Starting on December 26, 2009, All-Clad is launching a brand new line of cookware which will be available exclusively at Williams-Sonoma. It is made with a patented 5-ply bonding technology: the inner core stainless steel layer offers more even heat distribution (20% over traditional bonded cookware) and unsurpassed durability to prevent warping, even after many years of use.
All that technology aside, it is going to be one totally gorgeous set if this pot is any indication! I decided to make white chili for dinner. If you’ve never had it, white chili consists of white and green vegetables (onions, garlic, leeks) along with poultry, and light colored beans like great northern. It is served with a heavy sprinkling of monterey jack cheese. Yum.
I found the pot was wonderful to saute in. The vegetables softened and cooked at a lower temperature than I often have to use. I heated the pan up first, then added the oil to heat, and then needed to turn it down before adding the veggies! The heat distribution is very good, and I didn’t find any scorching hot spots, even though I probably did start out with the heat too high.
Then I added the meat and liquids and allowed it to braise for awhile. The tight-fitting lid probably kept me from going completely nuts as the smell started to permeate around the kitchen! Surprisingly, the handles stayed cool all through the stove top preparation. I know they’ll heat up in the oven when I use it that way in the future, but it’s great that they don’t heat up with stove top work.
After the beans were added, I allowed the chili to simmer uncovered for awhile until the liquid was properly reduced. Just before dinner, I raised the temperature a bit again, and sprinkled on the cheese with gusto! It’s a fabulous piece of cookware…I doubt that I’ll be reaching for anything else for quite a while. It’s so beautiful too, that oven to table is no problem at all!
As regards FTC disclosure guidelines: I have received a dutch oven free of charge from All-Clad in order to write a review. I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to the product received.