In my kitchen in October, my only new item is a skillet. It was on special sale during Amazon Prime Days, and I was also using up a $10 credit that was only good during the 2-day promotion.
New stuff is small consolation for the current status of the world and the dread with which we wait for next Tuesday and its possible long aftermath. Will we re-elect an incompetent, corrupt, and self-serving President and Senate? Will we perpetuate an administration whose policies have caused large numbers of people to become sick and impoverished? Will more and more members of our society become jobless, homeless, bereaved, isolated, without hope? Will another 4 years enable these demagogues to deprive several million Americans of health care insurance? To destroy the environment? To intensify inequality and racism? To encourage and abet domestic terrorists more than it already has done?
Let me keep my mind away from the immediate future and the long-term future. Let me cook. Here is my new toy, with some pictures of how I am using it. Maybe it's becoming my favorite pan.
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| New 10" non-stick skillet, replacing one that got sticky. |
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First in the skillet: I made black beans to go in a tortilla casserole.
The casserole -- beans, tortillas, cheese, & salsa -- baked in the oven. |
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Leftover tortilla casserole becomes skillet beans & eggs for lunch.
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Toasting quinoa for pilaf in the new skillet. (Recipe here.)
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Steaming the quinoa while making sweet potato and red lentil curry
in one of my other skillets. |
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Curry, quinoa, and yogurt with cucumber.
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Heating the new skillet for some sourdough pancakes.
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A good surface for a nice big pancake!
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Salmon croquettes: another job for the skillet. (Recipe here.)
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| The croquettes with yogurt sauce and baked potatoes. |
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Omelet with vegetables and cheese.
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Frying delicata squash for pasta casserole.
In the other pan is a Béchamel sauce. |
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Browning onions for pumpkin-tomato soup.
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Toasting oats for a breakfast bowl.
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Breakfast bowl: yogurt, dried apples, oats, maple syrup.
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Finally: even bread can use the new skillet. For a Japanese Milk Bread,
the first step is cooking a starter mixture of flour, milk, and water.
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| Len's loaves, ready to bake. |
A few skillet fry-ups that didn't get into the photos were brown flour for brown gravy (I don't think I could make brown flour except in a working no-stick skillet) and croutons for a panzanella salad of my own devising. I’m having lots of fun with this new kitchen item. And I'm sharing this post with Sherry's once-a-month kitchen event, "In My Kitchen" where bloggers share new items and ideas from their kitchens.
This post and all photos © 2020 mae sander. To see what Sherry has in her kitchen along with links to many other bloggers' posts go to:
A few skillet fry-ups that didn't get into the photos were brown flour for brown gravy (I don't think I could make brown flour except in a working no-stick skillet) and croutons for a panzanella salad of my own devising. I’m having lots of fun with this new kitchen item. And I'm sharing this post with Sherry's once-a-month kitchen event, "In My Kitchen" where bloggers share new items and ideas from their kitchens. 
That skillet sure looks handy. I love that it does a good job on pancakes, because I hate doing the whole griddle thing. I may have to go to Amazon and check it out!
ReplyDeleteI love your new skillet and as I was thinking of getting a new one as well, I will check Amazon. We don't go out unless necessary (just food shopping) with the Covid cases rising in Florida, thanks to our governor opening everything up. Definitely will check Amazon.
ReplyDeleteThat's a very practical skillet and everything looks so tasty!
ReplyDeleteYou have certainly put your new skillet through its paces. It appears it will accomplish anything you throw at it. It's definitely a winner if it was on sale AND can take your mind off the current state of affairs in our country. I'm not sure if I'm looking forward to or not looking forward to November 4.
ReplyDeleteI have bought more kitchen stuff this year than ever. I am spending a lot of time cooking.
ReplyDeleteWe, north of you, are also watching anxiously for the outcome of your election as it impacts the world in many ways.
I am amazed how innovative you are with meals since abstaining from meat during Covid. Your new skillet seems to be doing a great job for you..
ReplyDeleteYou hit it right on the head when you wrote this: "New stuff is small consolation for the current status of the world and the dread with which we wait for next Tuesday and its possible long aftermath."
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more! The new pan looks great. So does the stuff IN it!
It looks like plenty of good food is being made in your new kitchen tool! ;-)
ReplyDeleteWe take our comforts where we find them. Cool skillet! The bread looks especially tempting.
ReplyDeleteI am really nervous about Tuesday's result. I think if certain people get reelected, our country is really going to fall even further down the list of being a great place to live--live in all aspects. I like the skillet and I guess food might be a good way to calm those election nerves.
ReplyDeleteMay all your meals be happy ones and hopefully this skillet lasts. We are also hoping that Tuesday brings news of change.
ReplyDeletehi Mae and thanks for joining in. Wow looks like you're getting good use of your new skillet. very useful. does it go in the oven? I keep trying to buy one that has a lid AND goes in the oven. hope your halloween was fun, and take care. Yes i think the whole world is dreading your election. we had our State election yesterday and Labor got back in. Yippee!!
ReplyDeleteSadly Tuesday won´t effect only you but all of us, too. It has to stop. But we had scary news on this here yesterday night...
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed for all of us!
You left me very hungry!!!
That's a nice tortilla casserole! I wish you all the best for next week's election. The whole world is watching anxiously.
ReplyDeleteMae, I rarely use a nonstick pan (just for scrambled eggs, omelettes, crepes, pancakes, French toast), but this looks like a nice one. I think it's fun to find as many uses as possible for a new piece of kitchen equipment as you've done. #InMyKitchen
ReplyDeleteWhat a good test run you gave your skillet. You've put a few ideas into my head too! Stay Safe, Chrisx
ReplyDeleteLooks like your skillet has a very happy new home full of fantastic food and lots of creativity - I love the even bread got a look in! The tortilla casserole and curry and sourdough pancakes all look great! I am still getting used to a new cast iron skillet and have been wondering how much it would replace my non stick fry pan. (Not sure why I say cast iron skillet and non stick frypan!)
ReplyDeleteWow. You are putting that skillet through a workout. Those pancakes are huge. I also want to go make a parfait of yogurt, dried apples, and oatmeal for breakfast!
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed....
You are making good use of that skillet, those are some delicious looking meals. And I agree wholeheartedly with your opening comments. Stay well and safe.
ReplyDeleteHi Mae, I do hope you receive this comment as it seems wordpress makes it difficult. You certainly have cooked up a delicious array of dishes in your new skillet and it sounds lots more comforting that what is going on in the world of politics right now. Moya :)
ReplyDeleteHi, Mae! Your new skillet looks like it found the perfect kitchen. Loved all your heartwarming dishes and appreciated your link to the quinoa tutorial, too. I have some in my pantry but have never made it. Thanks for the inspiration! I enjoyed your post very much, xo.
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