Despite years of innovation in cookware technology, cast iron is still one of the most touted materials. Cast iron cookware is strong and durable, holding up to anything cooks can throw at it. Cookware made of cast iron can go from the oven to the stovetop and straight to the table, all while retaining heat better than virtually all other cookware.

One of the main drawbacks of cast iron, however, is that food can be burned on, and washing cast iron cookware with soap and water isn’t an option. Enameled cast iron cookware has successfully solved this catch-22. Now you can have all of the unparalleled cooking qualities of cast iron cookware while enjoying the quick cleanup and easy maintenance of an enameled set.

During the winter I often get a longing for the discernible taste of fresh grilled food. I live in Colorado, however, and the prospect of running outside in the freezing cold to tend the grill isn’t too attractive. To that end, I have found a way to circumvent the traditional system and enjoy grilled food year round.

Most people are probably assuming I will be touting some product like the Foreman Grill, but in my opinion, this product does an inadequate job of creating an authentic grill flavor. I prefer to use a cast iron flat grill on my stove top when I grill indoors. This effectively simulates the open grill cooking and allows me to cook scrumptious steak, burgers and chicken anytime of the year.