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The Fat Resistance Diet was developed by Dr. Leo Galland who is recognized as an expert in the field of nutritional medicine.

It is based on the concept that hormones, which include leptin and adiponectin, control the appetite and body fat levels in the body. When fat levels become too high in the body, inflammation occurs that subsequently alters the body chemistry and balance of these hormones. The idea behind the diet is to reduce inflammation which restores the body’s chemistry, reducing cravings, promoting fat burning, and helping the dieter to achieve a healthy weight.

3 stages of weight loss and control

There are three stages to the Fat Resistance Diet. In the initial stages carbohydrates such as grains and starchy vegetables are avoided, but as the dieter progresses through the three stages the amount of carbohydrates is gradually reintroduced.

Stage 1 – concentrates on reducing inflammation and restoring blood sugar levels. This is achieved by an abundance of super foods and nine to ten servings of fruit and vegetables every day along with a relatively high intake of quality protein. The high nutritional quality of the this phase will help to re-balance body chemistry and cut your cravings for carbohydrates. This stage also provides a jump-start to the fat loss process.

Stage 2 – increases your choice of foods so that the diet is suitable for long-term fat loss. After completing Stage 1, the insulin levels in the body should have decreased which allows for tolerance of more complex carbohydrates in the diet. Stage 2 allows for reintroduction of legumes as well as some whole grains such as oatmeal and brown rice.

Stage 3 – is the maintenance stage. In this stage the variety of foods increase further to include healthy grain-based meals like carrot raisin muffins, blueberry flax pancakes, and even whole grain pasta. The inflammation reducing foods are still emphasized while the caloric content of the diet is slightly higher to allow for maintenance of weight loss.

Recommended foods

The foundation of the diet is fresh fruit and vegetables in abundance, as these contain phytonutrients such as carotenoids and flavonoids which act as anti-inflammatories.

Foods which are high in carotenoids include: carrots, broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, pumpkin, papaya

Foods which are high in flavonoids include: blueberries, cherries, pomegranate, citrus fruit, dark grapes, green tea, onions, dark chocolate

Fresh herbs and spices can also be used during the diet because they have important nutritional factors which reduce inflammation and improve the taste of foods without adding calories.

The diet also emphasizes increasing the intake of foods that are high in good fats like the Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish, walnuts, flaxseeds and dark green leafy vegetables. These fats play an important role in reducing inflammation as well as improving general health.

Is this the diet for you?

The Fat Resistance Diet is a solid weight loss plan based on nutritional science. Besides losing weight, this diet has an added bonus of helping to reduce inflammation within the body and supplying high levels of antioxidants to help control hormones and keep your body healthy and happy. If you like the idea of a diet plan based on scientific study, you might want to give the Fat Resistance Diet a try.

Coffee tastes better in the right cup.

To many, coffee drinking is an art, a pleasure, an indulgence, a luxury and a necessity. Those who partake of this revered beverage understand how that one cup can put the world to rights, can relax mind, body and soul and create a feeling of goodwill to all men. Just as consuming a glass of wine should be an occasion, so should the perfect cup of coffee and the experience is not complete without the perfect coffee cup.

Just as there are different types of coffee, there are different types of cup to suit. Ordering an espresso means your coffee comes in a small cup, an Americano in a large cup, generally round. A latte or mocha is often served in a tall glass cup, as are coffee liqueurs.

The material that coffee mugs are manufactured from is varied to suit individual preferences. Glass mugs can offer elegance and an attractive edge, particularly if coffee is presented in layers of color. Porcelain cups are classic and give a delicate appeal, holding the heat well. Because they are delicate, though, they do break easily so are not a good option for those who drink coffee on the go.

Ceramic cups are common place and offer an opportunity for unique designs and a sturdy option that retains the heat well. Travel mugs made of stainless steel are excellent for those who cannot bear to get in their car without a cup of coffee, or for those busy at their desks, as the coffee keeps warm for much longer and generally has a spill proof lid.

It is often said that size is important and this applies to coffee cups too. Some prefer small and delicate, whereas others like a big mug full of coffee, to save them getting up for constant refills. Big cups are not a good choice if you are a slow drinker, though as they coffee will cool at the bottom. Shape is also a consideration – do you prefer round or square shape, or the conical shape that is narrow at the bottom and gradually becomes wider. Novelty mugs are available in all shapes and sizes and designs to suit all tastes.

Of course, versions often used with a bean to cup coffee machine or purchased to take out tend to be made from disposable materials such as cardboard or polystyrene or other throwaway cups. But whatever your favorite cup may be, it is only as good as the coffee inside it so make sure you choose a quality brand and enjoy.

Courtesy of caffesociety.co.uk

How to adopt healthy eating habits and follow a balanced diet.

Blogger Tina Haupert, author of Carrots ‘N’ Cake: Healthy Living One Carrot and Cupcake At A Time, shares her experiences and advice on how to lose the pounds and keep them off.  Instead of restrictive dieting, obsessive calorie counting, and constant hunger, Tina shows readers how they can shed pounds by adopting eating habits that are healthy, balanced, and above all, livable.

My tips to avoid overeating

I’m definitely in a different mind-set when a binge occurs.  A planned splurge is usually exactly that – planned.  I think about it ahead of time, and I am much more in control of the situation.  I can sit down and enjoy a dessert and stop myself.  It’s all mental for me this way.  Usually, I am not prepared for it, so when it happens it’s really tough for me to get in control again.  Something takes over, and I can’t seem to stop myself.  These two instances are different too because I really enjoy the indulgence and I don’t enjoy the binge as much, especially in regard to how I feel after the experience.

My tips on overeating

I eat enough during the day. I’ve noticed that if I don’t eat substantial meals that include fiber-packed carbs, low-fat protein, and healthy fats, I usually encounter crazy cravings later. Now I make sure that all of my meals and snacks include a combination of all three. 

I keep “trigger foods” out of the house (most of the time). Cookies, chocolate, and cereal are foods that give me trouble when it comes to portion size. Instead of keeping my favorite foods in the house, I purchase them only once in awhile. I love peanut butter chips, but I buy them only every other month or so because I know I will finish off the bag in less than a week. Every now and then, it’s okay, but I don’t let myself have these treats in the house on a regular basis. When it comes to cereal, I buy mostly “healthy” cereal that I tend not to overdo it with. Kashi is one thing; Frosted Mini-Wheats are another! 

I try not to mistake thirst for hunger. In the afternoon, especially right after lunch, I always feel hungry. But much of the time, my hunger pangs are satisfied with a big swig of water or a hot mug of tea. A little hydration goes a long way when it comes to dealing with emotional eating. 

I eat by the clock. If I just ate a meal or a snack, I will try to wait at least 20 minutes before I eat something else. When I wait, I put a buffer between myself and the food, which helps make the temptation go away — at least most of the time! 

I try not to be too hard on myself. A single slip up isn’t going to cause me to gain pounds. If I do overdo it, I don’t let it become an excuse to continue to eat poorly, though. I don’t get down on myself, and I make sure to get back on track the very next time I eat.

I just don’t start. Especially, when it comes to baking, I don’t let myself taste my treats until it’s time to do so. If I bake muffins for breakfast the night before, I don’t allow myself to have one until the next morning. Same goes for cookies or blondies — I wait until dessert time. Otherwise, I’ll start eating them and not stop. If I pick a specific time to enjoy a muffin or cookie, I savor it during that set period and cut myself off after that. 

The above is an excerpt from the book Carrots ‘N’ Cake: Healthy Living One Carrot and Cupcake At A Time by Tina Haupert. The above excerpt is a digitally scanned reproduction of text from print. Although this excerpt has been proofread, occasional errors may appear due to the scanning process. Please refer to the finished book for accuracy.

Copyright © 2011 Tina Haupert, author of Carrots ‘N’ Cake: Healthy Living One Carrot and Cupcake At A Time

Author bio

Tina Haupert publishes on Carrots ‘N’ Cake: Healthy Living  on a daily basis, and also writes another blog called Trading Up Downtown for a nutritional rating company called NuVal. Additionally, she writes a weekly feature for Health.com as part of their Feel Great Weight program. She lives in Boston, Massachusetts with her husband, Mal, and her pug, Murphy.

For more information please visit www.carrotsncake.com or search for her book.

There is diverse and wonderful food all around the world, and trying it all is a fun and challenging task.

Making special foods that are favorites anywhere on this big planet takes a mixture of learning the proper techniques to cook the foods and using the best tools available for the job. When it comes to cooking, stainless steel cookware is the ultimate tool.

When looking for cookware that will last a lifetime, stainless steel is your best bet. Of course, there are varying degrees of quality, and you should understand what to look for when shopping for your lifetime cooking tools.

Stainless steel cookware made of 18/10 stainless steel, with aluminum encapsulated in the bottoms of each pan are the best quality and most even heating available. These are the pots and pans used by professional chefs around the world. The aluminum in the base heats up fast and there are no hot or cool spots. This cookware does not react with your food, or alter the flavor of it. It also doesn’t discolor from cooking, and is perfect for all of your favorite cooking techniques. Rolling boils, reducing liquids, and simmering sauces are all jobs stainless steel easily handles.

Some of the best stainless steel cookware have handles that are also made of stainless, so it can go from stove top to oven, but they stay cool on the stove top. Tapered rims help prevent drips when pouring, and tight seals on the lids lock flavors in for healthy and tasty meals. These great stainless pots and pans also great straight into the dishwasher and clean up good as new.

Surprise! Cuisinart makes products other than food processors. Tow of those “other than” units are the Cuisinart EM-100 and the Cuisinart EM-200. It looks like what it is: an espresso maker, with a classic style and controls. But that plain facade can fool you. Despite the modest price, the EM-100 makes a fine cup and it’s a good selection for those looking for their first machine.

Programmable espresso maker

If you love your specialty coffees and like to make them at home, then a programmable espresso maker is a good investment. You can treat yourself to delicious and perfect lattes, cappuccinos or even a sip of espresso to keep you going.

The espresso maker usually are very easy to use, but if in doubt, there will be instructions. For instance, some Cuisinart models have an included Instructional Cuisinart Espresso Maker DVD to help you. Use your preferred espresso coffee or espresso pods and press the appropriate button (single shot or double shot). The machine automatically gets the right amount of water and you can enjoy a perfect cup of espresso. The espresso machine also comes with various tools, such as tamping tool and measuring spoon, and a stainless steel jug to make frothing milk a breeze. The machine is easy to clean due to its removable trays and covers. The included drink booklet gives you recipes/ideas how to make different coffee drinks just like a professional barista.

All in all, if you like your various speciality coffees in the comfort of your home, a programmable espresso maker offers great value for money. In no time at all, you will be able to enjoy a tasty morning latte or a refreshing after-dinner espresso.

Espresso making machine

The 15-bar of pressure some espresso making machines produce is nowhere near the highest and far below professional level. Yet, for all that, it’s more than adequate and can produce a fine shot. Many are a pump-operated machine, though, so that modest level is more effective than it may seem. The key, of course, is getting a good bean and brewing it well.

With simple models, those can take the form of grounds or pods. Many novice baristas prefer the latter since it makes clean up that much easier. But with a stainless steel exterior and quality interior components, you won’t find that difficult here in any case. The portafilter holder has a locking mechanism for easy removal of the grounds after use.

You can make plenty of shots in one go with some units unit, too. Those feature a large reservoir, making them ideal for use at large parties. Since the water tank is usually removable, refill is no problem, either. De-calcification once every month or two is easy as well. Just rinse using Dezcal or make your own calcium-removal liquid with vinegar and baking soda.

If you do use it for parties, you’ll be happy to choose a unit that brews quickly. Something where pre-heating takes a couple of minutes but each shot can be produced in 15 to 30 seconds, thanks to the quick re-warming cycle.

If there is a warming tray on the top is handy. It keeps those prior cups warm while you’re brewing the next or it can preheat your cups, always a good idea. Some will create two at a time and others have a spacious area in front on the bottom which is also highly appreciated. Many machines limit you to espresso cups because they’re so constrained. Choose one where you can use tall mugs here with no problem.

A tamping tool is included with some machines, which allows you to smooth out the grounds for an even brew. Often it doubles as a measuring scoop. Some machines also have a stainless steel steam nozzle; and then creating a cappuccino or latte is a breeze. And, thanks to the removable drip tray, you need only a few seconds to rinse when you’re done brewing.

A few brands will also offer a frothing pitcher, a rare addition with a modestly-priced model. If it’s stainless steel so you’ll have no problem cleaning it after you make a fine head for your espresso. The commercial-quality steam wand is another fine tool that can be offered here. When present, it will generate continuous steam thanks to machine’s ability to adjust the internal temperature accordingly. Frothy milk takes only seconds to produce.

Barista – professional maker of coffee drinks. Every barista will have his or her espresso making method.

Espresso making machines are the ultimately cooking aid for a thoroughly enjoyable espresso, the best way to enjoy coffee.

If you love your specialty coffees and like to make them at home, then one of the Cuisinart espresso making machines could be a good investment. You can treat yourself to delicious and perfect lattes, cappuccinos or even a sip of espresso to keep you going.

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The Nespresso D90 Essenza should be included in a espresso making reviews package because it offers a very good price to features ratio.

For a machine at such a modest price, the Nespresso D90 Essenza delivers some amazing features. Still, there are some drawbacks you need to know about before deciding.

The D90 Essenza produces an amazing 19-bar of pressure. That’s almost unheard of in a machine that sells for an entry-level price. Luckily, it makes a far better than entry-level cup. That pressure is one of the key reasons why, since it helps squeeze every drop of flavor out of your coffee.

Also surprising is the inclusion of a ThermoBlock heating system. More than just a marketing buzzword, this mechanism ensures plenty of heat. Combining with its electronic temperature regulation, the D90 distributes it well throughout the system. That provides an even brew from start to finish, another key factor in producing a superior shot.

You’ll get plenty of it, too, thanks to the 34-ounce water tank. Happily, it’s removable for easy fill and clean up. At 34-ounces you have plenty of coffee to serve all your guests at the same time. And, since the tank is removable, you can easily use specialty de-calcification products or a simple mixture of vinegar and baking soda once a month to rinse away any build-up. Keeping your tank clean helps keep your brews top notch.

There is one limitation that causes this model to be put on the “Not for everyone” list, though. The Nespresso D90 Essenza uses proprietary coffee capsules that must be purchased from Nespresso. That’s a surprising design choice and will limit acceptance of an otherwise fine machine.

If you find capsules with a brew you like, excellent. Nespresso offers a number of pre-measured single-serve capsules in a number of blends. They offer a dozen varieties in single shot and double shot sizes.

But being required to purchase them from Nespresso is limiting. Most consumers want to purchase their key ingredient anywhere and everywhere and in different forms. You can’t use ESE pods or grounds, if you prefer; you’re locked into their capsules.

It certainly is convenient; you won’t have to tamp your grounds. And, the design makes it a breeze to dispose of the coffee when you’re done brewing. A used-capsule drawer can hold up to 14 spent capsules so you don’t necessarily have to dump one in the trash can the instant you want to make another shot.

The unit offers maximum simplicity in another way: there are only two buttons. To the left of the spout there’s a red On/Off button, to the right, a green brewing button. That certainly makes the whole operation as straightforward as possible. On the downside, many espresso lovers will miss the external hot water spout, a steam wand, and other extra features supplied by so many espresso machines.

Someone looking for the ultimate in ease of use will find the Nespresso D90 Essenza attractive, especially given the high pressure and the low price. But for those who want a little more flexibility, particularly with the main ingredient, best to look elsewhere.

The Breville BES860XL is their way to take a stance on espresso and coffee making.

When you read that the Breville BES860XL is programmable, don’t panic. Happy baristas everywhere know that no computer skills are needed to operate this fine espresso maker. All you need is a love for a fine brew and a few minutes of free time to enjoy the process of creating it.

You won’t need too much time, though, thanks in part to the integrated grinder. Clean up doesn’t take much time, either, because the grinder is removable. This conical burr style unit lets you make your grounds fresh, a key factor in making a fine brew. The hopper holds up to eight ounces of beans at a time, so you’ll be able to make plenty for you and some special friends.

Using the grinding dial, you can dial in the texture you and they prefer. Set it manually or use a preset grind and relax knowing you’ll get exactly what you want each time. The grinder will stop automatically when it’s finished. And, the grinder is so well integrated it doesn’t merely ground the beans, but moves the output straight into your filter.

Those grounds won’t give you any trouble during the brewing process, either, thanks to the BES860XL’s filter options. The machine is packaged with both single-wall and dual-wall filters so you can have a lot of fun experimenting. It won’t take long before you settle on something you like best, and you can’t go wrong with this unit no matter which you choose.

You’ll be able to make an enormous amount, too, because Breville designed a huge 67-ounce water tank for this model. Luckily, it’s removable, making filling and clean up a breeze. The built-in water filtration system ensures that one of your key ingredients is always in optimal form, too.

Cleaning a 67-ounce water tank can sound like a big chore, but it doesn’t have to be. A mixture of vinegar and baking soda can keep it free of calcium build-up, or you can purchase any of dozens of specialty de-calcification products to make it even easier.

This Breville model also comes with an espresso tamper. With its magnetized locking system you can tamp your grounds while the device is still attached to the machine. Or, disconnect it and use it free hand on the counter, if you prefer.

Tamping is always a good idea. It makes your grounds uniform to keep your brew even throughout the entire liquid. To accomplish that, it’s key to have a tamper that fits your unit well. Since this one is designed especially for the BES860XL, you know it’s just right.

It’s also important to have a puck with just the right moisture content. Removing excess water helps produce the best brew. So, buyers will be glad to know the BES860XL has a dry puck feature to keep it at optimal level.

The Breville BES860XL has convenience features that make brewing that fine shot no hassle at all. One of those is the handy hideaway storage tray to hold small items that you always need ready to hand. Spoons and more fit just fine. Ease of use and a stellar espresso from an integrated machine. We like it!

Good espresso needs a clean machine of good quality.

De Longhi offers a variety of espreso maker machines and there should be something for every life style.

De Longhi BAR32

The De Longhi BAR32 is a delight blend of old and new. Its retro look is combined with some of the most advanced features you’ll find on espresso makers anywhere.

Some espresso lovers will, of course, prefer the more contemporary design of so many coffee machines. Admittedly, the combination of polished metal and black plastic, coupled with an almost Swedish design in many cases, does make for a good looking machine. But we love the ’50s look of this unusual, rounded machine. Since coffee is a matter of taste, why shouldn’t the coffee maker design be?

There’s no subjective element when it comes to function, though. The BAR32 has features that are more often found only on professional-level units costing ten times as much.

The first of those is the pump-driven mechanism this espresso maker incorporates. Steam machines often do a fine job. But to make the finest cup you have to have the highest pressure and only a pump can do that. Still, don’t be misled. Why they called it the BAR32 is anybody’s guess. It does create a very respectable 15-bar, though.

The BAR32 also features self-priming, a very handy feature that lets you create your espresso very quickly and efficiently. The simple controls add nicely to the ease-of-use theme.

The portafilter adds to that simplicity, eliminating the need for a high-end grinder. That theme is continued by the ability to use ESE pods. Pop one in to brew, dump it out for easy clean up. Or use grounds, as you prefer. This model’s feature is actually easier to use than that of many professional units.

And, speaking of easy, you’ll like the clear 35-ounce removable water tank and the removable drip tray. Both those make for easy clean up. The water tank also ensures you can make plenty of fine espresso for the guests without undue waiting.

The stainless steel boiler heats up in a flash, so even those first cups will come out super fast without any sacrifice in quality. One reason is this stainless-steel model’s ability to maintain a stable temperature throughout the process, not something every steel model can claim.

Luckily, a very serviceable swivel jet frothing wand is on board to add a nice fluffy foam to each one. Cappuccino lovers will be very grateful that it requires minimal skill to top off your cup using this feature. And, thanks to the built-in Sempre Crema Filter, you can have a fine caramel-colored crema for your latte that doesn’t require you to have the skills of a professional barista.

The dual thermostats also help up your skill level with no effort on your part. There’s one for water and one for steam, ensuring that you know exactly what’s going on with your brew at all times. The many easy-view indicator lights are equally helpful.

It’s great to find an unusual-looking espresso maker with the unusual advantage of professional features at a modest price. How the company can do that may be a mystery, but the espresso from the DeLonghi BAR32 isn’t. Its quality is obvious without reading the last chapter.

De Longhi EC155

It’s odd. The De Longhi EC155 is usually considered a mid-level espresso maker, not top of the line. We can only imagine that view must be based on the low price alone because, when considering its list of features, it’s a stellar unit.

That list starts with the EC155’s outstanding professional appearance. True, those interested in a great shot are naturally most concerned with great function. But an espresso maker is also an appliance, so why not have something good looking in the kitchen?

The EC155 has a professional feature few low-price coffee makers offer: a pump-driven mechanism. Typically, less expensive machines are driven by steam. That limits the amount of pressure they can deliver. Professional baristas know that truly high pressure is a big help for making a truly superior brew. Creating 15-bar from the pump, this model will never fall short in that area.

Unlike many professional models, the boiler is stainless steel rather than brass. But that’s to be expected in a mid-level model. To get brass would raise the price considerably. No one will have any reason to be disappointed in the results, though. The EC155 makes an outstanding brew. Temperature control is not quite as uniform with stainless steel, but when the model is well-made the difference is minor.

One reason is the EC155’s dual-function filter holder. This ingenious mechanism lets air enter during the brewing process, resulting in a superior cream.

With a 1-liter (35 oz) removable water tank, you’ll be able to create plenty of it, too. Since it is removable, clean up is easier. Many espresso maker owners get a little lax about mineral buildup. It can be a pain to de-calcify some models. With a removable tank, there’s no reason to forego the effort. Pour on a little vinegar-baking soda mixture in the sink and voila! No more calcium carbonate.

The unit also holds ESE pods (Easy Serving Espresso) to make creating your first-rate brew a low-grade effort. Popping one in makes it simple to create a cup without spooning. Dumping it out afterward makes clean up simpler.

There are other convenience features on board here, such as the swivel jet frother. Adding a nice foamy touch to your cup is a breeze. For some, it might be a little close to the counter top. Ditto the spigot. That’s less than ideal, but easily solved. Place an attractive wooden or marble block on the counter, then the EC155 on the block. Beauty and function pleasantly combined. Of course, even that’s not necessary if you use standard-sized espresso and froth cups.

Those are minor limitations for a machine that makes such a fine brew at such a modest price. There’s nothing modest about its ambition: to make an espresso that is second to none every time. We’re happy to note that’s a goal at which this coffee maker succeeds with ease. Overall, the De Longhi EC155 is a great value.

De Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica

There’s something a little odd about presuming to offer a review of an espresso maker. After all, don’t you have to actually taste the coffee? And isn’t that ultimately a matter of taste? Sure, but the De Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica shows that a blend of objective attributes and enthusiastic espresso lovers offer something worth heeding.

Note, for example, the integrated burr-style coffee grinder. Baristas amateur and professional alike know that the freshest grounds are a must for the freshest, most delicious brew. Having a grinder on board, then, is more than just a convenience. It’s a must. And, with a 7-ounce bean container you can easily fill the tank, then remove and dispose of the grounds.

The goodness continues with two stainless steel boilers, providing you with stellar heat distribution. Why is that important? Because, again as the pros know and the espresso enthusiast soon discovers, hot spots spoil the brew. A mixture of burnt and underdone coffee can’t be good, right? With 1150 watt, you’ll never have to worry about creating the high heat needed to make that really zingy French Roast, either.

It’s equally good to keep the espresso at an even temperature after the initial brew. After all, unless you make only one cup at a time, you’ll have more to enjoy after the first. Those second, third, and fourth cups should – and could – be as good as the first provided the brew doesn’t sit too long, of course. With an instant reheat feature to keep the liquid at the ideal temperature while you enjoy your cup, the ESAM3300 Magnifica makes that effort, well, effortless.

An electronic thermostat ensures accuracy in the brew while giving you accurate readings. And, an adjustable spigot is just the thing for those varying sized cups you and your guests enjoy. You can use this unit just as easily with everything from the tiniest espresso cup to a tall travel mug. The Cappucino System rotates 180 degrees to accommodate any size milk container, too.

Naturally, you have many things to keep track of during your day and forgetting to shut off the espresso maker after you’ve finished your drink isn’t always uppermost in mind. So, thankfully, De Longhi has provided this unit with a 3-hour shut off function to ensure your safety, and the well being of your machine.

That convenience extends in other directions, as well.

Everyone finds caring for their espresso maker one of their least favorite things to do. De Longhi shrunk that effort from “horrible” to “not bad” by incorporating a 60-ounce removable water reservoir for easy maintenance. Build up of calcium need never occur here because you don’t want to slog through a cleaning session. The machine even tells you when you need to de-calcify. That attention to details to make your life easy extends even to the removable drip tray.

Is the De Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica objectively a superb piece of equipment? We don’t know how to make that assertion for everyone. But the facts suggest it is, and our experience says, “Yes, oh, yes.”

Slow cooker or Dutch oven? That is a dilemma.

You can have them both, but should you choose one over the other, you had better think of the pros and cons of each one.

By design, the slow cooker and Dutch oven are similar in shape and function, both achieving similar results. But there are pros and cons to each. Let’s take a look at the battle of the deep-dish cookers and find out which one comes out on top:

Slow cooker pros and cons

One of the best features of the slow cooker is how it does its job, cooking a full meal, in so little space. Unlike the oven and cook-top, the slow cooker can be relegated to a corner and go about its business virtually unseen.

Cooking a meal or side dish with your slow cooker also frees up your oven and cook-top for other dishes. How many times have you tried to plan a big meal and have to shuffle dishes in and out of the oven and around the burners?

The ‘set it and forget it’ slow cooker method frees you up when cooking dishes that you may otherwise have to watch, stir, and keep from burning. The low cooking temperatures keep dishes simmering just right so you don’t have to worry about watching a pot boil. This low, even temperature takes the guess work out of many dishes you may have previously spent time fretting over.

Cooking a meal in a slow cooker is also more economical when it comes to energy consumption. Heating up a slow cooker, even considering the length of time, takes less energy than heating up a large oven or letting a burner stay on, radiating its heat out into the kitchen. The heating element in the slow cooker is contained and is designed to heat only the insert that holds the food. You’re not spending money to heat a large space nor are you letting the heat escape into the room.

One of the downsides to slow cooker cooking is there are just some ingredients that don’t work well in a slow cooker. For instance, dairy products. Making a cream or milk based dish becomes more complicated, involving extra steps and extreme caution so as not to curdle the milk.

If you’re not careful choosing and cutting up the food that goes into the slow cooker, you may end up with food that’s either under cooked or overcooked. For instance, many cooks are used to coarse cutting vegetables for stew, but vegetables cook slower in the slow cooker and may need to be cut finer, or cooked longer. Meat typically cooks faster than vegetables in the slow cooker, making the size of the ingredients important.

slow cooker meals are best when using fresh meats and vegetables. So, if you live in an area in which you must rely more on canned foods, the texture in a slow cooker will be disappointing. Because canned foods are already processed, they may become quite soft and mushy in the slow cooker. Picture cooking canned peas for 8 hours, even on such a low heat. Yes, you can add the canned veggies in during the last minutes of cooking time, but if the idea is to walk away and have dinner ready when you come home, it sort of defeats the purpose.

Dutch oven pros and cons

These sturdy pots were the typical tools of the trade during the good old days. Picture an open pit with cowboys circled around waiting to dig into their stew. The even heating of a heavy duty Dutch oven is almost second to none. You may remember your grandparents of parents stirring stews on the stove or basting a pot roast in the oven in one of these big pots with the heavy lid.

A wide variety of meals can be prepared in a Dutch oven. They are duel purpose; you can begin a meal by browning the meat right in the Dutch oven on the stove burner, then add the vegetables, cover it, and pop it in the oven to continue cooking. Or you can brown your beef over the burner, then add the ingredients for chili and continue cooking it right on top of the stove.

Sounds ideal, but there are a few drawbacks. That chili or beef stew on top of the stove will some watching. No matter how low your burner goes, you’ll need to stir it up to keep it from sticking or burning to the bottom of the Dutch oven. This is a pot that needs watching.

Using your Dutch oven, whether in the oven or on top of the stove takes up space. If you want to add a nice loaf of crusty homemade bread to your pot roast meal, you’ll have to do some juggling to time your bread in the oven. Adjusting the temperature becomes an issue, too.

Dutch ovens convey heat extremely well, making the temperature you use in the oven and on the stove top very important. A few degrees makes a difference. An oven that runs hot can cause your meal to burn or dry out before you know it.

Slow cooking a meal in a Dutch oven requires a heated oven or a burner on the stove top. Either way, it takes a lot of energy to heat the inside of a large oven just to cook what’s in a five quart pot. And a burner radiates heat out into the room; it does not trap it under the pot.

Removing your Dutch oven full of food from the oven or burner proves to be quite a feat for many people due to the fact that they are usually very heavy and retain the heat very well. They are hot for a long, long time which makes them the kind of thing to keep children away from. Dishing up a meal becomes a bit hazardous because the container itself remains hot for a long time after you remove it from the heating source. So, what makes a Dutch oven cook well, its weight, also makes it harder to handle.

And the winner is…

While Dutch ovens are more versatile in the dishes they can deliver, slow cookers are the overall winners of this battle for several reasons. slow cookers take the prize when it comes to freeing up cooking space for other chores. Their compact size, virtually a mini-oven, also cooks with less energy, which saves you money.

Because you can walk away from the meal, the slow cooker becomes the ultimate time-saver in the kitchen. Once preparation is done, you have the freedom to do other chores, or even leave the house. slow cookers do the cooking part of a meal for you – just set it and forget it.

You also can’t debate the safety issue of a slow cooker versus a Dutch oven. The new slow cookers have cool exteriors and built in timers to ensure they shut off when the meal is done. Plus, you aren’t constantly opening the oven to check on the meal, nor are you lifting the hot, heavy lid to stir the contents. Once the meal is in the slow cooker, you normally don’t have to worry about picking the lid up again until it’s dinnertime.

We may never give up our Dutch ovens, but I think it could take a backseat to the slow cooker in your kitchen. Keep your slow cooker handy on your counter top and see how many times you choose it now over your Dutch oven.