Monday, July 15, 2019

You’ll Never Believe These Unexpected Kitchen Stand Mixer Uses

With Up to 61% Off Coffee Makers, It’s Prime Time to Buy Your Dream Machine

If you’ve been meaning to upgrade your coffee maker or are a first time buyer ready to ride the second wave in your kitchen, it’s finally time to get things brewing. Of course, Prime Day is currently in full swing, but for those of you who aren’t Amazon VIPs, the online retailer is also offering discounts to the masses on several fancy-pants rigs that will help you unleash your inner-barista.

Read More: The Best Prime Day 2019 Deals on Kitchen & Cookware

Even if your dream machine isn’t on sale, it may be worth finally checking it off your wish list anyway. Just think of all the money you’ll save making your lattes and espressos at home instead of splurging for a cup each morning at your local coffee shop. Your purchase will basically pay for itself in no time.

Cuisinart 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker, $71.40 on Amazon (normally $185)

Cuisinart coffee maker sale

Cuisinart

Let’s start with a fairly old-fashioned (but by no means basic) model. It has over 5,000 reviews and manages to keep a 4-star rating, and right now, it’s 61 percent off. In addition to brew strength control so you can adjust the potency of your cup, and 24-hour programmable functionality, it has a reusable filter, so you’ll save on paper too. Few frills compared to some others on this list, yet it’ll still get you going in the morning, and is a great deal at just over $70.Buy Now

Read More: The Best Coffee Subscription Services | Our Favorite Reusable Coffee Mugs

Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Maker by Breville, $149.96 (normally $199.95)

Nespresso espresso and coffee maker

Amazon

This compact coffee and espresso maker combo is another Amazon customer favorite, and it’s 25 percent off right now. Brew five different sizes depending on how strong you need your java on any given day, all with the touch of a button. The discounted price includes a Nespresso Vertuo capusle welcome kit with an assortment of 12 single serve coffee capsules.Buy Now

Technivorm Moccamaster 59616 KBG Coffee Brewer, $309 on Amazon (normally $359)

Amazon

Handmade in the Netherlands, the Technivorm Moccamaster KBG is as a much a coffee brewer as it is a work of art. You’ll be able to brew up 40 ounces of quality java in only six minutes. Perhaps the most impressive feature on this stunner is a specialty hot plate that will keep your coffee warm without sacrificing taste. Buy now and you’ll save a Grant off the retail price.Buy Now

Ascaso Dream Up V3 Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine, $499 on Amazon (normally $599)

Amazon

This sleek beauty gives you the option of using ground coffee or Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods if you want make the brewing process a little easier. There’s even room to brew a double shot if you need an extra pick-me-up and a built-in milk frother will help send you on the cappuccino route. Make sure to click the coupon for that extra $100 savings.Buy Now

KRUPS EA8298 Cappuccino Bar, $594.49 on Amazon (normally $644.49)

Amazon

Cappuccino fans will be in heaven with this all-in-one fully-automatic espresso machine. From the built-in-grinder with adjustable settings to the milk frother which is removable for easy cleaning, the Cappuccino Bar is packed with impressive bells and whistles that make it well worth the price of admission. Be sure to click to apply the 50 percent off coupon to get the discounted price.Buy Now

Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine, $459.00 on Amazon

Amazon

Direct from Italy, this magnificent marvel will allow you to brew shots of espresso as good as anything you’ll find in Milan. The machine is compact, so it won’t take up too much space in your kitchen, but performs as well as, if not better than its bulkier peers. It’s also easy to clean and just as simple to master with a simple-to-follow LED display. True, it’s not discounted at all, but if you have an Amazon rewards card, think of all the points you’ll earn!Buy Now



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Shave $70 Off This NutriBullet Blender at Walmart Right Now

Walmart NutriBullet blender sale

Get 54 percent off this NutriBullet blender during Walmart’s Summer Savings event. That’s a discount of $70!

A blender can be a real workhorse in the kitchen, so if you plan to put it through its paces (smoothies, soups, sauces, desserts, nut butters, slushy drinks…), you’d better invest in a robust model. Vitamix may be the gold standard, but this nine-piece NutriBullet Pro blender can handle anything you want to pulse, puree, or emulsify. And it’s a great deal at Walmart right now.

Read More: The Best Kitchen & Cookware Deals at Walmart’s Summer Savings | The Best Anti-Prime Day Sales

The NutriBullet Pro 900 promises to pulverize “the toughest fruits, vegetables, seeds, and superfoods” for ultra-creamy smoothies that truly live up to their name, not to mention homemade nut butters and purees. It includes two cups (a 32-ounce “colossal cup” with a silicone lip-protecting ring for smooth sipping in case you don’t have a straw, and a 24-ounce cup with a handled lip guard), plus a flip-top to-go lid for easy portability.

NutriBullet Pro 900 Series Blender 9-piece Set, $59 at Walmart (normally $129)

NutriBullet blender sale Walmart

Walmart

Make ultra-smooth drinks, nut butters, purees, and even homemade baby food. Plus, this comes with a set of mugs that attach directly to the blender base so you don’t have to dirty an extra cup to drink from, and a to-go lid for taking your smoothies with you.Buy Now



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Take 40% Off This Air Fryer During Target’s Version of Prime Day, Happening Right Now

Target Deal Days air fryer sale

Amazon Prime Day 2019 has officially begun but it’s not the only retailer offering major deals and making a concerted play for your midsummer paychecks. Target is currently running a two day mega-sale of its own called “Target Deal Days” coincidentally (not!) on the exact same days as 2019 Amazon Prime Day.

See some of our favorite deals—that are going fast—below, and keep scrolling to get all the fine print on the event itself.

The Clock Is Ticking …

Plenty of discount kitchen essentials including coffee makers, air fryers, a KitchenAid mixer bundle, small appliances from Calphalon, and, of course, an Instant Pot are already on sale, but most of these deals are available today only. Expect brand new bargains to be unveiled tomorrow—don’t worry, we’ll keep you posted!

Here are some great options that are currently on sale:

Dash 900W 1.2-Liter Compact Air Fryer

If you’ve already got an Instant Pot and are thinking an air fryer might be your next new kitchen gadget, this one is 40 percent off! Its smaller size means it’s ideal for feeding just one or two.

Dash 900W 1.2-Liter Compact Air Fryer, $29.99

Normally $49.99.
Buy Now

Related: Is Getting an Air Fryer Worth It?

KitchenAid Professional 5-Quart Mixer with Ice Cream Maker attachment

The coveted KitchenAid stand mixer is great for baking projects, of course, but it does a lot more than that, and Target is offering this one for 30 percent off—that’s including the ice cream maker attachment for turning out your own frozen treats all summer.

KitchenAid Professional 5-Quart Mixer with Ice Cream Maker attachment, $279.99

Normally $399.99.
Buy Now

Related: This KitchenAid Stand Mixer Is Almost 50% Off for Prime Day

Instant Pot Duo 8-Quart

Get 46 percent off this large-capacity Instant Pot and see all the things you can make in it. If you’ve been on the fence, it’s the perfect time to buy one.

Instant Pot Duo 8-Quart, $69.95

Normally $129.95.
Buy Now

Related: The Best Instant Pot Deals for Prime Day

Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi

This sleek espresso machine (which also does regular coffee—very well) is 44 percent off right now.

Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi, $99.50

Normally $179.
Buy Now

Calphalon Precision Control 1.5-Liter Blender

It may not be a Vitamix, but this highly-rated blender is 50 percent off during Target’s Deal Days event!

Calphalon Precision Control 1.5-Liter Blender, $64.99

Normally $129.99.
Buy Now

Related: Get $90 Off This Vitamix Blender for Prime Day

Calaphon Precision Control Waffle Maker

Also 50 percent off: this ceramic-coated waffle maker that will undoubtedly improve your brunch game.

Calaphon Precision Control Waffle Maker, $49.99

Normally $99.99.
Buy Now

What is Target’s Deal Days Event?

Deal Days is Target’s biggest sale of the year, according to the retailer, and is happening now through July 16. The megastore, which carries everything from clothing to cookware, home goods, electronics, jewelry, and beauty supplies, hopes to cut into Amazon’s Black Friday in July which has been a major boon for the world’s biggest online retailer since it began in 2015.

Related Reading: Target Launches New Line of Home Cleaning Products

Online Only—but No Membership Required

The biggest deals are available online and through the Target app only. Unlike Amazon Prime, you don’t need any sort of membership or store card. All deals are available to all shoppers. HOWEVER, folks with a Target RED card  are entitled to an extra 5 percent off and receive free 2-day shipping on more products.

Shipping Details?

Target RED card holders are entitled to free 2-day shipping on most anything. Without a Target RED card, shoppers can get free 2-day shipping when they spend $35 or more—and if you’ve ever perused Target’s website or store, you know that’s not a hard benchmark to reach.

Target also has a partnership with Shipt that will deliver your items in mere hours (for an extra cost). If you’re willing to drive, you can also pick up certain items in-store the same day and use Drive Up order, in which an employee brings your purchased items directly to your car (please tip them!).



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Three Bean Salad

Who doesn't love an easy three bean salad, perfect for summer picnics and potlucks?! This classic American picnic salad has cannellini beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, celery, red onion, parsley, and a sweet and sour dressing.

Continue reading "Three Bean Salad" »



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A 5-Piece Cast Iron Cookware Set on Sale for Prime Day (& Other Cast Iron Deals)

It’s Prime Day and a sizzling hot sale on cast iron cookware is happening. If you don’t have a good set of cast iron cookware, we’ve got an entire website full of reasons why you should. Cast iron skillets, Dutch ovens, griddles, and pans are a solid kitchen investment; durable and long-lasting, delivering consistent heat distribution and rock steady results over a myriad of cooking styles, cuisines, and recipes. They get better over time as you continue to season your cast iron it pays you back, imparting big flavor into meats, veggies and more. For those slow Sunday stews, roasts or braises, cast iron is key for evenly cooked, fall-off-the-bone food.

Related Reading: Amazon Prime Day 2019: The Best Kitchen & Cookware Deals So Far

Cast iron can be expensive, but during Amazon Prime Day (today and tomorrow) a few brands including Lodge, are offering some seriously deep discounts on cast iron cookware. The below 5-piece set from Lodge is selling for just $69.95, a steal compared to other retailers, like Amazon, which had it priced at more than $100 (though it’s currently on sale for $70.95 there).

Lodge 5-Piece Seasoned & Enameled Cast Iron Cookware Set, $69.95 at Amazon

Amazon

This 5-piece seasoned cast iron cookware set consists of two pre-seasoned, high-rimmed, enameled cast iron skillets (8 inches and 10.25 inches), which are perfect for cooking anything from steaks to chickenIndian vegetables, and fish. The cast iron 5-quart Dutch oven is just the thing you’ll need for slow Sunday stews, chilis, roasts, or braised dishes like coq au vin or beef bourguignon. And the cast iron griddle is ace for flapjacks, pancakes, crepes, eggs, paninis and more.Buy Now

Other Prime Day Cast Iron Deals on Now:

AmazonBasics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven, $31.49 (normally $44.99)

For slow weekend stews, grandmas gravy recipe or even a hearty casserole.
Buy Now

AmazonBasics Cast Iron Cookware Set, $49.95 (normally $79.95)

A great starter set for the home cook looking to experiment with cast iron cooking.
Buy Now

Related: Learn how to clean your cast iron so it lasts forever.



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Prime Day Cookware and Kitchen Deals We’re Loving

Prime day is here, prime day is here! This year there's no shortage of awesome kitchen scores and cookware deals and we're bringing you the latest and greatest!

Continue reading "Prime Day Cookware and Kitchen Deals We’re Loving" »



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A KitchenAid Stand Mixer for Nearly 50% Off

Amazon

Another Amazon Prime Day deal was just posted that you definitely won’t want to miss! The KitchenAid 5-Quart Artisan Design Series Stand Mixer with a Glass Bowl is on sale for the next 12 hours for 48% off, coming out to only $239.99. With ten speed settings and head tilt design, this device is perfect for all of your mixing needs.

Available in three colors, Azure Blue (see below), Candy Apple Red, and Sugar Pearl Silver (above), this stand mixer with a glass bowl will look great on your kitchen countertop. This Prime exclusive deal comes complete with three handy attachments: a burnished metal flat beater, burnished metal dough hook, and a wire whip.

Read More: Fancy All-Clad Cookware Is on Sale NOW for Prime Day

KitchenAid 5-Quart Artisan Design Series Stand Mixer with a Glass Bowl, $239.99 on Amazon

Amazon

Cookie batter, whipped cream, and bread dough will now all be a breeze to make with this classic KitchenAid mixer, available for only 12 hours now on Amazon. Buy Now

Related Reading: Amazon Prime Day 2019: The Best Kitchen & Cookware Deals So Far



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A No-Hassle Way to Clean Your Blender

Do you hate cleaning your blender because you have to take it apart and scrub around those sharp blades? Or do you already know the easy trick to clean your blender in a flash?

It’s obvious, perhaps, but sometimes we don’t see what’s right in front of our eyes until someone else points it out. In this case, the (maybe not-so-secret) secret is: You can make your blender clean itself. (Sort of like you can mostly make your coffee grinder clean itself. Sadly, no such luck with your dirty kitchen sponge or grimy sheet pans.)

Vitamix Explorian Professional-Grade Blender, $179 on Amazon (normally $269.95)

The ultimate blender is $90 off for Prime Day!
Buy Now

Read More: The Best Prime Day Deals for 2019

The Easiest Way to Clean Your Blender

1. Immediately after you pour out your smoothie, sauce, or whatever you’ve just blended, rinse the blender with hot water. This is key; don’t let it sit and the contents inside get gummed-on, or you’ll be back to scrubbing.

2. Fill the blender 3/4 full with fresh hot water and add a couple drops of dish soap.

3. Put the lid back on and blend away.

4. Rinse again with hot water, and you’re done. Seriously simple, right?

5. Turn it upside down in a rack to dry. That helps drain every last bit of water so no mold starts to grow. For the same reason, never put the lid back on until everything is completely dry.

6. Use a damp sponge or dish cloth to clean the base of any splatters. It may go without saying, but never submerge this part in water.

Stuck-On Bits or Stains?

If you do end up with stuck-on bits or see blender discoloration, try blending lemon (you can drop in quarters of the fruit with rinds intact) or vinegar, plus some baking soda and water in your blender, then letting that mixture soak overnight. The next day, follow steps 1-5 above and you should be all set. When scrubbing is the only thing that’ll do, though, an old toothbrush is useful for tackling the smaller parts where the base connects to the blades, and it keeps your fingers safe. If the buttons have gotten grimy, a Q-tip dipped in vinegar or rubbing alcohol will help you get in the grooves around them.

Check out our favorite eco-friendly cleaning supplies, including green dish soap that actually works.

Read More: How to Make Dirty Baking Sheets Look Brand New

When to Deep Clean Your Blender

While the above rinse-soap-blend-rinse method is great for daily cleaning after making your morning smoothie, you will want to occasionally give your blender a deeper clean by unscrewing the base and removing the gasket and washing everything separately (don’t forget the lid, even if it doesn’t look dirty). Even if they’re advertised as dishwasher-safe, you may want to wash the parts by hand to prolong their lifespan. Aim for a deep clean once a month (unless, for some reason, you’re blending raw chicken or unwashed greens, in which case deep-cleaning is the safest option).

Now, go get it dirty! Check out some of our best blender recipes.



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The Best Blender Recipes That Go Way Beyond Smoothies

Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict

We rounded up some of our best blender recipes as a reminder of just how versatile an appliance the blender truly is. There’s a reason it goes on wedding registries by default, yet even the vaunted Vitamix too often gets relegated to smoothie duty. Blenders are great for fruity (or leafy) purees first thing in the morning, for sure, but there’s a lot else your blender can do for you.

Vitamix Explorian Professional-Grade Blender, $179 on Amazon (normally $269.95)

The ultimate blender is $90 off for Prime Day!
Buy Now

Read More: The Best Prime Day 2019 Deals

From batters and butter to cold brew coffee and vegan mousse, these are some of our favorite blender recipes.

And while cleaning up is essential, it doesn’t have to be a chore—so see this simple tip for how to clean your blender, hassle-free.

1. Dutch Baby Pancake

Dutch Baby recipe

Chowhound

The ease of making a Dutch baby pancake is inversely proportional to the showstopping effect as it puffs up like a souffle in the oven, and since it’s made from pantry staples, you’re never more than 30 minutes away from a fantastic breakfast or dinner (feel free to take it savory). This recipe, as written, calls for whisking by hand, but there’s no need for that. Just blitz the eggs, flour, milk, and whatever seasonings you want in your blender all at once, pour them into a hot pan of melted butter, and watch the magic happen. Get our Dutch Baby Pancake recipe.

2. Easy Blender Hollandaise Sauce

Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict

Chowhound

Don’t be intimidated by eggs Benedict anymore, or at least not by the hollandaise. Making it in a blender is a fantastic shortcut you should start deploying during brunch all the time. Get our Easy Blender Hollandaise Sauce recipe.

3. Blender Butter

Love the idea of homemade butter but don’t own a churn (or want to make your muscles feel more exhausted than after the most grueling arm day ever)? Make your own butter in the blender! Mix in spices, fresh herbs, and/or minced shallots or garlic for compound butter if you’re feeling extra-fancy and use it to top a steak, roasted veggies, or whatever else you like.

4. Blender Salsa

easy blender salsa recipe

Chowhound

Chunky salsas are good too, but sometimes a thinner version is better for drizzling over enchiladas, tacos, and nachos. And there’s no worry about pulsing one too many times like when you make it in a food processor, since the goal is a smooth texture. The pumpkin seeds in this one lend a certain creaminess. Get our Blender Salsa recipe.

Read More: 9 Summer Salsas to Put on Everything

5. Slushy Cherry Old Fashioned

slushy cherry Old Fashioned frozen cocktail

Chowhound

We love a classic Slushy Blended Margarita, but when it’s hot out, we’re ready to turn every kind of cocktail into a frozen treat. That includes a fruity twist on the Old Fashioned, like the best grown-up cherry Slurpee you’ll ever have. Get our Slushy Cherry Old Fashioned recipe.

Read More: 11 Slushy Takes On Classic Cocktails

6. Chipotle Avocado Salad Dressing

Tomato, Tomatillo, and Corn Salad with Avocado Dressing

Chowhound

If you crave creamy salad dressing but feel a little hesitant about using tons of mayo, sour cream, and other dairy (or can’t stomach those at all), use your blender and ripe avocados to whip up creamy, healthy dressings like this smoky chipotle version that’s great on salads, tacos, and sandwiches, or just for dipping crunchy veggies. Get our Chipotle Avocado Salad Dressing recipe.

7. Blender Cold Brew Coffee

If you love cold brew but not paying so much for it at Starbucks, make your own at home—turns out, your blender can be a great asset when it comes to getting caffeinated too.

Read More: The One Thing You’re Doing Wrong When Making Cold Brew

8. Pear Baby Food

homemade pear baby food

Chowhound

Got a baby and a blender? Great, because it’s also easy to make your own baby food—maybe not quite as easy as signing up for a baby food delivery service, but manageable, at least some of the time. Get our Pear Baby Food recipe.

9. Asparagus Soup

Creamy Asparagus Soup recipe

Chowhound

Immersion blenders are handy for pureeing creamy soups right in the pot, but they’re also one more kitchen tool to add to your cupboards. As long as you pour carefully, a regular blender does the job beautifully too. This asparagus soup is perfect for spring, but in summer, try blitzing up corn soup; in fall, butternut squash. Get our Asparagus Soup recipe.

10. Adobo Marinated Chicken Tacos

Adobo Chicken Taco recipe

Chowhound

Blend up a homemade spicy marinade for these juicy chicken tacos and it’s hardly any more difficult than buying a bottle at the store—yet it tastes way better, and removes any doubt about unwanted ingredients like high fructose corn syrup and preservatives in the mix. Get our Adobo Marinated Chicken Tacos recipe.

11. Healthy Blueberry Smoothie

Healthy Blueberry Smoothie recipe

Chowhound

Okay, we can’t resist smoothies either, the blender breakfast of champions. This one is fruity and creamy with a secret ingredient for a huge boost of vitamins, minerals, and fiber to complement the blueberries‘ antioxidant powers…(okay, it’s spinach, but you won’t know it when you taste it). Get our Healthy Blueberry Smoothie recipe.

ALINK Stainless Steel Smoothie Straws, 4 for $6.99

The only thing we'd change about our smoothie: swapping these in for the plastic straw.
Buy Now

Read More: The Best Eco-Friendly Reusable Straws

12. Raw Vegan Chocolate Mousse

Easy Raw Vegan Chocolate Cinnamon Mousse recipe

Chowhound

Yes, your blender does dessert too, and not just milkshakes. For this healthy dessert recipe (seriously!), just chuck everything—avocados, cacao powder, agave, almond butter or coconut cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt—right in the blender, let it do its thing, and chill for a delectable treat that’s almost too easy. Get our Raw Vegan Chocolate Mousse recipe.

Ninja Professional 1000-Watt Blender, $79.99 at Walmart

It's not a Vitamix, but it gets the job done at a nice price.
Buy Now

Related Video: Why You Should Put Your Wine In the Blender



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What Is the Difference Between a Dutch Oven and Cast Iron?

What is the difference between cast iron and a Dutch oven?

If you’re asking “What is the difference between a Dutch oven and cast iron?” you probably really mean: “What is the difference between cast iron and enameled cast iron?” And that’s a good question! Let’s break everything down.

What is a Dutch oven?

The Dutch oven is essentially a large pot or kettle, usually made of cast iron, with a tight-fitting lid so steam can’t escape. Dutch ovens are used for moist-cooking methods such as braising and stewing (though with the lid off, you can even bake bread in them). Traditionally, you make your braised beef, chili, and stew in one of these bad boys. This cooking tool and method came from the Pennsylvania Dutch in the 1700s.

Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven, $31.20 - $84.60 at Walmart

A classic cast iron Dutch oven with no frills (except the feet) that comes in various sizes and is ideal for car camping.
Buy Now

Naked cast iron Dutch ovens evoke campfires and Boy Scout jamborees (and Colonial America, perhaps); though not always, these more rustic-looking pots often have feet and a bail-type handle—but what we often think of as a Dutch oven these days is a large, flat-bottomed, cast-iron pot with handles, all covered in bright, glossy enamel. Le Creuset is one of the most high-end brands and comes in a delightful rainbow of colors.

Le Creuset 2.75-Quart Round French Oven, $99.99 at Macy's (normally $339.90)

You can also call this cooking vessel a French oven, but we're still talking about the same thing.
Buy Now

Before we get into enamelware, though, let’s look at what’s often underneath that bright outer shell.

What is cast iron?

There are two basic kinds of cast iron: regular and enameled. Regular cast iron dates back to the 5th century B.C. and absorbs, conducts, and retains heat efficiently. Although some say cast iron takes longer to heat up than other cookware, it does stay hot for longer, which is why fajitas are often served on cast iron skillets.

how to care for cast iron skillet

Chowhound

Read More: How to Care for Cast Iron

So while a Dutch oven is always a large pot with a tight-fitting lid, “cast iron” by itself is just about material, and it can take many other forms, most commonly, the aforementioned skillet.

AmazonBasics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Set, $49.85 (normally $79.99)

This basic cast iron cookware set is an especially great price for Prime Day! And it's pre-seasoned, always a plus.
Buy Now

Cast iron requires seasoning, which gives it a natural nonstick finish, and creates a surface that doesn’t react with or absorb the flavor of foods. When you have an unseasoned cast iron pan, it will react to your acidic foods—tomatoes, lemon juice, vinegar—creating a metallic taste and discoloration. This is not the heavy metal we’re going for. And you probably shouldn’t simmer or braise a tomato sauce in a cast iron pot for many, many hours.

“Cast iron, when properly seasoned, is the original nonstick pan,” according to thekitchenprofessor.com. “Many veteran chefs and beginners alike agree that it is the best type of cookware for searing and blackening.”

It’s a great pan to put on the grill or under the broiler. You can sear your meat and then cover it and put it in the oven to cook inside. To keep it seasoned, you clean it with a paper towel or soft cloth and, if necessary, gently scrub it with a nylon pad. Do not use soap. Lodge is a popular, affordable American-made brand of cast iron cookware, which comes in both naked cast iron and enameled cast iron in various colors. If you have a plain cast iron Dutch oven, care for it the same way you would your skillet.

Read More: This Lodge Cast Iron Cookware Set Is Under $70

What is enameled cast iron?

Enamelware can be either cast iron or steel cookware that has been coated with thin layers of brightly colored porcelain enamel. Enameled cast iron (like a Le Creuset Dutch oven or casserole dish) is a good heat conductor. Enameled steel is not. Enamelware of either kind is fairly easy to clean and doesn’t interact with acidic ingredients, but extreme heat can cause the surface to crack—that said, under normal cooking conditions, enameled cast iron goes with ease from stovetop to oven. You do need to use only plastic or wooden utensils with enamelware to avoid scratching it (and no harsh scrubbers at clean-up time). While it is dishwasher-safe, it’s best to hand-wash it to prolong its life.

Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, $289.98 at Sur la Table

The iconic Le Creuset round Dutch oven comes in a range of vibrant colors, including matte black for minimalists.
Buy Now

Read More: This Le Creuset Dutch Oven is 70% Off for a Limited Time | What Is the Difference Between a Dutch Oven and a French Cocotte?

Dutch Oven Recipes

Almost any recipe that calls for a large, heavy, thick-bottomed pot can be made in a Dutch oven, whether plain cast iron or enamel-coated, but these are some of our favorites:

1. Braised Lamb Shanks with Mint-Parsley Pesto

Chowhound

This is a showcase dish for the reasons we love Dutch ovens. You get to first brown the meat in it, then soften the onions, celery, and carrots in it, and finally, pop the whole thing in the oven to braise. Get our Braised Lamb Shanks with Mint-Parsley Pesto recipe.

2. Cochinita Pibil

how to make cochinita pibil

Chowhound

If you like carnitas, you’ll love cochinita pibil, a sort of Mayan pulled pork. Traditionally roasted over an underground oven of hot stones, it also comes out beautifully when made in a Dutch oven—wrapping the meat in banana leaves within the pot imparts extra moisture and flavor, and you should be able to find them at most Hispanic grocery stores, so don’t be discouraged by what may seem like an exotic ingredient. Get our Cochinita Pibil recipe.

3. Campfire Cherry Cobbler

campfire cherry cobbler

Chowhound

This recipe can be made indoors in your fancy enameled Dutch oven, but if you’re camping (which is when this easy dessert tastes best), bring your plain cast iron Dutch oven that you don’t mind setting directly in the embers of your campfire. Get our Campfire Cherry Cobbler recipe.

4. Chili con Carne

chili con carne recipe

Chowhound

Any kind of Dutch oven is perfect for a big, hearty batch of chili, whether it’s all meat, vegetarian, or turkey chili. Get our Chili con Carne recipe.

5. Chicken Basquaise

Chicken Basquaise recipe

Chowhound

This is a simple dish that’s packed with flavor, and the chicken browns beautifully in a Dutch oven—then braises away with the melting peppers, onions, and garlic for a saucy, satisfying meal. Get our Chicken Basquaise recipe.

6. Eggplant and  Mushroom Polenta Bake

Chowhound

We made this in a cast iron skillet, but it would do just as well in a Dutch oven, enameled or not. It’s basically a hearty vegetarian shepherd’s pie with a cheesy polenta crust instead of mashed potatoes. Get our Eggplant and Mushroom Polenta Bake.

7. Apple Cider Doughnuts with Salted Caramel

Apple Cider Sufganiyot with Salted Caramel Filling recipe

Chowhound

Since Dutch ovens are so deep, they’re also great for frying, but be sure to have a candy thermometer on hand to monitor the oil temperature, and don’t overfill your pot. You can fry chicken, egg rolls, or whatever else you like, but we have to recommend our apple cider sufganiyot with salted caramel filling for obvious reasons (just look at it). Get our Salted Caramel Apple Cider Doughnut recipe.



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