5 comments about Reco International Romertopf Clay Baker.

1. Just put water in it.
   drop 2 thighs 2 legs.
   Some garlic cloves (Unpeeled)
   a half a lemon.
   drop in for 2 hours at 375F
   and enjoy
   I do it every week and the compliments keep coming.
   
   Love the product (Saves me cooking bags or tin foil).



2. If you are thinking about getting a clay pot cooker, GET ONE OF THESE!! GET SOME OTHER ONES, TOO, OF DIFFERENT SIZES!! They are great to cook with. Quicker and easier than with a crock pot slow-cooker. And my goodness, is the food tender and juicy and good and deeeee-licious!



3. Clay pots are great for chicken but this one would not hold a chicken. This is the size of a bread pan and I'm going to use it for that because they say bread baked in a clay pot is wonderful. I already have a clay pot for chicken but I wanted a smaller one but this one is really too small to cook a chicken in, unless your were just doing pieces of chicken. The actual bottom is only 4 1/2 inches wide by 8 inches long. It does have flared sides though, and that's why the measurements are listed as being bigger.
   I will update this when I bake bread in it, because I think it will do bread well.



4. The only possible cookware to use for making a daube. Also makes any roast (beef or poultry) unbelievably tender.



5. This baker arrived on time and in great condition. I expect it will do what clay bakers do and am therefore giving it a 5-star rating although I haven't yet used it. I bought it because I wanted an easy way to bake chicken at home so that buying the precooked store ones wasn't necessary. I've known people who cook with clay bakers and rave about the juciness of the meat. I'm sure I'll like whatever is cooked in this; however, I will share with those of you who haven't researched rotisserie's yet, that it does look like the rotisserie would drain off more fat and be a healthier way of cooking--provided one doesn't eat the skin, of course. I also note that many clay baker recipes for chicken require wine, like sherry, and that leads me to think the meat alone may not be as tasty as from a rotisserie.

5 comments about Le Creuset Stoneware Petite Blueberry Casserole.

1. I got one of these for my daughter, who's taking French in High School.
   
   As another reviewer noted, the cheap price ones are ugly. Not really blue at all. Nothing like the official product pix.
   
   Also for me, it is not made in France, but in Thailand. If I wanted cheap asian pottery, I can go to any dollar store. I'd be willing to pay 3.99 for this; nothing more.
   
   Le Creuset lost a customer for life. Glad I didn't try a $200 pot. Wonder where in China those are made?



2. this was an added extra, so I did not really care about it. However, my wife has been using it to bake many delectable dishes for my son. Nice surprise!



3. I've been wanting a Petite Blueberry Casserole, but $25 seemed too much for a purchase that's basically frivolous. Then one day I noticed the price was marked down to $19.89 for an unknown reason. The temptation was too great, and I bought one. When it arrived, it was actually larger than I expected after reading some of the reviews. (I've posted two photos of the casserole next to a soda can so you can get a better idea of the actual size.) But what I really noticed was the odd color band around the center of the casserole. The official photos indicate the center is supposed to be a lighter shade than the blueberry color on the top and bottom, but this was so light that the color could best be described as lilac. I hadn't seen a blueberry casserole in person before this, so I didn't know if it's supposed to be that color. But it doesn't look attractive at all. There was also a blemish that looked like a fingerprint pressed into the surface of the lid. I have returned the casserole for a refund. Interestingly, it wasn't eligible for a replacement -- only a refund. Now, I can't say for certain that there's a relationship between the reduced price and the reduced quality, but now I know that if something that's never been on sale is suddenly on sale, this buyer will beware.



4. The piece is beautiful, great for deserts or other individual servings of dishes. Wonderful if you have vegetarian or vegan friends and you want to make variations of the main dish for them.
   
   This arrived with a chip on one of the leaves. It was a holiday present and I did not inspect it before wrapping. When we discovered that it was damaged, we tried to exchange it. After numerous un-answered voice mail and email messages, we were informed that it was past the 14 day period that they allowed for exchanges.
   
   Lovely piece, but try to find it from someone other than The Kitchen Clique.



5. This is the most adorable little casserole. It's about the size of a large softball. Very blue. It bakes and cleans up well. I've used it to make single servings of many dishes but I love to roast garlic in it. A good price for this line of cookware. I would recommend it for anyone who likes to cook. I'm sure you'll come up with some very creative uses for it too. And it looks great sitting on the counter top!

5 comments about Pyrex Bakeware 2-Quart and 3-Quart Oblong Baking Dishes, Set of 2.

1. I know Pyrex has a lot of fans and I actually like them myself. Pyrex does have limitations and requires some work-arounds to be truly effective.
   
   First...even and proper browning of pastry crusts requires that the lower crust be precooked. It also requires that the pastry (pies, cobblers, etc.) be moved frequently during baking for even browning. This is simply a fact for this bakeware. I use both gas and electric ovens (both very modern) and must employ adaptive baking techniques when using Pyrex.
   
   Second...Pyrex retains heat at a higher temp, longer than metallic bakeware. Pyrex right out of the oven will stay near baking temp, even on a cooling rack for sometimes 10 minutes. I tried this with an empty dish and tested with a laser thermo gun. Temp out of the oven was 325 degrees and stayed up near 300 degrees for 11 minutes. You have to account and adjust for this. I first noticed this when serving a baked pasta dish. The dish continued to cook and actually bubble long after it was removed from the oven. My supple pasta was badly over-cooked later on. Also notice the obvious and very visible contraction of the bakeware at the edges when cooling.
   
   third....and most important, food sticks to Pyrex like glue to kiddie fingers. The longer food stays in the Pyrex the worse it is. I have tried every viable means to prevent sticking to no avail. I don't use non-stick sprays ( dangerous, flammable and affects flavors) but I have used butter and fat and nothing works. Only food that contain lots of fat fail to stick.
   
   I hate to sound like I'm offering warnings but I am giving what I think is sound advice. While nothing can replace a good set of metallic bakeware, I have to say that there are few things more impressive in the world of visual culinary delights than a properly prepared Cherry pie served in a Pyrex dish. You just gotta adjust cooking and prep methods and practice sound baking techniques.



2. My wife bought a 9 X 13 Pyrex glass pan several weeks ago to cook lasagna for our dinner party. Took it out of the oven and it exploded like a grenade! Glass shards flew across the kitchen into the dining room. Could easily have blinded her! Google "pyrex complaints" and you'll see there are hundreds of similar instances. We contacted the manufacturer and got offered a new free pan. Thanks anyway, we don't want to dodge glass shrapnel bombs.....



3. i love these glass pyrex trays. makes cooking simple and presentable. can be stored pretty much everywhere!



4. I've owned these for over a year now. I kind of dread to bake with them since they are hard to clean afterward. Otherwise they are strong and sturdy and functional.



5. I loved both Pyrex pans, the 2 quart size is a pefect size, and the 3 quart size is also a good size to bake desserts for family. Order arrived in good time, was well packaged, no breaks or scratches. Enjoy.

2 comments about Pyrex Bakeware 5-Piece Baking Dish Set, Clear.

1. I put this item on my wedding registry because I only had one casserole dish. I am not a pro, but this set make me feel like one! I have made lasagnas, deserts and many pies. Cooks very evenly. I use the 2-cup measure practically everyday. I am thinking I should have gotten a set with lids, maybe I will upgrade later but for now plastic wrap or aluminum foil works as well. Cleanup is a breeze too.



2. LOVE THIS ITEM. FOR THE LOW PRICE YOU GET ALL OF THESE ITEMS THAT ARE EXPENSIVE WHEN BUYING SEPARATELY. FOOD DOES NOT STICK AND IT'S HEAVY DUTY. IDEAL FOR THE HOUSEHOLD CHEF. I RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT.

5 comments about Le Creuset Stoneware Petite Pear Casserole.

1. Make sure to note that it is a 12oz container, so it is not meant for baking larger casseroles etc. It is very convenient to hold sugar, flour etc. Also note that this particular product is actually manufactured in Thailand.



2. Make no mistake, this is Le Creuset, it's a bit pricey, and perhaps not the most practical, but my god, is it adorable. I originally picked up the 'yellow pepper' casserole on a clearance table at my local mall. Since then, I have been smitten, and had an overwhelming need to collect these. Unfortunately, the price is a bit prohibitive, so I have been limited to 3. Here's what you need to know: They're tiny -- they hold one serving of veggie/fruit/soup/casserole. I would compare them to a personal souffle ramekin. I have not baked with them, but am quite tempted. They're stoneware, and they do endure the occasional bump and accidental clash with other stoneware pieces I have. The yellow pepper has a sturdier 'handle', which is its little stem. This pear casserole, as well as the blueberry casserole, has a tinier and more slippery handle, so be careful! However, they're adorable, the colors are beautiful and deep, so if you love serving individual dishes (I would do soups or personal desserts) and love entertaining, these are great pieces to have. Again, not the most practical, but it would make a great gift for the collector.



3. Cute item, very small, wish it had a recipe with it. Otherwise, very nice.



4. FIRST OFF, JUST WANT TO SAY THAT I GOT THIS PEAR FREE WITH PURCHASE OF ANOTHER LE CREUSET PRODUCT. IT IS SO CUTE AND I USE IT FOR DECORATION IN MY KITCHEN. I THINK I WILL USE IT FOR DIPS IF I HAVE A SMALL GATHERING, IT IS SMALL, SMALLER THAN U THINK. THOUGHT IT WAS MORE OF A MATTE FINISH, BUT IT IS ON THE SHINY SIDE. OTHERWISE, I AM PLEASED WITH IT, WHAT THE HECK, I GOT IT FOR FREE!! VERY CUTE, MIGHT GET MORE OF THESE??



5. I love my petitie casseroles. They make an ideal gift too. My kids give me one for my birhday, one for Mother's Day and one for Christmas etc. So they have personal significance as well as being useful entertaining items. They are great for serving vegetable sides dishes, twice baked potatoes and individual desserts! They make your table look unique for every occasion. I have also used them at parties for serving dips and cheese spreads. If you are creative you can use them so often the expense will seem minimal!!

5 comments about Sassafras La Cloche Brick Oven.

1. purchased this to have as a backup for one I use regularly. Breads come out large, rounded and tasty - just like the bakerys.



2. I bought La Cloche Brick oven based on other reviews. First shipment from Amazon came via regular UPS and it was shattered into pieces. Amazon replaced it with another one via overnight and it came in OK. I followed the instructions for baking bread and the bread came out perfect everytime. If you are looking for crusty bread I highly recommend this Brick oven.



3. I purchased a la cloche and Italian Covered Baker a few months ago. I have read about being careful regarding sudden extreme heat changes, but then I read that you can place the dough into the baker for the second rise... which of course would then go into an oven. Whether that means a hot oven or cold, I don't know.
   
   Here's what I do, and the results I have had are about 80%, there seems to be a slight learning curve (for me). I am more interested in baking my own bread for my family, and knowing what is going into it. I am not interested in professional perfection. Flavor, health, texture are what I am after.
   
   I have had great luck with my cloche, and I heat the oven to 450 with the entire unit within while my dough is on a second rise in a bowl. I tip it gently into the hot cloche, cover and bake for 15-20mins. After that, I turn the oven down to 375, remove the cover and bake for another 35-45 mins. My crust is thin and crisp, and the bread bakes beautifully.
   
   But, I prefer the bread a day later after it's cooled and the crust isn't so crusty... that's just my preference.
   
   Ten+ loaves so far and now that I am getting down my baking times I've had great results. I also use an Italian sourdough starter, which produces a light bread that I love.
   
   I only give four stars because even though it bakes beautiful bread, storing the unit can be a challenge. That said, I prefer using this over my other pans that I have in the past.



4. received mine in the mail as a birthday gift. packed very well. bakes beautiful bread using the "5 minute" recipe that I have also used with great success in Lodge cast iron and on a pizza stone. Liked it so well that I ordered the loaf shape La Cloche. I store them in their boxes on a shelf in my basement with my bread machine and stand mixer since they are too large to keep in my small kitchen. Buy a good long blade, 10-12",bread knife (under $10 at a pro kitchen supply store) and you are good to go.



5. I received my La Cloche well packaged and therefore did not have the trouble others had with breakage. The first loaf I baked was using the included recipe from Chuck Williams and it was a disaster, a rock or door-stop perhaps. So I tried a recipe from The Bakers Catalogue website and turned out a bakery perfect loaf of crusty bread that went beyond my wildest imagination since I am a novice baker. My neighbour said she had not tasted such good bread since living in Europe, and she is brutally honest in her critique of my cooking! All in all I love it, will be using it frequently, and I plan on getting the baguette shaped baker next.

5 comments about Anolon Suregrip Bakeware 2-Piece Meat Loaf Pan Set.

1. I've only used this product once so far, and I was actually a little surprised by the amount of fat that ended up in the bottom of the outer pan. Even though I was using 80 or 85 percent lean hamburg, there was not even enough fat to cover the bottom of the pan. So, I'm not sure how well this actually works for reducing the fat in the meatloaf. I will say, however, that the pans are very nice quality and cleaned easily. I am sure I will use them a lot, not only for meatloaf but other things.



2. 
   So THIS is how people who make that nice,easy-slicing good-in-sandwiches meatloaf do it. Drains all the grease out and leaves in the flavor of good lean hamburger (no matter what grade you use). Stick with beef, though...not the loaf pan you want for ground turkey or chicken,which has almost no fat content to begin with. The recipe it comes with is really good no matter what kind of meat you use.



3. I had one of those cheaper meatloaf pans from one of the catalogs. It worked until it rusted! So I knew the concept worked and that the meatloaf was wonderful, that I could feel good about serving it to my family and know that the fat was reduced. Well I tossed the rusty pan went online and started my search, I found this pan and it was at a department store, or so I thought! When I went there they didn't sell this pan in store but I was able to see the quality of the brand. So I went home and ordered it that day. Well the day it got here I made a meatloaf. What a difference! This pan drained more of the fat, the meatload didn't stick to the pan at all. If you are looking for a meatloaf pan, this is a good and solid pan!



4. I bought the meatloaf pan to replace a pan which had cracked and flaking Teflon. I was amazed at the weight and quality of this plan. I use the pan for meatloafs and breads. It's really a joy to use.



5. Wow, this really made meat loaf much healthier since the fat drains down and away. The non-stick feature really works! I had dropped some of the glaze on the perimeter of the pan and it baked on and turned black. It cleaned away with ease; in fact, washing the pan was a breeze. The pan set itself is somewhat heavy and feels very durable. I wish I had bought this sooner as my husband loves meat loaf but I haven't made it often due to the fat sitting in the pan. That problem has now been eliminated! I would not hesitate in purchasing this pan. This has been a pleasant experience. I am sure I will be using this pan for years to come. Happy Cooking!

4 comments about CorningWare French White Glass Cover for 1-1/2-Quart Oval Baker.

1. The title on this states "Baker with Cover", it is actually for the cover only! This is not evident and this should be removed from sale, or re-titled and re-described. It is misleading. Now I have a cover for nothig! Boo on you....



2. We have used our French White Oval Dish (CorningWare French White 1-1/2-Quart Oval Dish), with this cover, as a casserole dish, about twice per month for about five years, and we have been very happy with both products. Our main usage of the combination is to make microwaved chicken (recipe below), and this cover not only helps keep the inside of the microwave clean, but keeps the lemon juice from evaporating away, leaving the chicken dried out.
   
   However, when we went to use them recently, it looked like we had not cleaned the glass cover adequately, as something opaque appeared to be stuck to it. Step One: try to scrape "it" off with a fingernail Result of Step One: flakes of glass came off the cover! This was soon followed by a nearby sliver breaking off the edge of the cover.
   
   While this was a disappointing event, we have been happy enough with the products that we are planning to replace the cover. We will be keeping in mind that the cover might not be as invincible as it pretends to be (in our minds) or as durable as we would like it to be.
   
   This recipe came in the how-to book that accompanied our first microwave oven. We still have this meal, about twice per month, two new microwaves (20+ years later).
   
   1. Take four to six chicken drumsticks (or comparable amount of chicken thighs or breasts), skin them, remove all noticeable fat, add salt, pepper, paprika (for taste and color), and parsley flakes, and lay it in a microwavable casserole dish. Chili powder, or other spices, could certainly be added, or substituted for the salt, pepper, and/or paprika, according to your likes and dislikes.
   
   2. Pour lemon juice (like ReaLemon) into casserole, until chicken is just submerged.
   
   3. Cover and microwave (Medium, or 80% on our current 1100-Watt microwave), for 25 minutes.
   
   We usually have it with mashed or boiled potatoes, and cooked carrots, green beans, or waxed beans. The juice from the casserole dish, can be used as a sauce or gravy for the potatoes and/or vegetables, or discarded (it will contain some of the residual fat from the chicken). It's fast, it's not complicated, it doesn't heat up the house (good in Summer), it's low in fat, and it's quite tasty. The recipe can be used for turkey breast also.



3. Just wanted to warn folks that Amazon's dimensions info is incorrect. Do not go by their 10" x 9" description, as this top is considerably smaller. I'm thinking these are the dimensions for the 2-1/2 quart version. Other than that, the top is perfectly fine and it's nice that replacements are available.



4. I love the cover, it fits an open casserole that I already had and has been used several times since I bought it.

5 comments about Pyrex Storage 2-Cup Round Dish, Clear with Blue Lid.

1. I've had mine a long time and they're holding up great.
   We use them for everything.
   
   Serving dishes -- just pop the lids on and store leftoevers.
   Lunches to go -- haven't broke one yet.
   Mass production -- make a bazillion salads and serve them as needed.
   
   My intent was to find a superior alternative to plastic. These are it.
   I really like being able to see the contents in the frig.



2. After learning how bad plastic containers can be to your health, i got rid of all my plastics and bought these heavy duty glass containers. I freeze all my soups and meaty pasta sauces in these. Some thin glass containers could break/crack easily if you try to freeze and warm it up in microwave but these are tough and sturdy! love it, though kinda pricy



3. Be warned that this and similar dishes cannot be used in toaster ovens. I bought some specifically for that purpose, assuming that a small bowl that was safe for use in conventional ovens and microwaves would be ideal for toaster ovens. Only after I received them was I able to read the instructions and discover that this is unsafe (apparently because the heat source is too close -- they also cannot be used under broilers, on the stovetop, etc.).



4. Dumped all the plastic containers and went with glass. Easy to clean, store and use. Nice to be able to buy a product made by USA workers.



5. I've purchased over 20 of these in the past 4-5 years. They are indispensable because of their flexibility in being able to be used in the fridge, microwave and even to make pot pies in the oven. The 2-cup size is perfect for portion control. The lid doesn't warp or stain when used in the microwave so you can stop wasting wax paper. They are hard to destroy and I've dropped them many times into the sink from 1-2 feet or 4 feet all the way to the kitchen floor that has ceramic tile and they've survived. Plus they are cheap enough to replace or buy extras when your friends or family poach them from you.

2 comments about CorningWare French White 2-1/2-Quart Oval Glass Cover.

1. I broke my original lid for the casserole almost 2 years ago. I'm thrilled to be able to find a replacement lid. It fits perfectly.



2. I ordered dish w/lid. Received lid only on the day after the item was supposed to arrive, with wrong invoice. I was credited the cost after mailing item back.