Written by the Tidings Staff | 05 April 2009

Many people put a lot of time and effort into buying the right pots and pans, but little consideration into choosing bakeware. Having assorted sizes and types of quality baking pans and sheets ensures perfect results with little hassle. Here’s a list of some essential bakeware to get you started.

Cookie Sheets

Cookie sheets are fabulous kitchen tools because they’re useful in a multitude of ways. Not to be confused with jellyroll pans, cookie sheets don’t have high sides. They should be completely flat to allow heat to circulate evenly around each cookie. The best ones have an air pocket sandwiched in between two layers of steel. Every kitchen should have at least two of varying size. Not just for baking, a cookie sheet placed in the oven while you’re baking cheesy pizza or a juicy pie will provide great drip protection.

8-inch Round Cake Pans

Equip your kitchen with two 8-inch round cake pans. Perfect for creating layer cakes, they can be used to bake bread pudding, fruit crisps or pot pies. Choose non-stick pans if you’d like a healthier alternative.

Written by the Tidings Staff | 29 March 2009

Back in the day, an everyday tumbler was a normal receptacle for wine. Just as common were those classic wine glasses shaped like shallow bowls. Somewhere along the way, someone must have realized that wine tastes best when it’s sipped from the right glass. Try it for yourself. You'll probably notice that aromas and flavours change according to the way the glass is constructed. Now, a new kind of problem has emerged. Visit any store that stocks wine glasses and you will find yourself faced with long aisles of stemware from which to choose. Tapered, stemless, large or small bowl … is it all really necessary?

Excess is a very real danger here. It is, in fact, possible to buy a wine glass for almost every type of wine, and for every type of grape, for that matter. Who has enough space to store that much glassware? I would worry about shattering glass every time the floor shook! On the other hand, it is necessary to own a few different types of wine glasses that vary in style and quality.

If you’re confused, sit tight. I have some tips that will help you navigate the aisles of glasses you’re sure to encounter the next time you’re out shopping.