Cookware cast iron cookware our ancestors

Cast iron cookware has been around for more than a hundred years and was once the favored type of cookware. In fact, many iron cookware pieces have been passed down from generation to generation - providing not only a necessary cooking utensil, but also a way to pass on memories and family traditions.

When searching for this type of cookware, yard sales, antique auctions and flea markets are always a good place to start. If brand new cookware is desired, many retailers still offer cast iron in many different varieties - from skillets to Dutch ovens to grill pans and more.

Food Stand Mixer

Why Use Cast Iron Cookware?

Cookware cast iron cookware our ancestors

Many professional chefs choose cast iron cookware over other types. The reasons for this include the ability of the iron to retain heat as well as distribute the heat evenly throughout the cooking surface. In addition, the cookware is extremely durable and can endure extremes in heat.

Once seasoned properly, the cookware becomes non-stick and is especially good for cooking such items as eggs, grilled sandwiches and steaks or burgers.

Seasoning

Seasoning is essential with cast iron cookware. When purchasing the cookware new from a retailer, please follow the directions that come with it. Many of the new iron cookware is specially coated with substances in order to keep food from sticking.

With used or handed down cookware, the following instructions should keep the iron seasoned.

1. If the cookware is rusted, scour out the rust with steel wool.

2. Using vegetable oil, bacon fat, lard or other hardened fat, coat the cookware thoroughly and evenly.

3. Put cookware in oven upside down (do not forget to put some tin foil down to catch drippings and keep oven clean) and bake for anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours at a medium-high temperature.

4. Remove from oven and let cool completely.

5. Wipe out remaining fat or oil

6. Repeat seasoning steps as necessary

7. Store without lid on

Using Cookware

For cooking with cast iron cookware, it is recommended that the pan be preheated before adding food. To know when the pan is ready for cooking, add a few drops of water and make sure the water sizzles. Once it sizzles, it is time to add the food.

Cleaning the cookware is easy, but must be done by hand. Do not place the cast iron cookware in a dishwasher. Using dish soap and water scrub out the cookware and dry immediately. If seasoning is starting to wear off, add a very light layer of oil or fat to the pan before storing. Moisture leads to rust, so always store with the lid off.

Immediately after cooking, remove food from the cookware. The cast iron in the cookware is not good for storage of leftovers and may actually seep iron into the food, especially if cooking tomato-based sauces or acidic type foods.

Conclusion

Cast iron is a tremendously good type of product to cook with. Not only have our ancestors used this type of cookware almost exclusively, it has many enduring qualities to provide even heat and durability.

For the small amount of work put into the care and upkeep of the cast iron, it can provide years of service as well as many happy memories for generations to come.

Cookware cast iron cookware our ancestors

My Links : KitchenAid KSM150PSER Kitchenaid Stand Mixers

Tilapia - 3 Recipes For Breaded Tilapia

One of the favorite fish today known for its good quality, cheap, easy and really interesting to prepare is Tilapia. This fish is very high in protein and low in saturated fats making it a recommended addition to a healthy diet. Seasoning tilapia doesn't end in the kitchen but continues in the table where everyone gets the chance to tweak the flavors they want. The following breaded tilapia recipes are famous for its simplicity, affordability and deliciousness.

Baked Cheese-Breaded Tilapia

Food Stand Mixer

Ingredients

Tilapia - 3 Recipes For Breaded Tilapia

• 2 pounds tilapia fillets

• 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, or your favorite breadcrumbs

• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, or your choice of cheese

• 3 teaspoons garlic powder

• 3 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice

• Salt for seasoning

• Black pepper, freshly ground

• Olive oil cooking spray, or your regular oil

Directions

Wash fresh tilapia fillets and pat dry, thaw if frozen. In a large plate, combine the breadcrumbs, cheese, half of the garlic powder and mix well. Put to one side. Add a dash of salt to the lemon juice and place mixture in a medium bowl. Dip fillets one at a time into the lemon juice then sprinkle with black pepper and garlic powder. Dip the fillet back into the lemon juice and repeat procedure.

Dredge fillet in the cheese and crumb mixture patting it all over to coat generously. Place breaded tilapia fillet in a baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking oil. Repeat the same thing with the rest of the fillets. Sprinkle remaining lemon juice over fillets and spray them lightly with olive oil. Bake at 425F for 20 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown. Serve with your favorite pasta salad or rice.

Fried Spicy Breaded Tilapia

Ingredients

4 medium tilapia fillets 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, or crumbs of your choice 2 eggs 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 teaspoons dry mustard 1/2 teaspoon cayenne 1 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon onion powder 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying 1 tablespoon butter Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Prepare the fillets. In a mixing bowl, lightly beat the eggs with mayonnaise then set aside. Combine bread crumbs, mustard, cayenne, onion powder, garlic powder, Old Bay, salt and pepper in a large plate. Bring each fillet into the egg mixture then dredge through the breadcrumbs patting all over to coat properly.

In a heavy skillet, heat oil and butter over a medium-high heat. Fry the spicy breaded tilapia fillets for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve alongside warm rice and your favorite greens.

Broiled Lemon and Herb Breaded Tilapia

Ingredients

1 pound tilapia fillets 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted 1/2 cup fresh or concentrated lemon juice, I use fresh 1tablespoon garden-fresh parsley, chopped finely 1/2 teaspoon paprika, I use hot

Directions

Wash tilapia fillets, pat dry and set aside. In a mixing bowl, melt butter or margarine then combine with lemon juice. Set aside. Put together breadcrumbs, chopped parsley and ¼ cup of the lemon-butter mixture, mixing well. Add the paprika.

Dip each fillet into the lemon-butter mixture and coat with the herb and breadcrumbs mixture from side to side. Let stand for a minute for coating to adhere. Brush lightly with remaining lemon-butter mixture then arrange in an oven-proof dish. Broil until the lemon and herb breaded tilapia fillets flake easily when poked with a fork. When done, top with the reserved breading mixture and broil again until the breaded topping turns creamy brown. Serve immediately with a classic salad.

Tilapia - 3 Recipes For Breaded Tilapia

Visit : Kitchenaid Stand Mixers