Mauviel M'heritage Copper & Stainless Steel Cookware

My Mauviel M 250C  M'heritage Copper Sauce Pan with lid and copper measuring cups.

The holidays are all but here and if you are like me, cooking meals for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's is a labor of love.  That's why I decided to put less labor in my love by getting hold of some updated quality cookware. I have Le Creuset and Calphalon cookware sets I have used for years.  These are my main pots and sauciers used on a daily basis.  I have two Le Creuset dutch ovens that go from the stove top to the oven and then to the table as they are lovely serving pieces.

Mauviel M'stone "green" non-stick cookware & copper pan

New to my gourmet pan collection is the Mauviel M'heritage Copper & Stainless Steel and M'stone Non-Stick Cookware sets. These are artisan pots, crafted by copper smiths in Normandy, France since 1830 using time honored metalworking techniques.  Each is amazingly beautiful and created to last a lifetime. Here is a video with Madamoiselle Gilbert, CEO of Mauviel giving the company history and a brief tour of the factory.

Mauviel M'heritage Copper & Stainless Steel handled saucepan.

The pot itself is 1.2 quart capacity and has a long polished stainless steel handle that stays cool on the stove.  Likewise the lid handle is very polished and securely attached to the top.  Each pot arrived well packed and was individually inspected by someone at the Mauviel shop.  My pot is the 250c or 2.5 mm thick version and is 5.5 inches in diameter.  The copper pot is perfectly balanced to sit squarely atop my gas burner.

What Are The Advantages of Using Copper Cookware?

More Precise Cooking Time
Copper has its advantages over other types of metal primarily because it is a very effective and fast conductor of heat. This is especially useful for preparing prawns or other seafood that are easily overcooked.  As soon as you remove your copper pan from the fire, the heat disappears and the cooking stops.  Therefore if you need a very precise cooking time, try copper ware.  Thermal conductivity is even throughout the interior of the pan so you don't have to worry about the filet Mignon at the center of the pan cooking faster than those nearer the edge.

Sugar, Sugar
Most copper cookware is plated in either tin or stainless steel to keep acidic foods from reacting with the copper.  This Mauviel M'heritage copper pot is plated with stainless steel.
Un-plated copper cookware is useful particularly for cooking with sugar, as the copper interior keeps the melted sugar from crystallising.  Therefore un-plated copper pots are often used to prepare fudge and other confections where the formation of sugar crystals can be an issue.

Copper Care
Copper cookware needs to be properly polished after use not only to maintain its good looks but to insure optimal conductivity.  This is generally not a big problem.  Simply purchase a high quality copper polish and clean your pot thoroughly after each use.  Once again, these are heritage pieces, made to be passed down to future generations.  The gorgeous craftsmanship and utility will certainly insure that.  For more information on Mauviel M'heritage Copper & Stainless Steel Cookware which will also be showcased at my upcoming Brookdale College Seminars next semester, please visit Mauviel Online.
 

ITNY 2012 Annual Benefit Gala Event Honors Dwyer

Richard "Mr. Debonair" Dwyer performed this lovely number choreographed by Karen Kresge & Lisa Navarro as the 2012 Ice Theatre of New York Honoree.

 

Ice Theatre of New York's 2012 annual Benefit Gala and Performance honored America's most beloved ice show star, Richard "Mr. Debonair" Dwyer on Monday, October 22nd, 2012.  Mr. Dwyer also holds the Guinness World Record of the longest performing show skater in the world and was awarded a commemorative plaque at the end of his inspiring performance.

L to R Linda Fratianne, Dorthy Hamill, Sarah Hughes, Richard Dwyer, Debbie Gordon & Aja Zanova. Linda & Dorothy are wearing gowns created and donated by designer, Nicole Miller of  NYC.

This year's Ice Angel Award went to ITNY trustee, volunteer, and supporter, Debbie Gordon.  Debbie thanked her beloved husband for supporting her efforts and accepted her award during the benefit dinner at the Lighthouse Restaurant on Pier 61 at Chelsea Piers, NYC.

Author & Editor Dr. M and Gina Magda at the cocktail party & benefit dinner held at the Lighthouse Restaurant, Chelsea Piers.

The Ice Theatre of New York's 2012 Arts & Business Partnership Award goes to Ice Skating Institute.


The the curtain went up at exactly 7 pm on the performance at Sky Rink, Chelsea Piers featuring Richard Dwyer and his Celebrity Dwyer Girls: Tai Babilonia, Dorothy Hamill, Linda Fratianne and JoJo Starbuck. Ryan Bradley, the 2011 US Men's Champion, was their guest performer.
  
Ice Theatre of New York performed selected pieces from its repertory, including the world premiere of a piece inspired by the music from Oscar-winning movie "The Artist", choreographed by Ice Theatre's Artistic Director Douglas Webster. Other repertory on the program are a re-stagings of "Inclusions" choreographed by Alberto Del Saz and "Transitions" by Douglas Webster. Some of the featured performers in the Ice Theatre repertory included Kim Navarro & Brent Bommentre, Sinead & John Kerr, Elisa Angeli, Joel Dear, Nicole Bobek, Ryan Bradley and Tyrrell Gene.
 

Past honoree, Dorothy Hamill (far left) poses with Richard Dwyer and Guests at the cocktail party and dinner following his performance.

Table settings for the Gala Benefit Dinner

This year we are also honoring the ISI, Ice Skating Institute, for their pioneering programming of tests and competitions from tot level through adult recreational skaters.  They were the first to structure competition to provide encouragement and reward participation. The ISI emphasizes en"joy"ment in skating performance; which is why they pair fittingly with our Honoree Richard Dwyer and with Ice Theatre of New York's mission.
   

The evening's MC , the ever effervescent Michael Buckley and Dr. M enjoyed Cocktails, auction, dinner and award ceremony at The Lighthouse, Chelsea Piers immediately after the performance (about 8:15PM)

  

Planning Your Cabin Vacation: Glamping 101

Staying in a cabin has its advantages over tent camping

Summer officially ends September 22nd with the first day of autumn.  If you haven't gotten away this season, consider a fall cabin stay.  You have scenic vistas in the Poconos, upstate New York and the New England states to choose from.  Some, such as the one we stayed in, offer air conditioning and heat so you can extend your outback vacation very comfortably.

Packing for a Cabin Stay
One of the many perks of staying in a cabin is that you do not have to purchase a cot. Ours had beds with a thin mattress so I brought my own sheets, pillows, (I like the Silk & Cotton Travel Sheets from Sea to Summit) and a goose down mattress topper.  This improved my sleep experience and added a taste of home to my stay.  You could also bring your sleeping bag.  Whatever you choose, it's a major step up being off the hard, wet ground.  If it rains, you're covered.  See more photos of how our home designer decorated and furnished our home in the woods with rustic styling from GaveThat.com: Cozy Cabin.

A goose down mattress cover adds warmth and comfort to your bed.

Personal Care
Think like your packing for a regular camping trip but some retreats offer onsite bathrooms and hot showers as well as laundry facilities.  This means you can pack the same things that you would for a hotel stay: Toothbrush, shower gear, grooming aids, towels, etc. I used my vintage Samsonite Train Case as it has a large mirror and holds all of my toiletries.  I also pack a little tote bag to take to the shower room.

My train case doubles as a vanity, compete with a large mirror.

Clothing Choices
Now depending on the location and time of year, you'll need to pack for the weather.  The mountains tend to be cooler having a higher elevation as do valleys where the hills and tree line block the sun's rays for a larger portion of the day.  Daytime was quite warm, in the low 80's so we had to deal with mosquitoes as well as ticks while hiking.  I found wearing the Bugs Away Line of shirts, pants and my Breez'r Hat from ExOfficio allowed me to be totally bite free without having to use any insect repellent.

I also brought along my Storm Logic Jacket for those cool morning walks and chilly 50 degree evenings.  It rolls up into a neat little travel pillow that I placed on my bed to sleep with.  I packed and used my thin Smartwool Merino Wool Beanie which can be worn to bed at night if your cabin is not heated.  Think "night cap".

Camp Cooking & Meals

Trangia with Primus Gas Burner and Light My Fire Meal Kit in action.

Some cabins have an indoor kitchen or cooking pits nearby.  We were able to purchase firewood and start a lovely fire for marshmallow and wienie roasting at night.  In the morning, I found it easier to use my Trangia Camp Stove. Making a large "brunch" takes care of our hunger needs until about 4 pm when I start dinner.

Dinner cooking on an open fire. Beans & wienies!

Plan ahead.  Maple flavored sausages to go with pancakes and have enough flavor to allow you to skip the syrup. Cook the sausages first and you may not need to add any extra oil to cook your eggs, especially if you use a non-stick cook-set. The milk we packed is vacuum sealed and keeps without refrigeration until opened.  Snacks that keep without refrigeration include: dried fruit, applesauce cups, juice boxes, Yo-hoo, nuts, wholegrain crackers, fresh fruit and vegetables. We used a PlayMate cooler for items that had to be kept cold and purchased ice on a daily basis. We had a small fridge before and it was easier than hauling ice and draining a cooler.

Pure Water
One of the challenges every traveler faces is whether or not to drink the local water.  You'd be surprised at what passes for potability but suffice it to say, it's not going to taste like what you drink at home.  Many parks and resorts use well water, so the quality will vary from place to place.  We bypassed that by simply bringing a Purificup portable water filtration system and had all the pure water we wanted for drinking and cooking.  It really worked fantastically and made both our water-bottles and meals taste so much better.

Kicking Back
Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in all of the camp chores that you forget why you're there...to relax!  That's why I make a large breakfast but keep snacks available until dinner-time.  We hiked every day, went canoeing and kayaking and after dinner, built a large fire, played the guitar and sang songs.  Try to divide up camp chores so one person doesn't get stuck being "Cookie" the whole time.  My daughter kept up with filtering the water and helped with the meal clean up.  We also shared the cabin's cleaning and laundry.  All the same, make sure to bring some magazines, an iPod with music or an instrument for that down time you will come to relish.

Bring a instrument like a guitar for those campfire songs!

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Lunch on the Go: Bento Box Inspirations

Lunch on the Go!  The Bento style box with cool.

It's back to________ time (fill in the blank).  Packing a lunch for school, work or travel just got easier....and cooler.  The Japanese have their increasingly popular Bento Boxes which keep all of their favorite foods separate and un-smushed.  They are often lovely, painted and shaped in unique designs to resemble people and animals.  Children and adults love them!

Japanese Kotobuki 2 Tier Bento Box

Bento Boxes are often used on trains and in public stations where travelers can pick up a quick meal that is similar to what they would enjoy at home: rice, fish, pickled vegetables, rolled egg, etc. Some have a special place for chopsticks but the main idea is to keep the different foods you've packed separate on an easy to eat tray. Some come with their own handle, tote and thermos but I've put together my own Bento Box inspired set.

Like the traditional Japanese Bento Box, the Lunch on the Go has two tiers.

The closest American version of the Bento Box is the Lunch on the Go Set and the optional Telescoping Foon. What I like is that you can quickly freeze the separating shelf and add it to the box to keep everything super chilly.  I haven't seen that innovation in any of the Japanese style boxes but is what sets apart the Lunch on the Go Set from the others.  You can opt to pack warm foods as well, (just don't freeze the separator).  Put the Lunch on the Go Set in a thermal Igloo Lunch Tote and it will stay warm for hours.  This works great for a breakfast burrito or toasted bagel. Simply wrap your warm sandwiches in a sheet of aluminum foil first then place in the Lunch on the Go. 

My Lunch on the Go, snacks and this Klean Kanteen all fit in the Igloo Cooler Tote

Want to take along a chilled salad?  Cool Gear Inc. makes a deluxe salad kit that has a similar theme of two tiers with a freezable separator and a covered cup for your dressing as shown below.

Source: gavethat.com via Marie on Pinterest

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The Igloo Thermal Totes are very compact and fold up easily in my bicycle panniers.  In fact, I keep one on my bicycle just in case I purchase something frozen or cold at the market.  Same thing if I purchase something hot to eat while I'm out.  This tote will keep it warm until I'm ready to stop and eat it.  Perfect for people on the go.

Hot or cold foods will stay that way longer when packed in a thermal tote.  Hot cofee, soups and stews stay piping hot for hours in this 20oz Insulated Klean Kanteen.

Fashion's Night Out 4th Anniversary

New York, NY:  Fashion's Night Out returns to help kick off Fashion Week in New York City on September 6th, 2012.  Celebrating it's 4th year, there will be lots of models, shows, open shops, parties, samples and mayhem on hand for participating fashionistas that night.  It's supposed to rain so if you are made of sugar (like me), check out your local indoor mall to see if they are celebrating this event there.  Here is a list of other Fashion's Night Out Celebrations across the country.

Kicking off Fashion Week!  Shirt: ExOfficio's Campista  3/4 Sleeve. 

Skirt by Ralph Lauren

Not in NYC this week?   Check your local mall to see if they are celebrating Fashion's Night Out or offering Fashion Week specials there.

Take a bicycle through the city and shop or just walk for Fashion Week!  Either way you'll have a super time while staying fit and saving gas. Check out this music video of fall fashion ideas for the cycling & walking set!

BYO: Reusable Lunch Ware

COOL Reusable Lunch ware: Insulated SnapSac, Klean Kanteen & Light My Fire Meal Kit

If you are trying to stay away from processed foods, one of the most proactive things you can do is to BYO. The downside is that many healthy foods, (due to lack of preservatives), need to be kept cold to remain fresh but think of the possibilities.  With the proper lunch ware and thermal tote, the menu ideas are practically endless.

Also the locations where you can eat are likewise expanded. A picnic can be had by the pool, at the beach, in the park or in your car with the top down.  Eating al fresco becomes more like a mini vacation.  Who wouldn't want that?  That's why I was excited to find SnapSac folding tote bags. These are very well made, washable and best of all reusable.

SnapSac Cool Tote in Pop

The SnapSac Cool Tote is very lightweight yet holds up to 3 lbs of ice without leaking.  It has a separate waterproof liner that acts as a barrier from the thermal interior.  Other than a little condensation on the outside of the bag, the SnapSac did not leak and held all of the items you see in the photos. It zips closed and even has a little pouch on the outside for napkins or wet-wipes. VERY well thought out, it can work in a variety of settings.

The Snap Sac Cool Tote holds up to 3 lbs of loose ice without leaking

Klean Kanteen in Living Color
Once you've got the food chilling down, you can focus on other containers for your drinks, snacks and sandwiches. One of my favorites is this 20 oz Insulated Klean Kanteen in Monterey Blue  Made of food grade 18/8 stainless steel, it has a wide mouth and optional cafe or loop top caps.  On its own, the Insulated Klean Kanteen will keep your favorite beverages chilled for up to 24 hours. Add it to the Cool Tote, you can expect to extend that time even in 80+ degree temperatures.

Everything here is reusable so there's nothing to throw away after your picnic!

Come On Baby Light My Fire
Reusable meal kits such as this one by Light My Fire are made in Sweden and are genius for eating outdoors.  This set has two plates, a lidded coffee/soup cup, a spork a small dry container and a colander/cutting board. More geared towards outdoor food preparation, you could use the two plates sealed together to pack your food and then place it in the cooler. Nothing too messy though. A sandwich or pita pocket would work well.  We did that with the meal you see here: carrots, raisins and a Bridgford Apple Turnover.

Very lightweight and compact, the Light My Fire Meal Kit is well thought out and complete.  We added the little red insulated snack container that came with a folding spoon that stores right in the lid. It holds a generous 15.5 ozs (460 mls). Bring along your favorite Chiobani Greek Yogurt, tabbouleh, chicken salad, chilled soups or anything else you'd like to keep cool. You'll save the environment and money with reusables like these. One less piece of aluminum foil, plastic wrap or Ziploc bag to end up in a landfill.

Eating al fresco with reusable lunch ware

Your Best First-Aid Travel Kit

Your Best Travel Medical Kit is the one you keep with you all the time!

Let's face it.  The best first-aid kit in the world is useless if it is sitting at home when you actually need it.  NOT cool.  Worse yet is when you do take one, the essentials may be there but something to help you get home, (or back to the hotel), is not there.

On My Bicycle
This doesn't have to happen especially when you enlist some professional help and then customize your kit from there.  Rather than giving you a list of items to go forage for, I'm going to recommend that you simply purchase an Ultralight / Watertight Adventure Medical Kit for most of your core first-aid needs.  They are reasonably priced and well stocked.  I keep either a Medical Kit .5 or a .7 on on my touring bike, depending on the distance of the trip.

Taking a bicycle tour?  Pack a Medical Kit!

Car Trouble
The same thing if I'm off to parts unknown in my car. Yes, I keep a separate EMS First Responders Bag in my trunk but you may at some point be separated from your car and have to walk, (gasp)!  I know in this age of cells and wifi this may seem impossible but it can still happen.  Then what?  On the outside chance that you may have to hoof it or at the very least, stay put in a remote area you might want to carry a medical kit in your handbag too.

My medical kit does not take up much more space than my cosmetic bag.

So how do you start to build the perfect first-aid kit FOR YOU without bringing the kitchen sink along?  Well, you should think beyond bandages and safety pins to include items to keep you comfortable and even energized in case you have to walk some distance.

Include any daily medications and supplements with your medical kit.

Summer - Fall 
You'll want to include seasonal supplies.  Summer through Fall:  Insect Repellent, Sunblock, Ssssting Stop, Topricin Pain Cream (for body AND feet)!  These are just a few things I've added to my Medical Kit .5 and .7

Extra Medical Supplies
In addition to taking along my supplements, (I don't take any medications), I like compact products that do double duty. I have included a little antiseptic / pain relief spray with my kit.  It takes up about as much room as a book of matches and can disinfect a wound while taking some of the pain away.

Energy Gels & Liquids
Ok, your car's run out of gas so you'd better make sure that YOU don't run out of fuel yourself!  You may have to walk to a nearby station to get gas or help.  You may even have to push your car. Once I pushed my car off the Interstate in HIGH HEELS. Another time some lovely men came along and helped but if nobody is around, guess what?  It's ALL YOU! Take along a 5 Hour Energy for the long haul or a GU Energy Gel in Peanut Butter or Chocolate for a quick jolt.

Going boating or sailing? Pack a marine-specific medical kit!

Bring the H2O
We don't think of including water in a first-aid kit but it is really important to keep a few bottles with you and a way to filter more if needed.  August is National Water Quality Month so this is a good time to learn more about pure water benefits.


Water Travel
If you are going to be on the water, kayaking, canoeing, a fishing vessel or sailing a larger watercraft, you can pack a marine specific kit like the one above. You can take along your anti-nausea medications just in case and add it to the medical kit but most marine kits already have that one covered.  Also whether on land or water, you should keep a water purifier with you as well.   
Purificup makes a very compact system for sterilizing natural water in the outback and one for tap water you would encounter in your hotel room or cruise ship. With these tips, you'll find you'll be better prepared for most emergencies that can arise while traveling.