Dear truffler: Frying pan in the oven, heat diffuser
I've seen recipes that require a frying pan that can go in the oven. Are there any you'd recommend?
I've seen recipes that require a frying pan that can go in the oven. Are there any you'd recommend? Jayne Watts, Letchworth
Just because a frying pan has a metal handle doesn't mean it can stand a hot oven. Divertimenti (020-7935 0689, www.divertimenti.co.uk) stocks Bourgeat pans. They're heavy stainless steel, but the handles stay cool; the 24cm frying pan is £41, 28cm is £53. John Lewis has its own 28cm version for £43 (branches 020-7629 7711). Selfridges (020-7629 1234) has chasseur pans from £16.
I'm not the cracked pot problem solver I thought I was. Thanks to those who've pointed out that Andy Kool needs to do more than buy a heat diffuser to prevent his Spanish earthenware dishes from cracking on the hob. Over to Fr Bruce Bridgewood: "The cassola needs to be 'cured' before use. Soak it overnight, dry thoroughly, rub the unglazed portion of the outside with a peeled clove of raw garlic. Fill the vessel with water (include half a cup of vinegar) and bring slowly to the boil over a gas flame. (Don't use a cassola on electric stoves.) Cook until liquid is almost gone, pour out what remains and dry vessel, which is now ready for use. Never put hot liquids into a cold cassola (or vice versa) and turn the flame up gradually when used on the hob. See Coleman Andrews' Catalan Cuisine (published by Grub Street).
Correction: The Countryside Agency, not the Countryside Alliance, has organised today's East Midlands Food Festival at Bolsover Castle in Derbyshire.
E-mail your queries to truffler@independent.co.uk or write to Dear Truffler, The Independent, 191 Marsh Wall, London E14 9RS.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies