Who's your favorite Food Network chef? Most of my friends passionately love Ina. I like her recipes (and love the Barefoot Contessa mixes that I've tried.) But for some reason, I can't get into her show. Giada has been my consistent favorite. Sure, she's a bit high-energy, and I found it somewhat upsetting to learn that Giada at Home is not even shot at her house. But I do love her recipes. Last night after the snowstorm, all I wanted was Giada's bolognese sauce (from her Everyday Italian cookbook.) It's a winner, and I've made it so many times that I almost have it memorized.
Giada just debuted a huge collection of cookware, kitchen gadgets, and pantry foods at Target. Since every TV personality seems to get their own cookware line (which are often ho-hum), I went to see the preview of this collection less than enthusiastic — and was pleasantly surprised. Giada's team really thought about designing items with new twists. The enameled cast iron pots (fashioned after the classic Le Creuset designs, which cost much more) feel solidly hefty in your hands — unlike the lightweight dutch ovens by Martha for Macy's. And I'm a little obsessed with Giada'a bakeware (especially the loaf pans!). The creamy ceramic is gorgeous in person and can work from oven-to-table. I also learned it's better to bake bread in ceramic — rather than metal — loaf pans (who knew?). Giada's scoop colander is rather genius. I personally hate the final step of dumping your heavy pot of pasta out into a colander. I've heard that pasta water makes nutrient-rich water for your plants, so I'd rather not waste it. And I like the idea of her little stainless steel warmer (that costs less than $20) for making sauces and warming chocolate or butter. If I'm going to buy a specialty pot like that, I really don't want to spend a lot of money.
If any of you own a panini pan, I'm curious if you love it? Do you feel like it's a tool worth having? Does it help make gooey grilled cheese sanwiches, too? I love the design of Giada's panini pan, but I'm not sold on whether it's something I really need in the kitchen.
