Discover the Versatility of a Roasting Pan with Rack: A Must-Have Kitchen Tool

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores the various uses and experiences related to a roasting pan with rack, highlighting its versatility in cooking and meal preparation. Participants share personal anecdotes and creative ideas for utilizing the pan beyond traditional roasting.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions using the pan for a huge pot of stew and boiling water for crab legs.
  • Another participant shares their experience of cooking multiple meats simultaneously, noting that the juices drip into the pan, enhancing flavor.
  • Several users mention using the pan for various dishes, including lasagna, roasted vegetables, and even caramel corn.
  • One participant describes using the pan for "monthly" cooking, preparing multiple roasts at once for convenience.
  • Another participant highlights the health benefits of cooking meat on the rack, as fat drips off during cooking.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about needing the pan, questioning if a 9x13 baker would suffice.
  • Another participant recounts a family tradition of using a large roasting pan for mixed meats and making gravy from the drippings.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the necessity of the roasting pan, with some participants expressing strong support for its versatility while others question its need compared to other bakeware.

Contextual Notes

Participants share a range of personal experiences and recipes, reflecting diverse cooking styles and family traditions. The discussion includes both practical uses and nostalgic memories associated with the roasting pan.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for creative cooking ideas or those interested in maximizing the use of their roasting pan may find this discussion beneficial.

SusanBP0129
Messages
1,699
What do you all use this for....other than the obvious....?? Can't I just use my 9x13 baker or do I *need* this pan??
 
My director suggested a huge pan of lasagna, baked beans, and the thought of doing two different meats in the same pan, because the juices will drip into the pan so the meats on the rack will not taste like the other.
 
jenniferknapp, are you related (or are you) the jennifer knapp of the Christian music industry? Just curious. Your name caught me eye!
 
I use mine when I make a huge pot of stew or chicken and dumplings. We have also used it to boil water for crab legs. It is a really good product to have.
 
SusanBP0129 said:
What do you all use this for....other than the obvious....?? Can't I just use my 9x13 baker or do I *need* this pan??

Also if you cook meat,chicken etc...on the rack, it is much healthier because all the fat drips OFF the meat, therefore the meat is not sitting in the fat & juices...;). You could cook a roast pork & a whole chicken at the same time...I dont know how the gravy would come out:confused: ;) :cool:
 
I love my rack. I don't use it that often, but its amazing when I do.
 
Ok Ann, enough about your boobs today! He he
 
I love making roasted veggies in it!
 
sarahmarie said:
Ok Ann, enough about your boobs today! He he
OMG! I just read my post! Good grief! http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/lachen/laughing-smiley-017.gif
 
  • Thread starter
  • #10
Sarah & Anne - you guys have me LITERALLY laughing out loud!!!!!
 
So many uses!
  1. Ziploc Omelets for lots of people
  2. Rice crispy treats
  3. Chex mix
  4. Enchiladas
  5. "Monthly" cooking (I make 4 roasts at a time, with gravy; freeze three for later, eat one now)

I love the roasted vegis idea!
 
You could probably even do roasted fruit, like peaches and pears in syrup.
 
nikked said:
  1. Ziploc Omelets for lots of people
  2. Rice crispy treats
  3. Chex mix
  4. Enchiladas
  5. "Monthly" cooking (I make 4 roasts at a time, with gravy; freeze three for later, eat one now)

I love the roasted vegis idea!

Could you possibly give a just a few more ideas.....:p ;)
 
10 lbs of ground beef at once

I brown it when I buy it, then separate into 1 lb portions and freeze. Later on, dinner is ready in half the time cuz the meat is already cooked!
 
Hey Debbie, I have questions about that...I always am scrambling to thaw beef at the last minute and then brown it! When you brown it all, how do you know what's a pound to freeze it? And how do you find it cooks up after the fact? Bryan is not a fan of leftovers but if I could sneak this past him, I think it would make my life easier...
 
I do this too!
speedychef said:
Hey Debbie, I have questions about that...I always am scrambling to thaw beef at the last minute and then brown it! When you brown it all, how do you know what's a pound to freeze it? And how do you find it cooks up after the fact? Bryan is not a fan of leftovers but if I could sneak this past him, I think it would make my life easier...

I do this too, but forgot it on my list!

I usually just eyeball it to separate, but you could weigh it. I make sure I wrap it in freezer paper, label it (I usually print the labels with what's in it, how much, and the date), and put the packages into ziploc type bags. That way, I have no freezer burn.

I just take it out and add it to whatever I'm making. Works great for the Taco Ring (thaw meat in microwave), Hamburger Helper, spaghetti, Manwhiches, burritos, you name it. If it needs ground beef that's not in a loaf, it can be used, and is definitely a time saver!

HTH!
 
I heard corn on the cob at my cluster meeting last night.
 
I have had mine since it first came out and have never used it...I guess I am an idiot but it is just me and my husband and it just seems so big. Now that I have the cranberry baker (mine isn't on backorder) I can use that for almost everything we want to bake.
 
You can fit two chickens on the rack - great for "company" dinner. And then they aren't swimming in thir own fatty drippings. bleah.
 
nikked said:
I do this too, but forgot it on my list!

I usually just eyeball it to separate, but you could weigh it. I make sure I wrap it in freezer paper, label it (I usually print the labels with what's in it, how much, and the date), and put the packages into ziploc type bags. That way, I have no freezer burn.

I just take it out and add it to whatever I'm making. Works great for the Taco Ring (thaw meat in microwave), Hamburger Helper, spaghetti, Manwhiches, burritos, you name it. If it needs ground beef that's not in a loaf, it can be used, and is definitely a time saver!

HTH!

What Nikki said! :)
 
Caramel Corn!Here's a Recipe I got from a loop last year for the Roasting Pan - it's great - and it gets people thinking about all the different ways they can use their pan!

Oven Caramel Corn

2 Cups brown sugar
2 sticks butter
1/2 cup white corn syrup
6 qts popped corn (exactly what the large stainless steel bowl holds. 24 cups)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
Boil brown sugar, butter, syrup and salt for 5 minutes in large Roasting pan. Remove from heat and add vanilla and soda. Pour over the popped corn and stir well. ( may add 1-2 cups of nuts at this time also!) Pour mixture back into Roasting Pan (if using another pan, make sure you butter it very well!- but no need to butter with Roasting Pan!). Place in a 200 degree oven for 1 hour. Stir about every 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cool. Store in covered containers to keep crisp.

 
That caramel corn recipe is basically the one I use (got mine from a Betty Crocker cookbook). My version calls for 15 cups of popcorn, and the caramel mixture is reduced accordingly. The 15-cup version fits perfectly in the Rectangular Lid/Bowl.

It's fabulous if you substitute corn Chex, rice Chex and mini pretzels for some of the popcorn, and use some honey-roasted peanuts in it. When you take it out of the oven, make sure you spread it on parchment and break up any really big clumps. Once it cools, the clumps will be almost indestructable. After it cools, stir in some M&Ms or drizzle melted chocolate over it. yum!!!

Fresh caramel corn is always a huge hit. People love it! (BTW, if you want it really rich tasting, use "Movie Theater Butter" flavored microwave popcorn to make it.)

(OK, now I'm hungry for some, and I'm stuck at work.)
 
If you have kids in sports it's great for the "carbo load" dinners. You can make enough pasta to feed the entire team.
 
Hey Ladies,

I grew up with a great grandma who used a HUGE roasting pan and would make both a pork roast and beef roast in the same pan. She would use the drippings to make a gravy that was DELICIOUS!!! :) Even tho they came from mixed meats! She would do this when we had the army of our family together... it was awesome!!! (BTW, we come from a large German family, in case you wonder why she did it... )

So, if you did the same in our roasting pan, I am sure that it would be just as delicious! :) :) :) I am buying my roasting pan next month!!! I can't wait to give it a try. The only thing is... our family isn't as big as it used to be! However, my hot hubby is a firefighter... so I am sure that I can get the boys from the firehouse to eat it up!!

But, I grew up loving it!!! :)
Jaye
 
ChefBeckyD said:
Here's a Recipe I got from a loop last year for the Roasting Pan - it's great - and it gets people thinking about all the different ways they can use their pan!

Oven Caramel Corn

2 Cups brown sugar
2 sticks butter
1/2 cup white corn syrup
6 qts popped corn (exactly what the large stainless steel bowl holds. 24 cups)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
Boil brown sugar, butter, syrup and salt for 5 minutes in large Roasting pan. Remove from heat and add vanilla and soda. Pour over the popped corn and stir well. ( may add 1-2 cups of nuts at this time also!) Pour mixture back into Roasting Pan (if using another pan, make sure you butter it very well!- but no need to butter with Roasting Pan!). Place in a 200 degree oven for 1 hour. Stir about every 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cool. Store in covered containers to keep crisp.

I can't wait to try that!!!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #26
Okay....you have all convinced me! I will get this next month! :D
 
Last year when the pan first came out they (HO) suggested roasting a chicken, pork roast, and beef roast all at the same time. Kind of a bake on Sunday....eat all week kind of thing :)
 
I have made a few boxes of hamburger helper (one of dh's faves) at the same time in this pan. I use it when I am making hamburgers for the whole family so I don't have to stay at the stove all day (dh is the grill king I don't have anything to do with it). But I still wish they would have an optional lid.
 
jdavis said:
But I still wish they would have an optional lid.

Me too! I lost a sale because it didn't have an available lid!
 
Here is a flyer I always put out on display with my rack...am yet to sell one though.
 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a roasting pan with rack used for?

A roasting pan with rack is primarily used for roasting meats and vegetables. The rack elevates the food, allowing hot air to circulate evenly around it, which helps achieve a perfectly cooked and browned exterior while allowing drippings to collect in the bottom of the pan for delicious gravies and sauces.

Can I use a roasting pan for baking?

Yes, a roasting pan can also be used for baking. It is versatile enough to accommodate various baking needs, such as making lasagna, casseroles, or even large batches of brownies. Just ensure that the dish fits comfortably within the pan.

What materials are roasting pans typically made from?

Roasting pans are commonly made from materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or non-stick coated surfaces. Stainless steel is durable and provides even heat distribution, while non-stick options make for easier cleanup. Aluminum pans are lightweight and conduct heat well.

How do I clean and maintain my roasting pan?

To clean your roasting pan, allow it to cool before washing. Most pans are dishwasher safe, but hand washing with warm, soapy water is often recommended to maintain the finish. For stubborn stains or burnt-on food, soak the pan or use a non-abrasive scrubber. Always follow the manufacturer's care instructions for best results.

Is a roasting pan with rack worth the investment?

Absolutely! A roasting pan with rack is a versatile kitchen tool that can enhance your cooking experience. It not only allows for healthier cooking by letting fat drip away from the food but also expands your culinary possibilities, making it a worthwhile investment for any home chef.

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