Choosing Kitchen Utensils For Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

When choosing kitchen implements for enameled cast iron cookware, it is important to understand the nature of the enamel that makes it different from ordinary cast iron pots and pans. Standard cast iron can be given nonstick properties and rendered easier to clean by seasoning with hot oil or grease. Baking oil into the pan at high temperature forms a bond that reduces the likelihood of rusting and iron getting into the food, and also makes it relatively nonstick and easier to clean.

10 Indel Ave., Rancocas, NJ 08073Since the contest is sponsored by Martha White, which makes baking mixes, and Lodge, the makers of cast-iron cookware, the dish calls for a Martha White corn bread mix and is cooked in a cast-iron skillet.E-mail: sales@inductotherm.comIn a 10-inch skillet, brown sausage. Remove sausage to a medium bowl. Place 2 tablespoons olive oil in skillet. Over medium-high heat, cook onion, stirring constantly until translucent. Stir in peppers and mushrooms. Cook and stir about 2 minutes, or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Place mixture in bowl with sausage. Wipe out skillet with paper towels and place remaining tablespoon of olive oil in warm skillet and swirl to coat bottom. Place skillet over low heat while cornbread mixture is combined.Carefully place the hot skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until corn bread is cooked, sprinkling with remaining mozzarella the last 5 minutes. Remove from oven and garnish with remaining slivered basil and fresh basil leaves. Cut into wedges and serve with warm marinara sauce. Serves 5-6. -- Ruth KendrickNevertheless, although you can use stainless steel and other metal kitchen implements with enameled cast iron cookware, you are advised not to, and to try to use wood, plastic or silicone. Silicone is a form of plastic that has been cured and cross-linked to render it heat resistant, a property that ordinary plastic kitchen implements lack.2 cup grated mozzarella cheese, divided

Taking an overall view, when choosing kitchen utensils for enameled cast iron cookware you are likely best advised to use wood or silicone where you can, particularly for stirring spoons and the like, and stainless steel where you must. That is a reasonable compromise, but if you prefer to have a battery of tools hanging from racks on your kitchen wall, then stainless steel looks great but be very careful when using them.

Author: Peter Nisbet