- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- recipes today articles
- recipes today q&a
- message boards
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
 |
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Terra Cotta
Cookware for Every Day and Every Way
By Suzy Feine
One-pot dishes require very little attention and effort. Unlike metal pots, clay does not become extremely hot, virtually eliminating the need to stir the contents or worry about scorching despite the high cooking temperature. When the pot is dry and all water has evaporated, the food is cooked.
Health benefits abound in a kitchen with a clay pot. For the health-conscious, cooking in clay ranks highly for its ability to cook foods that retain nutrients. Joanna White, author of Cooking in Clay (Bristol Pub Enterprises, 2003), attributes this quality to the clay itself. "Clay is a porous material, which, when saturated with water and put into an oven, will allow a slow evaporation of steam from the pores," she says. "This creates a moist, enclosed environment that results in increased flavor, very tender meats and healthier foods. Clay pots require less fat and use less liquid, which means less nutrient loss."
Tagine, Tian, Cazuela, Donabe or Terra Cotta – regardless of the name, clay pot cooking signifies health, versatility and an unequaled taste sensation.
Photos courtesy of Romertopf.
|
