Qs & As (not Ps & Qs)
It’s probably no surprise that we get a lot of questions from folks visiting Cashiers Kitchen Company. And we love to share what we know and offer our best advice. Here are just a few questions that we hear a lot!
Does Cashiers Kitchen Company have a bridal registry service?
Currently we do not offer a bridal registry service but if you are looking for a particular wedding gift item that is being requested, feel free to speak with one of the store buyers and we can check on getting this item for you. We carry many well known brands and would be glad to assist you.
Hopefully in the future we will be able to have this service available to offer to upcoming newlyweds.
What are some things to do in Cashiers, NC?
There are so many things to do in Cashiers! Check out our latest post on some of our favorite spots to visit!
How do you clean Lodge cast iron?
Lodge recommends a three-step process:
- Wash your cast iron cookware by hand with a small amount of soap. Use a pan scraper for stuck-on food – or simmer with a little water for a few minutes, then use the scraper after the pan has cooled.
- Dry immediately and completely with a lint-free cloth or paper towel.
- Rub a light layer of cooking oil on the surface. You can also apply Lodge Seasoning Spray (available in our store), instead of cooking oil. Use a paper towel to wipe the cookware surface until no oily residue is left.
How do I select the right knife?
The right knife (or knives) for you depends on your cooking needs, your budget and your commitment to maintenance. A great starting point for general use is a high-quality chef’s knife, paired with a paring knife (no pun intended!) and a longer serrated bread knife for slicing baked goods. Blade material can be stainless steel (durable and easy to maintain), carbon steel (holds a great edge, but needs care to prevent rust) and ceramic (lightweight, rust-resistant and sharp, but more fragile). Come on in and look at our great selection of knives. We’re happy to advise and demonstrate!
How do I keep knives sharp?
Like all well-made tools, it’s important to maintain your kitchen knives. This includes honing and occasional sharpening of non-serrated blades. How you store your knives can make a difference, too. Keeping them in a knife block, sheaths or on a mounted magnetic strip are all better options than loose in a drawer, where blades can be dulled from bumping into other utensils. Using a wooden cutting board, instead of a glass or ceramic surface, also protects your knives. And we generally recommend hand washing and drying knives, instead of running them in the dishwasher.
What’s the difference between a springform and a removable bottom pan?
A removable bottom pan and a springform pan both are great for easy removal of baked goods. Their design and construction are a little different, though. Removable bottom pans have a separate, removable bottom insert that simply drops into the pan’s rim. Springform pans have a latch that connects the sides to the bottom, allowing the sides to be expanded and the bottom to be removed. We recommend springform pans when making cheesecake and some layered desserts. Removable bottom pans are good for tarts and quiches.
How do I pick out the correct skillet – cast iron, stainless, non-stick?
The short answer is that a well-equipped kitchen would have all of these types of skillet. The longer answer is really about your cooking style and needs.
You can’t beat cast iron for high-heat cooking – like searing meat or deep frying – and for stovetop-to-oven baking.
Non-stick skillets are easy to clean (no surprise) and great for delicate foods, like eggs or crepes.
Stainless steel is not as heat resistant as cast iron, but still good for high-heat cooking. It doesn’t react with acidic foods, like tomatoes, the way cast iron cookware can.
Is Cashiers Kitchen a restaurant?
No, we’re not a restaurant, but we do help you unleash your inner chef right here in North Carolina. And when we’re offering samples of jam, jelly, pickles and salsa, you can enjoy a tasty snack while browsing our great product lines. If you ask, we’re happy to suggest some great restaurants in the area, too.
I’ve never used a smoker before. Can you help me get started?
We carry a wide line of smokers, including popular pellet smokers. Our smoker demos are a great way to learn more about techniques and how to use the models we sell. But if you’d like a run down on a particular type of smoker, just ask. We love to share what we know – and to hear back from you about your experiences.
