There are plenty of benefits for being a vegetarian, but one of the downsides is to have a carefully planned diet so as not to miss any of the nutrients that meat and animal products would provide otherwise.

One of the biggest issues is having to take vitamins in order to compensate for the loss of iron that one would gain from eating beef.  If you cook with cast iron cookware, however, then you’re luckier than most.

Studies have shown that the minerals from cast iron cookware attach themselves to food that is being prepared, thus putting an amount of iron that would not be present in vegetarian food.  By purchasing cast iron skillets, you could have some of the same health benefits as a non-vegetarian, as well as having really great, long-lasting pots and pans.

Every chef that’s passionate about creating the best food possible knows that an essential part of every recipe is the dishes used to cook and prepare the food. Certain dishes can actually help (or hinder) the quality of the food, because some cookware materials are ideal for bringing out the natural flavors of food. For that purpose, one of the most highly regarded cooking materials is cast iron. Baking pans made with this material are noted for being durable and delivering food that is cooked evenly.

This even cooking is particularly important for any kind of bread recipe. Whether you’re trying to make the perfect muffins or the best cornbread, many chefs turn to cast iron to create a golden brown result. The only downside to these pans is that they require a bit more maintenance than stainless steel or aluminum. They must be properly seasoned, or they could rust, but many food fanatics feel this extra step is worth the results they get from these pots and pans.

Cornbread is one of those dishes that people always seem to love when it’s homemade. After all, boxed cornbreads just can’t compare to the delicious recipes that are passed down through multiple generations. And cornbread is definitely one of those recipes that becomes altered and changed as it passes from hand to hand. Some people prefer more butter, while others like to bulk up the cornmeal content. Whatever the personal preference, these recipes definitely change and improve over time.

But one of the biggest secrets to getting perfect cornbread isn’t that you alter the ingredients. Rather, it’s all in the preparation. As such, before you get down on your cornbread for not tasting like your grandmother’s, make sure that you have the right baking pan. Cast iron cornbread pans are essential for getting that melt in your mouth texture that makes homemade cornbread so irresistible. Also make sure that you keep a close eye on the pan. It should be removed from the oven when the top turns golden brown. If left too long, the bread can become hard on the edges.

I recently visited CastIronDepot.com and found that they now carry a limited selection of the newly developed Olvida nickel impregnated (often referred to as nickel plated) cast iron cookware.  I personally own some of this cookware.  It is fantastic! The nickel impregnated cast iron combines all the best qualities of cast iron cookware with a hard non-porous, non-reactive surface that is similar to stainless steel.  It never needs seasoning and never imparts a “cast iron” taste to even the most acidic of foods.

The surface is NSF and FDA approved and is totally safe.  In fact, the Nickel Phosphate compound used in Olvida Cookware has been used in the food industry for many years.  Most people are unaware of nickel’s presence in spatulas, knives, forks, spoons, dental and surgical tools, cooking surfaces, etc.

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Cook cornbread just like grandma or mom used to make. Use cornbread skillets manufactured by Old Mountain. They are the industry leaders when it comes to cast iron skillets, versatile and colored enamelware, and cooking skillet products of all kinds. They make some of the finest cookware available.

The iron skillet from Old Mountain is a functional piece of kitchen equipment. It also doubles as a family heirloom. Make your own memories today by starting your own collection of iron skillets that will be appreciated by future generations in your family. You’ll never have to worry about your cast iron getting worn out because cast iron can last for 100 years or more.

Surprise the kids with melt-in-your-mouth goodies that mommy baked herself. Cast iron biscuit pans make baking biscuits so easy; you just might start baking everyday. Here is a simple recipe you can prepare effortlessly at home:

Pecan Biscuits:
1. Preheat over to 450 degrees
2. In a bowl, combine 1 ½ cups biscuit baking mix and ½ cup chopped pecans
3. Add 1 cup whipping cream and stir until a soft dough forms
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to ½ inch thickness using a floured rolling pin
5. Cut to desired shapes, place on the biscuit pan and brush tops with butter
6. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes until they turn light brown

There’s nothing better than a greasy pile of crispy deep-fired onion rings to go along with your hamburger. Many people may think the hassle of making home made onion rings is too great, but they will be surprised by just how easy it is when they follow this recipe:Crispy Fried Onion Rings

~4 large yellow onions
~cold buttermilk
~2/3 cup cornmeal
~2/3 cup all-purpose flour
~¼ tsp salt
~1/8 tsp black pepper
~2 Tbsp melted vegetable shortening
~1 beaten egg
~1 2/3 cups milk
~Flour
 
Preparation

Peel onions and slice them into rounds about 1/4–inch thick. Separate rings; soak in milk for 15 minutes. Mix cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, melted shortening, egg, and 1 2/3 cups milk to make the batter. Pat onion rings dry; dip batter in flour. Fry onion rings in one of the cast iron deep fry pans or a Dutch oven in deep fat at 360 degrees until golden brown.

When it comes to Teflon, medical professionals are saying a unanimous ‘no.’ Teflon which is made by the Dupont Co. as a non-stick alternative to be placed on cookware is being cautioned all around by the medical community. An independent review board assessed that the even the harsh indictment by the Environmental Protection Agency was not harsh enough. Teflon is now being called a carcinogenic and the cooking on it is very similar to smoking a cigarette because toxins are being released into the food that you are ingesting. Take a look at your cookware and replace any chipped pans with cast iron cookware and experience the difference.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 medium tart apples, unpeeled, cored, quartered, and sliced
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 to 3 tablespoons sugar

Preparation:Melt butter in a medium heavy skillet over medium heat. Add apples to a cast iron skillet; cover and cook for 5 minutes, or until apples are juicy. Turn and sprinkle with 1/3 cup sugar. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes longer. Uncover and cook 2 to 3 minutes longer, or until sugar is absorbed and apples are lightly browned on bottom. Remove from heat and sprinkle with a few more tablespoons of sugar, depending on tartness of apples. Serve hot as a side dish to ham or pork meal, or with breakfast.

Serves 6.

A cookware that is made from cast iron has been proven and tested for its effectiveness in cooking for decades.  The most popular reason for its best results is that it distributes heat more evenly so cooking time is much shorter compared to using a regular cookware.

Wise shoppers should consider investing for this type of cookware sets.  This would not just guarantee in improving the flavor of any food specialty but would also be practical in saving time and energy while cooking.