11.5 Inch Nickel-Plated Mesh Basket

When there's a crowd to feed, this mesh basket contains enough for all during the deep-frying or boiling process. The voluminous 11-by-6-inch basket is woven of shiny, heavy-duty nickel-plated wire mesh, and is held by a welded four-part handle that separates to spread support across the bottom. The handle angles back toward the user for leverage, and bends into a loop on the end for hanging. A small hook on the handle near the base of the basket slips over the rim of a large stockpot to allow the basket's contents to drain. Whether deep-frying fish, hushpuppies, or corn fritters, or boiling up shrimp or potatoes, the basket makes removing small-sized food from a large pot easy. There's no need to scoop or pour when the basket stays in during cooking. The basket fits a Bayou Classic 24-quart stockpot or any large pot at least 12 inches in diameter. After the feast, simply wash the basket by hand or in a dishwasher. --Ann Bieri