486421 Mon Feb 04 21:24:56 -0800 2008 3 41 Cookware 0 3365705 Hi Folks The only thing I bought on a whim were Nigella's ceramic measuring cups. Not exactly practical, the only points I could award it for were their aesthetic value. In addition, the handle of the 1 cup measure broke off :( On a happier note, I gave celebrity another chance by buying a set of Mario Batali measuring spoons with magnetic backing, as well as his pizza cutter and they are faring much better in terms of use and durability. What are your positive/ negative experiences with star endorsed cookware? Any suggestions for good celebrity endorsed cookware or should I just stick with something safe like Le Cruset? Thanks in advance :) Mon Feb 04 21:24:56 -0800 2008 74336 sugarcube 1 3370232 "Endorsement" generally only means the celeb is renting their name for some cash. I think the practice is perverse. Sure Jeff Smith (Frugal Gourmet) did wonders for the sellers of lemon reamers and Suzi garlic presses, but I don't know that he got rich off of that. At the other extreme there are devices like the fragile measuring cups you mention and a thousand items from other "celebs" that really don't hold up in the kitchen. I tend to rely on personal experience guided in some cases by the usage notes of thin ad-free magazines about cooking... Wed Feb 06 10:18:11 -0800 2008 3365705 87093 renov8r 1 3371405 I actually like the Emerilware pots and pans made by All-Clad. They are sturdy and well-built, and a whole lot cheaper than actual All-Clad products. Wed Feb 06 14:39:17 -0800 2008 3365705 27844 sistinas 1 3371913 having recently shopped for cookware, many celebrity cookware was nothing special, and you could often find better stuff cheaper. The one exception was the Emerilware, it was very nice and seemed well built. As far as Le Crueset, I would maybe get a dutch oven but not much else, these seem to be their best offering. Cooks Illustrated recently tested enamel coated cast iron pots, and the much cheaper Tramontina (available from target) was well reviewed and they said that it did just about everything just as well as the very expensive French pots, I think that the Tramontina is under $50. MAC Wed Feb 06 17:46:33 -0800 2008 3365705 159741 bakeman