Paula Deen's Cookware

[Lighting57]

Our daughter needs a new set of cookware.
I was looking at Paula Deen's cookware set.
Do any of you have this and can you give me your opinions about it?

[vaknitter]

A lot it depends on what and how your daughter likes to cook. Personally, I do not like pans with non-stick coatings. I use boring old non-reactive stainless steel pots, 8" and 10" cast iron skillets, and a 12" cast iron dutch oven (makes the best stews, chili's, and soups). I love cast iron for the flavor it gives food and the fact that it can go from stove-top to oven while cooking the same dish.

[Lighting57]

I went ahead and bought her the set.
The set she received as a wedding present 11 years ago had the non-stick coating.
It is what she is use to.
She can always exchange it though if she wishes.
I agree with you.
Like you, I do most of my cooking in cast iron cookware.
I have my great grandmother's dutch oven (about 100 years old and cooks the BEST pot roast).
The lid that goes to it is a shallow frying pan that seals in the steam.
I have two round spiders that are used every day.
They are great for frying toast.
My mother-in-laws frying pan, a smaller one I bought at a yard sale, and a six inch one that I found among my parents belongings.
Seasoned just right, even eggs don't stick.

[vaknitter]

That's awesome that you use cast-iron as well ! All of mine have been scavenged here and there from yard sales. Well, except the dutch oven... I "borrowed" that one from my parents when I moved out and luckily they've never asked for it back : )
My MIL has been banned from my kitchen b/c while I was in the hospital giving birth to my son she decided to clean my kitchen and that included taking soap and water to my cast-iron !! That combined with the fact that she opened up my yarn swift and hung wet laundry from it almost got her banned from my house.

[Lighting57]

Taking soap and water to my cast-iron !!
She opened up my yarn swift and hung wet laundry from it almost got her banned from my house.


That would cause me to call her on the carpet.
Both being big no no's.

That's why I only fry toast on my round griddle and fry the occasional egg, but then I know how to clean it should it stick. Most people do not. The first thing they would do is reach for the scouring pad. That's another no no.

[justplaincharlotte]

That's why I only fry toast on my round griddle and fry the occasional egg, but then I know how to clean it should it stick. Most people do not. The first thing they would do is reach for the scouring pad. That's another no no.

Lighting, I am one of those most people who do not. Would you share your how to for cleaning cast iron when something sticks?

[Lighting57]

Would you share your how to for cleaning cast iron when something sticks?


After removing an egg from the pan, while it is still hot or warm, I add water and let it sit. Then come back and using a spatula the egg should push right off. Rinse well, dry, and place it on the hot burner until dry. Watch it though. Don't leave it on long enough to smoke the pan. Then rub a light coating of oil over the surface.

[justplaincharlotte]

Would you share your how to for cleaning cast iron when something sticks?


After removing an egg from the pan, while it is still hot or warm, I add water and let it sit. Then come back and using a spatula the egg should push right off. Rinse well, dry, and place it on the hot burner until dry. Watch it though. Don't leave it on long enough to smoke the pan. Then rub a light coating of oil over the surface.

Many, many thanks! Now I know what to do. I loathe reseasoning!

[Jan in CA]

Okay, I have a question. First of all I don't cook, my DH does. I've always wondered since cast iron isn't really "cleaned" doesn't bacteria remain after you've cooked meat in it?? I mean that's a big no-no, too.

[GrumpyGramma]

I've always wondered since cast iron isn't really "cleaned" doesn't bacteria remain after you've cooked meat in it??

That's what builds your immune system, Jan! Seriously though, I don't know the answer, my best guess is that heat kills it. I wash my cast iron in sudsy water, rinse, wipe, dry on a hot burner, oil as needed. Crisco seems to work better IMHO but I haven't had Crisco around for quite a while. Must get some. My cookware is stainless, I don't use nonstick cookware. Originally I didn't use it because it doesn't last long enough for me, I don't like having to use non-metal utensils and would forget, and later I found out it can release harmful fumes--people I knew who kept birds wouldn't allow it in their homes. My stainless pots and pans are about 15 yrs. old now. A few years back someone asked how I kept them looking so good....I wash them? LOL They really don't need any special treatment as long as they are cleaned well.