I found this cast iron dutch oven at a local antique shop a few weeks ago. It was hidden in a back corner, covered with rust but calling my name. I snapped it up immediately, grinning as the Photographer anxiously questioned whether I was "sure" I wanted to spend $10 on something so "obviously unusable". I told him that I was going to clean it and make it usable. He was incredulous when I told him that this dutch oven would produce the best tasting roast he would ever eat.
When I got it home, I placed it inside a large trash bag, sprayed it liberally inside and out with oven cleaning spray, and sealed the bag. I placed the bag on the front patio in the sun and left it all day to "soak". I brought it in, rinsed and dried it off and repeated the process the next day.
As it was soooo very rusted, it still needed a little help though. So I borrowed the Photographer's drill and a brass brush attachment and burnished the dutch oven until it gleamed like new. The Photographer was now truly incredulous - he simply couldn't believe that the oven had actually cleaned up and become usable.
I seasoned it in the oven and the very next day served my boys a pot roast for dinner. The meat was delicious (falling apart tender) and the gravy was unspeakably scrumptious. The Photographer agreed that I was "right" to purchase the dutch oven and has promised to never doubt my decisions pertaining to kitchenware again. I doubt he will stick to that but we shall see!
2 comments:
WOW! Good for you!
We are a cast iron family! My Dad has restored many old pots. (unless it has been used for lye they always turn out beautiful) He has been collecting piece for years and has a large old collection. We are often trying to come up with new "cast iron recipes" while we cook over the open flame.
Congrats on your great buy and your delicious roast! Maybe you should do a cobbler in the oven as well -- just to seal the doubt good and solid!! ;)
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