Cooking Green ...

I know what you're thinking ... its a new week, a new month, a new year - so naturally, today's post will be about resolutions. Right? Not exactly. Those of you who've been with me from the beginning will know how I feel about resolutions. I don't like them and, in general, I resolve ... nothing. Its my belief that change happens when we are ready to embrace it and not because the calendar turns.

I do, however, recognize that others enjoy engaging in such folly and, gracious hostess that I am, I like to encourage them to do so at my annual New Year's Day party. Its our tradition to have the guests write their resolutions on slips of paper and place them into a bowl. Eventually, we all draw a slip from the bowl and read it aloud. My theory being that we seldom keep our own resolutions, perhaps its easier - and certainly more comical - to adopt someone else's.

Some of the resolutions are genuine and others ... mine, usually ... a bit more frivolous. In past years I've resolved to: "moisturize more" ... I didn't; "wear more hats" ... I didn't; and this year I resolved to "form a better relationship with my crock pot." You can probably guess how that will pan out ... and you can read about the only resolution I've ever kept here.

All of that to say that today's post isn't so much about resolutions as it is a confession. I suck at cooking eggs. Really. The husband is the breakfast chef in Divaland and we are all the better for it. I can tackle the most complicated recipe with ease, but ask me to scramble you an egg and you will be sorry indeed ... until now.

Much to my surprise and delight, Mama and Papa Diva gifted me with a wonderful new pan on Christmas morning and I think its going to revolutionize my breakfast cookery! This pan and I have produced two incredible, edible, egg dishes so far and we've only just met. Color me happy! The pan is part of Cuisinart's GreenGourmet line and I adore it. It has a ceramic based, petroleum-free, non-stick surface that provides quick and even heating - which makes cooking (and cleaning up) a dream. And, happily, its as green as green can be.

The stay-cool handle is made from recycled materials, the anodized construction provides superior heat conductivity, requiring less energy to heat it; and it is free from the nasty off-gassing chemicals that are typically used in creating non-stick cookware ... meaning, nothing gross or toxic will leech into your food. Bonus!

You can read more about these magical pans on Cuisnart's site and they can be purchased there as well. They are also available at Bed, Bath and Beyond. I'm thrilled with this gift and can't wait to explore its wonders more fully. I've so far used it to saute spinach, pan fry some tilapia, and have even managed to scramble myself up some amazing eggs. Will wonders never cease?! I recommend it highly and thank the parental units profusely ... breakfast is on me next time you visit!

Now, if only I can get this excited about that crock pot ... stay tuned. Meanwhile, what's your resolution? Curious Diva wants to know.

Bon appetite!