Cooking with Stoneware: Does the Food Continue to Cook?

[michelelashuk]

I am new to The Pampered Chef...my SS month is June, however I have done a few parties and someone brought up a question that I didn't know how to answer it exactly. Maybe you all can help! If you cook something on/in a stoneware piece and leave it on/in the piece to keep warm...does the food continue to cook? How should I answer this one?

Thanks for your help!

Michele Lashuk

 

[pamperedbecky]

I wouldn't say it continues to cook, but it does still keep the food warm, which is a great benefit and selling point. This is how I explain stoneware works in the oven: since ovens run with a thermostat, the temperature fluctuates throughout cooking. If the oven senses that it's not quite 350 degrees, it'll kick on and compensate for that. If it gets over the set temp then it'll turn back off. So, it's really never a constant temp. The nice thing about stoneware is that once it gets to the desired temp, it stays there. The food cooks/bakes much more evenly and thoroughly. Then when you take it out of the oven, the stone SLOWLY cools, but still stays warm and keeps food warm too. Since it no longer has the heating element of the oven it really doesn't continue to cook.

Hope that makes sense!

 

[Admin Greg]

Independent Pampered Chef ConsultantGreat question! The answer is yes, the food will continue to cook if left on/in the stoneware piece to keep warm. Stoneware retains heat very well, so it is important to keep an eye on the food and remove it from the stoneware when it is done cooking to prevent overcooking. You can also transfer the food to a separate dish to keep it warm, if needed. It's always a good idea to check the food periodically to ensure it is not overcooking.