Dutch Ovens

[paul mitchell]

I love my blue Le Crueset. I got it for christmas. I have wanted one since I was

fifteen. I cook eggs in it and even used it for a rum punch at my last dinner get together. Get one, you'll sleep with it.

[Dave the Cook]

While the non-LC may be quite serviceable for many years, it will not have LC's wonderful lifetime guarantee (your lifetime, your children's lifetime, and probably their children's as well) which I have personally tested.

Just to be fair, I think most manufacturers (Calphalon included) offer a lifetime warranty for their serious cookware.

[Mottmott]

While the non-LC may be quite serviceable for many years, it will not have LC's wonderful lifetime guarantee (your lifetime, your children's lifetime, and probably their children's as well) which I have personally tested.

Just to be fair, I think most manufacturers (Calphalon included) offer a lifetime warranty for their serious cookware.

You're right, and I think AC does, too. I was cautioning that the LC knock offs don't carry a guarantee even though they might be quite adequate for some time. I should have been clearer.

[slkinsey]

While the non-LC may be quite serviceable for many years, it will not have LC's wonderful lifetime guarantee (your lifetime, your children's lifetime, and probably their children's as well) which I have personally tested.

Just to be fair, I think most manufacturers (Calphalon included) offer a lifetime warranty for their serious cookware.

You're right, and I think AC does, too. I was cautioning that the LC knock offs don't carry a guarantee even though they might be quite adequate for some time. I should have been clearer.

I would like to point out, just for the record, that manufacturers like Staub and Chasseur are not knockoffs of Le Creuset.

[Dave the Cook]

While the non-LC may be quite serviceable for many years, it will not have LC's wonderful lifetime guarantee (your lifetime, your children's lifetime, and probably their children's as well) which I have personally tested.

Just to be fair, I think most manufacturers (Calphalon included) offer a lifetime warranty for their serious cookware.

You're right, and I think AC does, too. I was cautioning that the LC knock offs don't carry a guarantee even though they might be quite adequate for some time. I should have been clearer.

To be even more clear, I don't recommend Calphalon to anyone. But it's perfectly adequate stuff for oven braising, even if it's not my (or your) first choice. In this particular application, all you really need is a container to hold the contents, since over the period that a good braise takes, the conductive properties of the vessel are far less important than on the stove top. Alton Brown oven-braises in an aluminum foil pouch, for crying out loud.

[Mottmott]

While the non-LC may be quite serviceable for many years, it will not have LC's wonderful lifetime guarantee (your lifetime, your children's lifetime, and probably their children's as well) which I have personally tested.

Just to be fair, I think most manufacturers (Calphalon included) offer a lifetime warranty for their serious cookware.

You're right, and I think AC does, too. I was cautioning that the LC knock offs don't carry a guarantee even though they might be quite adequate for some time. I should have been clearer.

I would like to point out, just for the record, that manufacturers like Staub and Chasseur are not knockoffs of Le Creuset.

No, but I was suggesting she check out TJMaxx and Marshalls where I have seen enameled cast iron with no mfg names on them. I don't have the other brands you mention readily available to me, but would not hesitate to try them if I did as I know they have good reputations.

As a matter of fact I have a Scandinavian enameled cast iron pot in black with a beautiful, indeed elegant, design I'd like to find more of. On the bottom it has a cursive capital R with a crown shape above it. It's shape is very different: It has straight sides that come up a little higher on either side with holes in in to accommodate a notched wooden handle that goes into the holes for lifting and carrying the pot. Mine is black and about 35 years old. If anyone knows where I can find these please let me know.

[lorea]

I would like to point out, just for the record, that manufacturers like Staub and Chasseur are not knockoffs of Le Creuset.

Speaking of Staub, I was going to ask if anybody had any personal experiences with Staub? Are those basting spikes worth the extra price? How's the lid fit compared to Le Creuset?

[Richard Kilgore]

I don't have any Staub, but have looked at them. They are definitely cool looking. The lids fit well. The spikes are the same as on Lodge, so if basting is what you want, it's great; if you're braising, it's not (but you're probably going to be protecting it from any drips anyway). The only real objection I have to them is the black or very dark interiors.

[hillvalley]

Next question: What should be JU's inaugural dish be in her new dutch oven?

[Cusina]

Tuesday Morning also carries LC damaged stock, just for the record.

I'm still trying to figure out what driving a Volvo station wagon calls for, one with the big engine and the turbo, very confusing.

Jenny, did you get the pot? Whatcha gonna make in that bad boy?

[Richard Kilgore]

Cusina -- your Volvo clearly requires a 13 1/2 qt LC!

[fifi]

The only real objection I have to them is the black or very dark interiors.

That is why my LC is the absolute perfect pot for making the roux for gumbos or other roux based dishes. You have the heavy pot, which is essential, and the light colored interior so you can really judge the color as it develops.

[JennyUptown]

Next question: What should be JU's inaugural dish be in her new dutch oven?

Oooh, the pressure! I don't know if I can take it.

I have an offer of a loaner so I can try before I buy. Still bitterly cold here in DC so I'm thinking short ribs (but, as always, consider me a human suggestion box).

[JPW]

OSSO BUCCO

[oraklet]

As a matter of fact I have a Scandinavian enameled cast iron pot in black with a beautiful, indeed elegant, design I'd like to find more of. On the bottom it has a cursive capital R with a crown shape above it. It's shape is very different: It has straight sides that come up a little higher on either side with holes in in to accommodate a notched wooden handle that goes into the holes for lifting and carrying the pot. Mine is black and about 35 years old. If anyone knows where I can find these please let me know.

the only scandinavian crowned cursive "r" i can think of would be rörstrand - but that is faïence and porcellaine. on the other hand, if you're looking for scandinavian enamelled cast iron, try searching for "copco" on ebay.

[Al_Dente]

OSSO BUCCO

Excellent suggestion.

[bloviatrix]

I'm making lamb stew in mine this weekend.

[pattimw]

OSSO BUCCO

Excellent suggestion.

I'll third that. Great for the cold with a nice big glass of red wine.

With egg noodles. MMMMMMMMMMMMMM

[hillvalley]

OSSO BUCCO

Excellent suggestion.

I'll beat JU to it......

Recipe please

[JPW]

Tune in tomorrow morning. Got it at home and no working computer there.

I generally just use the recipe in Batali's "Everyday Italian Food" with some tweaks noted in the margins.

[Dave the Cook]

I agree that Mario has an excellent basic Osso Buco recipe. Isn't the one in the book the same as the one on the Food Network web site?

Here.

[ExtraMSG]

Cusina -- your Volvo clearly requires a 13 1/2 qt LC!

They should make a special square LC for Volvo drivers.

I nominate baked beans for an inaugural dish:

"Beans, beans, good for the heart. Beans beans great for the....heart" -- SNL

[robyn]

Just one month ago, I would have been like "huh?  whazzat?" but now I am shopping for a Dutch oven... 

My dutch ovens - an oval one and a round one - are Magnalite. I love them (they are over 20 years old and still going strong). They haven't been made for a while. While it is possible to buy them on Ebay - I'd feel more comfortable buying only if I could examine the pot before I bought. Robyn

[hillvalley]

What's the difference between the oval and round?

Mine is round and I don't get why you need two.

[robyn]

What's the difference between the oval and round? 

Mine is round and I don't get why you need two.

I don't really need two. Bought the round one myself - and then someone gave me the oval one as a present a few years later. The oval is a fair amount larger than the round - so I decided to keep it. Robyn