Amy Hand
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Highlights
- Pastry Chef and Professional Food Writer with deep expertise in desserts, baking, and bread baking.
- Diploma in Patisserie from Silwood School of Cookery, South Africa's premier cooking school.
- Dedicated to helping home chefs achieve professional results with insightful articles and product guides.
Experience
Amy Hand, having earned a diploma in Patisserie from the Silwood School of Cookery, turned to the culinary world with a passion for desserts and breads. Amy specializes in sharing techniques and insights that elevate the skills of home chefs. Her articles and product guides are designed not just to inform but to inspire.
Amy believes in taking things slowly, which allows her to bring a richer flavor to her work. She breaks each topic into digestible chunks, ensuring depth and detail in every piece. Beyond her professional writing, Amy is an enthusiastic reader, a skilled crocheter, and a doting plant parent.
Education
Amy began her journey with a Bachelor's degree in Architecture. However, her love for culinary arts led her to earn a diploma in Patisserie from the Silwood School of Cookery in South Africa. Further enhancing her expertise, she took short courses in bread baking and confectionery from the renowned Prue Leith Cooking School.
Articles Amy has been featured in:
Salon.com
Homes & Gardens
Best Life Online
Woman's World
First For Women
More From Amy Hand
Is Hard Anodized Cookware Safe? Here’s What You Need To Know
Hard anodized aluminum is stronger than regular aluminum – or even steel! But is it safer? Can it transfer potential neurotoxins to your food? Here's what you need to know
Dutch Oven vs Roasting Pan – What’s the Difference?
Roasting pans and Dutch ovens are kitchen staples, but what sets them apart? Can you use a roasting pan for a Dutch oven recipe? Here’s what’s worked (and failed) for me.
Stockpots vs Dutch Ovens – Do You Need Both?
Dutch ovens and stock pots are two of the largest pots in the kitchen – but do they have different jobs? Let’s look at which tasks fit which cookware the best.
Are Dutch Ovens Worth It? Our Honest Assessment
Dutch ovens are so beautiful but so expensive! So are they really all they’re cracked up to be? Let’s find out.
Is Staub “Non-Toxic” and Safe to Use? All You Need to Know
Free of PFAS, enamel cast iron like Staub can be completely safe – or it can be tainted with lead and cadmium. Is Staub non-toxic? Let’s discuss the safety of Staub cookware.
We Found the Best Kitchen Utensils Made in the USA
There’s a lot of talk about buying US-made cookware, but what about kitchen utensils? We found the best options for USA made wood, metal, and plastic utensils.
Testing Dutch Ovens For Lead at Home- Everything You Need to Know
We tested cast iron and enamel cast iron cookware with lead swabs at home to see if this is a reliable technique. Test results on Le Creuset and Lodge – with photos!
Cast Iron vs Ceramic Cookware – Which is Better?
Cast iron, ceramic nonstick, and pure ceramic are popular cookware materials with pros and cons. Let’s directly compare all three so you can decide which is best for you?
All About Carbon Steel Pans – And Why You Need One In Your Kitchen
Carbon steel is a highly underrated cookware material that is a useful addition to every kitchen. I will explain exactly what carbon steel is and what it's useful for.
We Found the Best Cookware Brands Made in France
France is known for high-quality cookware that has been setting trends since the 1800s. Now, there are a few select brands made in France. Let me introduce you to them.
Top 5 Cookware Brands Made in Germany – Chosen by a Pro Chef
There are only a few select brands available made in Germany, but what is out there is top-notch. Let me take you through these brands and my favorite products from each.
Best Cookware Made in the USA- Our 2024 Top Picks!
Don’t worry – there are still US-made brands of cookware! I’ll go through all the best cookware made in USA and my favorites from each category + brands no longer made in the US.
2024 Best Cookware Not Made in China- A Chef’s Top Picks
This is a comprehensive guide of all the cookware brands not made in China along with a product round of the best products on offer.
Is It Safe To Use Cast Iron Cookware? Let’s Find Out!
Cast iron cookware is lauded as a durable and healthy cookware, but is it worth the hype? Let’s explore all the potential health risks.
We Found the Best Nonstick Cookware Made in the USA
Yes! There are nonstick pans made in the US! We found the best nonstick pans actually made (not just assembled) in America, and suggest a few good ones from the EU, too.
The Best Way To Remove Stains From Enamel Cast Iron: Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s my step-by-step guide for how to remove stains from enameled cast iron cookware interiors and exteriors – whether you have a Staub, Le Creuset, or another brand.
The Best Dutch Oven for Baking Sourdough Bread (2024 Review)
Dutch ovens are ideal for baking sourdough bread because the heavy lid traps steam that creates great oven spring. I give you the pros and cons of the six best Dutch ovens for baking sourdough bread to perfection.
How Do You Clean and Care For Enameled Cast Iron So it Lasts Forever?
Enameled cast iron cookware can outlast you – but you’ve gotta take good care of it. Let's explore the best way to clean, stain remove, and maintain it.
Types of Dutch Ovens You Must Know About | Chef’s Guide
There are so many Dutch oven varieties it can be hard to decide which one to invest in. Let’s look into the types of Dutch ovens so you can choose the best one for you.
19 Pros and Cons Of Enameled Cast Iron Cookware
Enameled cast iron has a great reputation, but is it worth the investment? Let’s go through all the pros and cons so you can decide if it's a fit for you.
What is Enameled Cast Iron? Everything You Need to Know
Enameled cast iron is a time-honored cookware that has several advantages over natural cast iron. Let’s explain what enameled cast iron is and why you need it in your kitchen!
How to Deglaze a Stainless Steel Pan- The Simplest Way to Maximize Flavor
Stainless steel is the best kind of pan for deglazing!! I use these four simple steps to deglaze my stainless steel pans and create restaurant-worthy sauces at home.
Why Use Stainless Steel Cookware? Reasons It’s Worth the Hype
Stainless steel is a popular cookware material, but is it worth investing in? I’m going to go through all the reasons to add stainless steel to your cooking arsenal.
Keeping it Local: Best Carbon Steel Pans Made in the USA
Carbon steel has become popular with home cooks – and you can buy it locally. Here’s a list of the best carbon steel pan made in USA.
How to Cook with Carbon Steel: Chef’s Pro Tips
Carbon steel is a durable and versatile material that is great to cook with. Learn the secrets of cooking with carbon steel pan! From perfect seasoning to expert care tips
Best Oil for Seasoning Carbon Steel: Assessing the Pros and Cons
What is the best oil for seasoning carbon steel? Do you want a high or low smoke point? What fat profile works best? Did you know fiber content makes a difference? Get the details.
Can You Use Carbon Steel on Induction Cooktops?
Not all cookware materials work on inductions because the metal needs to be magnetic. So, does carbon steel work on induction cooktops? Let’s find out.
13 Essential Cookware Items You Must Own (According To A Chef)
Let me guide you through the thirteen pieces of essential cookware that every home kitchen needs. I will also provide you with product recommendations for each one.
Can Cast Iron Be Used on Induction Cooktops? Or Will it Crack in Half!?
The answer isn’t as simple as you think! We cover 7 pros and cons for using cast iron skillets on induction cooktops as well as tips for using it safely and keeping your cast iron from cracking.
Copper or Stainless Steel Cookware – A Full Comparison
Stainless steel and copper are top materials recommended for cookware by pro chefs. Our comparison looks at pros and cons of both and suggests the winner is actually a hybrid pan.
Stainless Steel vs Nonstick Pans – Which is Better?
The age-old debate: should you buy stainless steel or nonstick cookware? I will break down all the qualities of both materials so you can decide which is best for you.
What to Look For in Stainless Steel Cookware: A Thorough Buyer’s Guide
Don’t buy until you’ve read these are 15 things to look for in stainless steel pots and pans, according to a professionally trained chef.
Pros and Cons of Stainless Steel Cookware – Is it Worth Buying?
Let me help you weigh Stainless Steel cookware pros and cons to help you decide if it's the right fit for your kitchen! How to find the best stainless steel pots and pans for your needs.
Best Nickel Free (18/0) Stainless Steel Cookware for Allergy Free Cooking
Have a nickel allergy? Here’s a round-up of the best nickel free stainless steel cookware that is non-toxic for you.
Is Stainless Steel Cookware Safe? A Thoroughly Researched Guide
Stainless steel is a popular cookware material, but is it safe? I researched all the common – and less common – health concerns around stainless steel pans and here’s what I found
Can Stainless Steel Go In the Oven? An In-Depth Analysis
Most grades of stainless steel cookware can go in the oven – but not all of them? How do you know if your stainless steel pan is oven or broiler safe? Read this guide!
Best 100% Ceramic Cookware: A Chef’s Guide to This Non Toxic Cookware
What is the best 100% ceramic cookware? This review unravels the differences between 100% ceramic, stoneware, and ceramic coated cookwares and reveals the best among them.
2024 Best Non-Toxic Dutch Ovens: A Chef’s Guide
Detailed reviews on six of the best Dutch ovens on the market that won’t leach chemicals or heavy metals into your food.
Is Enameled Cast Iron Safe? A Thoroughly Researched Guide
Porcelain enamel cookware is popular – and pricey – but is it safe to cook with? We will explore the health concerns around enameled cast iron to find out.
Is Pyrex Microwave Safe? The Do’s and Dont’s
Pyrex is a popular cookware material that has a high heat resistance but is it microwave safe? Let me guide you on how to use Pyrex in the microwave safely.
Cooking in Style: The Best Enamel Cast Iron Cookware of 2024
Is it Staub or Le Creuset? Should you even consider other brands? In this detailed review, a pro chef gives her top enamel cast iron cookware recommendations.
Best Hard Anodized Cookware- A Chef’s Review
Buying hard anodized cookware can be difficult, but today I am here to guide you through my top five hard anodized cookware options so you can pick the perfect pan for your needs.
Discoloration on Stainless Steel Cookware: Why It Happens and How to Fix It
What is discoloration on stainless steel and what can you do about it? Learn when it’s no big deal and when to toss the pan.
Best Utensils for Stainless Steel Cookware – Buyer’s Complete Guide
Using the right utensils on your cookware is important to maintaining it. Here I will guide you through 8 of the best utensils to use on your stainless steel cookware.
Gotham Steel StackMaster Review- Is it Worth Your Money?
Is Gotham Steel StackMaster worth the investment? We'll dish out the truth, providing an honest, no-nonsense breakdown of this revolutionary stackable set.
Can Metal Be Used On Stainless Steel Cookware? Do’s and Dont’s
Stainless steel is a hardy cookware surface but can you use metal utensils on it safely? Let’s investigate the properties of stainless steel to find out.
Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel Cookware- What’s the Difference?
Aluminum and stainless steel are popular materials for everyday cookware. Here’s a survey of the differences, advantages, and risks of these two kinds of pans.
Cast Iron vs. Stainless Steel Cookware- Which is Better for You?
Cast iron and stainless steel are two cookware materials suitable for different purposes. Come learn the difference between them so you can decide which to buy.
Can You Deep Fry Frozen Chicken Wings? Tips & Tricks
Deep frying frozen wings is possible – but potentially dangerous! Discover how to deep fry frozen wings and a much safer alternative.
How to Get Burned Popcorn Smell Out the House – A Chef’s Top 6 Ways
The smell of burnt popcorn tends to linger in your house, but today I am going to teach you five ways to remove the smell from your house quickly and easily.
Whipped Icing vs. Buttercream: What’s the Difference and Which is Better for Cakes or Cupcakes?
Whipped icing and buttercream are two popular beaten frostings – but one is sweeter and a lot more stable! Learn the differences from a pastry chef.
Can Glass Go in the Oven? How to Know if Your Glass Cookware is Oven-Safe.
Glass is one of the most standard cookware materials. But can all glass go in the oven? What about a glass plate or jar? How do you know if your glass dish is oven safe?
What Is Minute Steak? Tasty Thin Slice of Beef Explained!
Discover the mouthwatering world of Minute Steak! What is Minute Steak? Learn about this tender, thin beef slice from the sirloin or round. Unleash your inner chef!
Decoding Steak: Where Does Steak Come From? Exploring Delicious Cuts & Parts
Curious about the origins of steak? Uncover the answer to 'Where Does Steak Come From?' as we delve into diverse cuts and their sources. Expand your steak knowledge
Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus (3 Ways)
Prosciutto wrapped asparagus is an Italian classic and a crowd favorite at gatherings. Simple and ready in just 15 minutes! Three different methods to try!