Jumping in: Equestrian event raises funds for Make-A-Wish

LAYTON -- Lady riders saddled up for a good cause Saturday -- raising funds for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Dear Martha: How do you keep raccoons and skunks off your property?Answer: The essential pieces for any home cook are a 10-inch skillet, saucepans in 2- and 4-quart sizes and a large stockpot (about 8 quarts). You might also invest in a saute pan with a lid for braising meat; a Dutch oven for slow-cooking pot roast, lamb or the like; and a roasting pan for red meats and other large items, such as turkeys.If raccoons and skunks persist, or if you often see the nocturnal creatures out during the day or acting erratically (signs they may be diseased), contact a wildlife trapper.Answer: There are several ways to go about it. The one you choose may simply depend on what you have on hand.A student of Kari Swainston, stable owner and horse trainer, had her wish fulfilled through the foundation after she contracted leukemia.Answer: The essential pieces for any home cook are a 10-inch skillet, saucepans in 2- and 4-quart sizes, and a large stockpot (about 8 quarts).Question: What are the most important pots and pans to have?Cast iron retains heat well and is ideal for searing but shouldn't be used with acidic foods, which can acquire a metallic flavor. It also must be properly seasoned with oil to prevent rusting and to create a nonstick finish. Cast iron coated with enamel offers the benefits of untreated cast iron but doesn't need to be seasoned and can be used to cook all foods. However, enamel is prone to chipping and is not nonstick like regular cast iron.Questions should be addressed to Ask Martha, care of Letters Department, Martha Stewart Living, 11 W. 42nd St., New York, N.Y. 10036, or to: mslletters@marthastewart.com. Questions of general interest will be answered in this column.Copper pots, which are lined with stainless steel or tin, heat and cool very quickly, making them a good match for delicate sauces. They must be polished frequently to maintain their shine.You might also invest in a saute pan with a lid for braising meat; a Dutch oven for slow-cooking pot roast, lamb or the like; and a roasting pan for red meats and other large items, such as turkeys.

E-mail: astowell@desnews.com

Author: Amelia Nielson-Stowell Deseret Morning News