Print Article for : Porcelain Cast Iron Cookware

Your Online Guide » Hobbies and Interests » Cooking Tips And Hints

[P531]Porcelain Cast Iron Cookware

by Terry Retter, Ter

There are so many options available in cast iron cookware today. A virtual cornucopia of shapes, sizes, styles and colors are available to suit any cook's need or wishes. Perhaps one of the best places to shop for cast iron cookware is at Your Smart Kitchen.com, due to the vast variety of products they offer. Carefully consider what sizes you are interested, based on the number of people you generally cook for. Then determine which pieces would be most efficient for the meals you like to prepare. Lastly, take a look at the beautiful enamel coated offerings in gorgeous colors, and have some fun with it!

The traditional classic black cast iron cookware offers wonderful heat retention properties and the health benefits of increasing iron in your diet. From the frying pans and grills to the multipurpose Dutch oven, you can cook just about anything you can imagine. Cast iron cookware can be used on gas, electric or induction method cooking surfaces; however glass top cooking surfaces should be avoided. There are some beautiful specialty pans available for specific uses, such as the fish grill (shaped like a fish) and the steak grill (shaped like a cow!) Not only are these grills functional, but they would make great decorative pieces in a rustic or country kitchen, as well. Cast iron cookware is rugged and durable, yet priced very economically, considering the long life span these pans have.

In addition to the classic black, Your Smart Kitchen.com also offers a fabulous selection of “Chasseur” brand enamel coated cast iron cookware. These fine products are made in France and are both beautiful and reliable. These products have all the wonderful properties of the classic black cast iron cookware, with the added beauty and benefit of two coats of colorful porcelain enamel. These pans also do not require seasoning, and have the added benefit of easy clean-up, too. The enamel coating is extremely durable and also prevents corrosion.

The Chasseur brand round Dutch Oven is available in seven different sizes, from one and three-quarters quarts to six and three-quarters quarts. It also comes in red, blue, green or yellow enamel, to match any kitchen color scheme. In addition, rectangular and round casserole pans come in a variety of sizes and colors. These pans are perfect for egg or potato dishes, macaroni and cheese, lasagna, and even desserts such as pineapple upside down cake and bread pudding. The knobs on the lids are heat resistant up to 400 degrees, and all Chasseur pieces have a ten year warranty.

Color Cast enamel coated cast iron cookware is also featured at Your Smart Kitchen.com. These attractive pots are designed for cooking and then double as a decorative serving piece as well. You will please your family and guests with the beautiful presentation of your meal in cast iron cookware. Luscious pot roasts, stews and chilis can be enjoyed straight from the oven to the table. After the meal is finished, these cooking pots can go straight to the refrigerator for easy storage and reheating. (Less dishes to wash, too!)

Of special note is the two and a half quart Color Cast red enamel casserole which functions as two pieces in one. This pan is a full sized casserole with the added function of a lid which can double as a ten inch round grill pan! Also impressive is the Color Cast non-stick fry pan. This pan is perfect for sautéing as it comes with two pour spouts on either side of the pan, to allow you to save the pan juices from your foods. It is also great for frying, as the cast iron core absorbs heat and redistributes it evenly. Lastly, the Color Cast products are also dishwasher safe!

I'm a recent fan of cooking with cast iron cookware. My interest started with my frustration with Teflon coated pans and their tendency to lose their nonstick coating over time. I really dislike replacing my pans. And of course some people express concerns about the safety of ingesting tiny particles of Teflon, although there's so far no definite evidence of health hazards.

While talking with my mother I learned that she was looking at cast iron cookware as an alternative. When properly seasoned it is fairly nonstick, and it can last for generations.

I guess my husband paid attention to my complaints about my nonstick pans. He got me a cast iron pan the following Christmas. I was and still am delighted. I now also have my grandmother's old cast iron pan. It's a true delight.

Cast iron cookware can actually make your cooking a bit healthier. It adds a bit of iron to your food. How much depends on the age of the pan and what you're cooking, but the tests have been done, and they are quite clear. It's really nice knowing that something good for you is being added just through your choice of pan.

Cast iron heats very evenly. It may take a touch longer, but it's really not that much of a wait for it to heat up. You can even use it in the oven, which most other pans are not supposed to do.

It's very affordable. When I price cast iron in comparison to stainless steel pans, the iron ones often come out cheaper.

It's more nonstick than stainless steel or aluminum pans. Food can still stick, but in my experience it really doesn't do so all that badly. And if you want a quick way to remove it, I've read that filling the pan with water and then heating it to boiling makes it easier to get the food off.

One thing you will always have to do with cast iron is make sure that you dry it completely, or you do risk it rusting. The easiest way to do this is to place it on the stove and turn on the burner until the pan is completely dry. Give it a light coating of vegetable oil, and you're in good shape.

This bit of extra care is very much so worth it to me. I have pans that I will probably never need to replace, and can be handed down after I am gone. No health worries due to what the pan is made of. All in all I find it to be a very good deal.

Article Source : How To Cooking A Turkey

About Author

Both Terry Retter & Stephanie Foster are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Terry Retter has sinced written about articles on various topics from Kitchen Home Improvement, Cooking Tips and Personal Desktop. Browse a wide selection of at. Terry Retter's top article generates over 14800 views. to your Favourites.

Stephanie Foster has sinced written about articles on various topics from Credit Cards, Shopping and Pets. Stephanie Foster is a big fan of . She started