What is the kitchen utensil/gadget you can't live without?

[papaver]

Oh and one more thing that I really like for cooking fish is my Romertopf for fish. I would like one for chicken someday, too.

I have a romertopf that someone gave me... but i don't know what to do with it...

[tulip]

I have a romertopf that someone gave me... but i don't know what to do with it...

Is it for chicken or fish? The fish ones are shaped like a fish (imagine that!) and the bottom half is glazed on the inside. The chicken ones are taller and are not glazed on the inside. Don't use fish in a chicken one, unless you want all your future chicken dishes to smell like fish.

Here's what you do, assuming you have one for chicken: Soak the Romertopf in a sinkful of water for at least 20 minutes, preferably an hour. After that, put in some potatoes (chunks), carrots, celery, garlic, onions, fresh herbs--whatever you like. And a bit of white wine or beer--like a cup. Then put the the chicken (whole) in. You can stuff the chicken with garlic and herbs if you want to.

Put it in the oven, but the oven must be COLD. Turn the oven up to 400F / 180C or so and cook for about an hour. I'm not sure about the time. Everything cooks perfectly--moist and delicious and healthy.

Google Romertopf recipes for more info. They are wonderful!

[papaver]

it's the chicken one...

[MommyBird]

We have a new toy that has quickly become a favorite.

My husband and two sons have gotten into the habit of making energy shakes after they ride (Dave) and row (Nick & Drew).
I got tired of having the big blender out and washing the pitcher all the time. It's big, heavy and awkward.

So, I gave my husband a Tribest Personal Blender for our anniversary just this month. The guys love it. I do not use it but I love it too. Multiple containers, lightweight, they put it away, much quieter than the big one, who wouldn't love it.

Here are pics of us using our Dutch Oven for the first time...Notice the bikes on the truck...and the big red gloves...

[Tuckervill]

Why are you wearing the gloves if you're using the lid lifter?

The other most useful thing I like is a lid stand, so when you have to take the lid off to stir or serve, you can put the lid down and it won't get dirty. Also, I suggest always using it in a fire ring, even when using charcoal (if your campground has one of those grills on a stand, you can do it there, too). We don't want anyone accidentally tripping over a hot oven! I have learned how to use one over the fire, with regular coals from the fire, too, which is much earthier! It's so much fun!

Karen

[Zen]

I make coffee by putting the grounds in a coffee filter placed in a hand-held strainer.

I make poached eggs using mason jar rings.

I re-use aluminum pie pans.

I'm obviously not the one to answer this.

[sgtiger]

Zen, the mason jar rings for eggs is brilliant. I've been eyeballing egg rings because I like making my own breakfast sandwiches, but I hate the thought of adding another kitchen doodad to my already cluttered kitchen drawers. Thanks, I'll be using your idea next time.

[MommyBird]

Why are you wearing the gloves if you're using the lid lifter?

Karen

This was our first use. We didn't know what to expect.
The gloves were the main draw for my husband. When we were walking into the Lodge Outlet store he reminded me that we were "just looking."
Then he spied the gloves and asked "do I get to wear these gloves if I Dutch Oven cook?" I said "yes" and he couldn't load his cart fast enough. So fast that we forgot the lid stand!

There wasn't a fire ring at this site so we sat in in the gravel.

Now we use these big metal dog bowls you can get at Walmart. We learned this trick at a rally from a DO oficionado. He also showed me his $6 welders gloves when he saw my $14 Lodge gloves. I had to tell him that his gloves were not bright enough to lure my husband into this new hobby.

[sandy87]

Don't use fish in a chicken one, unless you want all your future chicken dishes to smell like fish.

Just let me say: You are right... unfortunately, I did it



seems that i need a new Roemertopf ...
(and we should reanimate this thread .... to get more good tips!)




Regards

[marni]

I have my favorite knife and my favorite cast iron skillet which can pretty much get me through anything.

[redrhodie]

I have my favorite knife and my favorite cast iron skillet which can pretty much get me through anything.

I pity the fool who tries to mess with you!