Cooking TipsShopping for Cast Iron Cookware
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!