Tulipgirl6's Journal, 06 August 2014

I use ceramic pans that require very little oil ~ and use extra virgin when it needs a little coating to stop sticking. 

I'm been using Smart Balance, a blend of canola, soy and olive oils, which claims: Helps support healthy cholesterol levels already within the normal range 1140mg Omega-3s per serving, Excellent source of Vitamin E Contains polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats to help balance the saturated fats in your diet 

I also use Pam. When it runs out, I'm going to use a sprayer which pumps olive oil. 

I use light cooking spray, never had any problems....Like Pam...before that I used EVOO....I hear coconut oil is good but it's pricey.... 

Chris' suggestion of a sprayer is excellent! I've been using one for ages. It's also great when you want oil and vinegar on a salad. A little spritz gives you lots of coverage ;-)  

thanks for the suggestions! I just bought new pans since my old ones were ruined; they told me pam ruins the coating on them; is smart balance dairy from what i remember? i think you're not supposed to heat extra virgin olive oil . . .. too much info on everything! what started this is reading that refined vegetable oils cause inflammation and aren't actually so good for you! when i'm sauteeing for myself I might use a tough of any old thing, but what's a flavorless healthy oil that can withstand heat?  

Chris, can you actually let the oil sit in those sprayers or is it a "wash every use" deal so you only put in what you are going to use that day? I find that when I just pour EVOO or Smart Balance into something to coat it I add way too much. I'd like to use a sprayer but I don't want to pour oil into a sprayer, use, wash, lather, rise, repeat.... Seems like I would be washing a lot of EVOO down the drain that way. 

Oh yeah if you have non-stick I wouldn't use the Pam then....and OMG I didn't know that about EVOO...yikes... 

I don't do any hydrogenated or what I call "junk oils" as they usually have chemical additives in them. For pan frying I will usually use a little bit of Avocado oil due to it's high heat stability (500*F). Also you can't go wrong with a slice of high quality organic or no nitrate bacon first before cooking whatever in it. Just render the fat and go crazy, it's delicious. 

Eddie, I'm not Chris - but you can definitely leave the oil in the sprayer. As I recall, they hold 1/3 c. I refill mine every 4-6 weeks. Gives you GREAT control with the amount and distribution.  

Olive oil will smoke if heated in a pan. Smart Balance makes a variety of products with Omegas from a butter substitute to milk. Eddie, the sprayer is designed to hold olive oil. I assume it would work with Smart Balance. You don't have to rinse it out - just refill it. 

Love the idea of a sprayer. I have a few little ones that would sit right next to my stove, perfect! Learn something new every day.  

The olive oil sprayer I got at Kroger is called the Misto Brushed Aluminum Olive Oil Sprayer: Spread olive oil on focaccia or spray muffin pans Pumps up to spray any vegetable oil Satin-finish aluminum 7-5/8-Inch high by 1-7/8-inch in diameter To clean, fill with hot water and a drop of mild detergent, and spray 

Agreed! 

Coconut oil is terrific. It has a higher heat tolerance than most oils. And it is really good for you.  

Okay. Good info. I just don't want a bottle of rancid oil on my counter. I am the cheapest man on the planet, a fact that 3 ex wives and 3 live in girlfriends will swear to, and I HATE wasting things and throwing things away. I was raised by depression era parents who found a way to use EVERYTHING. I actually compete with myself to see how long I can make a tube of toothpaste last. Shampoo lasts a long time here, as does deodorant.... I also try to see how long I can nurse a bottle of oil, so the thought of wasting it makes me shudder. You should have seen me last week when I had to throw away 4 bananas and 2 bags of prunes... I just had to get those carbs out of the house. The 7 Grains by me has those bottles. I'll get one today. Want to make Kale chips and need just the right amount of oil. 

Hey Eddie1261, Best kale chip recipe ever...America's Test Kitchen microwave kale chips. Made them this weekend. Google it, and they have a short video. 

I like it and will try it when I get the right kale. It looks like tonight will be in the oven. 

Coconut oil is supposedly the healthiest out there! I will post again once I find all the article with all of it's benefits. I was part of a challenge a gym that included the food plan and coconut oil was on the list there. 

You want something that can withstand high-temperatures if you're going to be frying: I'd go with refined coconut oil (as it's tasteless) and healthier than most other cooking oils.