From time to time, I am the kitchen idiot… And I’m living proof that you really can burn water.

I own one of my mother’s copper-bottom pots. It’s probably 30+ years old and very light. I remember when we were kids at home we’d often burn the last few kernels of popcorn in the bottom, and commonly I only use the thing to simmer water, using it as part of a double-boiler or steamer.

The other night I was steaming vegetables (I don’t use a pricey device for this, I simply place an old metal collander atop the pot of water), but failed to remember that water in this type of pot would simmer away much more quickly, especially when I’m allowing all the steam to escape.

A while in and I’m smelling something burning. My first instinct is to turn off the toaster/convection oven, thinking perhaps the power cord was caught beneath the unit. Next I look at all the burners, then wonder if perhaps one of the neighbors was having a hard time grilling. It takes a few minutes for me to realize the smell is coming from that pot. I quickly remove the collander and gasp as I stare at the black coating on the bottom and sides of the pot.

Fortunately, the pot was built to last. Hot water and soap wasn’t enough to clean this baby up so I filled it with cool water and a cup of salt and let it sit overnight. It’s still good as new now, but I’ve walked away with a reminder that the statement usually made about people who have no ability to cook at all can most certainly apply to those of us who can whip up a fine dinner out of just about anything.

Posted Saturday, February 3rd, 2007 at 8:59 pm EST
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