Something Delicious

[Ursy]

Originally Posted by Sun

We must have an Ursy party when she gets here. What fun.

Dante I have been looking for a good American made cast iron skillet for years. I had a few years ago and gave them away when I made the move cross country. Little did I know it would be so hard to find something that is not made in China. A good skillet is worth its weight in gold to me.

I love my mandoline and use it for making long linguini like strips of cucumber for salad. Generally cucumber, rice wine vinegar, a little toasted sesame oil, some grated ginger and honey. A few toasted sesame seeds. Then I chill it. It is a nice cool accompaniment to hot and spicy Asian foods.

Ursy party - lol

Lodge is your only choice for American made nowadays, I think... I have never used one but I hear they are perfectly serviceable.

The vintage ones are the best because their surfaces were machined smooth and the quality of the iron used back then was much, much better. As a result, they are generally lighter than today's cast iron products.

I found them really heavy to work with in the beginning, but that was only because I was used to lightweight non-stick pans. I don't even notice the weight now. I also love how you can throw them in the oven - opened up a whole new world of cooking techniques for me.

[Sun]

Originally Posted by Ursy

Ursy party - lol

Lodge is your only choice for American made nowadays, I think... I have never used one but I hear they are perfectly serviceable.

The vintage ones are the best because their surfaces were machined smooth and the quality of the iron used back then was much, much better. As a result, they are generally lighter than today's cast iron products.

I found them really heavy to work with in the beginning, but that was only because I was used to lightweight non-stick pans. I don't even notice the weight now. I also love how you can throw them in the oven - opened up a whole new world of cooking techniques for me.

I do search for vintage pans. Where are yours made?

The weight of the pans can provide a good workout.

Says the one who carelessly grabbed a 50lb bag of sugar 2 weeks ago and tore ligaments in my left elbow. *sigh* Not so smart sometimes.

[Ursy]

Originally Posted by Sun

I do search for vintage pans. Where are yours made?

The weight of the pans can provide a good workout.

Says the one who carelessly grabbed a 50lb bag of sugar 2 weeks ago and tore ligaments in my left elbow. *sigh* Not so smart sometimes.

Wagner and Griswold were both made in America, I think mine are from the early 1900's.

Australia doesn't have the rich history in cast iron that the U.S. has, so I had to get them via Ebay (which can be risky - there are cheap copies out there. I took an educated gamble and it was fine)

The shipping to Australia was pretty high, as you can imagine - given the weight, but still cheaper than a brand new Le Creuset from the local department store, and I think they were a worthwhile investment.

The forums at the Wagner and Griswold society contain a wealth of information, and the members are pretty generous with their knowledge. You can also find ebay listings posted by members of WAGS which cuts down a lot on the guesswork.
http://www.wag-society.org/

It's also good to check out the part of the forum where they post ebay listings of fake copies so you know what to steer clear of.

I would totally become a member if I was in the U.S. - and I'd also be scouring garage sales and flea markets for the vintage stuff. There are still some wonderful finds to be discovered out there!