We have a fireplace in our living room that we never use because
it does not put out any heat. We thought about putting in a fireplace
insert, but the cost was to much when you add in the cost of the insert
and running a gas line. We could put in logs, but wanted something a bit
different. What we did was hang a bracket inside using cement screws and
then we hung our cast iron dutch oven on it. It gave a very warm feel to
our living room. Now if the power ever goes out in our house, we will still
have a place to cook.

If you are wanting to buy some cookware like skillets and are
not sure what size you need, you might want to consider buying
a set. Not only do you get a few sizes but the cost per skillet will be
cheaper. I prefer cast iron cookware sets because I like the durability
of the product and the ease of care. With cast iron you do not need to
worry about damaging the inside of the skillet like you do with teflon.
After all, when you buy something, you want to use it to it’s fullest
ability and not have to worry about damaging it every time you use it.

One of the biggest mainstays and important items to an outfitter
is his cast iron cookware. Imagine if you had to feed several clients
at one time out in the wilderness. Everybody is hungry and nobody
want to wait for the food. You need to cook it all at one time and the
best way to do it is in large cast iron post and pans. Not only can you
cook a lot of food, but with the durability of cast iron, it travels well
and can take lots of abuse. Even if you are not an outfitter and are having
a large party cast iron can to the same for you.

Nothing is more enjoyable than cooking outdoors. Somehow
the food just seems to taste better. You don’t need to go camping
to do this. You can do it in your own backyard. You can cook over
flames or charcoal. Simply hang you cast iron cooking  pots over the heat.
A 3 legged pot holder is best, but you can build something of your own.
Some thing to remember when cooking outdoors is to not do it on
windy days, you don’t want to start a fire. It is also a good idea to
a hose or fire extinguisher at the ready in case something happens.
You should also check with your local fire department. Where we
live we can have a fire  but we need to get a permit every year. Also,
make sure you have no low hanging branches over the fire.

Some stuff is just to valuable to be left on the ground and cost
you to much not to take care of it. If it’s your favorite hat and rope
or your best jacket, it is better to hang them. There is a good variety
of cast iron coat hooks that can be used for more than coats and add a
nice statement to your home or outside setting. You can hang your keys,
a purse, hat and scarves on them. We even hang pictures on them. Outside
you can use them to hang your riding tack or barbecue utensils. The uses are
endless and when not in use they still look great with that cast iron look.

I just receive a cast iron bell for a present and seeing as
I have one outside I decided to hang the new one in my
T.V. room downstairs. My thought was when I was watching
the game and I needed another beer, I would just ring the bell
and my wife would come a running to see what I need. Well I
rang the bell and nothing happened, so I thought maybe she
isn’t home. I went upstairs to get my beer and she said did you
hear a bell. I said yes I did, I was calling for you. She just laughed.
The next day, I got up and the bell was gone. I went into the kitchen
to make coffee and read the paper. Next thing I know, I hear the bell
and follow the noise. I went into the bedroom and my wife was there
and said, good, you heard the bell, please get me a cup of coffee.

You can feed a family with just one skillet.  I use my
largest cast iron cook ware skillet to make breakfast.
In the summer time we like to cook outside as much
as possible. I will cook the sausage and potatoes in
the skillet and then add the eggs in to make a great
concoction for breakfast. Everyone enjoys it and the
clean up is easy because there is only on skillet to clean.

Cooking with your cast iron griddle on your barbecue grill is a great
way to go. Especially in the summer months when it is so hot. Instead
of heating up your house, just fire up the grill and do your cooking outside.
You can do bacon and eggs in the morning and even toast. Just butter your
bread before you put it on the griddle. Or how about some great grilled cheese
for lunch. There’s something about cooking food outside that just seems to
taste so much better than in the kitchen. Plus you also get to enjoy the outdoors
while you are cooking.

If you like finding great treasures for next to nothing, try garage sales.
You may have to go to several to find a deal and try to show up early.
My wife found an old cast iron tea pot at one a few months ago. We think
it is over 100 years old, but have not verified that for sure. It really does
not matter, because she is using it for a flower pot. She put in fake flowers
because she didn’t want to put standing water in the pot. Going to garage
sales can be a lot of fun. If the weather is a little off when you go, less people
show up and you can even bargan more on the price. Just be sure to look
closely because  the treasure may be behind something else.

It’s winter time and your stuck indoors due to the weather.
Your bored and you can’t find anything to do. What do you do.
Why not take this time to go through your camping gear and
get it organized so you are ready when the weather gets nice
and it’s time to go. You don’t have to set up your tent, you can
wait for better weather to do that, why not check everything
else. Clean and check your camp stove and make sure all parts
are in it. Put new wicks in you lantern, check to make sure you
have matches or that you lighters work. Pull out all your cooking
stuff including your old mountain cast iron cookware, plates, cups
and silverware. Make sure it’s good and clean and organized so when
you head out you have everything.