6 things to cook your food with & 6 things to never cook your food with

**6 Things to Cook Your Food With & 6 Things to Never Cook Your Food With**

Cooking is as much about the right tools as it is about the ingredients you use. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, knowing which utensils, pots, and pans are best suited for cooking can make all the difference in flavor, texture, and safety. On the flip side, using the wrong tools can result in poor cooking results, uneven heat distribution, or even health hazards.

In this article, we’ll explore **six things you should definitely cook with** and **six things you should never cook with**—so you can elevate your cooking game and avoid some common pitfalls.

### **6 Things to Cook Your Food With:**

#### 1. **Cast Iron Skillets**
Cast iron skillets are one of the most versatile and durable cooking tools you can own. These skillets are perfect for searing, sautéing, frying, and even baking. Their ability to retain and evenly distribute heat makes them ideal for cooking meats, vegetables, and even cornbread.

**Why use it?**
– **Even heat distribution:** Cast iron ensures consistent heat, preventing hot spots.
– **Long-lasting:** With proper care, a cast iron skillet can last a lifetime and even improve with age (the more you use it, the more seasoned it becomes).
– **High heat tolerance:** You can easily use it on the stovetop or in the oven, making it perfect for a variety of recipes.

#### 2. **Nonstick Pans**
Nonstick cookware is a must-have for those who want to cook delicate foods like eggs, pancakes, or fish without worrying about them sticking to the surface. These pans are designed with a coating that reduces friction and makes cleanup much easier.

**Why use it?**
– **Easy to clean:** The nonstick surface makes it incredibly easy to clean after cooking.
– **Lower fat cooking:** You can cook with less oil or butter, making it ideal for healthier meals.
– **Ideal for gentle cooking:** Nonstick pans are perfect for cooking at lower temperatures, making them ideal for delicate foods that can burn or stick easily.

#### 3. **Stainless Steel Pans**
Stainless steel pans are known for their durability and versatility. They are perfect for searing meats, sautéing vegetables, and making sauces. Unlike nonstick pans, stainless steel can withstand high heat, which makes them ideal for browning and caramelizing.

**Why use it?**
– **Durable and sturdy:** Stainless steel doesn’t scratch or wear down easily.
– **Can handle high heat:** This makes it perfect for searing meats or stir-frying.
– **Non-reactive:** Unlike some other materials, stainless steel won’t react with acidic ingredients like tomatoes, so it’s great for making dishes with sauces.

#### 4. **Dutch Ovens**
A Dutch oven is a heavy, thick-walled pot that excels at slow cooking, braising, and stews. These pots are perfect for making soups, stews, casseroles, and even baking bread! They’re often made of cast iron with an enamel coating for easier maintenance.

**Why use it?**
– **Slow cooking perfection:** Dutch ovens provide even heat and can be used for long cooking times without worrying about burning.
– **Versatile:** You can use it for stovetop cooking or in the oven.
– **Holds heat:** Ideal for cooking large batches of soups, stews, and roasts.

#### 5. **Wooden Spoons**
Wooden spoons have been a kitchen staple for centuries, and for good reason. They’re perfect for stirring, mixing, and tasting your dishes. The non-reactive nature of wood ensures your food doesn’t pick up any unwanted flavors, and they won’t scratch your pots and pans.

**Why use it?**
– **Gentle on cookware:** Wooden spoons won’t scratch delicate surfaces like nonstick pans.
– **Heat-resistant:** Unlike metal spoons, they don’t conduct heat, making them safer to handle.
– **Flavor preservation:** Wood doesn’t react with acidic ingredients, which helps preserve the natural flavor of your food.

#### 6. **Pressure Cookers**
Pressure cookers are excellent for cooking food quickly while retaining moisture, vitamins, and nutrients. Whether you’re making beans, stews, or even rice, a pressure cooker speeds up cooking times significantly without sacrificing flavor.

**Why use it?**
– **Time-saving:** Pressure cookers drastically reduce cooking times, making them perfect for busy schedules.
– **Locks in flavor and nutrients:** The sealed environment helps foods cook faster while preserving their taste and nutrients.
– **Versatile:** Great for soups, stews, meats, and even desserts like cheesecakes or rice puddings.

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### **6 Things to Never Cook Your Food With:**

#### 1. **Aluminum Cookware**
While aluminum cookware is lightweight and inexpensive, it can react with acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus, which can affect the flavor of your dishes. Additionally, over time, it can develop pitting, especially when used for high-heat cooking.

**Why avoid it?**
– **Reactivity:** Aluminum reacts with acidic foods, causing off-flavors.
– **Health risks:** Cooking in poorly coated aluminum pans may lead to the ingestion of small amounts of aluminum, which some studies have linked to health issues.
– **Poor heat distribution:** Aluminum doesn’t distribute heat as evenly as other materials like stainless steel or cast iron.

2. **Teflon (PTFE) Coated Cookware**
Teflon-coated cookware has long been a popular choice for nonstick cooking. However, when heated to high temperatures, Teflon can release toxic fumes that may pose a health risk. The coating can also wear off over time, causing potential contamination of your food.

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