There are so many different types of cookware available now, it may overwhelming to decide which kind to purchase. Students often ask me: What’s the best cookware to buy? I believe you should not see your cookware as an expense, but rather as an investment. It’s true that cheap stuff can end up being more expensive at the end. If you purchase a lesser quality cookware, it will only do you good for a short period of time and then you will have to replace it. Having the right cookware is essential.
I’m actually a huge fan of Le Creuset. Some people shy away from this brand, mostly because of the price tag; however, this is truly a quality brand. The craftsmanship is excellent and every piece is unique and guaranteed for life. Le Creuset has been in business since the early 1920s. But what exactly is so special about this product? For starters, their enameled cast iron evenly distributes heat, which is important for cooking evenly. It also remains hot for a longer period of time, keeping the food warm while locking in the optimal amount of moisture. It can also be placed in the oven to finish up a dish.
While it may seem heavy, cleaning is a breeze: a little soap and light scrubbing and it's ready to go. It really doesn’t need anything special to maintain it. There are several models and beautiful colors available, from stockpots, Dutch ovens, braisers, saucepans, skillets, grill pans, to spatulas and more. There’s also beauty in its versatility. For example, you can braise chicken, make scrambled eggs, or even bake a loaf of bread in the same pan. Here at The Chopping Block, we also use Le Creuset to make our famous truffled popcorn.
I'll also make use of Le Creuset cookware in my German cooking class next week. You'll get familiar with German comfort food and ingredients in Prost! Celebrating German Cuisine featuring:
- German Rouladen (Rolled Flank Steak)
- Braised Red Cabbage
- Schupfnudeln (Potato Noodles)
- Bratapfel (Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Sugar a la Mode).
This month is a great time to invest in a quality piece of cookware. Le Creuset is 20% off during the last week of January. Come by and take advantage of this great deal!