Cooking with Copper-

has been popular for a very long time. My Mother had a bowl and a couple of gelatin pans when I was young. I don’t recall the gelatin pans ever being used though, she had them hanging on the wall in the kitchen. But, it was a long time ago, back in the days of yore, giggle (I hope you got that reference). I have seen a bit of resurgence in copper cookware and serve ware over the past few months.Over the holidays I remember seeing a few of your posts for Hot Cider and Moscow Mules served in beautiful hammered copper mugs. Cooper really is visually appealing. Many of the lovely french kitchen decor photos on pinterest have copper pots hanging on a rack or on the wall.

Cookware made of copper is heavy enough to sit securely on your burners without being too heavy to lift with one hand. This particular benefit is extremely important for me, as I am dealing with a bit of muscle weakness. I have been doing some weight training with the hopes of strengthening my muscles (a post for another day.) I have found that cooking with copper requires a bit of a moderate temperature. If it’s too hot it may cause discoloration, this is a personal choice.

I have been contemplating adding this copper colander to our stainless and copper pots and pans, a great photo prop too. I found it at World Market , HERE

If you are thinking of purchasing copper cooking and/or serving products I thought you might find the following information useful.

3 FAQ’s -Cooking with Cookware.
Can copper pans go in the dishwasher?
Dishwashers can cause the copper to dull, always hand wash your copper mugs, pots, saucepans and molds etc.

Is food cooked in copper safe to eat?
Quality copper pots and pans are usually lined with stainless steel (or tin). I Do NOT recommend cooking, eating or drinking from any copper product unless it is lined properly. Lined cooper eliminates health concerns (toxicity). According to the Food and Drug Administration, acidic foods cause copper on unlined cookware to dissolve into foods. Acidic foods, like tomatoes, citrus, etc. Another good reason to only use stainless steel lined copper cookware! Although it isn’t a “rule” I personally believe copper cookware should only be used on the stove top.

What are the benefits of using copper cookware?
When using copper cookware if you change the temperature on your stove top, the temperature of the copper pot changes very quickly too. This benefit will allow for even heating and perfectly braised and browned foods. I believe this is what has professional chefs using copper cookware regularly.

Are you cooking with copper? Please share your tips in the comment section.

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