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"The more you understand the ingredients, the better cook you will become."
-Martin Yan

The Way of Clay

If it aint broke, dont fix it, right? The age-old technology behind making clay pot certainly doesnt need fixing. These traditional, glazed, sand-and-clay pots, often encased in a protective wire mesh, are just as handy in our gadget-driven age as they have been for centuries. For making slow-cooked braised or stewed dishes, you can’t beat a good old claypot. Their conversation-starting rustic look lets you take them straight from stove to table, and claypots are oven-safe, too. So use one to add Chinese flavor to your next potluck casserole. You can find claypots in Chinese markets and well-stocked Chinese groceries. To keep it from cracking, never place your claypot over direct heat while it’s empty, and let it cool completely before setting it in cold water or on a cool surface.