For the Love of Iron
Cast iron has been enjoying the spotlight over the past several years and for good reason. It is virtually indestructible and can be abandoned on the stove top, in the oven or even over an open fire without fear of damage. Iron has wonderful heat-retaining properties, making it perfect for baking breads, frying chicken and braising leaner meats, but it is versatile enough to also cook eggs, fry pancakes and sear meat. Iron’s surface seasoning, created by a process called polymerization, makes the surface naturally nonstick through heating layers of oil or fat at high heat. Depending upon the brand, you will get varying degrees of “nonstick” success right out of the box, but do not worry: No matter the brand, the solution is to keep using it. Keep it on your stove top and try cooking in it every day.
Eventually, you won’t remember being intimidated or how you lived without this essential kitchen tool. Oh, and if life happens and you need to re-season or refurbish an older neglected pan, it is one of the few types of pans that can be refinished over and over again, making it the quintessential modern heirloom able to be passed down to generation after generation.
A FAVORITE FOR OPEN-FIRE COOKING
For open-fire cooking, you’ll never go wrong with a classic 12- inch skillet, but a “prospector” or double-handled skillet can be great for Big Green Egg grills or cooking over fires with a sturdy grate.
Campers have long loved a coal-top Dutch oven. These pans have an indented lid where coals can be placed to create an oven-type heat perfect for stews, beans or breaking down chunks of meat over open fire. We are huge fans of spun iron from Netherton Foundry, a family-run ironworks in England. Their outdoor cooking pans include chapas grills with detachable legs in grate or flat styles, garden hobs (portable grills great for porches, tailgating or the center of a table), skillets with foldable handles, and long oak-handled pans which allow you to stand over a fire and cook without bending over the heat.
THE MUST-HAVE STAPLE FOR EVERY KITCHEN
Start with or gift a 10- or 12-inch skillet and/or a Dutch oven. Same with any other cookware material. Despite the vast number of items we sell, at heart we are minimalists. You need a skillet, a Dutch oven, a good knife, a slotted or flat metal spatula and a well-made wooden cutting board—period. Buy the best you can for where you are in your life. As you grow, so may your kitchen— but we guarantee, if you have these essential items, you’ll likely not be replacing them.
ABOUT GOODS FOR COOKS
Established in 1973, Goods for Cooks believes beauty lies not in the kitchen itself, but in the memories and experiences created within its walls. The way something feels, looks and functions in your home matters, and our experienced team is here to listen to the way you live, entertain and cook. We believe in helping you find the tools and ingredients that will enhance your life. Visit the shop and browse our wide selection of fine tools and supplies, as well as an everchanging selection of cookbooks, ceramics and linens. We would love to chat about your kitchenware needs and cooking goals.
