It’s a new year, which means here at Simplicity Gourmet, it’s Bridal season! YEAH! We love the excitement and energy that brides bring to the table - it’s so contagious! With the coming of the brides and grooms, comes lots of new cookware out there, so, I thought that this week, I should pull the reigns in a bit and focus on getting back to basics for our young couples.

So, first things first, wash your cookware! I know this may seem simple enough, but our cookware arrives at your home with a shiny, new mirror finish and this finish is achieved with manufacturing oils being buffed into the surface. So, when you wash your new cookware, you will need to use something acidic to cut off those oils and prevent them from burning onto the surface when you start to heat things up.

We recommend soaking your new cookware in hot, soapy water with 3-4 cups of white vinegar for about 15 minutes. Then, follow up with washing the bottom and insides really, really well with a stainless steel cleanser. We have a helpful section on the DVD that arrives with your set that will walk you through this process step by step.

I know the very first thing that you and your sweetie will want to try is the chicken and veggies that were just soooo yummy at your demonstration, right? So, leave it to Katie’s Kitchen to satisfy those taste buds! Most all of our hosts use Darn Good Seasoning on the chicken and veggies they served you, so, if you want the same exact flavor, give me a call and I’ll hook you up with some Darn Good of your very own - I use it on almost everything at home - it’s the best: Katie ~ 866-897-7676

Greaseless Boneless, Skinless Chicken

• Heat the skillet on medium heat (NOTE: For gas stoves, this is about a 3 - just when the flame touches the bottom of the pan, but no more than that). When you can sprinkle a drop of water on the surface and it rolls around like quick silver, it’s ready to go (this should take about 1-2 minutes).

• Place the chicken in the pan, season (we use Darn Good), and cover, whistle open (line the flat side of the knob up with the notch in the metal on the lid - when you flip the lid over, you should see the whistle hole).

• When the whistle sounds, uncover and flip the chicken. Season that side and recover. Turn the knob to “C” for closed, making sure the “C” is lined up with the notch in the metal of the lid. Turn your burner to low and allow to cook for 12-15 minutes longer.

NOTE: For Frozen meat, do NOT preheat the pan before it whistles. Place the meat in a cold pan with 2 TBSP of water to start. Season and follow the directions above from this point.

Waterless Veggies

• Place your frozen or fresh veggies in a cold pan with 2 TBSP of water or chicken broth. Cover, whistle open (reference above), and cook on medium heat.

• When the whistle sounds, turn the knob to “C” for closed (do NOT remove the lid), and turn the burner OFF. Allow to stand covered until you are ready to serve dinner.

NOTE: Turn the veggies on when the chicken whistles, this will time everything so that it’s done at the same time.

It’s that simple - juicy, healthy chicken and flavorful, fresh veggies in 20 minutes - hassle free and no pot watching…doesn’t get much better than that! In the days that follow, my fellow Simplicity Gourmet bloggers will be sharing their “Back to Basics” tips and tricks, so, be sure to check back over the next week.

What’s the first thing you tried, are going to try, or would like to try in your new cookware? I’d LOVE to know!

Happy Cooking!

~ Miss K

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