Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Kitchen Essentials: Le Creuset, Cast Iron, and Chef's Salt

The other day a sweet friend (and very talented cook) and I were reading an article about kitchen must haves.  The concept of the article was if you could have only one pan and one ingredient (seasoning, etc.) what would it be? We got to talking and I've narrowed mine down.....


Le Creuset Dutch Oven





Image for 5 1/2 qt. Round Dutch Oven from Le Creuset
Le Creuset
This pot is my go-to in the kitchen for just about everything...soups, stews, roasted chicken, sauces, bread, you name it, this pot can do it.  Mine is the traditional flame orange, and if I'm being completely honest using it kinda makes me feel like an accomplished French chef.  Ha.  But seriously, it's a keeper. 

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet

IMG_0013
Lodge
This skillet is perfect for searing steaks and meats, cornbread, stir-fry, and even pineapple upside down cake.  The cast iron can be heated over higher heat than the Le Creuset, and lasts forever.

BUT if I only had to pick just one I'd choose a cast iron Dutch oven.  It combines the two, but isn't limited with the enamel coating that can't be heated on high heat. 
Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Lodge


As for the seasoning, we rationalized that I was allowed two as I grow and dry my own oregano in the garden.  We also decided that lemon is actually a citrus fruit and doesn't count as a seasoning.   (I can rationalize just about anything....)   Therefore, the seasoning I would pick is Chef Louis Szathmary’s Chef's Salt.  You can put it on anything: any type of meat, veggies, potatoes, eggs, etc., etc., etc.  If you don't already, you need to mix up a batch!!  I keep a jar in the pantry at all times.

Chef's Louis Szathmary's Chef's Salt
The Chef's Secret Cookbook

Ingredients:
1 cup of salt
1 Tbl Spanish paprika
1 tsp black pepper, ground
¼ tsp white pepper, ground
¼ tsp celery salt
¼ tsp garlic salt

Mix together well and store in an air tight container.

SO, what are your kitchen must haves??  What could you not live without in your cooking arsenal? 

Happy Cooking!

2 comments:

  1. A fun post! Now I do love my Le Creuset dutch oven and I'd have to have that one and I also have a large iron skillet too. I like the sound of your seasoning and I will copy it and make me some. Thanks for popping in to see me.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love my Mercer knives! I can cut through anything like butter. I can't stand a dull knife. I am dropping hints every where for my own Le Creuset dutch oven for my birthday. I have Ree Drummond to thank for my strong desire. Check me out at sweetcarolinalady.blogspot.com.
    Your blog is precious!
    Nikki (:

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for buzzing by! I look forward to hearing from you!

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