Stock your kitchen with essential pots, pans

Dear Martha: What are the most important pots and pans to have?

Dear Martha: What's the best way to remove labels from jelly jars?"Animals see things very matter-of-fact. They're not judgemental like people," she said. "Animals are always communicating to us. They pick up on the thoughts we have," Hunt said.Choose pots that have an aluminum core, as these will heat more uniformly.Aluminum and stainless steel are good options for everyday cookware. Look for aluminum that has been anodized, or treated to make it harder, as well as stick-resistant and nonreactive. The latter means you can use it with acidic ingredients, such as wine, vinegar or tomato sauce, which take on a metallic taste when cooked in untreated aluminum. Stainless steel is the only metal that is dishwasher-safe. Choose pots that have an aluminum core, as these will heat more uniformly.Store trash cans in a closed garage or secure the lids with bungee cords. Keep compost in an enclosed bin. And feed cats and dogs indoors, away from pet doors, so raccoons and skunks aren't tempted to follow the food scent inside. (If pests start using a pet door, consider switching to an electronic door that opens only when it receives a signal from a transmitter on your pet's collar.)Answer: Raccoons and skunks have adapted to suburban life and love to feast on food scraps in garbage cans and compost heaps as well as on pet food and vegetables in gardens. The best way to keep the animals away is to make the items that attract them off-limits.Stainless steel is the only metal that is dishwasher-safe.Question: What's the best way to remove labels from jelly jars?"Horses pick up on your energy. They know if you're sad, happy," said Hunt, who has a masters degree in science and works as a speech pathologist.Distributed by The New York Times SyndicateThe "Jumping Up to Help" event at Saltaire Farm in Layton featured an equestrian jumping show, pet psychic, pony rides, bake sale, raffle, silent auction, games and dutch oven cooking. All funds were donated to the foundation, an issue that hits close to home for staff and students at the stable.Roughly 50-60 horses were in the competition Saturday and hundreds were expected to watch.Raccoons are expert climbers. To keep them out of fenced gardens, Link suggests backing up fencing with two strands of electrified wire, 12 and 18 inches from the ground. Make sure the openings in your fence are no more than 3 inches wide. Otherwise, young raccoons may be able to squeeze through.Begin by soaking the jars in warm, soapy water, then try peeling off the labels. If adhesive remains, apply a commercial adhesive- removing solvent (available at hardware stores), following the manufacturer's instructions. Acetone nail polish remover, turpentine and cooking oil -- such as olive or vegetable -- will also remove adhesive: Dab the residue with a cotton ball dampened with any of these. Use a razor blade to scrape off any adhesive that doesn't dissolve.It is part of Swainston's goal to do one benefit a year for a worthy cause. Other events have raised money for the Red Cross, Humane Society and Best Friends Animal Society.Consider purchasing individual pots and pans rather than a matching set. This way, you can select the materials and sizes that suit your needs. In general, thick, heavy pots are the most durable and distribute heat the best. When it comes to materials, choices abound.

Distributed by The New York Times Syndicate

Author: Martha Stewart New York Times Special Features