The Culinary Corner
A little inspiration. Better cooking.
Recipes to try, techniques to master, and simple ways to care for your cookware.
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Guides for better cooking
Scanpan Alternatives (2026): 6 Pans Without PTFE, Compared
Scanpan's main nonstick lines (Classic, Professional, CTX, CS+, HaptIQ and others) use Stratanium coatings, which Scanpan says "contain some PTFE." If you want nonstick made without PTFE,...
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de Buyer Alternatives (2026): 7 Carbon Steel Pans Compared
The best de Buyer alternatives are Alva Black Angus (pre-seasoned carbon steel, oven-safe to 500°F), Alva's hammered Artist pan, Made In Blue ...
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Best Pan for Cooking Fish (2026): Ceramic, Stainless or Carbon Steel?
The best pan for fish is the one that releases the skin cleanly and gives you room to flip without breaking the fillet. For most home cooks th...
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Best Lightweight Cookware (2026): Easy-to-Lift Pans and Pots, by the Pound
The lightest cookware Alva makes is the Energy ceramic nonstick frying pan: 1.4 lb at 8 inches, 1.8 lb at 9.5 and 2.3 lb at 11. If you want a ...
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Recipes to cook next
Broth Fondue Recipe (Fondue Chinoise with Beef, Chicken & Shrimp)
A light, savory broth fondue (fondue chinoise): thin-sliced beef, chicken and shrimp cooked at the table in a garlic-ginger broth, with three ...
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Kefta Tagine (Moroccan Meatball Tagine with Eggs)
Spiced Moroccan meatballs simmered in a cumin-paprika tomato sauce, with eggs poached right on top. One pot, about an hour.
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Classic French Crepes Recipe (Thin, Tender, No Tearing)
Thin, tender, lacy-edged French crepes from seven pantry ingredients — blender batter, a 30-minute rest, and a low-sided pan make them tear-free.
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Make good cookware last
Thoughtful cookware, designed in Belgium since 1949.