As wedding bells ring in the minds of many brides-to-be so does the sound of cash registers as they start to buy items they will need to create a home. Setting up a kitchen can be an expensive endeavor, which is why many couples register for these items.
Most brides-to-be pick out specific cookware sets or pieces for registries. One simple set of cookware will not be enough. Although sets are useful in saving money, most of them contain only the basics. Every piece of cookware does not have to match. Different materials are used for different cooking techniques. Rather than simply registering for a brand name, it is best to register for specific pieces to build a lasting and useful set of cookware and bakeware.
The Cookware Manufacturers Association recommends registering for the following items:
* Skillets: A 10-inch fry pan or sauté pan will be useful, but a larger 12- or 14-inch pan is invaluable, particularly for stir frying and braising. Most likely, you will be entertaining in the future and a 10” pan is not always big enough. Also, there is no substitute for a cast iron fry pan. They’re inexpensive and will last a lifetime. Make sure at least one of your skillets is a non-stick model for easy cleanup. Modern day non-stick coatings are very durable and many can be used with metal tools.
* Saucepans: A 1 ˝- and a 2-quart are standard sizes included in sets. They are sufficient, until you prepare a meal that requires three or four saucepans. Choose a smaller pan 1-quart pan for little jobs like sauces and gravies. If possible, opt for a larger 3- or 4-quart pan as well.
* Dutch Ovens & Stock Pots: These invaluable tools do it all: soups, large quantities of vegetables and potatoes. Most Dutch ovens come in 4- or 5-quart sizes. You’ll need at least one. Make sure you choose one that can be placed in the oven so it can be used for baked meats as well. Register for a stock pot as well. These are usually inexpensive, particularly when made of aluminum. Stock pots are used for slow simmering in a number of recipes.
* A Roaster: Sooner or later you will need a roaster for a turkey or other large meat. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Porcelain on steel (also known as Granite) roasters are inexpensive, while larger aluminum and stainless roasters are more costly.
* Bakeware: A few bakeware pieces are essential for everyday cooking, even if you don’t envision yourself turning out pastries and tarts. Select a pizza pan, a cookie sheet, a shallow pan (often known as a jelly roll pan), a square cake pan and a couple of bread pans. The bread pans are useful for baking recipes such as meat loaf and any of the other baking pans can be utilized in a variety of ways.
Remember to look for the CMA seal when shopping for kitchenware to assure you’re purchasing optimally designed and manufactured cookware.
Since 1922, the Cookware Manufacturers Association has served both the public and its members with information, statistics and standards for cookware, bakeware and kitchenware. The CMA provides numerous services for members including standard development, statistical information, research, reports and government monitoring. For consumers, the association publishes helpful information on the selection, use and maintenance of cookware and bakeware. The association also maintains a brand name index to help consumers contact manufacturers for service.
