Over the past few years, I have become more and more focused on cooking my food from scratch. There are several reasons for this, but the biggest one is to give me full control over the ingredients in my food. As I have become more understanding of my food allergies, I now understand that the store bought food I used to rely on is something I can no longer eat.
As my skills in cooking my own food have grown, I have also become interested in cookware. I already own and use a pretty good quality set of pots. Skillets, on the other hand, have been an issue for me due to durability and longevity. After a lot research, trial, and error, I have become more focused on purchasing cast iron cookware than other types of cookware.
To be honest, for many years I was not a big fan of cast iron cookware. It can be very expensive (Such as Le Creuset’s cookware) and the process to maintain the cookware is quite intimidating. Despite this, I have slowly began to gravitate towards purchasing cast iron instead of purchasing cookware made out of other materials.
The main reason for my slow but steady switch is because of durability and the way it cooks food. I like that I can take a pot or pan that was cooking on the stovetop and put it into the oven without needing to transfer the food to different cookware. I also like the longevity of cast iron cookware and how it can have a non stick surface if taken care of and oiled properly. Also, I love how evenly a cast iron cookware will cook food!
Right now, I own several pieces of cat iron cookware. The ones I have used the most are a dutch oven, loaf pans, and a pie pan. All the pots and pans I own cost less than $50 USD and have held up pretty well. I don’t own any higher priced cookware, such as from Le Creuest, because I felt uncomfortable paying such a large amount of money to purchase one piece of cast iron cookware. Especially since there are far more affordable options out there!
Right now I think I’m satisfied with my cast iron cookware collection, except for two pieces: a new dutch oven and a dutch oven to cook outside with. Although I already own a dutch oven, for the past few months I’ve been wondering if I should buy a second one. I do so much cooking and baking that it would make it easier to cook/bake two things at the same time. It will also help me when I need to clean one out before I can use it again. Also, I can own a dutch oven in a different size than the one I currently own and use. As for the dutch oven to cook outside with, I want one to use just in case electric power goes out in my house for an extended period of time and if I ever go camping and need to take one along.
There are a few obstacles in purchasing new dutch ovens. The first one is where to find one to purchase. I found some at Walmart, but I prefer the outdoor dutch ovens I found on Amazon more. (My friends also recommend the camping ovens I found on Amazon over the one I found at Walmart) Also, I’m not sure what size I want my indoor oven to get. Or where to store them so I can reach for them easily.
Even though purchasing a new dutch oven is something I am seriously considering, I am really happy to own the cast iron cookware I have right now. I’m especially happy with my pie pan. I am really happy with the way it cooks pies and how well it retains the heat. Also, it can go into an oven with high temperatures (Such as 500 degrees Fahrenheit) without damaging it. With my collection of cast iron cookware, along with the other cookware pieces I own, I am feel more comfortable cooking this holiday season!
Well, that’s all for now! Thank you for reading!
Featured image photograph is by Klaus Nielson. Edited for post use by me.