based on the discount on Amazon as well as the reviews. I found the pots excessively tedious to clean and were not very uniform with heating. These pots on the other hand are fantastic and I believe I have found the perfect set for myself. I'm going to upgrade my skillets once the coating on my Calphalon skillets give out and am greatly looking forward to the lip that is on the pans as well. This is a must buy for someone that wants pots similar to All-Clad but are wary of the All-Clad price tag. I've gone through 4 various sets of pots from moving and not wanting to take them along but if I end up with another cross-country move these pots will be going with me.

Honest reviews on Le Creuset Tri-Ply Stianless Steel Covered Saucepan

I have been cooking with All-Clad for 14 years (the entry level pots). I've abused these pots over the years and am ready to donate them to the family cottage. [I find the All-Clad handles and lack of rimmed edges to be an ongoing challenge that I won't bore you with...]

Today I visited a high-end cookware store and checked out this line. Wow! The weight is ideal -not too light, not too heavy. The handle design, style and ergonomics are a dream. Love the measurement lines inside, love the brushed stainless, love the contemporary look (honestly, the online photos don't truly convey the stylish form factor of this cookware).

A previous poster commented that the set is heavy. I disagree -it's the exact weight you would expect for higher quality tri-ply. For comparison sake, Demeyere Atlantis was on display next to this set. This line is heavy! My cell phone rang so i was juggling the large skillet in one-hand, trying to place it back on the display stand perpendicularly to the table and couldn't do it with one arm. (I'm fit and can swing a 20lb cast iron kettlebell at the gym like nobody's business). I also checked out Cuisinart's Mult-Clad line (reviewed by Cooks Illustrated and has so many 4.5 star reviews). This multiclad line is light but not in a good way. It felt cheap to me. If you are an occasional cook or novice, this is a good option or starter set but otherwise, it's not for the serious home cook unless you're on a tight budget. Anyhow, my point is Le Creuset is in-between these two weights (and price points), if that helps the online shopper.

My one hesitation about the gorgeous Le Creuset line that it is made in China...... When I found out, all I could think was 'why, why, why' and 'no, no, no'. I have been searching for quality cookware at a reasonable price for a while...am tired of my All-Craps. I think this line is superior to my current All-Clads, yet I hesitate to buy them for this reason. The sales associate in the store assured me that "Le Creuset has its OWN factory in China so the products are made to the same high standard as they would in Europe". It didn't close the deal for me. Also, she is in sales so her job is to sell. So now I am looking at Cuisinart's French Classic made in France line (even though it lacks the rolled rim feature and doesn't come in brushed SS)

I would really love to see some professional product reviews of Le Creuset. I will continue to watch this line to see how it does in the US market.

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Le Creuset Tri-Ply Stianless Steel Covered Saucepan

Of the saucepans I recently purchased for a new induction stove, this one seems to give consistently the best performance. It also does not gradually form a white film on the inside surface of the pan, like much of the other new stainless cookware I have tried.

I believe this pan is an excellent saucepan in all respects, except for the high price.

Best Victorio VKP1008 Two-Pack Fruit Leather Tray Accessory for Victorio Deals

Customer Ratings:

As my title states, this fruit roll-up tray "works, just ok." The fruit still sticks slightly to the tray, but much easier to use than say plastic wrap (what I was using before I got these trays). If the fruit is not completely dry, the fruit will stick to the tray more. Make sure you evenly spread the fruit on the tray with a rubber spoonula. The first time I made fruit roll up on this tray, I did not spread it evenly, so the outside was thinner than the inside. Thus, the inside took much longer to dry than the outside. By the time the inside was done, the outside was verrrrry chewy. Still pretty good. Practice makes better! p.s. This fruit roll up tray does not fit the Ronco dehydrator perfectly. You can still use it, but it will be a little floppy

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

I have two dehydrators. Each came with trays for semi-liquids like these (despite the name, they're not just for fruit roll-ups). I could not find any detailed descriptions, but these trays must be no more than half the thickness of the trays that came with the dehydrators. That by itself may not be a problem, but they were shipped--literally--in a plastic bag. In the course of shipping, they were bent, folded, and finally rolled-up to fit in my mailbox. I've had them in my dehydrator now for five hours, without any food, just to see if I can get them to return to their original shape. It looks like that is not going to happen. Where the trays were bent, a crease has been left in the thin plastic and looks like it has been permanently deformed. I would not recommend. I've never liked using plastic wrap, but that would work about as well as these.

Best Deals for Victorio VKP1008 Two-Pack Fruit Leather Tray Accessory for Victorio

I was able to trim to fit my dehydrator. Worked well. No problems using them for making fruit roll ups.

Best Kitchenaid Classic Nylon Short Turner, Red Deals

Customer Ratings:

This Kitchenaid Classic Nylon Short Turner in Red is quite exceptional. It is durable, handsome and quite functional. It fits well into the palm of your hand for a forceful yet effortless grip. Its ease of handling is extraordinary. The nylon characteristics are amazing for cooking and it washes almost effortlessly. It really is a handsome piece in many respects.

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

Arrived on time, packaging was fine. I a very happy with this turner. I have arthritis in my hands and this works very well as a spatula , It goes very nicely with my kitchenaid kitchen.

Best Deals for Kitchenaid Classic Nylon Short Turner, Red

This product was exactly what it was said to be and worked perfectly. I would definitely buy more and reccomend this product.

Honest reviews on Kitchenaid Classic Nylon Short Turner, Red

Nice color, good quality. Very happy with my purchase so far. If this turner does not hold up I will edit my review.

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Kitchenaid Classic Nylon Short Turner, Red

Great quality short turner with good sharp angle handle for high sided pans. Chiseled edge with firm spatula head helps it be very good at getting under food and lifting or turning. Cleans super easy too.

Emile Henry Oval Gratin Reviews

Customer Ratings:

Once you get one without serious casting or glazing flaws, these are some of the best "baking dishes" I have worked with. The oval shape means that you don't have over-cooked corners and a cold middle. They clean up well and the variety of sizes means that your dish fits, rather than being spread too thin or overflowing.

However, in trying to get a "set" we went through probably half a dozen exchanges, as well as looking through all the stock that a local retailer had before we could find four of the five pieces we wanted.

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

I like this 10 1/2" Emile Henry, it is just the right size for roasted side-dishes for 2 to 4 people. However, the 8 1/2" ones are rather small. They clean up nicely and look nice on the table as well.

Reviews of Cajun Cookware Dutch Ovens 20 Quart Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Customer Ratings:
List Price: $227.62
Sale Price: $139.99
Today's Bonus: 38% Off

One of my favorite pots. I don't know how I've survived this long without it. I'd buy this again and agaona nd recommend it to anyone who wants to cook in cast iron. I wouldn't call it entirely seasoned, but it came with a nice head start into being well seasoned.

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

Reviews of Maxam® 9-element 1.7qt Saucepan with Cover

Customer Ratings:
List Price: $199.95
Sale Price: $24.81
Today's Bonus: 88% Off

Hello to those who are looking for a really good pan, not just a pot. This will make you happy. How can I know, since I really don't cook? Well to answer, my wife does, and she is a top flight gourmet cook. She has, since her youth, used Low Heat, quality cookwear, and knows that better results come to her in better cookwear. She heads up a gourmet cook club and is the social committee chairwoman for our HOA. She knows how to prepair food, I don't, but I do place quality food at a high level of importance in my life. Maybe she spoiled me, or I am naturally more demanding, I'm not sure which, but I do know I love good tasting food. All that to say, SHE loves the saucepan and recoments it to you serious cooks out there. Something about EVEN HEAT, and LOW HEAT, is the reason. Oh yes, and Stainless Steel. Now don't get me wrong, she doesn't have only this brand, but this is one of the best she has, She says. Wishes they had a single Quart as well. Oh well, the world isn't perfect, but good food makes it seem perfect, doesn't it? Good Cooking everyone.

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

Well nowhere on this pan did it say Maxam, cheap substitution, and no instructions. Come on how do I know how to cook waterless! Tried pan twice, both times took over 45min to cook veggies, still were not done!

One star for price. I was at a home show saw waterless pan demo they wanted $300 for one pan so I went net surfing.

I suggest forget this pan, use microwave, save time, $$ and nutrients remain intack

Best Deals for Maxam® 9-element 1.7qt Saucepan with Cover

I've owned a set of Townecraft for over 30 years and it still cooks better than anything else I've ever used. It's not a lifetime investment, it's a several -lifetimes investment. In any case, the Maxam pot intrigued me, so I bought one just to see how it compared to Townecraft. I have to tell you it was much better than I expected. The metalwork was very smooth, the bottom was heavy and a good heat conductor. I also like the steam valve on the lid, which keeps things from boiling over. So the bottom line is if you can afford Townecraft, you won't go wrong, but if you can't, I think you could do a lot worse than a set of Maxam cookware.

Honest reviews on Maxam® 9-element 1.7qt Saucepan with Cover

I've been wanting some waterless cookware for a while but was torn between getting the inexpensive Chinese stuff (like this pan) or the high end American made stuff. So I ordered this single pan plus I got a trial pan from one of the high end American made companies that lets you "try before you buy". We would cook the same dish in both pans and compare the results. The American made pan was better I'd say about 20% to 40% better. It had the multi ply surgical stainless in the sidewalls as well as the bottom of the pan and the lid was heavier and better made. But it cost 1000% more yes 10 times as much so we sent it back and bought some more like this one. We've had no problems with the lid or the whistle on it.

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Maxam® 9-element 1.7qt Saucepan with Cover

These saucepans are great and they are not easy to find. I am deighted with this one.

Best World Cuisine Black Steel Paella Pans Deals

Customer Ratings:
List Price: $69.90
Sale Price: $69.21
Today's Bonus: 1% Off

just perfect for my needs.

much better then nonstick pans

first need really good clean I mean very good clean,on inside surface/remove the factory oils ,grease.

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

I purchased the pan because of its depth and thought there couldn't be very much wrong with it. It's quite thin, but I don't consider that as a problem, it heats up quickly this way and is easier to handle than a heavy steel pan.

However, this pan is not usable on flat burners (like an electric kitchen stove). The bottom is (I'm not sure whether it happened during seasoning) shaped a bit like a bowl and not flat, so there is very little contact with the stove and it doesn't sit properly on the burner. That doesn't matter for gas stoves, but in my case the pan is pretty much unusable. The vendor of the pan also did not respond to my inquiry about this issue. So either I got a defective pan or it's just this bad. Luckily, I could just turn it in to Amazon and can buy a different pan now.

Best Deals for World Cuisine Black Steel Paella Pans

This for the 19 inch pan. The pan is big but it fit perfect on the 22" weber kettle. Carbon steel heats up quick and cooks evenly. No hot spots and a nice crust is had.

Honest reviews on World Cuisine Black Steel Paella Pans

I have several de Buyer iron skillets which I dearly love. With proper care they are as close to nonstick as it gets. I thought that this paella pan would be a similar quality, but not so! I think that black steel is probably a good material for a traditional pan, but the

problem is that they use so little of it! Any thinner and it would be foil! I would not be so upset if I had purchased this pan at a dollar store, but I paid a hefty price for very little quality.

My advise would be to buy a deBuyer if you're looking for a high quality traditional pan that you can pass down to your kids and grand kids. So, in a nut shell, I'm very disappointed w/ this purchase!

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for World Cuisine Black Steel Paella Pans

I bought this to prepare a paella for my wife's birthday party, we fed 20 people and had lots left over. Great pan, but I highly recommend picking up an extra large stand alone burner of some sort, it's way too big to use on a normal stove top. (But that's also part of the 'awesome')

Review of Cuisinart 44-10 Contour Stainless 10-Piece Cookware Set

Customer Ratings:
List Price: $400.00
Sale Price: $152.72
Today's Bonus: 62% Off

I researched every set out there and this fit my budget and my needs and I have not been disapointed one bit!

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

I researched every set out there and this fit my budget and my needs and I have not been disapointed one bit! I do not put them in the dishwasher but soak them in warm water and soap until I can wash them properly and by doing this makes the pans easy to clean and clean up very well. Using the Bar Keepers Friend for cookware to polish them has been esential and shines them up well! I also place pieces of felt between the pans so I can stack them without scratching. I do not have room for a hanging rack. I do recommend this set and am planning to get another set for our vacation home. As far as trying to cook eggs such as fried eggs I have not been successful, but cooking scrambled eggs works every time.

Best Deals for Cuisinart 44-10 Contour Stainless 10-Piece Cookware Set

Love it as I have a set of our own. This will be a Gift for daughter,she will be happy too.

Reviews of Staub 4.25-Quart Oval Cocotte

Customer Ratings:
List Price: $249.99
Sale Price: $199.95
Today's Bonus: 20% Off

I own the predecessor of this Staub pot, the same model but with a domed lid. I received it as a gift a couple of years ago. I am a serious cook-have taken some culinary classes and enjoy cooking immensely. This pot is quite simply the best roasting pot I have ever owned. It is a very heavy cast iron pot which has been double coated with enamel. The lid and pot fit together perfectly. The craftsmanship is excellent. There are dots protruding from the inside of the lid that essentially channel condensed moisture (steam) back down as liquid onto whatever you're cooking-sort of creating your own little rainforest in the oven. (You can also use the pot without the lid if you prefer dry heat.)

The design of the lid ensures moist cooking, which tenderizes meats. Cooking a whole chicken (and this pot easily accommodates a very large roaster) with spices and vegetables results in fall-off-the-bone moist, flavorful meat. Cooking a roast of beef or pork? Ditto-the meat is tender, and the spices are roasted in. Vegetables more your style? This baby makes perfect stews, either on a stovetop or baked.

Best of all, if you season your pot correctly before you use it (instructions are provided), cleanup is a breeze. Just fill the pot with warm soapy water for 15-30 minutes and then wash with a nonabrasive utensil (so as not to scratch the enamel). Even the worst baked on sauces come off easily. Love it.

One word of caution: cutting anything with a sharp knife in your pot may ruin the enamel coating. It's okay to slice into something to test it as long as the knife tip doesn't hit the bottom or sides of the pot. To me, this slight trade-off of convenience is well worth it, given how well the pot works.

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

Last weekend, I wanted to give the famous No-Knead bread recipe a try. For those who don't know what I am talking about, the New York times created a sensation about 4 years ago by publish articles and videos from a famous Hell's Kitchen baker, showing how to make the best and easiest bread you've ever made or tasted.

The recipe does include the use of a Dutch oven, French oven, or Cocotte. Call it what you like, the three pieces are nearly identical. You can use naked iron if you like, but the video tutorial clearly shows the master baker using porcelain-enamel cast iron. He liked the non-stick surface.

The only problem with trying this recipe was my clear lack of such a cast iron piece. Off I went looking for my item. I began with the notion of buying either Le Creuset or Lodge. Instead, I bought Staub. Why?

Both Le Creuset and Lodge shared a common problem: Plastic knobs. The no-knead recipe calls for 500-515F baking temperatures. Both plastic knobs melt-down past 400 degrees. Le Creuset offers a 18-10 stainless-steel replacement knob, and this knob will fit Lodge also. However, I could not fathom why a $300 piece should have anything made of plastic on it. They *_should_* make the 18-10 stainless knob the one-and-only knob. Being expected pony up $300 and $10 more was irksome.

Further, there was a better alternative. I could buy this lovely Staub with a nickel knob that was already safe for +500F temperatures. Further, I could have it cheaper than Le Creuset, and I could have a pair of nice little Cocottes tossed in for free. Now can you beat that? I love rustic cast-iron look, with the easy-to-clean nature of enamel.

I've already done two no-knead loafs in this Cocotte, and a Mac-n-Cheese. This thing is a fantastic performer. Everything has come out just fine so far. I've had exceptionally good luck with it so far.

Best Deals for Staub 4.25-Quart Oval Cocotte

It arrived a few days ago and I'm using it to prepare every evening meal. I've never seen a cooking pot of such quality: everything about it displays superior craftsmanship and intelligent design. As a post on a web forum put it:Le Creuset is for the masses;Staub is for those in the know.

No, I didn't know--in fact I never had heard of Staub--but a bit of research convinced me to give it a try. I'll never look back. There is no Dutch oven better than this. Bonzer, Mate!

Oh Yes, one other point: Its great to open a box and NOT see those three horrible words: Made in China!

Honest reviews on Staub 4.25-Quart Oval Cocotte

My husband gave this to me for Christmas and I've already used it a few times. It was a breeze to season and I can tell it heats extremely evenly. I really like the brass knob as opposed to the plastic one on Le Creuset. The seal holds great and I know it will last a lifetime!

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Staub 4.25-Quart Oval Cocotte

Each brand may have its own adherents, and I use both, but I have found that in those instances where there is product overlap between Le Creuset and Staub, Staub is the better choice. Staub's signature item is its cocottes. The basic difference between Staub and Le Creuset is the interior enamel: Le Creuset's being shiny (when new) and beige while Staub's is a matte black. With years of use (and both brands will definitely last years) Le Creuset's enamel loses its shine and some of its anti-stick properties, and has a propensity to stain. Staub's, on the other hand, does not stain and its anti-stick tendencies (which start out very well to begin with) seem to improve, almost like a cast iron pan that is being seasoned with each use. Staub really specializes in the cocottes--it does not make saucepans, gratins, roasting pans, or some of the other items Le Creuset does. Another detail: the metal knobs on the Staub lids are more heat resistant than Le Creuset's composite knobs. I can't say that one brand cooks food better than the other but my experience leads me to conclude that when it comes to dutch ovens Staub has an edge in terms of convenience and appearance. I am agnostic about the little dimples on the underneath part of the Staub lids: I can't say whether they do or don't make a difference.

Staub Round Cocotte Review

Customer Ratings:

This is a terrific item, that is beautifully finished. Is it better than le Creuset? That's a matter of opinion. Both brands are top quality, so I would readily recommend either one. The 2-quart size is great for preparing main courses for 2-3 people, but not as good for larger dishes. Last, but not least, Amazon had a very low price on it with fast, free delivery.

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

This is my first piece of Staub and I was looking forward to receiving it. I was aware of the size but love it for small jobs it really keeps you items moist. Very interesting how it compares to my Le Creuset. Different interior color and texture which actually adds to the sealing in of the foods juices. Clean up was simple as well. Would by another piece to add to by Enameled Cast Iron collection. Great Price too!

Best Deals for Staub Round Cocotte

I could not resist the good deal I got on this "French Oven" in basil. I love this item! It is a darling little pot sitting on my stovetop. This 2 qt size is quite small about 7" diameter x 3.5" high. But that also makes it easier to handle than the larger Dutch ovens, since it is still a solid, heavy duty enamel cast iron pan.

This pan makes PERFECT! rice nice and fluffy, absolutely no sticking or browning/burning on bottom of pan. I think it is due to the even heating of the cast iron thick walled pan and also due to the self-basting spikes on the lid, so that the rice steams perfectly in the pan. I have made white jasmine rice and regular brown rice and both turned out PERFECTLY. Much nicer than a rice cooker or pressure cooker. Recipe: I followed the rice:water ratio on the package (1 c dry rice) and added 1/4 tsp salt and 1 tsp butter. Add everything to pan, bring to a boil, cover, turn heat to low then simmer for time directed on package. Remove from heat (do not remove cover) and let sit until ready to serve. It fits 1 c dry rice (cooked) just right any larger quantity and I assume it will overflow.

I have not yet used the pan for cooking anything else. It is a little small for homemade soups or main dishes but would be good for reheating (if that is your thing I am a microwaver, myself). I think it will make great oatmeal or steel-cut oats by a similar method to the rice. I also love the color of this pan a deep pretty green.

Honest reviews on Staub Round Cocotte

I love-love-love my little baby cocotte! The eggplant color is so beautiful, I leave it sitting on my stove just to look at it. The size was a little smaller than I realized it would be, but turns out to be perfect to cook rice or anything else that needs constant, even heat. Next on my list is a big daddy Staub so I can cook roasts or soups.

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Staub Round Cocotte

Great deal at Amazon. Quality is first rate. Great for slow cooking, simmering, etc. The best of the best.

Reviews of OXO Good Grips Cookie Press with Disk Storage Case

Customer Ratings:

Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program

UPDATE, Sunday, January 6 Snowing in Vermont today, so my youngest daughter and I spent the afternoon baking cookies with the new OXO Good Grips Cookie Press. While we were at it, we made a video to show you just how easy this is to use! Here's the cookie recipe we used:

Cream Cheese Spritz

1 cup butter (sticks)

3 ounces cream cheese

1 cup sugar

1 egg yolk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 1 teaspoon other flavoring (orange, lemon, almond are all good), optional

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 1/2 cups flour

Directions: Beat room temperature butter and cream cheese together until softened and well blended. Beat in sugar, then beat in the egg yolk, salt and flavorings. Stir in the flour until well combined and dough holds together. Use immediately. Makes about 8 dozen.

NOTES: You can substitute baking margarine for the butter &/or lowfat cream cheese for the regular. If you want to make the dough and then hold it overnight in the fridge, allow it to soften and come back to room temperature before you attempt to use it.

LINKS FOR OTHER RECIPES IN COMMENTS

ORIGINAL REVIEW:

I love spritz cookies little buttery, crisp cookies that are perfect with tea or lemonade or even just by themselves. They're easy to make too as long as you have the right cookie press.

For many years the "right" cookie press in my house was the Mirro that I got as a teen. You filled the barrel with your cookie dough, stood it on your sheet pan on little feet and twisted the top dial to make the cookies. Worked like a charm for many, many years but then somewhere along the way in one move or another I lost my Mirro cookie press and couldn't find another.

Since then, I've gone through many a cookie press trying to find THE one. One cookie press split right down the middle of the barrel the first time I tried to make cookies with it. The "trigger" style are usually too hard for my hands to work. Most of them don't have little feet to rest on the cookie sheet so you're trying to press out cookies in midair. Frustration Level Over the Moon! I can't count the number of cookie presses I've returned to the store or shipped off to the thrift store bin.

I cannot tell you how delighted I am that this OXO Good Grips Cookie Press with Disk Storage Case has solved all of those problems! It arrived this afternoon just as I finished a batch of homemade cream cheese. The very last of the Cream Cheese Spritz are in the oven as I type. The press is easy to assemble and disassemble and easy to clean. Most of it can go into the dishwasher if you want to bother with that. Like that old Mirro, the bottom of the press rests on your baking sheet as you form each cookie by simply depressing the handle, which works by lever action rather than being a "trigger" easy even for my old hands to use. If you are using a standard half-sheet sized baking pan, you'll get two dozen cookies on each pan 4 across, 6 down. Most recipes will fill the barrel (see through!) about four times and make about 8 dozen cookies (Do pay attention to the bit in the directions that tells you to use an ungreased cookie sheet. Don't use a parchment liner either your cookies won't stick to the surface correctly and so won't pull away from the press.) Learning curve about 2 minutes.

The press comes with a dozen different discs for various shapes teddy bear, butterfly, daisy, fleur de lys, buttercup, heart, leaf, shell, snowflake, sunflower, tree, wreath that store away in a specially fitted box that allows easy access to the discs. (Yes, you can change the disc without having to wash the entire cookie press first.)

The included instruction booklet contains recipes for three different kinds of spritz (Cream Cheese Spritz have always been my favorite use the included recipe but leave out the cinnamon) and you will find many more recipes on line. Be sure to look up a recipe or two for savoury spritz as they make nice quick-to-produce nibbles for an appetizer selection or cocktail party.

Spritz cookies are great keepers they'll stay fresh for several weeks in a tightly covered container. Ideal for little girls tea parties, feel free to color the dough or dress the spritz up with sprinkles, sparkly sugar or bits of candied fruit.

I'm off . . fantastic cookie press that will have pride of place in my kitchen for many a year to come . . . anybody want a cookie?

PS I found it easiest to fill the barrel using a small rubber spatula about an inch wide.

UPDATE, May 15, 2013 I recently came across this OXO Good Grips Cookie Press Springtime Disk Set, featuring a half-dozen designs especially for spring cherry blossoms, a rose, twin hearts and more. My set is on the way. Can't wait to try them! I wonder if they'll do another series later in the year? Pumpkins and bats would be nice. September ,2013 Why yes, yes they did! Pumpkins, bats and more. The Autumn set is available from the same link as the Springtime set.

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

I love this cookie press. I bought it to replace one I had for about 10 years that was always a pain to use. There was a high fail rate, and the press would rock as I was trying to put the cookies down. With my new Oxo, the only cookie fails I had was with the first one or two cookies each time I refilled the cylinder. Each cookie after that came out perfectly. And the silicone on the bottom of the press kept the press firmly on the sheet as I was pressing out the cookies. I love the little plastic container that holds the discs. With my old press, the discs were always in a heap in the baggie I stored them in, but with the Oxo, they're neat and organized. I also like that this press has cookie shapes that are not seasonal -fleur d'lys, daisy, butterfly, etc., which will certainly encourage me to use it at times other than Christmas. As opposed to another reviewer, I did not find the cookies small at all; I do not like big cookies and find these to be the perfect size. I made a batch of cookies using this to bring to my son's game, and they were absolutely inhaled. People were shocked that they weren't bakery cookies.

Best Deals for OXO Good Grips Cookie Press with Disk Storage Case

Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program I tried the Good Grips cookie press using the chocolate shortbread cookie recipe in the instrucion manual. The manual is easy to understand and includes three recipes and two variations in all. The recipes did not include any hard to find ingredients, were simple, and easy to follow. The design disks included are snowflake, heart, buttercup, shell, wreath, tree, sunflower, daisy, fleur de lis, bear, leaf, and butterfly. I used the shell, buttercup, fleur de lis, bear, and butterly disks. They all worked well with the exception of the butterfly disk. The dough seemed to stick to the bottom of the cookie press and not release well using the butterfly disk. I loved the other disks so much, I consider this a small issue.

The quality of the disks were very nice and stainless steel, not as thin as the disk set that came with my previous cookie press and I did not have any issues with warping. The barrel of the cookie press is a thick plastic material that is listed as BPA free. I am not impressed by clear barrels myself as I do not find it impossible to tell when the cookie press is near empty using the plunger depth as a guide but I love, just love, the plastic disk storage case and new to me disk designs.

The disks are dishwasher safe but the cookie press itself is not so I just wash them all by hand. A bottle brush would be nice to have and make cleaning easy peasy. The barrel was comfortable to hold, the plunger much easier to use and I never had to fiddle with it because it never twisted the wrong way. Much simpler to use than my other presses simply because the plunger does not rotate due to the release button that is used instead. Love that! One hassle gone! My old cookie press had a rotating plunger and it rotated when it wasn't supposed to therefore my cookies did not ratchet out of the press properly leading to a problem this design does not have. A headache solved.

As a scout mom, I am so delighted with the fleur de lis and the bear is so adorable, and the shell is so pretty. So much nicer than the disks in my other cookie presses. I am really pleased with the press. I am far fom a spritz expert and if anyone has any tips on getting a better result with the butterfly press I would really love to hear it. The ones that did come off were nice but overall it really did not work well for me. After swapping the disk to a different design I was back in business again. The other disks worked for me much better and really did not depend on a chilled cookie sheet. The bear worked so well, it stuck onto an unwashed cookie sheet from a previous batch and the instructions say to use a clean, ungreased cookie sheet, washing between batches.

Overall, I am very pleased with the product and would recommend this cookie press to friends. My one very minor gripe, aside from the butterfly disk, would be my wish that they showed the finished cookie along with the design disk images inside the product manual and not just on the box. The disk images are labeled inside the back of the manual but the finished cookie image is not included with it. They are all so pretty and inspiring it would be nice to not have to save the box in order to see the finished cookies as the box is larger than the box for my other two cookie presses. I am sure I can photocopy it. Overall, I love it.

Honest reviews on OXO Good Grips Cookie Press with Disk Storage Case

This is the easiest to use cookie press I have ever used. The old ones would stick not OXO. It was so easy it took me several tries just to believe it. I kept squeezing and didn't even realize the cookie was on the sheet. So easy your hands don't get tired and the recipe is accurate to a cookie and did I mention they were delish and adorable. I used the daisy pattern for a wedding shower and added a chocolate chip to each center to make black-eyed Susan's the young crowd had never seen cookie press cookies. The compliments actually made me blush, because it was so easy I felt guilty. This press will last for years. Well built easy to clean so easy. After all the rolling and cutting I've done this was a blessing. If you have children they will love the teddy bears, and it comes with several recipes. This is not a gadget it is a must if you do any baking at all. I love it so mush I'm ordering another one just so I could have one for vanilla and one for chocolate. Happy Baking!

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for OXO Good Grips Cookie Press with Disk Storage Case

Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program I've never had a cookie press, but always wanted one. Due to my infrequent baking sprees I never got one. When I saw this one come up on the Vine review list--lets just say I did a happy dance.

The cookie press arrived very quickly--on Christmas eve in fact. We all know how busy Christmas eve can be doing last minute shopping, baking, arranging, entertaining and whatever! However, I couldn't wait to use my cookie press. It was kind of like the proverbial kid in a candy store analogy. I don't bake frequently, but found a recipe I liked online--in this case one provided by Martha Stewart's site which featured lots of vanilla (my favorite flavoring). I printed off the recipe, got the ingredients out and went to town with my very very new cookie press.

I had read the one-star review about the cookies being uneven and yes the first one was, but the directions had mentioned the first one or two might be. The author also had trouble with the dough coming out of the cylinder. So before I used mine I did an Internet search on how to use one and looked for tips and hints that would avoid the one-star reviewer's experience. After using the cookie press, I noticed the cookies got less 'pretty' and the dough was less malleable as it got warmer. I put the dough in the refrigerator for ten minutes or so and that seemed to solve the problems.

The OXO Good Grips Cookie Press contains the cookie press, 12 stainless steel disks, a holder for the disks (I really liked this feature--no searching in a junk drawer for your disks), and an easy-to-use instruction booklet. The booklet also contains a couple of recipes. I ended up using the Martha Stewart online recipe which is very much like the Butter Cookie recipe.

Anyhow, I really had fun using the OXO cookie press and making all sorts of shapes with the 12 disks. Like I said earlier--I was like the kid in the candy store. I'd make a tree or a sunflower or bear and call everyone over to "LOOK AT THIS!" Soon the house began to empty out as everyone left tired of my constant exclaiming! However, they came back in plenty of time to sample the cookies. The kids loved the teddy bears and butterfly shapes.

Soooo happy I am now a proud owner of a cookie press!

5 Piece 12" Preseasoned Flat Bottom Wok Set Review

Customer Ratings:
List Price: $36.99
Sale Price: $30.51
Today's Bonus: 18% Off

I just purchased this wok as I stir-fry frequently and wanted to try to stay away from chemical non-stick coatings. The product was shipped and received quickly. Here are the pros and cons as it currently stands.

Pros: It is a beautiful wok. It's the perfect size and heft. The lid is also a great bonus.

Cons: The wok comes with a protective coating from the manufacturer. The instructions that come with the wok on how to clean it for first time use are very poor. Per the manual: "To remove the wok coating before cooking: 1)Add 1 tablespoon cooking oil to the wok. 2) Heat wok medium to high heat. 3) wipe off with paper tower. Repeat if necessary. 4) Wash the wok with warm soapy water, rinse off." The rest of the instructions assume you've already removed the coating. On the first read it seems straight forward. But then I questioned whether I should wipe it off while the wok is still hot or after it's cooled off? And how would I know if the coating was completely removed and whether to "repeat as necessary"? I called the company (Taylor & Ng) and their voice mail was full. No one has responded to my e-mail.

So I tried to remove the coating while the wok was still hot. After many go-arounds with paper towels, the surface still felt sticky. I tried to swirl the pan to get the oil to the sides while heating it, but was nervous about starting a grease fire so I tried swirling the pan with the oil without heat, then heated it until the oil was loose, turned off the heat and swirled it some more before trying to remove with a paper towel. Even after doing this about 4 times, the sides still felt sticky. It got to the point where my kids were asking what the smell was and what was I frying?

So I'm not happy with not knowing if I've removing the coating adequately. The whole point in my buying a pre-seasoned wok was so I could avoid this oiling/heating business that is involved with seasoning a wok in the first place! Also I wanted to avoid using chemical non-sticks and thought that a natural non-stick would be the answer. At this point I wouldn't be comfortable cooking on this wok for fear that I didn't completely remove this coating placed by the manufacturer! In addition, there should have been mention in the instructions of having adequate ventilation as the fumes coming off the wok are very noxious!

If I successfully remove this coating and actually start cooking with it I'll amend my review, but so far I'm not pleased with this purchase.

Addendum: Ok the company did send me an email with this reply: "The clear food-grade coating becomes more pliable and "sticky" when the wok is heated with the cooking oil. This is what you will remove with the paper towel. The wok should not be overly hot or smoking, just medium heat. Use regular cooking oil, not olive oil. Once it is no longer sticky, the coating is removed." The coating *is* extremely sticky and I'm still having trouble removing it. It would help if the company had this additional information in their packet so as to avoid any ambiguities!

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

the item was well worth the price came new and clean so clean that when i went to use it it had blue flames because did not clean it before use . overall 7 out of 10 becauce of the slow shipping

Best Deals for 5 Piece 12" Preseasoned Flat Bottom Wok Set

The quality of the wok itself is just fine, being preseasoned well. However, the wooden handle is loose once assembled, and turns easily in your hand when you try to manipulate the wok. This is not only irritating, but dangerous, as it could result in spilling hot oil onto the burner, or onto yourself. So, there is no flipping the food inside the wok with this model; merely fast stirring with the spatula.

Review of Guzzini Latina 11-Inch D Salad Spinner

Customer Ratings:

Made in Italy. After reading several of the reviews for a number of different salad spinners, I opted for Guzzini Latina 11-Inch. The product was sold through Silver & Crystal Gallery which provided great service. They did inidicate that it would take a number of days before the product was shipped, but for the great price they offered and very reasonable shipping cost, it was well worth the wait. In the 90's my best friend bought a salad spinner and told me repeatedly, it was one of the best buys she ever made as it worked great. I had never owned one, but now live with someone who eats salads every day. We like a big salad with all kinds of vegies in it and this 11 inch spinner is perfect. I can make a very large salad that stays fresh for a number of days. Even my significant other noticed the difference in the freshness of the salad. The spinner itself is very sturdy. The way the lid fits to the scalloped edges of the basket, works really well. The bowl is lovely on the table. Thanks to the people who reviewed this product and to the person who let it me the country of origin was Italy. They influenced my purchase of this product and I would definitely recommend it to others.

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

Having never owned a salad spinner before I was really skeptical and didn't know what to expect. Especially after getting input from my daughter who said they were all a waste of money. Undaunted, I jumped in with both feet and bought this one. All I can say is WOW! This thing works like magic. Leafy vegetables come out bone dry and still crisp after use. If you're looking for a really good salad spinner, this is the one.

Best Deals for Guzzini Latina 11-Inch D Salad Spinner

The 11" Guzzini salad spinner is large enough to spin a generous portion of salad for 4 healthy eaters at one time easily.

Sturdy construction of all the parts and clever gearing and engagement from crank to spin basket spins the salad practically dry in a matter of seconds. Well worth the cost.

Honest reviews on Guzzini Latina 11-Inch D Salad Spinner

This salad spinner is a quality item. I can get this spinner going faster than my old one, which was the kind you pump up and down. I like my lettuce well dried and this one does a better job. The large, clear bowl is nice for making large salads.

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Guzzini Latina 11-Inch D Salad Spinner

This is a good quality Guzzini product. The 11 inch size is nice for larger salad preps. The colors are good and its dishwasher safe.