The Resurgence of Cast Iron Cookware

I say that cast iron cookware has had resurgence in use and popularity, not because people ever actually stopped using it, but because we are using it more than ever before. Cast iron cookware is available in a vast variety of item types: camping cookware, tea kettles/tea pots, Dutch ovens, trivets, fry pans, crocks, round French ovens, grills, griddles, skillets with cast iron flat iron flat presses, fondue sets, deep dish lasagna bakers, pizza pans, round griddles, covered casseroles, gingerbread house molds, corn bread pans, Moroccan tangines, and the list goes on.

Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

One item that has intrigued me recently is the cast iron tea kettle. There are different types and brands of tea kettles from different from countries; besides American made tea kettles, Japanese kettles and Old Dutch kettles seem to be the most readily available. I noticed that the Japanese cast iron tea kettles are made in different weights of cast iron; I have seen them in 10 oz., 24 oz., 32 oz. and 45 oz. weights. The Old Dutch tea kettles I have seen are similar in weights to the Japanese kettles. These tea kettle weights in ounces of cast iron are 28 oz., 34 oz., 38 oz. and 48 oz. Because these tea kettles are the heaviest (and thickest) of the tea kettles made (in comparison to glass tea kettles, stainless tea kettles & copper tea kettles) its good to know they can be found in various sizes and weights. It should be easy to find something you prefer in both style and weight.

Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

Types of American made cast iron tea kettles include hobnail - small & large hobnails - tea kettles, hand-painted enamel cast iron (many depicting scenes of the old farming countryside), pre-seasoned cast iron kettles, which should not rust because of the pre-seasoning (though it may need to be re-seasoned sometime down the road) and cast iron kettle humidifiers.

Rust can be a problem for these tea kettles, but if the rust can be kept from these kettles, they will probably be the most durable of tea kettles (also compared to the other types I listed above). When boiling water using cast iron tea kettles, a sort of protective layer of minerals will build up on its base overtime. With this layer, these kettles will not easily develop rust.

If, by chance, your tea kettle does develop rust (to prevent rusting, keep your cast iron kettle dry as much as possible, and take out remaining water directly after boiling), you can try the following process to try and cure it: boil in it some water mixed with baking soda and lemon juice.

As far as colors and designs go, the Old Dutch tea kettles seem to have the most variety of styles. They have a list of names for their styles of teapots: Prosperity, Nobility, Symmetry, Mythology, Purity and Tranquility. Each style has its own shape, colors and intricate designs on the sides of the teapots - the colors being rather beautiful: pale blue, mustard, black, chestnut brown and red. Actually, the Japanese cast iron tea pots are quite colorful and beautiful too, but I think I fell for the names of the Old Dutch styles! As with anything else, personal preference is as they say, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

History

Bare cast iron cookware may have been first used in China around 513 B.C. and later in 12th century England. Originally, the pots stood on three legs because cooking was done over an open fire. When stoves with flat tops began to be produced for common usage in the 1700's, the popularity of cast iron cookware increased.

By 1776 Adam Smith, in his book, The Wealth of Nations, could note that the actual wealth of the nation was not its gold but in its manufacture of pots and pans. Cast iron cookware was highly valued in the 18th century. George Washington's mother thought so much of her cookware she made special note to bequeath her cast iron in her will. In their expedition to the Louisiana territory in 1804, Lewis and Clark indicated that their cast iron Dutch oven was one of their most important pieces of equipment.

One important reason for old fashioned, cast iron cookwares popularity and comeback is that no matter how uneven the type of surface on which it is placed, on a stove top, an open grill or over a campfire, is it will cook food evenly. About the only place to avoid putting cast iron cookware is in the microwave or a glass electric stove top (the cast iron can scratch the surface).

Is Cooking in Cast Iron Good for Your Health?

I have been surprised to read over and again that cooking in cast iron is known to greatly increase our dietary source of iron by leaching small amounts of iron into the food we eat. People who are anemic, or have other iron deficiencies, may benefit from this effect, though those with excess iron issues (i.e., people with hemochromatosis) may suffer negative effects.

This finding seems to be especially true when cooking foods high in acid, such as tomato based sauces, and the frequent stirring of food may also increase the amount of iron in foods cooked in cast iron. As you might expect, foods that spend more time in the pot, skillet or Dutch oven will lend more iron to the body (as opposed to foods that are quickly fried in a pan/skillet). Foods cooked this way can often provide all of the iron that a body needs.

Extreme iron deficiency can cause anemia. Women are more prone to iron deficiency because of the loss of blood through menstruation. Because iron can also be lost through perspiration, athletes can also be subject to low iron. It is also known that the excessive consumption of tea or coffee can inhibit the absorption of iron by the body. I wonder what's considered excessive these days, what with a coffee shop on almost every corner - yikes! That might be a small exaggeration, but I imagine we probably consume more coffee and tea than ever before.

It should be noted that it is also possible to consume too much iron; toxicity levels begin at about 45 milligrams per day. In an average diet it is very unlikely that cooking with cast iron will bring a person to this level. Low iron is more likely to be a problem, and cooking with cast iron can be less expensive and more fun (at least more hunger satisfying!) than taking iron supplements. If you do use cast iron you should consult your doctor before taking other iron supplements.

Cast iron is much beloved by serious chefs, and lasts nearly forever if you take care of it. Seasoning cast iron cookware is necessary to ensure a non-stick surface and to prevent the pot or pan from rusting. If seasoned correctly your cookware can last a lifetime and more.

Steps

For crusty cast ironware that you inherited or picked up at a garage sale: Your cookware may have some combination of rust and thick crackly black crud. It can be restored fairly easily to good as new condition! First place the cookware in a self-cleaning oven and run one cycle OR place in a campfire or directly on a hot charcoal fire for 1/2 hour, until dull red. The crud will be flaking, falling and turning to white ash. Then, after allowing to cool a bit to avoid cracking your cast iron, use the following steps. If you have more rust than crud, try using steel wool to sand it off. Wash your cast iron cookware with warm water and soap using a scouring pad. If you have purchased your cast iron cookware as new then it will be coated in oil or a similar coating to prevent rust. This will need to be removed before seasoning so this step is essential. Dry the cookware thoroughly; it helps to put the pan in the oven for a few minutes to make sure it is really dry. Oil needs to be able to soak into the metal for a good seasoning and oil and water don't mix. Coat the pot or pan inside and out with lard, Crisco, bacon fat, or corn oil. Ensure that the lid is also coated. Place both the lid and the pot or pan upside down in your oven at 300F for at least an hour to bake on a "seasoning" that protects the pan from rust and provides a stick-resistant surface. For best results repeat steps three and four and five. Ongoing care: Every time you wash your pan, you must season it. Place it on the stove and pour in about 3/4 teaspoon corn oil or other cooking fat. Wad up a paper towel and spread the oil across the cooking surface, any bare iron surfaces, and the bottom of the pan. Turn on the burner and heat until smoke starts to appear. Cover pan and turn heat off.
Second Method

First, if you find your cast iron needs to be stripped down and re-seasoned do not fear. All you have to do is place the utensil in your Self Cleaning Oven on the shortest cleaning cycle (usually 3 hours on most models), and it will come out looking like the day it came out of the mold. Allow it to cool overnight. Wash the residue off with WATER ONLY in the sink using a stiff abrasive pad. Make certain NO DISH SOAP comes in contact with the utensil during this procedure. If it does you will have to start over!!! Dry the cast iron utensil off with a paper towel, and IMMEDIATELY place BACK in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes or so. Next, take the utensil out of the oven after the 10 minute drying time is complete, and lightly brush the utensil with a paper towel coated with Crisco or other solid cooking oil. Liquid vegetable oil will do in a pinch, but it is better to save the liquids until AFTER your initial seasoning. It is important in this step only to lightly coat the cast iron with a light, thin coat of oil until it only glistens. Do not allow any puddles or pools of liquid as this will cause problems at a later time. Then, place the Cast Iron in the oven set to 500 to 550 degrees Fahrenheit with the COOKING SIDE FACING THE BOTTOM OF THE OVEN. This allows for any excess oil to drain off to the sides, and prevents pooling during the seasoning process. The higher heating temp allows for the oil to truly 'cook' as it should as opposed to just 'gumming up' at lower temps. Cook undisturbed for 1 hour.
Please note: During the previous step it will be best to turn off any smoke alarms in the immediate area as it may smoke quite a lot. Ceiling fans also aid in ventilation.

Finally, after your cast iron is finished seasoning for 1 hour or so, take it out of the oven and IMMEDIATELY wipe it down with another extra - light coat of Crisco. Allow it to completely cool.
Tips

If food burns, just heat a little water in the pan, and scrape with a flat metal spatula. It may mean that re-seasoning is necessary. If you're washing it too aggressively (for instance with a scouring pad), you will regularly scrub off the seasoning. Wash more gently or repeat oven-seasoning method regularly. If your pan develops a thick crust, you're not washing it aggressively enough. Follow "crusty pan" instructions. If storing your Dutch oven for any length of time, it is always best to place one or two paper towels in between the lid and the oven to allow for air flow. Also, after cleaning after each use it is always best to place it back in the oven on 350 degrees for 10 minutes or so to ensure all water has vaporized and left the surface of the cast iron.
Warnings

Do not cook tomatoes and other acidic foods in your cast iron cookware unless it has been well seasoned (your cookware, not the food!) Washing pans with detergent after they have been seasoned will break down the seasoning. Either wash without detergent (if you're cooking similar foods with the pan, this is fine) or repeatedly oven-season your cookware.
Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

Enameled cast iron cookware has been manufactured in the United States since the end of World War II. Enameled cast iron is considered pre-seasoned (meaning you don't have to go through the steps of seasoning that I outlined above). The vitreous enamel (the transparent glossiness of the enamel) is completely hygienic and impervious to flavors and odors, and it's perfect to hold foods that are marinating or for storing foods (raw or cooked) in the refrigerator or freezer.

Todays enameled cookware comes from many different manufacturers, and is available in so many colors, that you're sure to find something available that will be equally at home in your kitchen as it will be on your dining room table. It is an added bonus that you can go from fridge or freezer to oven to table, especially with the beautiful look of this modern day cookware.

The Resurgence of Cast Iron Cookware

Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

Cyber Monday Lodge Color 3-Quart Covered Casserole, Caribbean Blue 2011 Deals

Nov 30, 2011 15:45:44

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Cyber Monday Lodge Color 3-Quart Covered Casserole, Caribbean Blue Feature

Porcelain surface eliminates the need to season
Tightly fitting lid seals in moisture
Superior heat distribution and retention
Two layers of porcelain enamel are chip resistant
Easy clean up

Cyber Monday Lodge Color 3-Quart Covered Casserole, Caribbean Blue Overview

This 3 Qt enamel covered casserole is great for cooking, marinating, refrigeration and freezing. The color porcelain enamel on cast iron can be used on gas, electric, ceramic and induction cooktops, as well as in the oven. Not recommended for use on outdoor grills or over open outdoor flames. Not for use in microwaves. Lodge Color Porcelain Enamel on Cast Iron cookware is cast from molten iron in individual sand molds. The porcelain surface eliminates the need to season cast iron. The cast iron vessel has superior heat distribution and retention, evenly heating bottom sidewalls and even the lid. Tightly fitting lid seals in moisture. The excellent heat retention reduces the amount of energy needed for cooking. Two layers of very hard, glossy porcelain enamel are chip resistant and easy to clean. Lid knob is oven safe to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The black rim on the pot is matte porcelain, not exposed cast iron. Hygienic porcelain enamel is non-reactive with food. Although dishwasher safe, hand washing with warm soapy water is recommended to preserve the cookware's original appearance. 11 3/4" diameter, 2 1/8" deep. Caribbean Blue

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How to Season a Dutch Oven

There are a handful of reasons you need to season a dutch oven before beginning to cook with it:
It forms a non-stick surface on the pot. It makes it simple to clean It lengthens the life of the pot.Traditional Dutch Ovens are made of cast iron and often are found new with a shallow wax layer as well as mineral oil lining the pot to protect against rust. This build up must be cleaned off of the oven before the seasoning procedure begins. Removing the waxy layer can be done with really hot water, soap and some steel wool.

Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

To begin the seasoning process, you must initially heat the lid and pot. When it is heated, the the pot and lid are coated with a light layer of lard to the inside surfaces. Shortening tends to be the most effective.

Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

Then proceed to heat your pot to a temperature of at least two hundred degrees Celsius. Next, place the Dutch oven upside down on the oven rack, with a tray underneath to trap the melting oil from the shortening. Let the pot "cook" like that for two hours. At the end of 2 hours, turn the oven off and allow the Dutch oven to cool where it is. Once it has cooled off and returned to room temperature, take it through the same fat coating and heating process. This process should be done three times. The more times it is fired the sleeker the Dutch oven's surface becomes.

If your oven is tiny or not fit for such activity, you can do the same process over an open flame or grill. The only caveat to this plan would be to make sure you rotate the pot so that it heated evenly. This process should also keep the pot from rusting, but if rust does occur in some spots, you can simply scour those parts of the pan and treat with the lard and heating process as needed.

How to Season a Dutch Oven

Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

Cyber Monday Le Creuset Essential Enameled Cast-Iron 5-Piece Cookware Set, Flame 2011 Deals

Nov 29, 2011 16:15:52

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Cyber Monday Le Creuset Essential Enameled Cast-Iron 5-Piece Cookware Set, Flame Feature

1-1/4-quart saucepan with lid, 3-1/2-quart round French oven with lid, and 9-inch iron-handle skillet
Made of even-heating cast iron with durable, chip- and crack-resistant enamel finish
Long handles, opposite helper handles, and loop side handles for secure transport
Tight-fitting lids with stay-cool phenolic knobs lock in heat and moisture
Oven-safe to 350 degrees F; limited lifetime warranty; hand washing recommended

Cyber Monday Le Creuset Essential Enameled Cast-Iron 5-Piece Cookware Set, Flame Overview

Le Creuset 5 -Piece Essential Cast Iron Cookware Set, Flame. Only Le Creuset offers such a wide range of unique shapes and designs. This product offers unrivalled flebyibility of use, ebycellent heat efficiency, and the versatility to use it on any stov

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Lodge Color 11" Skillet, Caribbean Blue

Cyber Monday Lodge Color 11" Skillet, Caribbean Blue 2011 Deals

Nov 28, 2011 16:45:42

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Cyber Monday Lodge Color 11" Skillet, Caribbean Blue Feature

Porcelain surface eliminates the need to season
Tightly fitting lid seals in moisture (lid not included)
Superior heat distribution and retention
Two layers of porcelain enamel are chip resistant
Hand wash and dry with warm soapy water

Cyber Monday Lodge Color 11" Skillet, Caribbean Blue Overview

This 11-inch enameled skillet is great for cooking on gas, electric, ceramic and induction cooktops, as well as in the oven. Not recommended for use on outdoor grills or over open outdoor flames, nor in the microwaves. The use of vegetable oil or cooking spray is recommended for better cooking and clean up. Select low to medium heat when cooking on stove top, and never heat an empty pan. Use of wooden or silicone utensils is recommended. Lodge color-porcelain enameled cast iron cookware is cast from molten iron in individual sand molds. The porcelain surface eliminates the need to season cast iron. The cast iron vessel has superior heat distribution and retention, evenly heating bottom sidewalls and even the lid. Tightly fitting lid seals in moisture. (Note: Lid is not included with this skillet.) The excellent heat retention reduces the amount of energy needed for cooking. Two layers of very hard, glossy porcelain enamel are chip-resistant and easy to clean. The black cooking surface on the skillet is matte porcelain, not exposed cast iron. Hygienic porcelain enamel is non-reactive with food. Although dishwasher safe, hand washing with warm soapy water is recommended to preserve the cookware's original appearance. 11-inches in diameter, this skillet is 1-3/4-inches deep.

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Waterless Cookware

Waterless cooking is increasingly becoming a popular method of cooking. It has a number of advantages over conventional cooking. Ease of cooking, reduced time of cooking, ease of cleaning, and the taste of the cooked food are some of the reasons why their popularity is on the rise.

Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

Waterless cookware aids in easy cooking and seems to take less time than conventional cooking. Since the heat is evenly distributed, burning or sticking is avoided. This results in the cookware being easier to clean. One need not use oil to prevent sticking in waterless cookware. And finally since the food gets cooked in its natural juices, the taste is always delicious and the food is also nutritious.

Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

Waterless cookware is made of high grade stainless steel. This prevents the taste from the metal to leach into the food. Stainless steel is also easy to clean. Another thing with high grade stainless steel is that it does not require any coating like Teflon, which can get into food sometimes.

Another aspect of waterless cookware items is that their bottoms are machined flat. This enables more surface area to be in contact with the coils of an electric stove. This results in even distribution of heat. This even distribution prevents spots that can burn the food. Foods are cooked with their own natural juices in waterless cookware. This means that the vitamins and minerals are retained. Since vegetables already contain a large quantity of water, there is no need to add water in waterless cookware. Water is released from the vegetables on cooking and is turned into steam. The steam is contained in the pot with the use of a lid. The steam actually helps in the entire process of waterless cooking.

Once the steam is sufficient, a whistle notifies the cook, during which point you can turn off the heat. This way you tend to save energy and time too. One can find a number of online resources, which can equip you with the basics of waterless cookware. You can also find more about them from your friends or family members, who can give you valuable information on waterless cooking.

Waterless Cookware

Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

Black Friday Heuck 33062 Porcelain Enamel Cast Iron 3 Piece Skillet Set, Red 2011 Deals

Nov 27, 2011 16:57:48

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Black Friday Heuck 33062 Porcelain Enamel Cast Iron 3 Piece Skillet Set, Red Feature

Cast Iron absorbs heat evenly and spreads it gently while cooking
Use on your stove or bake in the oven
Works with all heat sources, gas, electirc, induction and ceramic top ranges
Porcelain enameled interior and exterior allows for fast easy cleanup
Cast iron keeps food warm while serving and can be transferred to the refrigerator and is ready for fast easy reheating.

Black Friday Heuck 33062 Porcelain Enamel Cast Iron 3 Piece Skillet Set, Red Overview

Cook like a professional with this beautiful Porcelain Enameled Cast Iron Cookware. The cast iron absorbs heat evenly and spreads it gently while cooking and the Porcelain Enameled finish allows for easy clean up and won't absorb odors or flavors. Use on gas, electric, induction and ceramic ranges.

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French Oven Cooking - What You Should Know

French oven cooking is popular among many people simply because it offers a different way to prepare foods. The oven is similar to the Dutch oven but it actually does much more and cooks in a different way than any other product on the market. The French oven is actually a cast iron pot that has a lid and is usually enameled to make it look better and provide a more even cooking surface. These products are hard to find, but are loved by those who do choose them for their own cooking needs.

Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

French oven cooking doesn't even have to involve French food, if you don't want it to. The pots are simply made to be more durable and offer a better style and method of cooking than the traditional pans and pots that people are used to using. These crocks are available in many different sizes and the ones that are actually from a particular French company will work much better than the ones that you buy at discount retailers or in your local superstore. Make sure that you're investing in the best if you're going to choose this type of cooking product.

Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

The pot is covered in enamel for French oven cooking devices, which means that people will not have to worry about chipping, cracking over time, or even uneven cooking or staining of the products because they are not created with the best materials. Anyone who wants to try a new and more enjoyable method of cooking can do so with the French oven styles that are available to choose from today. You can prepare all kinds of great meals in these large pots, providing everyone with a great way to get more from their kitchen experiences than they might otherwise.

Choosing the right cooking pot will depend on what you want and need. Of course, you can use these to cook just about anything, which means that you will be able to find plenty of uses for this pot. There are many people who talk about being able to hand these down through the generations, and you just won't find quality like that in other pans and pots that are on the market today. There is even heat, no burning or scorching, and much less attention demanded by the things that you cook in a French oven. No matter what you decide to use them for, these can be a great investment for any avid cook.

French Oven Cooking - What You Should Know

Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

Black Friday Le Creuset Classic Enameled Cast-Iron 6-Piece Cookware Set, Satin Red 2011 Deals

Nov 26, 2011 16:52:24

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Black Friday Le Creuset Classic Enameled Cast-Iron 6-Piece Cookware Set, Satin Red Feature

2-1/4-quart saucier pan with lid, 5-1/2-quart round French oven with lid, 10-inch square skillet grill, and 8-by-10-inch roaster
Made of enameled cast iron for even, consistent heating
Ergonomic cast-iron handles ensure a safe, secure grip when transporting
Secure-fitting lids with phenolic stay-cool knobs help trap in heat and moisture
Oven-safe up to 350 degrees F; limited lifetime warranty; dishwasher-safe

Black Friday Le Creuset Classic Enameled Cast-Iron 6-Piece Cookware Set, Satin Red Overview

Le Creuset 6 -Piece Classic Cast Iron Cookware Set, Red. Only Le Creuset offers such a wide range of unique shapes and designs. This product offers unrivalled flebyibility of use, ebycellent heat efficiency, and the versatility to use it on any stovetop

Black Friday Le Creuset Classic Enameled Cast-Iron 6-Piece Cookware Set, Satin Red Specifications

Le Creuset combines four of its most well-used cast-iron cookware items in this excellent gift set. The collection consists of a 5-1/2-quart round lidded French oven; a 2-1/4-quart lidded saucier; a small 8-by-10-inch roaster; and a 10-inch square skillet grill with raised ridges, helper handle, and two pour spouts. Each heavy cast-iron piece heats evenly and comes coated with hard porcelain enamel for superior performance, and is attractive and durable enough to go straight from the stovetop or oven to the table. You'll find the saucier ideal for whisking sauces and heating soup; the French oven perfect for casseroles and stews; the skillet an indoor barbecue substitute for getting those char stripes on hamburgers; and the roaster perfect for everything from baked potatoes to brownies.

Le Creuset is known for suffusing the exterior of its products with bright, modern colors, while keeping a more neutral, sand-colored tone on the interior to showcase the cuisine (satin black interior on square skillet grill). The enamel resists cracking, chipping, and staining and is best cared for when the contents are stirred with nylon, wood, or silicone utensils. It's also so smooth that food particles tend not to stick, making cleaning by hand or in the dishwasher a snap. The French oven and saucepan come with secure-fitting lids that help trap heat, moisture, and nutrients--plus offer phenolic knobs that can withstand temperatures up to 350 degrees F. Made in France, Le Creuset premium cookware brings joie de vivre to any kitchen it graces and is covered by a lifetime warranty, whether you bought the item for yourself or received it as a gift. --Ann Bieri

What's in the Box
2-1/4-quart saucier pan with lid; 5-1/2-quart round French oven with lid; 10-inch square skillet grill; small 8-by-10-inch roaster.

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Le Creuset 7.25 Quart Round Dutch Oven for Sale

You have come to the right place to find out where to get the Le Creuset 7.25 quart round dutch oven for sale.

Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

Those of you who appreciate the art of culinary masterpieces also appreciate quality cookware to create them in. Quality cookware that is unprecedented and not easily found in the average department store, has been masterfully manufactured by Le Creuset.

Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

Here are a few of the quality standards that you will find with Le Creuset cookware:

Enameled cast iron provides excellent heat distribution and retention Durable handles ensure a safe, confident grip when lifting Heavy, tight-fitting cast-iron lids help keep in moisture, nutrients, and flavors Oven-safe up to 400 degrees F Limited lifetime warranty - 101 years to be exact

What else makes it such a special piece of cookware?

For one it is so versatile. You can cook anything from stews, soups, and sauces to deep fried chicken, poached salmon and pot roast. The list does not stop there; you can even bake in this baby and I mean serious baking, including cornbread and even cakes. You heard me right. Cakes bake beautifully in the Le Creuset 7.25 quart round dutch oven.

It is the perfect size for preparing main dishes and is excellent for slow cooking in the oven or on the stovetop.

As mentioned earlier, the enameled cast iron finish cooks foods perfectly even because of the way it distributes heat throughout the oven.

Once you are done slow cooking, baking, deep-frying, poaching (or fill in the blank with whatever other type of food preparation you can think of) just relocate the oven right to the table for serving. You will find that not only does the Le Creuset dutch oven distributes heat perfectly; it also retains the heat without scorching or burning the food. So the food actually stays warm the whole time it is being served.

The best part of all is that once dinner is done you place the lid on the dutch oven with the unfinished portions and place it right into the refrigerator. You have just done with one (1) dish what would normally require three (3) dishes!

Here are seven ways to reap benefits from the investment in a Le Creuset 7.25 quart round dutch oven for sale:

It lasts longer than a lifetime without chipping or cracking It is beautifully crafted so that it coordinates with any kitchen decor It cuts the cost of serving dishes and storage containers because it is capable of the functions they perform It maintains its appearance for years and years through hundreds of uses Stuck on foods wash off with little effort It is even dishwasher-safe

Once you try the Le Creuset 7.25 quart dutch oven you will not believe you ever attempted to cook without it.

Get the Le Creuset 7.25 quart dutch oven on sale by clicking one of the following links.

Le Creuset 7.25 Quart Round Dutch Oven for Sale

Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

Black Friday Le Creuset L9403-45 Stainless-Steel 2-Inch Replacement Knob 2011 Deals

Nov 25, 2011 15:53:58

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Black Friday Le Creuset L9403-45 Stainless-Steel 2-Inch Replacement Knob Feature

2-inch replacement knob for use with all Le Creuset cookware
Durable 18/10 stainless-steel construction; assembly screw included
Wide, flattened shape and thick rim allow for a secure grip
Remains cool to the touch on the stovetop; oven-safe at any temperature
Measures 2 by 2 by 1-2/5 inches

Black Friday Le Creuset L9403-45 Stainless-Steel 2-Inch Replacement Knob Overview

Spruce up the look of your Le Creuset cookware with an new 2 Inch 18/10 Stainless Steel Knob. The knob is highly durable and can withstand any oven temperature. Designed for Le Creuset products 9 Inch or larger, but will fit all sizes. Includes assembly screw.

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Parrot Cages Buyers Guide and Other Things to Consider

You put a lot of efforts and time into your research and finally chose the bird that perfectly matches your personality and your life style. Now it's time to make your home a cozy and safe place for your new family member - let's choose a cage!

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The cage has to be comfortable and safe for the bird and your home, it should have plenty of room for your bird to stretch and play, be easy to keep up, so your bird will be happy and healthy camper and great company to enjoy for all your family.

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Size and Bar Spacing, Shape, Style, Upkeep and Construction Elements, Cage Materials, Accessories and Cage Location need to be given special consideration. Bird Cage Size and Bar Spacing

General rule of thumb - choose the biggest safe cage you can afford with appropriate bar spacing for your bird.

For small birds bar spacing should be less then ½ in, for medium birds - ½ in to ¾ in, for larger birds - ¾ in to 1 ¼ inch. Too narrow bar spacing will limit visibility for you and your bird, but too wide spacing may allow your bird's head to slip between bars and get stuck.

Here is suggested bar spacing and gauge guidelines for the Parrot species:

Small Parrots - Badgies/Parakeets, Lovebirds, Meyers, Parrotlets Bar spacing - Up to ½" Bar gauge - > 2.3mm

Medium Parrots - Caiques, Cockatiels, Conures, Lorikeets, Pionuses, Quakers, Cape/Un-Cape Parrots, Red-Bellied Parrots, Senegals Bar spacing - ½" to ¾" Bar gauge - 2.5mm to 4mm

Large Parrots - African Greys, Amazons, Cockatoos (small to large - Goffin - Umbrella), Mini Macaws (Hahn's, Noble, Illeger's, Severe, Yellow-Collared) Bar spacing - ¾" to 1" Bar gauge - 4mm to 5mm

X-Large Parrots - Cockatoos (Lg - Glossy Cockatoos, Moluccans, Palm Cockatoos, Red tailed, Carnaby's White-Tailed Black Cockatoos, Sulphur Crested), Macaws (Lg) - Blue & Gold, Catalina, Green-Winged, Harlequin, Hyacinth, Scarlet Bar spacing - 1" to 1 ¼" Bar gauge - >=5mm

Remember your bird's tail feathers shouldn't touch side or bottom of the cage when it sits on the perch, as it may damage its feathers. One and a half of your feathered friend wings span is a minimum measurement for the width of the cage (or diameter if the cage is round) - it will basically allow bird to stretch. Suggested Cage Width Minimum within safe Bar Spacing:

Small Parrots - Badgies/Parakeets - >=18 in, Lovebirds, Meyers, Parrotlets >=20 in.

Medium Parrots - Caiques, Cockatiels, Conures, Lorikeets, Pionuses, Quakers, Cape/Un-Cape Parrots, Red-Bellied Parrots, Senegals >=24 in.

Large Parrots - African Greys, Amazons, Cockatoos (small to medium) >=32 in; Mini Macaws (Hahn's, Noble, Illeger's, Severe, Yellow-Collared) - >=36 in.

X-Large Parrots - Cockatoos (Lg - Glossy Cockatoos, Moluccans, Palm Cockatoos, Red tailed, Carnaby's White-Tailed Black Cockatoos)>= 40 in, Macaws (Lg) - Blue & Gold, Catalina, Green-Winged, Harlequin, Hyacinth, Scarlet >=48 in.

The best bird's fly cages are ones that wide rather than tall - since naturally birds fly in horizontal direction from side to side of the cage not up and down. For breeding, small and larger birds and/or warmer climates - Aviary is good and happy place for your parrot to catch fresh air and stretch its wings. Even if your bird was born in a cage its feathered ancestors were wild once - and they had all the freedom to fly, forage and play in their native environment. In its new cage the bird will spend lots of the time - eating, stretching, playing, so make it easy on your friend, for its health and sanity - invest as much as you can to make its home spacious and comfortable.

Shape

Cage shape is often gets overlooked - generally people tend to choose what they like or what they think will fit in the house - but your feathered friend has its own needs:

Better to choose rectangular cage than round one. In round cage bird fills unprotected - naturally it needs a corner to escape if it gets frightened or startled. But if you still tend toward round - good alternatives are octagon cages or ¼ of circle corner cages (a space saver as well).

Style

Dome top or play top cage. If you have play top style cage it will eliminate the necessity to buy a parrot's play-stand and headache where to put it if you have a space constriction, but on the other side of equation are play-stand maneuverability (you can move your beloved parrot and enjoy its company anywhere in your home), higher cost of play top parrot cages and some inconveniences on using cage cover over the play tops.

Upkeep and useful construction elements

Your life would be much easier and you will enjoy your parrot company more if its' cage wouldn't demand a lot of time and effort to keep it clean and safe.

Bar placement: Bars should be parallel - NO divergent bars - entrapment hazard.

Horizontal bars in your bird's cage let your feathered friend climb up and down so it gets plenty of natural exercise. Vertical bars' placement on front panel of the cage allows better view for you and your bird. At the same time cages with cross wire may catch feathers and may also restrict good grip for the larger birds to climb. A cage with elaborate decorative elements may look cool (especially antique ones) but bird can get caught in their ornate elements and hurt itself. Another big NO for antique cages - as they very well may contain toxic metals or may be constructed from materials that can be easily chewed.

Bar attachment: Look for well, smooth welded or casted (molded) bar placement as drilled holes that hold bars on the frame collect moisture and bacteria.

Wire cages may be strong enough for the small birds, but larger parrots need wrought iron or stainless steel cages to sustain their avian curiosity - look for specific bar gauge guidance for your particular species. Almost all wire cages have some kind of covering (plastic or metal plating - usually with nickel, chromium, zinc, copper or brass) - to protect bird from bare metal and to protect metal from oxidation and corrosion. Some parrots could manage to shave-detach pieces of wire covering - be aware that some of these metals could cause heavy metal poisoning in birds.

Tray - Removable tray is a must.

Grate - Look for removable grate. If you have an escape artist on your hands it's better also to have a spare grate to put in place of removed for cleaning. Another important thing is the placement of the grate. It should be high enough not to let your bird to pick its droppings from the bottom tray.

Feeding doors - swing solid doors for feeding cups are very convenient options too. It keeps most of the food spitting inside of the cage and protects you from beaky parrot.

Access doors - Look for full swing full size (from top to grate) access doors for easy handling your bird and preventing toes pinching - some parrots love hanging on open doors. If cage has several access doors - it gives you flexibility of cage placement and access to your bird.

Perch and toys placement - Assess your future cage for desirable perch(es) and toys placements - it's better if cage has enough options where you can put perch(es) and some hardware that allow you safely to attach bird's toys (one for small cages, 2 or more for larger cages).

Seed skirts proved to be very useful in keeping your parrot forage inside the cage. Look for rounded corners for your own protection.

Padlocks should be parrot-prove to keep inside even advanced escapee. Also see warning below regarding padlocks' materials.

Cage Materials

You should approach your parrot safety in your home with the same care as you would for your child. It became apparent that there are many health issues for birds with materials used in cages and many other common household items. Please check our detailed article about heavy metals and other toxic substances that your parrot may get accidentally exposed to. Here we give only short summary of materials that you bird can access in its cage. Commonly agreed toxic metals (alloys) Substance: Lead - Highly toxic to birds. Can be found: Cage paint, Household paint, paint primers, in soldering metal - soldered joints in cage (distinguished from welded joints), foil on wine bottles, champagne wire Exposure: Beak activity - scratching, chewing, climbing on its cage with beak

Substance: Zinc - Highly toxic to birds Can be found: Cage paint, Household paint, paint primers, galvanized cage wires and mesh of outdoor aviaries (galvanization - term used only for zinc plating) Exposure: Beak activity - scratching, chewing, climbing on its cage with beak

Substance: Copper (especially Oxidized) Can be found: Copper plating, copper food containers, copper plumbing Exposure: Chewing on its cage decorative copper plated elements, ingesting acidic food stored in copper food containers, drinking water from your home water supply if you have copper plumbing and your water is slightly acidic.

Substance: Brass (alloy of copper and zinc)

Can be found: Usually used in padlocks, in soldering metal - soldered joints in cage (distinguished from welded joints), and some cage hardware as well

Exposure: It's probably OK for small bird who is unlikely to chew a padlock, but should be avoided around larger parrots

Substance: "Galvanized tin"(misused term for sheet metal -galvanized steel; and small galvanized containers) Can be found: May be used in aviaries (especially self made - to withstand the elements and self made cages - trays), small galvanized containers Exposure: Beak activity - scratching, chewing, climbing

Substance: Iron, Oxidized iron (rust) Can be found: Cage wires, frame, hardware Exposure: After coating wears off (paint, powder coat or plating) - it exposes underlying iron to oxidation and can be ingested by your parrot during his usual beak activity

Substance: Chromium (III and VI) Can be found: Plating, colored leather (Chromium salts) Exposure: Beak activity - scratching, chewing, climbing on its cage with beak

Substance: Cobalt Can be found: Electroplating, ground coats for porcelain enamel, batteries Exposure: Beak activity - scratching, chewing, climbing on its cage with beak

Potentially toxic metals (alloys) - some experts listed them as safe, but there are publications documenting wild birds toxicity in polluted habitats and poultry toxicity as well with elevated level in food intake (please investigate to your own satisfaction and make your own decision)

Substance: Nickel Can be found: In plating - cage wire and hardware (screws, padlocks, hinges) Exposure: Beak activity - scratching, chewing, climbing on its cage with beak

Substance: Tin Can be found: In soldering metal - soldering joints in cage (distinguished from welded joints), in pewter, in cans Exposure: Beak activity - scratching, chewing, climbing on its cage with beak

Substance: Aluminum and its salts Can be found: Aluminum foil, soda cans and parts in birds toys, food containers Exposure: Beak activity - scratching, chewing, climbing on its cage with beak

Most of parrot aluminum toxicity cases that were documented connected to heated aluminum foil - which is mostly attributed to fumes from its non-stick polymer additives Nontoxic metals (alloys) Substance: Stainless Steel Can be found: Cage wire, frame, hardware Exposure: Very hard metal alloy almost impossible for your parrot to scratch, chew or detach with usual beak activity

In short - ingesting any paint, any kind of metal or any not-food item is never a good thing - doesn't matter how safe it is. There are no standards for safe levels of toxic metals and other toxins established for birds. Birds' digestive system with gizzard (pH 2.0, and 42C) allows some non-food items sit there for prolong time releasing toxins or causing obstruction, impaction, bleeding and death (like corn cobs that absorb moisture and swell and could stay in gizzard for years!). If you noticed that your parrot is using its cage as a chewing toy - strongly consider buying a stainless steel cage - there is nothing to detach and to ingest.

Lead and Zinc - highly toxic for birds and the most common source of poisoning in parrots associated with cage materials. If your cage paint, material or hardware contain these metals it more likely will cause heavy metal poisoning in your parrot. The bigger the parrot the bigger the danger - the larger bird can easily scratch, shave or detach by chewing up some pieces of softer metals or paint.

Paint - always check with manufacturer regarding Lead and Zinc content. Powder coating is much stronger than regularly applied paint that easily flakes (can be ingested), and let the cage rust. Structured surface of powder coating also provides better grip for bird. If you decided to restore an old cage, please, make sure you use safe methods to clean the rust, and use not only bird-safe paint, but bird-safe primer as well.

Plating - process used to coat one metal (alloy) with other metal (alloy) to prevent underlying metal from oxidation and to make it look better - used on cage wires, wires or mesh in outdoor aviaries, hardware and some metal parts of bird's toys. Nickel plating considered by many to be safe, but be aware and distinguish it from Zinc plating - galvanization. The danger of any plating - it could chip or peel (bird could ingest the particles) exposing underlying metal to oxidation and rust which is not good either.

Play it safe - check all metals in your bird cage and on your birds toys regularly for chipping, peeling, rust & oxidation.

Accessories

Toys - happy parrot beside your company needs lots of toys. It will keep bird from feathers plucking out of simple boredom, and also to prevent other health and behavioral issues. You need to consider how much space the toys will take from the cage interior when choosing the cage. Look for toys made by reputable manufacturer rather than artisans. Even though it's not a guarantee but much probable that toys from manufacturer will have consistent safe structural elements as well as safe materials you can inquire about.

Feeding & drinking bowls - for your bird's health invest in stainless steel bowls - they are easy to clean too.

Cage covers - to cover or not to cover. In nature most of the parrots live in tropical latitude - their native day and night are approximately 12 hours all year around. So unless you live in the same place and function in a similar manner cage cover will encourage 10 to 12 hours of sleep for your parrot, in some circumstances it also can help stressed bird to relax.

Cage Location

Parrots are highly sociable creatures they love to be with family, they need to socialize with their owners. This usually determine cage placement where family gathers - living room, family room or your office if you spend most of your day time there and your profession allowed your parrot vocalization.

Never place the cage in kitchen or any room with direct conjunction to the cooking area (open style family rooms) - most of the cooking vapors dangerous to parrots gentle respiratory system. Also there are dangers of bird flying into some hot pots, pans, oils; eating something not intended/toxic for parrot, Teflon vapors, sharp cutlery and so on...

Place cage against the wall or in a corner allowing your bird interact with family and feel secure - not in the middle of the room where it will be always in people's way and bird can easily be startled with sudden movement or agitated with excessive activity around it.

In their native environment birds dwell in trees high above the ground, the best height for the bird in a house is human chest level - place your cage on a stand rather than directly on a floor - your parrot will feel more secure and relaxed - it may even cure some behavioral problems.

Location should allow enough natural light and view if possible (birds love look outside of the window) but never against the window. Direct sun may raise temperature substantially and dehydrate the bird as it can't escape.

Avoid position in direct draft area or under the conditioner as well as heating outlet.

Bird shouldn't have access to power outlets and power wires - parrots may use outlets holes to climb and chew on wires.

Household plants can create lovely canopy around your bird's cage but consider their safety to your parrot.

This simple consideration will make your parrot right and comfortable in its new home - enjoy its company!

* - All the information provided is collective from many sources over the Internet, birds owners, breeders and other public sources. It's provided for your convenience only and does not represent any warranties or promises. If in doubt - always contact your avian veterinarian and manufacturer of the product in question.

Parrot Cages Buyers Guide and Other Things to Consider

Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

Black Friday Lodge Enameled Cast-Iron 3-Quart Dutch Oven, Cafe Brown 2011 Deals

Nov 24, 2011 15:23:47

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Black Friday Lodge Enameled Cast-Iron 3-Quart Dutch Oven, Cafe Brown Feature

Porcelain surface eliminates the need to season
Tightly fitting lid seals in moisture
Superior heat distribution and retention
Two layers of porcelain enamel are chip resistant
Easy clean up

Black Friday Lodge Enameled Cast-Iron 3-Quart Dutch Oven, Cafe Brown Overview

This 3 Qt enamel Dutch oven is great for cooking, marinating, refrigeration and freezing. The color porcelain enamel on cast iron can be used on gas, electric, ceramic and induction cooktops, as well as in the oven. Not recommended for use on outdoor grills or over open outdoor flames. Not for use in microwaves. Lodge Color Porcelain Enamel on Cast Iron cookware is cast from molten iron in individual sand molds. The porcelain surface eliminates the need to season cast iron. The cast iron vessel has superior heat distribution and retention, evenly heating bottom sidewalls and even the lid. Tightly fitting lid seals in moisture. The excellent heat retention reduces the amount of energy needed for cooking. Two layers of very hard, glossy porcelain enamel are chip resistant and easy to clean. Lid knob is oven safe to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The black rim on the pot is matte porcelain, not exposed cast iron. Hygienic porcelain enamel is non-reactive with food. Although dishwasher safe, hand washing with warm soapy water is recommended to preserve the cookware's original appearance. 9 3/4" diameter, 3" deep. Cafe'

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Oil-Free Non-Stick Everlasting Miracle Cookware

Cast Iron Cookware is perhaps the best-kept secret of the culinary world. Considering how it is considered to be the ultimate precision cooking tool, it's surprising how few household opt for Teflon or other cookware over the amazing benefits of using cast iron.

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The primary reason people everywhere will tell you that they do not use it is because everything sticks to it. What they do not know is that if food is sticking to your cookware, then it is not "seasoned" or "cured" properly. A well-seasoned cast iron pan will allow food to glide right off of it and never stick.

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They are truly versatile in that they can be used stovetop, put right in the oven, or even used right over a campfire. They conduct heat evenly and consistently, and in spite of the initial cost, they will last you a lifetime if cared for properly. Furthermore, well-cured cast iron never needs oil, if you should choose not to use any, making it the ideal way to cook fat-free!

Always pre-heat your pan. Do the water test: if water rolls around and sizzles when you put a drop in the pan, it's ready for cooking. (If the water disappears, it's too hot; if the water stands there, it's too cold.) For this reason, make sure to never pour a large amount of cold water into cast iron cookware when it's heated properly as the cold water can cause it to break. In fact, the one thing it is not good for is boiling water for this reason, and also because some believe boiling removes the oily patina you create by seasoning. If you absolutely need to use it for this purpose, boil the liquid in a separate pan and pour into your pot when completely hot.

It is a relatively easy process to season your cookware, and if done right, need not be done too often. Basically, seasoning will create the perfect non-stick surface, and eliminate your need for oil usage. First, use neutral oil like any vegetable oil or vegetable shortening (which is the preferred method) and rub in a light coating all over the pan. Then, place the pan upside down in the oven (protecting the bottom of the oven from dripping oils with aluminum foil or a cookie sheet) and heat for 30-60 minutes in a 500 degree oven. Once finished, let it sit in there overnight until it cools off completely and repeat the same process several times. Repeat, also, with each pan, pot, or skillet in your set. This process fills in the usually ragged surface with oil and smoothes it out and creates the ultimate non-stick surface.

To maintain this cure, it's recommended that unless you use your cast iron cookware on a daily basis, wash lightly out with water and neutral dishwashing soap to get rid of most of the oil. Heat the pan back up for a minute, and make sure it is completely dry, put a tiny bit of oil in the pan and rub it in with a paper towel. Let it continue on the burner for an additional minute or two, then remove, wipe off excess oil from the cast iron cookware and store uncovered. This should keep the cookware sufficiently cured at all times.

Using cookware that is not seasoned can often lead to strange tastes, particularly that of metal; it can also turn your food black if left in the pan for too long. Cast iron can rust, but all you need to do is remove with a steel brush. If you find any odd remnants like "goo" in your pan, you most likely over-oiled your pan during seasoning. Scrape it all off, give it a good washing, dry completely and season again for a brand new pan. Most important of all, good cast iron cookwares usually has handles made of cast iron, and ABSOLUTELY require potholders. People used to Teflon pans may forget this fact.

Once you begin cooking with cast iron cookware, it will be hard to go back to regular cookware. The crisp that can only be achieved with cast iron cookware, along with the outstanding taste of food cooked in evenly hot temperature is incomparable to food that can be cooked in other types of cookware. While it may require considerably more time to season and store your cookware, this is usually an expensive purchase for your household and the small amount of extra effort is well-deserved. It will continue to serve your family for many years to come.

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Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

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Cast Iron Cookware, The Case For and Against

An introduction

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The use of cast-iron for cooking goes back over 2500 years albeit in Europe countries such as the UK have only used it for about 1000 years after it became popular when folk realised that complete pots with handles could be made using molten metal poured into moulds made out of sand. Originally these pots came with three legs as they were to be used on the open fire.

Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

The Benefits of using cast iron cookware

Cast iron cookware offers many exceptional cooking benefits; hence so many cooks swear by it. It is a near perfect heat conductor, heating evenly and consistently; It can withstand very high temperatures, which makes it great for searing and frying These pots allow precise and sustained cooking temperatures; When cooking with these pots and skillets heat is spread evenly throughout the pot; there are no hot spots; this makes iron pots great for slow cooking; and Cured cast iron offers the perfect non-stick surface making it ideal for many dishes where using non stick is a must.
Cast iron offers many other more widely based benefits:

It lasts and lasts and lasts and makes a great heirloom; It is relatively inexpensive to buy but when seen in the context of its extraordinary longevity it's incredibly cheap; It can be used to cook in so many styles hence so many cooks swear by it; for example for use when cooking Jambalaya dishes, stews, soups, cornbread, tortillas and fajitas; and such is its versatility it can be used for frying, searing, baking, deep frying grilling; It comes in many shapes and sizes and different formats; be they; griddles, grills, woks, Jambalaya pots, deep fryers, frying pans and Dutch ovens It can go from stove to oven; It won't warp, its tough as old boots and is really easy to clean; Health benefits arise for those with a deficiency of iron in their blood. A small amount of iron is leached into the food when cooking providing a rely valuable benefit; Cooking with this cookware is far more fun than with most other cookware; and When well seasoned cast iron cookware works non stick requiring no additional oil whatsoever so its great for healthy cooking.
The disadvantages of cast iron cookware

For those with excess iron in their blood the leaching of iron from the cookware can be bad; For those suffering from the inherited metabolic disorder hemochromatosis that affects around one million Americans it should be avoided. Indeed if you have any family with the disease, ask your physician about the transferring saturation test, which tests for iron excess in the blood; The food sticks! But if it does this simply means that you haven't seasoned your cast iron properly because cast iron is naturally and totally non stick when correctly seasoned If you suffer from joint or stomach pain, fatigue, heart palpitations or impotence, check with your physician. You can't put iron in the dish washer; but otherwise cleaning it is a breeze It is not recommended that you boil water using cast iron cookware; Its not recommended for glass top stoves as it can scratch the surface when moved around; It has to be seasoned and if cooking with certain acidic food stuffs such as when cooking using tomato based sauces it's surface can be affected and need redoing from time to time
Seasoning cast iron cookware

It must be seasoned to protect the metal from rusting and to provide a non-stick surface. This is a straightforward process which once done shouldn't need redoing. There are many good articles explaining this process but in summary it comprises of a simple 3 step process:

Cleaning the cast iron cookware back to its original surface; Applying a layer of fat all over [typically fats high in saturated fats such as: Crisco, Palm oil, Coconut oil and lard]; then, Heating up the 'fat covered cookware' to a high temperature causing the fat to bond to theiron.

Thereafter ongoing seasoning occurs as your cooking deposits evermore fat on top of the cured surface, giving it that lovely non stick dark glossy hue that characterises well-seasoned well-aged cast iron cookware.

If your cookware develops rust spots, scour the rusty areas with steel wool, until all traces of rust are gone then wash, dry and once again repeat seasoning process.

Cleaning the cookware

A lot of nonsense is talked about cleaning cast iron cookware; but the basics are straightforward:

Do not soak them or scrub them with scourers or anything metal; Avoid strong cleaning products; Wash with mild soap and water and dry with a paper towel then Re-apply a thin layer of fat.

Never store food in the cast iron pan as the acid in the food will breakdown the seasoning and take on a metallic flavor

Types of cast iron

There are many brands of plain and enameled cast iron coming from around the world. Our advice at the Outdoor Cooking Equipment Store is go for the traditional black iron as the price differential, given the limited additional benefits of enamelled iron does not warrant paying so much more.

Enamelled pots also do not offer the benefits of standard cast iron such as the ability to withstand searing heat, the leaching of dietary iron and it never enjoys that beautiful black hue.

What to buy and how to choose

There are many brands from which to choose. We recommend the Bayou Classic brand as the quality is truly exceptional judged against competing brands. When selecting which cookware to go for consider the following:

It should have a fine, smooth surface making it ideal for seasoning. Do not buy cookware that is pitted, uneven, rough or that has any chips or cracks; High quality cast iron cookware is evenly grey all over and is made in one piece; Do all you can to get hold of grandmother's old cast iron cookware as long as it doesn't have a cracks or chips it will continue to last and last

Cast Iron Cookware, The Case For and Against

Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

Black Friday Le Creuset L9403-45 Stainless-Steel 2-Inch Replacement Knob 2011 Deals

Nov 22, 2011 14:46:16

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Black Friday Le Creuset L9403-45 Stainless-Steel 2-Inch Replacement Knob Feature

2-inch replacement knob for use with all Le Creuset cookware
Durable 18/10 stainless-steel construction; assembly screw included
Wide, flattened shape and thick rim allow for a secure grip
Remains cool to the touch on the stovetop; oven-safe at any temperature
Measures 2 by 2 by 1-2/5 inches

Black Friday Le Creuset L9403-45 Stainless-Steel 2-Inch Replacement Knob Overview

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Le Creuset Classic Enameled Cast-Iron 6-Piece Cookware Set, Satin Red

Black Friday Le Creuset Classic Enameled Cast-Iron 6-Piece Cookware Set, Satin Red 2011 Deals

Nov 21, 2011 07:56:16

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Black Friday Le Creuset Classic Enameled Cast-Iron 6-Piece Cookware Set, Satin Red Feature

2-1/4-quart saucier pan with lid, 5-1/2-quart round French oven with lid, 10-inch square skillet grill, and 8-by-10-inch roaster
Made of enameled cast iron for even, consistent heating
Ergonomic cast-iron handles ensure a safe, secure grip when transporting
Secure-fitting lids with phenolic stay-cool knobs help trap in heat and moisture
Oven-safe up to 350 degrees F; limited lifetime warranty; dishwasher-safe

Black Friday Le Creuset Classic Enameled Cast-Iron 6-Piece Cookware Set, Satin Red Overview

Black Friday Le Creuset Classic Enameled Cast-Iron 6-Piece Cookware Set, Satin Red Specifications

What's in the Box
2-1/4-quart saucier pan with lid; 5-1/2-quart round French oven with lid; 10-inch square skillet grill; small 8-by-10-inch roaster.

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