Mary, I'm very happy with my 11" cuprinox style fry pan. But like you, I've spent time reading all the cookware articles. If there is one pan in your arsenal that you want to be thick and heavy, it would be the frying pan, (at least for some cooking). I think the Demeyere Atlantis skillet would be a great choice because it is lighter,(than copper or iron) but still thick and would never warp at high heat-thanks to the stainless. Good cookware will sometimes make up for a less than perfect heat source. I have a powerful gas range with nice big star shaped burners, so I don't really need the thickest pan. But if you were to sear a steak with a weak burner, you would like a nice thick pan to hold more heat - once you preheat it. Otherwise, the meat would 'suck' the heat out of the thiner pan, before the burner could catch up and supply enough heat to get it hot again. I remember you saying you weren't sure on what you were cooking with, but wanted a good fry pan that's not too heavy. I think the Demeyere would be a good choice, I don't own it but I've seen the fry pan and it looks good.- should be easy to clean and is induction capable. I like the inside silvernox finish as well. Price is tough to swallow, but I saw one on sale that was the floor sample at a Sur La Table store...- so if you look long enough? What do I think about the All Clad copper core stuff? It is bomb proof, and I'm really impressed with it. It's not induction capable, and it's not particularly light (because of the copper). Total thickness at the edge, even with all those plies is not very thick. My guess is that the Demeyere Atlantis would do better as a fry pan, even without the copper, because the aluminum is so thick, - while remaining fairly light. Sure copper heats a little faster.. but the race isn't always won by the fastest and fry pans are one item that thickness and therefore heat capacity is just as important.

I make a sort of brown rice pilaf with brown basmati rice and orzo. I don't sauté the rice first, although you can. I use two cups of stock (or water) with 1/2 cup of brown rice, which I bring to a boil and simmer covered for 25 minutes. Then I add 1/2 cup of orzo and simmer covered for 10 minutes more and remove from heat to let rest covered for five more minutes. Then I fluff it with a fork. I also generally add olive oil and/or butter and a few herbs, depending on what else will be served. Sometimes I add mushrooms, in which case I decrease the water a bit. You can also add salt or soup base (if you are not using stock). I like to use mushroom soup base, as this gives an intense mushroom flavor. I keep white basmati rice on hand but am trying to cut back. I haven't yet replaced sushi rice with brown sushi rice, but I think that's a good idea. Lars

Bob_b: I have to disagree with some of the others. Having done them both ways for years, I have found that there is no lost flavor, by boiling them. But you can't boil them vigorously, just Simmer them, very slow, just about bubbling. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - LouÂs Broiled Spare Ribs and Finger Licking Good , Sauce I use Country Style or Sizzlers , cut a little thicker than 1/2 inch,I like a little meat with the bones. For about 3 1/2 lb. of meat. Put a pot of water to boil, on the range top, with just enough water To cover the Ribs. Add: 1/3 teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning , Garlic Powder and Onion Powder. An Italian pinch of Ground Cloves , Basil and Oregano 1/4 Teaspoon of Black Pepper 2 Bay leaves Simmer for about 90 minutes ( very low , not boiling ) Meanwhile, put in a small bowl : 1/2 cup of Bullseye or Krafts Original Barbecue Sauce 1/2 cup of Ketsup 1/2 teaspoon of Mustard 1/4 teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning 1/3 Teaspoon of Garlic Powder & Onion Powder An Italian pinch of Cloves , Basil and Oregano Black Pepper - to taste. 2 tablespoons of Brown Sugar and Maple or Pancake Syrup 2 Heaping tablespoons of Grape Jelly and Strawberry Jam Smooth out the Jelly and Jam with a fork and mix well. This may sound like overpowering sweetness but it is not and Caramelizes perfectly. - - - - - - - - - - - - I use a 9x 13 SS pan and lay some Sauce on the bottom. Then I lay in the simmered Ribs and spoon the Sauce on them. If there is some sauce left over , save it for basting when the ribs are almost done. I cook them in an electric range Broiler, set on Low, Placed on a shelf about 8 inches below the burner. They will cook in about 25 minutes. Test after 20 minutes Ummmmmmmeemm Gooooooooood !!!!!!!! Lou PS: There are many who will dissagree with this method but have never tried it. And some say they don't like the sweet sauce but have never tried that either. I've gotten great feedbacks.

I've always made it with poached eggs myself, Sharon. I was taught to make it with plantains, and never doubted for a minute it was Cuban. Especially as I was taught by a Cuban lady whose family had fled Castro in the 1960s. I've never had it with bananas, but can see them as an alternative.