Choosing A Dutch (Or French) Oven
One of the pieces of cookware I use the most is my Dutch oven. It's a Le Creuset Dutch oven that I've had for years. I love the fact that it can go from stove top to oven. It's an extremely versatile piece of cookware and I use it more than any other. If you've never owned a Dutch oven you're in for a treat. I use mine for slow simmering of my favorite stews and spaghetti sauce. I have used it in the oven to cook Indian dishes and for my husbands favorite braciola.If you don't know what Dutch oven cookware is it's a pot that is used for long, slow cooking. It's perfect when you're making casseroles, stews or roasts. They are sometimes referred to as French ovens. Due to the length of time the food cooks Dutch ovens are thick walled, made out of cast iron and have very tight fitting lids. Cast iron distributes heat evenly and holds the heat which means you can cook at lower temperatures.Le Creuset's most famous Dutch oven cookware is definitely their 2.75 oval French oven. I have seen this particular piece of Dutch oven cookware on sale for as low as $80. You may not think that's particularly inexpensive, but remember that any piece of Le Creuset cookware will most likely outlast you. Of course this oval shaped Dutch oven would be best used in your oven due to it's shape. Le Creuset also offers 1/3 qt. and 2 qt. 3.5 qt., 5.5 qt. and 9 qt. Dutch ovens for use on stovetop, or oven.
Staub is another maker of Dutch oven cookware. They call their Dutch ovens French ovens. Their "La Cocotte" French ovens come in a wide range of sizes from 1/4 qt. up to 8 qt. and in fabulous colors of yellow, green, gray, blue, black and red. This Dutch oven cookware is beautiful and goes easily from dinner to table for serving.
If you don't want to have to deal with the weight of enameled cast iron Dutch oven cookware you can check out the lighter weight Dutch oven cookware offered by All-Clad, Calphalon or Scanpan Classic. The All-Clad 7 qt. Dutch oven is very modern polished stainless-steel. Lodge Logic offers a 2 qt. cast iron Dutch oven that is pre seasoned.
The Calphalon One Dutch oven cookware is non stick infused anodized cookware. Scanpan Classic Dutch cookware is ceramic-titanium nonstick cookware with an extra thick cast aluminum base. This Dutch oven is much cheaper then the offerings from Calphalon, All-Clad, Le Creuset or Staub.
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