Bacon Press, Lifetime Cookware

For a long time I've wanted a bacon press. Every time I make bacon, I think how great it would be to have a bacon press, so the bacon would cook evenly and not curl up. So I was frying bacon the other day on my griddle and I got the idea to use one of my heavy stainless steel pots as a bacon press. I watch America's Test Kitchen (on PBS) a lot, and I have seen them do this different times- I think once they did it to fry pork chops and keep them flat. Anyway, it worked great, and covered a larger surface that a bacon press would, and it means I don't have to have another kitchen gadget around. And the bacon came out so flat and crispy! I will definitely be doing this trick again.

As a side note, before I was born my mom bought a set of Lifetime Cookware. I think it was pretty expensive, and she didn't get to use it much when I was growing up since my grandmother did most of the cooking and her arthritis prevented her from using heavy pots and pans. So, a few years after I got married my mom asked if I wanted the pots and pans. At the time I thought I wouldn't use them much, since I thought non-stick was the only way to go. But I took them anyway so I would have some spares, and well now they are my favorite pots. I do still use non-stick for certain things (especially frying anything), but the Lifetime cookware are so sturdy and durable, and they wash up beautifully and relatively easily. They also are dishwasher safe. I don't know how much they cost these days but I would highly recommend them. I love my set. Also, a few years ago I dropped one of the lids and the knob cracked. I contacted Lifetime and was able to get a replacement knob for only a few dollars. I love the fact that I was able to get a replacement part for something purchased 3 decades ago!!! And they had great customer service. I am on my second set of nonstick cookware, and it is needing to be replaced soon. It just doesn't last. You definitely need non-stick for some things, but I use my Lifetime cookware as much as possible. It's over 30 years old and still look practically new! At this rate I'll be able to pass it along to my kids. Certain things, you really get what you pay for, like Cutco.

I'd have to say mom- I think the Lifetime set was one of the best things you ever purchased!