BAKEWARE BUYING TIPS

To round out our wedding registry tips, I thought I'd cover my favorite category, cookware & bakeware. To begin, look at both of your current pots/pans and see if there are any worth keeping, or any sets you have already started. Also look to see what kind of pans you have, are there any you love and want more of? Or maybe you splurged on a fancy brand only to learn you hated the way they heated. Also think about your cooking style. If you're more health conscious, you may want to consider non-stick so that you can use less oil. If you're an aspiring chef, go for hard anodized stainless or copper for superior heat conductivity. To learn what you should look for when selecting pots, pans and bakeware, as well as a pretty full list of things you might want to register for,

1. Be sure to select materials and styles that reflect your cooking style.
2. Consider registering for a few different types of pans. Stainless steel requires the least maintenance and can go in the dishwasher, and sometimes you really don't feel like washing the pans by hand.
3. Copper pans are the best heat conductors, yet cool quickly allowing for maximum heat control. They are also oven safe, however you will have to hand wash them and occasionally polish them too.
4. Stainless Steel pans have a clean look, and are easy to take care of. They're also oven and dishwasher safe (bonus!).
5. Enameled Cast Iron pans heat slowly, but distribute heat effectively. The ones with porcelain- enamel insides are stick-resistant and the ones with the porcelain-enamel outsides are quite durable and cute. Plus, the enameled ones are dishwasher and oven safe.
6. If you don't like baking, then there's probably no need for specialty pans such as springform or popover. You may decide to register for more dinnerware or appliances instead.
7. Consider registering for pan sets as well as individual pieces. This way you'll break apart the range of prices your guests can choose from.
8. Cookware should feel good and sturdy in your hands. Also note the weight. If you find the pot too heavy to carry while empty, imagine it full of food.
9. Be sure to include at least 2 round cake pans and a square or rectangular cake pan. Also most muffin/cupcake recipes yield 24, so you may consider adding two to your registry.