Who is Cat Cora?:
Mississippi-born Cat Cora is perhaps most famous for being named the first female Iron Chef on the Food Network in 2005. She made her television debut in 1999 as the co-host of the Food Network's Melting Pot with Rocco DiSpirito, and also has been on a number of other food-related TV shows, including My Country, My Kitchen: Greece; Date Plate; Kitchen Accomplished; and Fine Living's Simplify Your Life. She is the author of the books Cooking from the Hip and Cat Cora's Classics with a Twist and Cat Cora's Kitchen. Known for her philanthropy, she is the president and founder of Chefs for Humanity, which raises funds for hunger-related causes. She also recently launched two restaurants: CCQ at Macy's in Costa Mesa, California and Kouzzina at Walt Disney World.
The Inspiration Behind the Product Line:
The product line's tagline is "Profesisonal Chef Tested. Modern Mom Approved." Cora is the mother of four boys, and she has said that this has helped her understand the needs of busy moms. She has designed her product line to be versatile and easy to use. The product line is manufactured and marketed by Starfrit.
The Cat Cora Cook'n'Serve:
The centerpiece of Cat Cora's product line is the Cook'n'Serve, a stainless steel covered casserole pot that nests into a bamboo serving bowl. The bowl is designed to create an air chamber around the casserole to keep the food warm. The Cook'n'Serve is made from stainless steel with an impact-bonded base for even heat distribution, and a glass lid. The bamboo bowl can be used on its own for salads, side dishes and snacks. It comes in 5 sizes ranging from 1.5 quarts to 5.9 quarts. (Compare prices on the 4.9-quart Cook'n'Serve Casserole.)
Cat Cora Cookware:
In addition to the Cook'n'Serve, there is a line of hard-anodized fry pans that have a stick-resistant surface (without a nonstick coating) and stainless steel handle. The fry pans come in 8-, 10- and 12-inch sizes. There is also an 11-inch deep fry pan (Compare Prices) that has a helper handle and a tempered glass lid.
Cat Cora Cooking Tools:
A line of cooking utensils is made of eco-friendly acacia wood with a cast metal insert in the handle to help balance the utensils and make it more comfortable to use. Wooden spoons come in three sizes, and there is also a wooden slotted spoon and a wooden turner that has one rounded side. A "spoontula" (combination spoon and spatula), spatula and basting brush have silicone heads and come in either brown or green. An acacia wood crock that has a stainless steel bottom plate and built-in drainage is also available to store the utensils.
Cat Cora Cutting Boards:
Acacia wood cutting boards can be used on either side, with one side grooved to catch meat juices. The 5/8-inch thick boards come in three sizes. A maple end-grain board has two helper handles, non-slip rubber feat and measures 12 by 16 inches.
Cat Cora Cutlery:
The Cat Cora Cutlery line is made of Japanese steel with walnut handles. They're forged and have a full tang (the extension of the blade that continues into the handle). Cora has designed the cutlery with professional parameters; there is no seam between the bolster and handle in which food bacteria could accumulate, the handles are ergonomic and balanced, and the stainless steel blades are high carbon to resist corrosion. The cutlery options include a Santoku, chef's knife, bread knife, slicer knife, steak knives, utility knife and paring knife.
