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Submitted by: Susan Barnes

For numerous reasons, many of us come to a point where we need or want to purchase new cookware for our kitchen. This seems like a simple task, but when you see the number of choices that are available today, it quickly becomes clear that making a choice may be much easier said than done. There are numerous things to consider when choosing new cookware. Let’s look at four of the most important consideration.

The first thing to consider is the type of cooktop or range that you will be using. All cookware types can be used on standard gas or electric ranges. However, ranges or cooktops with a glass top need cookware with a smooth bottom to avoid scratches in the glass. Cast iron cookware is not recommended for glass top ranges. Induction cooktops require cookware made from material that is magnetic. It should be noted that due to variations in metal content not all stainless steel is magnetic. If you need cookware for an induction cooktop, confirm with the manufacturer or on the package that the product is induction ready. Another way to confirm if cookware will function on an induction cooktop is to see if a magnet will firmly attach to the bottom of the pan.

The type of material used to make the cookware is also an important consideration. Stainless steel, cast iron, copper, glass and aluminum cookware are all readily available. Stainless steel cookware is a durable, easy care option and is often dishwasher safe. It provides even heating and does not react with foods. Cast iron is excellent at maintaining heat, meaning once the pan is hot, it stays hot. Most new cast iron cookware comes pre-seasoned and does not require that the cook go through the seasoning process before the first use. Copper is the best heat conductor. However, unlined copper cookware may react with some acidic foods such as tomato sauce, causing a bitter taste. Stainless steel pans may have copper bottoms, adding the excellent conductivity of copper to the non-reactive properties of stainless steel. Glass cookware is attractive and allows you to see what’s cooking, even with the lid in place. It also moves easily from stove top to oven or microwave or to the freezer. Oxidized aluminum cookware is light weight, conducts heat well and doesn’t rust. Raw aluminum pots and pans reacts with ingredients such as tomatoes, greens and citrus, discoloring the foods. Most aluminum cookware in the market today had been manufactured with an aluminum oxide coating that greatly diminishes these issues.

Another consideration is the weight of the pans. It’s important to think not just of the weight of the pan alone but also much it will weight when it’s full of food. Cast iron cookware and glass are the heaviest while aluminum is the lightest. Stainless steel and copper are heavier than aluminum but much lighter than cast iron. If possible, it’s a great idea to handle potential new cookware prior to making a purchase to test the weight and feel of the pans.

Last, but certainly not least, it’s important to consider the care required to maintain your new cookware. Stainless steel is relatively easy to clean, in many cases it is dishwasher safe. Glass and oxidized aluminum are also easy care, check manufactures instructions for details as some may be dishwasher safe. Cast iron cookware requires more attention. It needs to be cleaned and dried completely to avoid rust. It’s recommended that cast iron cookware be stored with the lid off to allow any remaining moisture to evaporate. Copper requires regular polishing to maintain its beautiful shine and even heat conductivity.

Although, the above are some important considerations when purchasing new cookware, these are not the only things to think about. Additional considerations such as cost, appearance, and personal preference will also play a part in the final decision.

About the Author: Susan Barnes has always loved to cook and has developed a keen interest in quality cookware and kitchen tools. She is currently helping manage

InductionCookwareSetsPlus.com

, a website promoting induction cookware.

Source:

isnare.com

Permanent Link:

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Submitted by: Andrew Hallinan

Many people have misconceptions about Florida and Florida retirement living. This article will address 10 myths about living in Florida and why the Villages, Fl of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills defies those myths:

Myth #1: Florida is overcrowded.

Actually West Central Florida, the location of the Villages, Fl of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills is located in Citrus County, Florida. Citrus County has done a great job of controlled growth. It has a population density of only 202 persons per square mile.

Myth #2: Florida is for Tourists.

The areas surrounding the Villages are certainly attracters for tourists. The abundant nature, beautiful wildlife, and access to many waterways make it so. Tourists, however, are mostly attracted to the large amusement parks in the central part of the state. The amount of tourism coming to West Central Florida is enough to keep businesses thriving and property taxes low, but not enough to disturb our tranquil lifestyle.

Myth #3: Floridas wildlife , such as snakes and alligators, make it a dangerous place to live.

These fears are greatly exaggerated. General precautions, such a keeping grass mowed and never feeding alligators or crocodiles are common sense approaches to avoiding encounters with these creatures. Only 4 alligator attacks are reported each year in Florida. In addition, of the 50 species of snakes living in Florida, only 6 are venomous.

Myth #4 Florida is always hot and humid.

Florida is actually quite seasonal, with far less extremes than other areas. Average highs during the winter months are in the 60s; average lows in the 40s. The summer months have average highs of 90 and lows in the 70s. During the hottest months, Florida has a rain pattern that provides almost daily showers that cool the evenings and keep plants and lawns green.

Myth #5: Florida is in constant danger of hurricanes.

The North Atlantic hurricane season overall in 2009 ranked as the slowest since the El Nino year of 1997.

Myth #6: Florida is completely flat and non-scenic.

Florida has a very varied landscape. Although areas near the coastline and beaches are mostly level, there are areas of elevation. In fact, three of the top 25 most elevated cities in Florida are right near the Villages, Fl of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills: Brooksville, Spring Hill, and Istachatta. Ocala, a city famous for its horse farms and rolling hills, is also a great example of Floridas landscape.

Myth #7: Florida lifestyles are centered around the beach only.

The West Central Florida are offers access to beautiful beaches without the hassle of greater traffic, higher crime rates, and violent weather conditions found when living directly on the beach. The villages of Citrus Hills and Terra Vista are adjacent to beautiful golf courses, nature trails, and fresh water springs that allow for a varied lifestyle.

Myth #8: Floridas property taxes are too high.

South Florida is known for its high property taxes, but the West Central Florida area has property taxes well below the national average. Florida offers a homestead exemption for the owners property of residence, and recent legislation has been passed to keep property taxes low. Of course, now is the time to lock in the lower property tax rates available in the depressed housing market, Floridians with homestead exemptions can not have throe property taxes raised by more than 3% in any one year.

Myth #9: All Floridians are senior citizens.

Florida is a great place to retire and attracts many seniors due to its temperate climate and attractive pricing. Its also true, however, that Floridas business-friendly laws offer families and younger people a great place to live and work. This means that West Central Florida provides a mix of residents. Those who with to live in a retirement only community can certainly find many to choose from, while those who desire a greater mix of ages will easily fulfill their desires.

Myth #10: Floridas traffic is terrible.

The Villages, Florida of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills are conveniently located next to many low traffic highways such as the Suncoast Toll Road, connecting Brooksville and Tampa Bay, the Florida Turnpike, which connects to areas throughout the state, and I-75 for Interstate travel. Of these roads, I-75 is the most busy, but except for busy holiday traffic, the road is certainly easy to travel. West Central Florida has managed growth extremely well forth last couple of decades, and our road system handles local traffic efficiently and safely.

About the Author: For more information on retirement and Terra Vista of Citrus Hills, please visit our website, at

The Villages FL

or call 800-511-0814. Andrew Hallinan is the owner of

Tampa Search Engine Optimization

company, and is Tampa Bay’s leading Search Marketing Specialist.

Source:

isnare.com

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