Mamaw Would Have Been Proud of Me

Posted by Doyle Bailey for Cast Iron Cookware Shop

Every one called my Mother “Mamaw”, including her children. Often when embarrassed by my behavior (which was too frequently), she would disclaim: “I did not raise him like that”.

We lost her a number of years ago but I would like to think that yesterday she observed what I did:

* gathered a mess (Southern expression for a lot) of collard greens from a flower bed.  I planted with them with my own “brown thumb), cleaned and cooked them.

* made corn sticks in our  Lodge corn stick pans. I like these cast iron pans because they have more cooking surface for more tasty crust and they do not stick. I just washed them with hot water and dried them thoroughly before storing them.

* prepared a special “Mamaw Salad” of grated carrots, mayonnaise, raisins and boiled eggs. (6- 6″ carrots grated, 2 hard boiled eggs, 4 tbs. light mayonnaise, and 1/2 cup raisins).

* served with pepper sauce spread lightly over the collards and some peppers from the sauce, all from the same flower bed garden.

{A side note: this small garden produced an amazing number of egg plants. Imagine my difficulty in getting the laying hens in there! You are right. She did not raise me like this.}

When it comes to southern cooking and “soul food”, especially prepared in our cast iron cookware, we try to eat healthy food and these pots and pans allow you to cook with just a little olive or vegetable oil and not fat.

Some of Our "Family" of Cast Iron Cookware

In case you haven’t guessed it, she did raise me this way.

Lodge Cornbread Stick Pan

                                                        CAST IRON COOKWARE ALLOWS YOU TO TASTE THE FOOD NOT THE COOKWARE

Rome’s #63 Chrome Plated Steel Grill Basket A Sure Winner for All Your Our Door Cooking

Posted by Doyle Bailey for the Cast Iron Cookware Shop

Dimensions: 8″ x 11: x 1 1/2″       

Camp Fire Grilling Is Fun for All

Overall Length: 29:
Chrome Plated Steel

Rome’s #63 Chrome Plated Steel Grill Basket is great for chicken, steaks, pork chops, burgers,veggies, toast and anything that you want to grill that will fit in this grill basket. You name it; you can cook it with the Rome Grill Basket. The tight fitting edges of the outdoor grilling basket combined with a small grid pattern make it easy to cook your favorite foods without anything falling into the fire.

Perfect for grilling veggies or meat over an open flame, it’s sturdy chrome plated wire cleans easily with a brush or steel wool. The basket´s cooking depth is 1½” with 8″ x 11″ dimensions. Overall length is 29″ with a handle to keep your hands safely away from the flame. Made by family camping cookware specialists, Rome Industries, the Rome hamburger grill basket is a sure winner for all your outdoor cooking and camping need. Add this easy to transport, easy to use, easy to clean camping grill basket to your collection of cast iron cookware accessories.

Perfect for your:

• backyard fire pit cooking      
  

  Complete Your Camping Gear Before You Go

• tail gating or camping out
• fireplace grilling

Rome # 63 Grill Basket

Try Your “Skillet” At Making Cornbread

Posted by Doyle Bailey for Cast Iron Cookware Shop

Corn Bread and Soup, a Hearty and Healthy Winter Meal

Cornbread is easy to make and tastes best when made in a cast iron skillet or pan. Find a good recipe and soon you will be making it without even looking at the recipe. I like to experiment. For example, jalapeno pepper slices is a favorite for me.

If you like lots of tasty crust, corn stick pans, muffin pans or cornbread wedge pans may be just the thing for you. Whichever you choose, you will be pleased with the even heat distribution and easy clean up of non-stick cast iron cookware.  (Note: when the cookware is properly seasoned).

CAST IRON COOKWARE ALLOWS YOU TO TASTE THE FOOD NOT THE COOKWARE

Cornstick Pan.

Cornbread Wedge Pan

How To Care For Your Cast Iron Cookware

Posted by Doyle Bailey for Cast Iron Cookware Shop

Cookware You Will Pass On To Future Generations

The use and care of cast iron cookware is not really rocket science. Good thing or I would not be posting this. However, as a daily user of cast iron cookware in our kitchen, I think I may have a few things to share and am open to learning a lot more from you. At the conclusion of this post is a photo of  some of the pieces we cook with. Almost a dozen more have been added since this picture was taken. We like to use the products we sell. If we do not like it, it comes off our inventory and we do not offer it for sale.

Now to our subject: HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR CAST IRON COOKWARE:

Just in case you do not own these priceless pieces of cookware, am I right in assuming that you would not be reading this unless you are considering purchasing your first piece of cast iron cookware? I thought so! You might want to get started with a 12 ” fry pan or a cast iron dutch oven.  When you get your cookware, you are ready for the first tip.

Tip # 1:  Use your cast iron cookware daily or frequently. Nothing will help more to keep your cookware in A-1 condition like frequent use. You will see it develop a patina and beautiful sheen with use. It is also the real non-stick cookware and will not flake chemical coating into your food. You will also experience the health benefits of “slow food” by cooking your meat and veggies in cast iron cookware.

Pre-Seasoned Lodge Fry Pan with Meat and Veggies

Tip # 2:  After, you use your castiron cookware, you can wash using a plastic “scrubbie”  and rinse your cookware until  it is completely dry. Always  keep your cast iron pots and pans, grills dry. Sometimes I will put the cookware on a burner for just a minute to help it dry completely. Even a minute amount of moisture can allow rust to develop. Be even should a small amount of rust appear, it is easily removed, even without using chemical rust removers. Even badly rusted cast iron can be brought back to life with a bit of scouring and re-seasoning in the oven. I have “rescued” several rust covered pieces from flea markets. It is surprisingly easy.

Tip # 3:  Revise your will so your children will know who gets the cast iron cookware. The easiest and safest thing to do would be to have enough to go around for your children and grandchildren.  Martha Washington included her cast iron cook ware in her will, along with her jewelry and other valuables. Cast iron cooks beautifully, will last for generations and can go from oven to stove top to your table. It is inexpensive as an added value. It is not just a purchase, it is an investment. We love it.  So, no doubt, will your children and grandchildren.

Throw a steak on your cast iron grill tonight

Lodge 12 ” cast iron skillet.

Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven

TASTE THE FOOD NOT THE COOKWARE WITH CAST IRON COOKWARE

Some of Our "Family" of Cast Iron Cookware

Before You Head Out Camping, Head In to Cast Iron Cookware Shop

Posted by Doyle Bailey for Cast Iron Cookware Shop

Before you head out to your camp site, head in to the Cast Iron Cookware Shop. Let me introduce you to a product that you, and your cast iron dutch oven, may wonder how you have done without.

Dutch Oven Not Included

Natchitoches Meat Pies In Cast Iron Cookware

Posted by Doyle Bailey for Cast Iron Cookware Shop

Natchitoches Meat Pies

Natchitoches meat pies in cast iron cookware is one title with two of my passions included.

Let’s look at the tasty little meat pies first. My mother was an incredible cook who made delightful fruit pies (fried in a large cast iron skillet). I had never heard of “meat pies” until I moved to Argentina and was introduced to “empanadas”, which are meat pies, with other ingredients added. In fact, you can tell where a cook is from by the ingredients in her meat pies. Each area of the country has its unique recipe.

When we came back to Louisiana and moved to Natchitoches, I discoved Natchitoches meat pies.  They are not dissimilar. The main feature they have in common is their incredible flavor. Natchitoches is a French Colonial City with not only French but Spanish cultural influences.  The tasty meat pies are celebrated in September.

If you visit Natchitoches in September, you can experience the Meat Pie Festival, and relish the historical sites of the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase Territory. If September is not clear for you, come at any time. Tour Natchitoches with Barbara will help you plan an itinerary that will fit your schedule for your group or family.

Oakland Plantation/Main House

MEAT PIE RECIPE

Filling:  1 teaspoon shortening, 1 pound ground meat, 1 pound ground pork meat,1 bunch green onions (chopped), i pod garlic (minced), 1 bell pepper (chopped), 1 medium onion (chopped), salt, black pepper and red pepper to taste, 1 tablespoon flour

Melt shortening in heavy pot ( a cast iron dutch oven works great). Add meat and your seasonings. When meat is completely done but not dry, remove from heat and drain excess liquid. Mix in 1 tablespoon of flour. Let the mixture cool completely before attempting to make the meat pies.

MEAT PIE CRUST

1 cup plain flour,2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 2 eggs, 1 cup shortening, 1 cup milk

Sift dry ingredients together. Cut in shortening. Beat eggs and add to milk. Work gradually into dry ingredients until proper consistency to roll. Break into small pieces and roll very thin and cut into rounds using a saucer as a guide.
TO ASSEMBLE:

Place a large tablespoon of cooked meat along the edge and halfway in the center of round dough. Fold the other half over, making edges meet and seal with water. Forn edges with fork. Drop in deep fat and cook until golden brown. Drain and serve hot. Makes approximately 18.

Recipe courtesy of Mrs. L. J. Melder

NOTE: At our house we bake the meat pies rather than to fry them. They are still very good and are healthier. We also enjoy crawfish pies, but that is the subject of another blog post.

Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Make some meat pies in a dutch oven at your house.Come to Natchitoches to dine, tour and enjoy the culture of a 300 year old French Colonial City.

THE FRENCH CAME IN 1714. NOW IT’S YOUR TURN.

Easier Than Pie With Rome Industries # 1805 Single Cast Iron Pie iron

Posted by Doyle Bailey for Cast Iron Cookware Shop

Round Pie Iron by Rome

The Rome # 1805 pre-seasoned round cast iron pie iron with steel and wood handles is easier than pie  when it comes to cooking desserts and pies over a campfire or fire pit. The round design of the pie iron is made to trim off the edges of sandwich bread to form a sealed round sandwich and hold in all the juices. This gives you an ideal cast iron sandwich maker.

Rome cast iron pie irons are made by family camping cookware specialists, Rome Industries since 1964. The cooking surface of the round cast iron pie iron is 4 1/4″.It has an overall length of 27″.

Start making special memories around the campfire with your children or grandchildren.

The heavy duty round cast iron design of this single sandwich maker is ideal for one or two persons. If your group is larger, you may want to purchase two single pie irons or the cast iron double pie iron. Whether you plan to toast pies and sandwiches in your backyard fire pit, or when you have a tailgating party following your favorite team,  you will be glad to have this Rome product in your collection of cast iron cookware and camping cookware accessories.

CAST IRON COOKWARE ALLOWS YOU TO TASTE THE FOOD NOT THE COOKWARE.

Cast Iron Cookware Clearly Makes Good Sense for Kitchen or Camping

What’s Your Favorite Food to Grill? What Is Your Favorite Grill?

Posted by Doyle Bailey for Cast Iron Cookware Shop

What’s your favorite food to grill?

• steaks, ribs?
• veggies, fruit?
• fish, seafood?
• burgers, hotdogs?
• chicken?
• pizza?

How could you go wrong with any of these foods unless you have the wrong grill.

What Is Your Favorite Grill?

Rome Pizza Grill

The Rome Pizza Grill is great to use when you go camping or have a backyard outing with your fire pit.

Throw a steak on the grill tonight

Lodge Grill/Griddle

Rome # 63 Grill Basket

If you love to grill veggies, this Rome Grill Basket might just be the thing for you.

Eat veggies for good health

Pre-Seasoned Lodge Fry Pan with Veggies

Perhaps the most versatile pan you can have in your kitchen or when you camp is a good ole cast iron skillet.

A Lodge cast iron skillet gets the job done without fuss or bother both in your kitchen or over your campfire.

CAST IRON COOKWARE ALLOWS YOU TO TASTE THE FOOD NOT THE COOKWARE.

Cast Iron Cookware Clearly Makes Good Sense

A Great Way To Steam Your Vegetables, Fish And Meat

Posted by Doyle Bailey for Cast Iron Cookware Shop

There are better ways to “steam” your veggies than to shout insults at them. Consider the better option of a

Rome # 63 Grill Basket. You will be pleased and your vegetables will remain happy.

Rome # 63 Grill Basket

Rome Industries has offered quality cast iron cookware and accessories since 1964. The “queen of the fleet”, when you camp or cookout,  is a cast iron camping dutch oven. There is no other piece of camping cookware more versatile. Granted it is heavy but will allow you to leave other pots at home so you still come out ahead.

Lodge 6 Quart Camp Dutch Oven

However, imagine the uses for a quality chrome plated steel grill basket designed to cook vegetables, fish and meats. For cooking a healthy meal quickly and easily Rome’s # 63 Grill Basket is a clear choice.

The Grill Basket:

• measures 8″ x 11″ (cooking area)
• overall length is 29″ to keep you safe from your campfire
• the tight wire spacing is ideal for grilling veggies and grilling your fish is a snap

CAST IRON COOKWARE ALLOWS YOU TO TASTE THE FOOD NOT THE COOKWARE

Cast Iron Cookware Camping Accessories

Posted by Doyle Bailey for Cast Iron Cookware Shop

How can you handle “the brats” when you go camping?

No, I am not talking about your offspring. What I am referring to is a really cool way to cook on your campfire. Even if you have a very nicely equipped RV with a super kitchen, you will not want to miss the fun that goes with cooking Dogs and Brats” on your campfire.

Brats on Grill

There are at least two ways you can cook great brats or dog n’ brats. One is on a grill.

Another way, that is especially fun and safe for your little ones, is with a cast iron dog n’ brat cooker.

Choose the one that is right for you.

Rome Dog 'n Brat Cooker

Picnic Ready Folding Grill from Rome

CAST IRON COOKWARE SHOP

Taste the Food Not the Cookware with Cast Iron Cookware

Cast Iron Cookware Clearly Makes Good Sense

If you are not careful, you will spend all your time in your RV when you are at your favorite campsite, National or State Park. Even you fish, hunt, swim,water ski, tube or scuba dive, do not omit campfire fun. You will create memories for your family. They will remember the campfire songs and  stories.