Getting to Know Your Stoneware As a proud owner of one of more pieces in the Pampered Chef® Stoneware Collection, you can make the most of your investment by following our use and care guidelines when preparing meals for your family. Whether you are a new stoneware cook or an experienced stoneware baker, reviewing the answers to our most frequently asked stoneware questions will enhance your baking success. Q: How is stoneware made? A: Pampered Chef® Stoneware is made from natural stoneware clay. When fired at over 2000ºF temperatures, this clay produces a buff-colored stoneware that is unaffected by moisture and completely safe for use with food. After firing, each piece is hand finished, producing a one-of-a-kind creation. This is why no two pieces of stoneware look or feel exactly alike. Q: What are the benefits of baking with stoneware? A: The benefits are numerous. Because it heats evenly and then retains that heat, stoneware produces exceptionally crisp crusts and moist interiors, promotes even baking and browning, and roasts foods to perfection. Preparing to Use Your Stoneware Q: What do I need to do to my stoneware before I use it for the first time? A: First of all, do not soak stoneware in water before using. Rinse the stoneware in warm water, then towel dry and season. Q: How should stoneware be seasoned? A: Season stoneware by baking a high-fat food such as refrigerated dough for dinner rolls, biscuits or cookies, on its surface. Afterwards, greasing is usually unnecessary. If food does stick slightly, for the next few uses lightly spray the surface with cooking oil using the kitchen spritzer. Wipe off excess oil using paper towels so that the stoneware does not become sticky. Seasoning occurs when fats and oils from foods gradually adhere to the stoneware surface. This does not pose a threat to food safety. As your stoneware becomes increasingly seasoned, it forms a non-stick coating. The color of your stoneware will also gradually change from its natural color to a deep brown. In fact, the darker its surface becomes, the better its baking qualities, much like a well-seasoned cast iron skillet. Baking with Stoneware Q: How durable is stoneware? A: Stoneware is durable but not indestructible. The most important fact to remember about your stoneware is that it doesn’t like extreme and sudden temperature changes or what is called thermal shock. When thermal shock occurs, stoneware may develop small hairline cracks or break. Q: How do I choose the right piece of stoneware for my cooking? A: Always use a stoneware piece that closely matches the size of the food item being prepared. To prevent your stoneware piece from breaking during baking, it’s best to cover about two-thirds of the surface area with food. Q: Should I preheat my oven before baking with stoneware? A: Yes. However do not preheat empty stoneware in the oven because this may cause the stoneware to crack or break. Q: How to I adapt my old recipes, made in standard bake ware, so that they will work with my new stoneware? A: Use the same baking times and temperatures with stoneware as you would with other bake ware. The only exception is if the food requires a baking time less than 10 minutes. You may need to bake these items an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Q: Can stoneware be used to cook frozen foods? A: Thick, dense foods such as chicken parts, fish fillets or pork chops, should be thawed completely before cooking. Putting a frozen pizza or frozen precooked foods such as chicken nuggets, French fries and fish sticks on stoneware is fine. Just be sure to evenly distribute small pieces over the surface. Q: Can I freeze a casserole in a stoneware baker then transfer it directly from the freezer to the oven to bake? A: No. Do not transfer any stoneware piece directly from the freezer to the oven. Foods can be frozen in stoneware pieces but must be placed in the refrigerator to thaw completely before being baked. Q: Can stoneware be used in the microwave? A: Stoneware can safely be used in the microwave oven. However, foods will not become crisp or brown. Q: Can stoneware be used when broiling foods? A: No. Stoneware cannot be used under the broiler or directly over a heat source, such as a range-top burner. Q: How do I use my stoneware in my convection oven? A: When using stoneware in a convection oven, remember to reduce the oven temperature and baking time as specified by the oven manufacturer. If foods are browning too quickly, lightly cover the surface of the food with aluminum foil for part of the baking time. Caring for Your Stoneware Q: Can stoneware break? A: Yes, but with a little tender care you can prevent your stoneware from cracking or breaking. Never immerse hot stoneware in water or pour water or other liquids into or onto it. Avoid dropping stoneware or knocking it against a hard surface. Don’t stack stoneware pieces or place other heavy utensils, such as bowls or cookware, on top of them. If you must store your stoneware on a rack in the oven, be sure to remove all of the pieces before turning on the oven. Q: Will I harm the surface of my stoneware if I cut foods on it? A: No. Foods may be cut directly on the stoneware for serving. Q: Can I use soap? A: It is not necessary to use soap or detergent to clean stoneware. The soap can attach itself to the fats and oils in the seasoning and remain on the surface, giving a soapy flavor to the next foods that are baked on it. Stoneware should not be washed in a dishwasher Q: Without soap, how can my stoneware really be clean and safe from harmful bacteria? A: If you follow the simple cleaning instructions above, the stoneware does not pose a threat to food safety. Because the surface of the stoneware is nonporous, no food particles or juices can be imbedded in the stoneware. Stoneware is safe to use as long as all food particles are removed from the surface and it is dried thoroughly before storing. By practicing these guidelines, your stoneware will last for many years. As you experience the superb baking results of stoneware, you will recognize the quality, value and high-performance that the Pampered Chef® Stoneware Collection represents. A Use & Care card comes with each piece of stoneware. Be sure to read it carefully before using the product.
Posted on: Tue, 24 Sep 2013 01:47:40 +0000
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