Abstract: Cookware includes a cooking vessel; a transparent lid adapted to cover the vessel; and a knob attached to the lid, which knob is adapted to receive a temperature probe, wherein the temperature probe extends into the cookware vessel. The transparent lid permits one to accurately position the temperature probe inside food in the vessel. The knob may be offset from the center of the lid to facilitate positioning of the probe. Particularly while cooking at low temperatures, the transparent lid and temperature probe permits one to more precisely observe the temperature of the food. This results in improved cooking by avoiding either undercooking or overcooking the food.

Abstract: An improved footed cooking utensil is provided whereby the cooking utensil may be removed from a hot oven and placed directly on a counter-top or other surface without the need for a hot pad, cutting board, or similar device. The cooking utensil of the present invention includes foot supports which suspend the lower surface of the cooking utensil above the counter-top thereby eliminating contact between the counter-top and hot metal. The low heat capacity footings do not retain heat and any heat absorbed during the baking process is quickly dissipated upon removal of the utensil from the oven. One or more footings may be applied to metal cookware, ceramic cookware or cookware fabricated from other materials.