Archive for Cookware
Tips & Tricks – Cast Iron Skillets
Posted by: | Comments
For the longest, I have never had an actual cast iron skillet. Sure, I have my Le Creuset but those lovelies are enameled (and let this gal toss them in the dishwasher). After watching one too many episodes of Cooking For Real and Viva Daisy, I noticed that a cast iron skillet appeared to be a favorite go-to piece. Sure, it’s not too expensive and from what my father told me, my Bampa used his cast iron skillet often.
So, with that, I decided to visit the local Tar-Jay and found a great Lodge Cast Iron skilletfor about $18. It’s supposedly pre-seasoned but is definitely not dishwasher friendly.
So, do any of you seasoned cast iron experts have any tips and tricks for those of us that are new to the Cast Iron Skillet club?
Obsessed With: Le Creuset Cassis and Lilac Collections
Posted by: | CommentsOne of the best investments besides my knives that I have made for the kitchen has been the Le Creuset. Le Creuset is functional, heats beautifully, cleans like a dream and, most importantly, looks gorgeous! Now you know I have been obsessed with all things Caribbean as Teal is my fave color, however when Sur La Table debuted Le Creuset’s new Cassis and Lilac collections, my jaw dropped. The Cassis color is this deep rich purple that reminds me of my great grandmother’s favorite chair. The Lilac bakeware brings a sense of spring to one’s kitchen and is a complement to any other Le Creuset pieces you may have.
I have come to this important realization – that my Caribbean and Red Le Creuset pieces can co-exist with the Cassis and Lilac collections that need to be in my kitchen. A bonus realization – the braiser definitely is coming home with me!
Lilac Bakeware Set – functional and beautiful
Cassis Cast Iron Braiser – I sooo need this (more than a pair of Tory Burch Revas!)
Check out the Cassis Dutch Ovens…
And isn’t this Mini Cocotte adorable? Mini Mac & Cheeses come to mind…
Images courtesy of Sur La Table
Obsessed With: Calphalon’s Contemporary Stainless Roaster Pan…
Posted by: | Comments
Seriously, Food Network is going to be at the receiving end of a Come to Jesus chat from my wallet. Between the Le Creuset, Vietri, Emile Henry, etc. that I lust after and adore, my wallet is ready to smack me to high heaven. I mean, if you add up what this gal can spend in a year on just kitchen stuff and culinary exploits – well, we’re talking about a pair of Loubous – maybe more.
A year or so ago, I decided to add to my cookware collection with some stainless. I was never a fan of the All Clad – I wanted something that looked different, chic and well, like it belonged in my kitchen. So, after many an episode of Simply Delicioso, I realized that the chic cookware Ingrid Hoffman cooked with was, indeed, Calphalon – specifically the Contemporary Stainless line. I bought my first piece a few months ago and loved it. I’ve added to it bit by bit and have quite a few things on my wishlist. However thanks to one Ms. Sunny Anderson and her Chicken & Waffles segment that aired this weekend, I realized that I want, need and MUST HAVE the Calphalon Contemporary Stainless Roaster Pan. I mean, I could roast a chicken myself and not have to run to the store for a rotisserie chicken. It’s not just for holidays with a big turkey or ham – and economical. Well, kind of. Granted that I could get a pair of gorgeous nude “Paris” Black/White Ruffled Pumps for the same price as the pan but still – gorg. right?
Thankfully I have a 20% off coupon for Bed Bath & Beyond that might be put towards this lovely – well, after I’m done unpacking all my pots and pans for the kitchen…
To Mattone or Not Mattone: Brick Chicken Made Easy…
Posted by: | CommentsLately, I’ve seen more focus on rustic cooking and one dish from Italy that has my attention is “Brick Chicken” – that is chicken roasted under a brick rendering the skin crispy while the meat is succulent and moist. Tyler Florence spotlighted it the other day on Tyler’s Ultimate, however, as I’m allergic to all things Home Depot (want to send me on a panic attack – send me there. Trust – I walk in and walk out ASAP. Too much for me to handle), buying a brick is just not going to happen. However, a mattone is kind of a unitasker. To buy or not to buy was the question.
About a year or so ago while in Philly, I saw the Mattone in Sur La Table. I desperately wanted to try it but I put it back. On a couple return trips, I would fondle but put it back not only for the unitasker issue but also because it was so heavy it would send my luggage into overdrive.
Recently, while perusing Williams Sonoma’s latest offerings, I noticed that they too had a Mattone.
And, finally – NapaStyle has a Mattone in my favorite color – teal.
You know what I always say – if something crosses your path repeatedly, pay attention. Well, guess what – I’m listening…
Reason Why You Should Make Friends With Salespeople…
Posted by: | CommentsI always say when something stinks, I’m going to tell you and when something is amazing, I’m REALLY going to tell you. I may be tough but I only expect good customer service. Above average customer service really makes me take notice.
Here’s why I advocate being friendly with salespeople in your favorite stores – they will alert you to some good deals coming up, they will take care of you and other perks. I have stores I go to time and time again in Orlando – especially when it comes to all things kitchen and entertaining. At the top of my list, of course, is the Le Creuset outlet at the Prime Outlets.
Greg and his staff always take care of me. They know that I obsess over everything Caribbean Le Creuset and a couple weeks ago I got a call from one of his top salespeople going “Lys, we just got in the Le Creuset soup pot in Caribbean and we’re holding it for you if you want to drop by.” Can I tell you at the first opportunity, I flew to the outlets and didn’t make my usual rounds to Saks Off Fifth, Neimans or Stuart Weitzman – it was straight to LE CREUSET to see the latest addition to my household. And, mind you – I’ve had my eye on it for a bit since I saw it at Sur La Table a few months ago. (Sidenote – hello - Williams Sonoma – When are you going to *ahem* start carrying Caribbean? Seriously – love that color!) Not to mention, hello – the outlet had it on SALE! Double score. Let’s just hope the outlet gets more Caribbean because I still have a couple more things I need for my kitchen *cough* wide oval dutch oven *cough*
Ahhh – isn’t she lovely? Almost as lovely as my new Loubous but that’s another post for another blog on another day…
Much thanks to Greg and his staff at the Prime Outlets in Orlando. I can’t recommend a better store for all things Le Creuset.
Obsessed With: Le Creuset Caribbean Braiser…
Posted by: | Comments
Le Creuset Has Done Did It Again…
Posted by: | Comments
Yet another color :::sigh::: Le Creuset hits us with a Slate color.
Soup’s On…
Posted by: | Comments
It’s no secret in my household that some of my famous go-to recipes are soups. From an Italian (NOT French) Onion Soup with Thyme (Thank you Giada de Laurentiis!) to my classic standby Southwestern Chicken soup (thank you Michelle!), soup works out well. You have leftovers which are great for lunch, it’s great on a cold night or just when you want a little comfort.
Well, Sur La Table tempted me again, as always, and they have this gorgeous Le Creuset Soup Pot in CARIBBEAN! ME LIKEY! I think I’ll be hitting up the Sur this weekend to fondle this lovely.
Some gals like Diamonds. For me, it’s all about the Le Creuset. What are some of your favorite soup recipes? Leave ‘em in the comments.
Behold the Pot Rack…
Posted by: | Comments
Last fall, I fell in love with this pot rack when I saw it in the Southern Living catalog. My gal M. surprised me with it for Christmas and trust me when I say it’s fabulous.
It was finally hung when my dad visited and I’ve got it outfitted with the pots and pans in my cabinet. He made sure it was super stable so I don’t have to worry about Shadow getting bopped in the head.
Just to be safe, I figured I’d behave and only put one Le Creuset skillet on there and the copper pot along with the much lighter skillets, various ladles and spatulas. Also, for a bit of decoration, I also put some copper ornaments that I bought from Williams Sonoma for the holidays.
It’s functional and gorgeous.
Sur La Table – How You Tempt Us So…
Posted by: | CommentsWell – let’s rephrase – Le Creuset – how you tempt us so.
Did y’all see that they added YET another color line to their offerings – DIJON. Now, last time I visited SLT, they were discontinuing Chestnut. I know Williams Sonoma added a darker blue shade and I do like the color of the Dijon however, I’m still a Caribbean gal. For those that want a burst of sunshine in your kitchen, check it out here.
