There are a few cooking techniques and tools that are used in Thai cooking that a lot of people will not be accustomed to. Cooking with a clay pot is one of them. If you try it, you'll find that there are several advantages to it. It is possible to save cash on electricity, plus it is really easy. The pot itself is a multi-tasker to, so it saves on dishwashing time. The clay pot is first used to cook, then it looks fantastic so it might be utilized to serve the meal, and it can also store the leftovers in the fridge.

Buying your very own clay pot is the place you need to start at, unless you don't already have one. Do not go to any of the big kitchen retailers at the mall since the cost you'll pay is too high. The best place to get them is a Thai/Asian/Chinese store or market.

The first time you make use of the clay pot, you should begin with a really low heat for the very first five minutes. From then on, it is possible to gradually raise the temperature to a medium-low level for another 15 minutes. At that point, it's safe to turn up the heat higher if your recipe calls for it. This method isn't needed if the pot has been seasoned by using it several times.

Add the elements from the recipe to the pot if you are ready to get started cooking. Since the majority of dishes need to simmer and bubble, you have to make sure to leave a couple of inches open at the top.

You will normally begin with a medium-high setting until the fluid begins to bubble. At that point, it is possible to turn it down to the temperature that will keep the dish at a simmering level. You need to cover the clay pot with all the lid.

Generally fish and veggies only need to simmer for about 10 minutes after it boils. Meat dishes typically take 30 - 60 minutes to prepare, but the exact time is determined by the type of meat and it's thickness.

One downside to cooking with the clay pot is the handles get quite hot while cooking. It is crucial to utilize potholders the moment the pot begins cooking because you won't be able to touch it from then on.

If you are warming up leftovers that have been in the fridge, be sure to warm the pot slowly and gradually. You can crack the pot if you pull it out of the cold fridge and start it off at medium or high heating levels.

Here is another great idea to serve at a Super Bowl party, or any time. Bread bowls are around in many nice restaurants and bakeries these days. If you like to make bread, they are also very simple to make. If you are making your own bread bowls, divide the dough for each single loaf of bread into 4 sections and form into neat balls, well tucked and smooth. Allow them to rise as normal, then bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until they are nice and golden and just a little more done than usual. This keeps the texture nice and tight, making them easier to work with, and the better to hold whatever you use to fill them. This size is great for single servings, and the bowls easily stand up to refills.

Depending on what they are to be used for, you might also divide a one loaf portion of the bread dough into only 2 parts and make larger round rolls. Bake these for nearly the time allotted for a loaf of the same bread, as they will have a center mass nearly the same as a finished loaf.
To use the bread bowls, once baked, allow them to cool. Cut across the top, taking off about a half inch thick slice. Using a serrated knife or just hands, remove bread from inside, leaving at least a half inch thick shell all around. Now the bowl is ready to be filled.

Chili con Carne

Chili is an easy thing to serve at a party, as it can be kept in a crock pot and nicely warm. In a recent article I gave a great chili recipe using beer for the liquid. This chili is fantastic served in bread bowls. Also have handy bowls of chopped onion, sour cream, or shredded cheese to top off the chili. The bowls are sturdy enough to have refills, as long as the whole bowl was not consumed.

Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes are another great thing to fill a bread bowl. Sloppy Joes are also great to keep in a crock pot, which allows the food to stay warm without burning. Have handy bowls of pickles, mustard, shredded cheese and anything else that people like on them.

A Nice, Hearty Stew

If making a stew to be served in a bread bowl, I would suggest any meat used be cut into very small pieces, as well as any other vegetable. Keeping the pieces small will ensure the easy filling of the bread bowl. Very large chunks will take up too much room in the bowl and likely limit the variety in the serving. If there are potatoes in large chunks, meat in large chunks and carrot in large slices, one might end up with two chunks of something in the bread bowl. Keep an eye on size.

Spinach Dip

For larger half loaf sized bread bowls, hollow them out the same as for the smaller ones, but something like a dip can be placed in the bread bowl. Spinach dips are delicious, and often served with pieces of bread from a hollowed out loaf for dipping. Making your own bread, you will know how good the bread tastes, and have people eating the bowl right down to the plate.

Process Cheese and Chili Dip

Mix together a jar of process cheese and a can of chili no beans, approximately 15 or 16 ounces each in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for approximately 5 minutes, stirring about every minute or so until completely melted and combined. Times are approximate, as all microwaves are different. Once melted, this easy dip can also be served in a half loaf sized bread bowl, with the inside bits of bread set alongside for dipping.

These are just a few things to serve in bread bowls, but keep imagination flowing and see what all you might find to serve in delicious bread bowls.
Thank you for taking the time to read my article. I hope it was informative and helped you along your own culinary journey. You will find many more recipes and helpful tips on my web site. I am on Facebook at A Harmony of Flavors and share a recipe or tip each day to the fans that have liked my site. I hope to see you there soon.

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. This is often true for today's faucets and fixtures as well. That said, there are many different price points for the variety of faucet brands you'll find in today's market. Some of the price differences are based upon the popularity of the brand. (After all, TV advertising doesn't come cheap.) Other price differences are based upon the features. A more highly engineered faucet with advanced features will obviously be more expensive. Finally, the price can be dictated by the quality. The more fine-tuned the craftsmanship in a faucet, the more expense was required to create the finished product.

With so many faucets out on the market, you will likely find brands that cover every range of feature, brand reputation and quality. Your goal is then to get the right mix for you. As most faucets are repeatedly turned on and off for years, you'll probably be interested in finding a faucet that is not only attractive in your home but is also durable enough to manage the daily wear and tear of your household. Knowing the rudimentary construction of a faucet will certainly help in aiding your buying decision. Visit your local showroom or faucet dealer and don't be afraid to ask questions. Ask about the valve. With a high-quality valve, water temperature doesn't fluctuate abruptly when adjusting from hot to cold. Also, a scaldguard or temperature-limit feature is something you might conside for single-control faucets. These faucets let you remove the handle to adjust the maximum water temperature of the faucet. This is really handy if you have young children as it will protect them from hot water burns.

New regulations in faucet manufacturing are now resulting in higher-quality faucets than ever before. All new faucets, for example, are now mandated to deliver no more than 2.5 gallons per minute, which aids in water conservation. Some even provide additional flow rate restrictors.

The following six considerations can provide you with a checklist list of 'must-haves' before you walk out of the store with your next kitchen faucet.

1. Smooth Handle Operation.
Test the faucet handles to see how smoothly they feel when turned on and off. There should be no hitches, scratching or grinding noises. Check the handles on a variety of faucets to get a basis of comparison. If the handle on the faucet you're interested in seems to bind or feel stiff in certain positions, they could be a problem. Move on to a different model or brand.

2. No Plastic parts.
Sometimes the cheapest product you buy is actually the most expensive. That's because you have to buy it twice! Don't make the mistake of buying faucets containing plastic parts. Plastic is great for Legos toys but has no place in commercial plumbing fixtures like your home's kitchen faucets. Look for faucets made from bras metal construction that feel heavy and solid.

3. Ceramic/Metal Cartridge.

A ceramic cartridge, ball or disk valve faucet is your best choice for high-quality, long-lasting construction. If this is not within your budget, stainless stell and brass are also good choices as they will last for many years. To find the kind of valve the faucet has, simply look at the faucet box. If the box doesn't indicate the composition of the cartridge, it could well indicate that it is constructed of inferior quality materials. Be wary if the composition of the cartridge is not indicated on the faucet box.

4. Ease-of-Cleaning.
Many of today's contemporary styles are smooth, sleek and have very high-quality finishes that are easier to clean.

5. Aim for Consistency.
You will probably want to keep a consistent look in your kitchen by selecting a kitchen fauceet that has the same type of finish as the other hardware in your kitchen. Premium kitchen faucets often have a brushed nickel finish. Chrome and stainless steel are also popular choices. Again, its all up to personal preference.

6. Warranty. Be sure to check the faucet warranty carefully. The best ones typically offer liftime protection against drips and leaks, and provide years of trouble-free service.

A kitchen faucet is a major component to your kitchen and can bring you and your family years of satisfaction. Over the past several years, such premium faucet brands like Grohe, Kohler, Delta, Pegasus and Danze have been producing faucets and fixtures that not only provide function, but are also considered by many to be works of art. Whichever brand you're considering, do your homework on the features, reputation and quality you need and you'll be sure to come out a winner.