Why You Need A Dutch Oven

 

A Dutch oven is a one-pot wonder. No, really, it does it all! I've wanted to invest in one for years so I finally took the plunge...and there is no looking back. Truthfully, the fact that it was on sale was a welcomed bonus, but I was willing to splurge regardless.

 

What are the benefits of a Dutch oven?

 

A Dutch oven is extremely versatile and can last YEARS (maybe even for life if cared for properly). You can cook just about anything in it, but it also can go from the stovetop to the oven without hesitation. Because it's such a heavy-duty piece of cookware, it retains and distributes heat evenly. So, whether you're cooking with high heat or low-and-slow, a Dutch oven is an essential piece of cookware. They also come in a variety of colors, which really is the hardest part of picking one!

 

What can I cook in a Dutch oven?

 

Basically everything! But let's dive in a little deeper.

 

• Soups/Stews: Because of their construction, Dutch ovens are great for boiling (high heat), and slow simmering soups/stews. This is the perfect piece of cookware for fall/winter months.

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• Roasting: Since Dutch ovens conduct and hold heat so well, when put in the oven, they allow for heating/cooking from all directions. This means, they are great for roasting meats and vegetables.

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• Baking: You read correctly, Dutch ovens can bake! Whether it's a no-knead bread, cobbler, cake, cinnamon rolls, or brownies, a Dutch oven can handle your baking needs.

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• Braising: Because a Dutch oven has a tight-fitting lid and can handle the high heat in an oven, it's the perfect choice for braising meat.

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• Deep Frying: Dutch ovens are wide and deep, making them ideal for deep frying. And again, the ability to retain and evenly distribute heat makes deep frying anything from chicken to French fries easy.

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• Browning/Searing: You can brown/sear meat first, then add the rest of the ingredients, making it a true one-pot wonder!

 

Final Thoughts

 

In conclusion, a Dutch oven is the one-stop-shop of cookware. When deciding on a size, I'm glad I went with the round 7-quart instead of the round 5.5-quart. If you have a family of 4 (or more), the 7-quart is a perfect size. Having this Dutch oven in my kitchen has added to the excitement I get from cooking; similar to getting new workout clothes, it gives a little motivation, right?! And it's something I fully plan on passing down to a kid some day...I just hope he/she likes graphite grey!

 

My 7-quart Dutch Oven is currently $299 (normally retails for $550-$600). It's a perfect Christmas gift for the home cook in your life, or for a treat yourself moment! Click HERE to grab one!