Cast Iron Enamel Red Roaster with Grill Pan Lid by Kinetic

March 19th, 2010  Tagged , , , , ,

Posted by Doyle Bailey for Cast Iron Cookware Shop

Cast Iron Enamel Red Roaster with Grill Pan Lid

Cast Iron Enamel Red Roaster with Grill Pan Lid

4.75 qt Roaster by Kinetic. Measures 15 3/4 X 8 1/2 X 4″, with lid depth is 5 7/8 “.

WITH THIS MOST VERSATILE ROASTER  you get two products for the price of one: a Roasting Pan and Lid that can be used as an open Broiler Pan. Because this Roaster is so attractive you can use both Roaster and Lid as serving pieces.
This Cast Iron Roaster cooks evenly on stove top or in the oven.

Meat and vegetables all fit inside.
Use the ribbed lid for easy broiling..
Black Enamel Interior
Red Exterior

TASTE THE FOOD NOT THE COOKWARE WITH CAST IRON COOKWARE

 Cook In Cast Iron for Flavor and Convenience

Cook In Cast Iron for Flavor and Convenience

The Old South Pot: A Symbol of Success

February 26th, 2010  Tagged , , ,

In the old days, the hall mark of successful plantation life was the iron pot” according to Francois Mignon in”Plantation Memo: Plantation Life in Louisiana 1750-1970 and other matter”.

Oakland Plantation, Louisiana

Oakland Plantation, Bermuda, Louisiana

When there was no silver on the dining room table, you could survive on pewter, earthenware, china or porcelain. You might even survive if your white-columned mansion went up in flames, but “life without an iron pot was rugged in the extreme“.

“In Louisiana all during the 1700’s (Great Pots Era), iron cooking utensils ranging from little three-legged pots nestling safely upright on the ashes in the hearth (today we call them camping Dutch ovens) to the big iron skillets, so masterfully handled by Negro cooks, were familiar equipment in town and plantation homes alike. It was early in the 1800’s however, that the day of the great pots dawned…sugar had come into its own and from year to year greater grew the demand for bigger and even bigger iron pots in which the cane juice could be started on its way to syrup and eventually to granulated sugar…”

Iron pots for making syrup and sugar, wash pots or clothes and iron pots for cooking food; they are all a part of what was life on a plantation. The iron pots from life on a plantation are today reminders of an almost forgotten yesterday. Some can still be seen on the Cane River Creole Plantations of Natchitoches, Louisiana.

Today’s cast iron cookware

Lodge Cast Iron Cookware

Lodge Cast Iron Cookware

may be pre-seasoned, enameled and somewhat unlike its predecessor from the past, but is still indebted to pots from the past for a heritage of nostalgic appeal and excellent cooking. Old fashioned? A little heavy? Nevertheless, cast iron cookware has its place in today’s kitchen and in the camping gear of out door cooks.

Lodge Camp Dutch Oven

Lodge Camp Dutch Oven

Lodge 12 Inch Skillet

Lodge 12 Inch Skillet

 Cook In Cast Iron Tonight or When You Camp

Cook In Cast Iron Tonight or When You Camp

Cookware with Benefits for Everyday and Gourmet Cooking: Castiron Cookware

February 22nd, 2010  Tagged , , ,

Posted by Doyle Bailey for Cast Iron Cookware Shop

Castiron Cookware combines the versatility of cooking for everyday and for gourmet.

Lodge Cast Iron Cookware

Lodge Cast Iron Cookware

You can cook just about anything in cast iron. Of course castiron cookware is best known for its good old fashioned cooking but do not let this reputation fool you. Due to its even heating qualities (heat retention and distribution),and the fact it can be used in the oven and on the stove top, you can cook just about any food, including gourmet in it.

Cast iron cookware offers:

  1. a large selection of pots, pans, and cookware shapes. You can choose from cast-iron griddles, grill pans, serving pots, Dutch ovens, pizza pans, roasters, casseroles, waffle makers, muffin pans, corn bread pans, camping cookware, bread bakers, dog’n brat, panini sandwich toasters, pie irons roasters and more.
    Cast Iron Cookware

    Cast Iron Cookware

  2. multi-use pans A single pan covers a multitude of dishes. A single cast iron skillet can be used to bake a cake, make cornbread, sear a fillet, roast a chicken, fry potatoes, or stir-fry vegetables. You can get a cast iron casserole with a grill pan lid and have two pieces for the price of one.

    Kinetic Casserole Enamel Grill Pan

    Kinetic Casserole Enamel Grill Pan

  3. cast iron cookware does not particularly care where you use it. You can prepare a dish in enameled cast iron cookware and take it to the table and serve from it there. It is so attractive that it will enhance your table with a presentation appeal and it will keep your food warm throughout your dinner due to its heat retention. Cast iron camping cookware is at its best at your backyard fire pit cookout or at your camp site in the great outdoors.
  4. cast iron cookware can cook almost anything (including gourmet dishes). “Cast-Iron Cooking for Dummies“  by Tracy Barr has great techniques for cooking and recipes as well.

     Cook In Cast Iron Tonight or When You Camp

    Cook In Cast Iron Tonight or When You Camp

Iron Out Smooth Cooking with Cast Iron Cookware

February 5th, 2010  Tagged , , ,

Perhaps you have resolved to eat healthier in 2010. Cast Iron Cookware can help you “iron out” some of the difficulty in preparing a healthier fare for your family.

The farm families who own Cabot have created a recipe perfect for any occasion.  We are grateful to them for a healthy recipe with a new “wrinkle” on healthy eating.

CHICKEN CORN TORTILLA SOUPchicken_corn_tortilla_soup_rs

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

4 cups water

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon canola oil

4 cups reduced- sodium canned chicken broth

16 ounces fresh or frozen white corn

1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies

Corn tortilla Chips

6 ounces 50% Reduced Fat Cheddar, grated (about 1 1/2 cups)

Preparation:

  1. In a cast iron sauce pan, combine chicken breasts and water. Bring to gentle simmer and cook just until set in center.
  2. Meanwhile, in a medium cast iron skillet
    Lodge 10 1/4 Inch Skillet

    Lodge 10 1/4 Inch Skillet

    over medium heat, combine onion, garlic, and oil; cook, stirring until onions are tender. Set aside.

  3. Transfer cooked chicken to plate to cool. Strain cooking liquid into another saucepan.enamel_saucepan_resized
  4. Add canned broth to cooking liquid and bring to simmer. Add corn and cook for 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and reserved onion mixture and cook until heated through.
  5. In each of eight large soup bowls, arrange about 8 tortilla chips. Shred cooled chicken and divide among bowls. Ladle hot soup over chips and chicken, top with grated cheese.

Cozy-up to a bowl of this soup with your family. You will love how it tastes cooked in cast iron that “allows you to taste the food not the cookware“.

 Cook In Cast IronTonight

Cook In Cast IronTonight

Cool Cast Iron Camping Cookware & Accessories

January 31st, 2010  Tagged , , , ,

Some really “cool“  Camping Cast Iron Cookware and Camping Cookware Accessories are really “hot” for  2010 camping.

Lodge Camp Dutch Oven

Lodge Camp Dutch Oven

Rome_Tri_Pod_Grill_Grate_rs

Lodge 10 1/4 Inch Skillet

Lodge 10 1/4 Inch Skillet

There are some really good reasons to get to the great outdoors and camp.

Here are some:

  • the soul deadening pace of modern life. Even if you win the rat race you are still a “rat”.
  • the ceaseless activity that drains our vitality.
  • being harried and hassled by life’s demands
  • being stuck on fast forward and running on empty
  • add your reasons and comment below

Some Reasons to Go Camping:

  • camping is fun and family friendly
    Camping is Cool

    Camping is Cool

  • camping allows you to be who you are and want to be in a place you want to be. Tension is who you think (or others think) you should be. Relaxation is who you are (Chinese Proverb).
  • camping is still affordable
  • fun activities while you camp offer numerous possibilities. Use your imagination

    Rome Panini Presses

    Rome Panini Presses

  • no doubt you can think of others. We would love to hear from you.

    Rome Popcorn Popper

    Rome Popcorn PopperLodge

    Rome Firepit Cookout Set

    Rome Firepit Cookout Set

    Round Pie Iron by Rome

    Round Pie Iron by RomeS'More Maker

  • Camp and Cook In Cast Iron

    Camp and Cook In Cast Iron

Cast Iron Cookware With a Spinach Salad Popeye Would Love

January 29th, 2010  Tagged , ,

Every good cook should have a spinach salad in their repertoire and Chef Paul Prudhomme’s is one Popeye would love and so will you. Popeye_olive_spinach_rsThe Chef points out that along with the traditional elements in the salad, the tasso and cane vinegar give it a decided Louisiana flavor.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup olive oil (where would Popeye be without Olive Oil?)

9 ounces tasso, or any premium-quality cooked ham, cut into 1/4- inch cubes

1 medium-size onion, cut into julienne strips

1 small red bell pepper, seeded and cut into julienne strips

1 small yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into julienne strips

1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1/4 cup dried currants

1/4 cup raisins

1/4 cup cane vinegar or any sweet vinegar

1 grapefruit, peeled and sectioned

Two 10-ounce packages fresh spinach

PREPARATION:

  1. Preheat a heavy 10-inch skillet
    Lodge 10 1/4 Inch Skillet

    Lodge 10 1/4 Inch Skillet

    over high heat for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the olive oil, tilting the pan so the oil spreads over the entire bottom, then add the tasso, spreading it evenly. Cook, stirring and scraping the bottom occasionally, until the tasso is lightly browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. During this time notice that the seasonings from the tasso mingle with the oil.

  2. Add the onion, stir well and scrape up any brown bits that may stick to the bottom of the skillet, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is brown around the edges (as its sugar caramelizes), it’ll lose its acid taste as well), about 4 to 5 minutes, then stir in the bell peppers, garlic, and citrus juices and cook, stirring occasionally, until the colors of the peppers become very bright, almost glowing, then darken as they are lightly browned from the heat, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  3. Stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, currants, raisins, and grapefruit. Cover, remove from the heat, and let cool to room temperature, during which time the currants and raisins will plump and absorb the other flavors.
  4. Remove (when the dressing is cool) the stems and any bruised leaves from the spinach and wash well. Shake or spin the spinach dry, place it in a large serving bowl, and pour the dressing over it. Toss lightly to coat all the spinach leaves and distribute the ingredients evenly. Serve at once.

Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Louisiana Tastes: Exciting Flavors from the State that Cooks. This is a good one.spinach_salad_rs

You may not be Olive Oil cooking for Popeye, but you will all enjoy this savory salad prepared in a cast iron skillet.

Cook In Cast Iron Tonight

Cook In Cast Iron Tonight

Cast Iron Cookware Camping Essentials

January 27th, 2010  Tagged , ,

Essentials for Camping

Essentials for Camping

When camping, it is important to eliminate the non-essential and pack as lightly as possible. While not exactly light, there are two pieces of cast iron cookware that I will always take with me.

ONEa cast iron camping dutch oven


Lodge Camp Dutch Oven

Lodge Camp Dutch Oven

The cast iron camping dutch oven is small enough to pack easily and large enough to feed a family or group. The flanged lid will hold hot coals to facilitate cooking and to keep ashes out of the pot. The cast iron camp lid can be turned upside down for use as a griddle. The dutch oven legs provide stability and safety for use over your campfire or fireplace. This camp dutch oven is a skillet, saute pan, casserole cooker and fry pan all in one. A castiron pot is a lifetime investment. In our family cast iron cookware is passed down from one generation to the next. The cast iron dutch oven was originated for outdoor cooking and for centuries has done it’s job.

Add to Your Outdoor Cooking Enjoyment

Add to Your Outdoor Cooking Enjoyment

Two: a cast iron 10 inch skillet

The cast iron skillet is ideal for eggs, bacon sausage, pancakes and omelets for breakfast. You can fry saute, make desserts like stewed apples and other fruits.  You can grill your meats. The cast iron skillet also can serve as a grill, and griddle.

Lodge 10 1/4 Inch Skillet

Lodge 10 1/4 Inch Skillet

Why You Should Use Cast Iron Cookware Tonight

January 25th, 2010  Tagged , ,
Lodge Cast Iron Cookware

Lodge Cast Iron Cookware

You perhaps have and use a nonstick pan all the time. Do not forget about the cast iron cookware you may have stored away in your cabinet.

There are reasons why you should get out the cast iron and use it tonight.

  • cast iron cookware is so versatile that it can go from stove top to oven to grill with ease
  • cast iron cookware allows you to bake a gooey pineapple upside-down cake in it as well as fry unbelievably crisp and tasty catfish
  • cast iron cookware will enhance your reputation as an excellent cook

Pull out your hand-me-down skillet, or purchase a new pre-seasoned pan and try this recipe for Pork Chops with Pepper Jelly Sauce.

Lodge 10 1/4 Inch Skillet

Lodge 10 1/4 Inch Skillet


Ingredients:

4 (1/2 inch-thick bone-in pork loin chops (about 2 1/2 lbs.)

1 tsp. salt

3/4 tsp.freshly ground pepper

3 Tbsp. butter, divided

3 Tbsp. olive oil

1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

1 laege jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced

1/2 cup dry white wine

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup red pepper jelly

Steps:

  1. Sprinkle pork with salt and pepper. Melt 1 Tbsp. butter with oil in a 12 inch cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add pork chops and cook 8 minutes; turn and cook 10 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into thickest portion registers 150 degrees. Remove from skillet, and keep warm.
  2. Add flour and jalapeno to skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes or until flour is golden brown. Add wine, stirring to loosen particles from bottom of skillet; cook 1 minute or until almost completely reduced.
  3. Add chicken broth, and cook 2 to 3 minutes or until mixture begins to thicken. Whisk in pepper jelly until melted and smooth. Cook 3 to four minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in remaining 2 Tbsp. butter. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Return pork to skillet; turn to coat. Serve pork with sauce.

Cook with a cast iron skillet tonight and you will be an avid advocate of cast iron cookware.

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

Cook In Cast Iron Tonight

Cook In Cast Iron Tonight

Supersize Your Wallet Not Your Body with Cast Iron Cookware

January 22nd, 2010  Tagged , , ,

Good News for Dieters

Good News for Dieters

How can you super-size your “assets” not your, er…body?

Research has shown that dieters who are offered a financial reward as an incentive to lose weight are five times more likely to meet their goal when compared to other dieters who have no potential monetary reward.

This has led to a number of incentive programs:

  • companies have started offering everything from gift cards to cruises to employees who shed excess pounds in an effort to cut overall health care costs.
  • Corporate Sponsors give cash prizes to obese participants who drop enough weight in a year.

What a healthy and well conceived idea! It is a win/win proposition for sponsor and participant.

This leads me to a question: Is there a pot

Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven

that can help you get rid of or avoid acquiring a “pot” and save you money at the same time? Cast Iron Cookware Shop proposes the following for your consideration:

  • cooking in cast iron cookware can be conducive to cooking healthy meals of veggies at home and avoiding the “bloat” that can go with “fast food“. Cast iron cooked meals are “slow food” and can lead to enhanced communication in the family.
  • cooking in cast iron can save you money in the long run. Yes, you can find less expensive cookware but you will be replacing it relatively soon. Cast iron cookware is an investment and not just a purchase. You will still be enjoying the quality of your cookware long after you have forgotten what you paid for it and you can pass it on to your children and grandchildren.
  • cooking in with cast iron cookware instead of eating out is cost effective and will save you money.
    Lodge Cast Iron Cookware

    Lodge Cast Iron Cookware

If you want to super size something in 2010, cast iron cookware offers you an incentive to use the cookware that will allow you to taste the food not the cookware.

Offers Incentives for Cooking

Offers Incentives for Cooking

Food with a French Accent Cooked in Cast Iron Cookware

January 20th, 2010  Tagged , , ,

Out of the melting pot of French, Africans, Native Americans, Spanish, and others who settled in Louisiana, there has emerged a unique culture and cuisine and a way of life known as Cajun.

Gumbo with Rice

Gumbo with Rice

Cajun cooking has spread far and wide across the USA and even abroad. The swamps and the plantations of Louisiana are the birthplace of this unique cuisine.

The terms “Cajun” and “Creole“, in culinary terms, are often used interchangeable. However, there are differences in the ingredients and the style of cooking.

Judith Bluysen in “Cajun: A Culinary Tour of Louisiana” writes:

Louisiana Creole cooking is the cuisine of cooks and chefs…Cajun cooking, while as labor-intensive and flavor rich, is a family project: a poor man’s cuisine based on abundant indigenous ingredients hunted, raised, or gathered”. I may assure you I have eaten both and they are both excellent.

In my home, my wife is from “Creole” origins but cooks primarily “Cajun”.

There are several givens for our family:

For food lovers everywhere, get out a cast iron pot and try a Cajun Seafood Gumbo. C’est si bon.

SEAFOOD GUMBO

Ingredients:
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chopped onions
1 cup chopped bell peppers
1 cup chopped celery
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon cayenne
5 bay leaves
8 cups water or shrimp stock
6 gumbo crabs, broken in half
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 pound lump crabmeat, picked over for shells and cartilage
2 dozen oysters, shucked with their liquor
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup chopped parsley
File powder to taste

Steps:
Combine the oil and flour in a large cast-iron pot over medium heat. Stirring slowly and constantly for 20 to 25 minutes, make a dark brown roux, the color of chocolate. Add the onions, bell peppers, celery, salt, cayenne and bay leaves. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, or until very soft. Add the water or shrimp stock and stir to blend. Add the crabs and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 1 1/2 hours. Add the shrimp and crab meat and cook for 15 minutes. Add the oysters, green onions and parsley and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the edges of the oysters curl. Remove from heat. Remove the bay leaves. Serve with file powder passed at the table. Serves 6.

Cook Cajun in Cast Iron

Cook Cajun in Cast Iron