The Top Three Healthy Non Toxic Cookware Sets

With all of the bad publicity that Teflon and aluminum cookware has received, many of us are searching for healthy non toxic cookware. It doesn't make any sense to purchase healthy whole foods and then cook them in toxic pots and pans.

Although stainless steel cookware has been considered a safe alternative, it does have one drawback. Stainless steel cookware is made with a combination of stainless steel, chromium and nickel. None of these are harmful in small doses, but many people are allergic to nickel. If you are allergic to nickel, you should refrain from using stainless steel cookware.

Baking Tools

Another concern that many people are not aware of is that some glazes used on crock pots have small amount of lead. The recommendation is to use terra cotta crock pots without the lead glaze.

The best cookware which is healthy and non toxic is anodized aluminum cookware. The process used in making the hard anodized aluminum seals the aluminum with an extremely hard surface coating which is non-reactive and prevents any aluminum from leaching into the food we are cooking.

The following three companies have excellent hard anodized aluminum cookware sets that are healthy and non toxic:

Calphalon is the leading manufacturer but many other companies are now producing cookware sets made with the hard anodized aluminum. Calphalon cookware cooks evenly on lower heat and is stick-resistant. They have stainless steel handles which will stay cool during stovetop cooking. The pans and lids can be used in the oven and broiler.

Cuisinart has introduced a line of non-stick cookware called Cuisinart Green Gourmet Hard Anodized Cookware. They work just like the Teflon cookware, except they don't emit any of the toxic fumes that Teflon pans do. Just like the Teflon pans, they allow you to cook with less oil and they are also energy efficient and eco-friendly. This Green Gourmet cookware set is oven and broiler safe.

KitchenAid has their own set of non-stick anodized aluminum cookware called KitchenAid Gourmet Essentials. This cookware set features stainless steel handles coated with silicone grips. The lids are break resistant glass which makes it nice to see what you are cooking. These pots and pans are oven safe up to 400 degrees.

All three of these companies cookware sets are highly recommended healthy non toxic sets. I use the Kitchen Aid Gourmet Essentials cookware in my kitchen. It is the best value out of the three.

The Top Three Healthy Non Toxic Cookware Sets

http://buysinksbath.blogspot.com/ http://buyhomeseasonaldcor.blogspot.com/

5 Healthy Valentine Snacks You Can Make For Your Sweetheart

Valentine's Day doesn't have to be just about roses and boxes of chocolate. You can surprise your sweetheart with some healthy valentine snacks this year that not only good for him or her, but also delicious. Here are five healthy snack ideas that are perfect for Valentine's Day.

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

Baking Tools

Combine ripe strawberries with dark chocolate for a healthy, yet indulgent Valentine snack. Start with large, ripe strawberries. Melt some dark chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave. Dip the strawberries halfway into the dark chocolate. Allow the excess chocolate to drip off, and then place them on some wax paper to allow the chocolate to harden.

Heart Shaped Grilled Cheese Sandwich

For these cute grilled cheese sandwiches, layer a piece of low fat cheese between two slices of wheat bread. Use a large heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut the sandwich into a heart. Spray a hot pan with a non-stick cooking spray and add the sandwich. Grill it until it is golden brown on both sides and the cheese is melted. These sandwiches are a perfect snack on their own, or serve them with a cup of tomato soup for a light lunch.

Cupid's Arrows

This snack also makes an attractive appetizer. Start by washing some grape or cherry tomatoes and cutting some low-fat mozzarella cheese into cubes. Thread them on some kabob sticks, alternating the tomatoes and the cheese. Lay the "arrows" on a platter and drizzle with a little bit of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar to finish off. Even cupid could not resist this Mediterranean inspired snack.

Valentine's Day Smoothie

This very-berry and pink smoothie makes a great midday snack or even a filling breakfast. Start by adding some low-fat strawberry to your blender. Toss in some frozen berries (we like strawberries) and a frozen banana if you'd like. Add a little orange juice and blend on high until well mixed. Pour the smoothie into tall glasses and top with a little low-calorie whipped topping, a strawberry and a Hershey's kiss.

Jello Hearts

These jello hearts are always a favorite with the kids. Prepare a package of strawberry yellow according to package directions. If you'd like, you can fold in a few finely chopped strawberries at the end. Pour the jello mixture into a baking dish and allow it to harden. Use heart shaped cookie cutters to cut hearts out of the red yellow mixture. Top each heart with half a strawberry (cut lengthwise).

5 Healthy Valentine Snacks You Can Make For Your Sweetheart

http://buykitchendining.blogspot.com/ http://buysinksbath.blogspot.com/ http://buygoodsmagicblenders.blogspot.com/