Hellomy Foodie Friends!
Comfort food is all about hearty casseroles, soups, and warming stews. We love anything that gets slow-cooked, roasted or baked for maximum coziness. I know the quickest way to someone’s heart is great cooking! I grew up in an Italian/Irish household (passionate mix). My fondest childhood memories were of all of my Aunts and Uncles coming over with my cousins. The house was full of activity, laughter, and of course, tons of food. The women in our family would conjure up traditional family recipes for all of us to devour while the men in the family chatted about politics, sports, and general life issues. As time has passed, many of our older family members have passed. One of my favorite family members was my Aunt Rosie who was very special to me. She loved to make people happy with her incredible smile, love for cooking, and her true love in listening to Englebert Humperdinck sing. We actually made sure our band played a Humperdinck song for her at our wedding “Spanish Eyes.”
Among my mom’s and Aunt Rosie’s precious cooking tools was the cast iron Dutch oven. I can recall the smells of sauce, stews, and soups being made in this versatile vessel. They were in every one of my friends’ kitchens as well. It was one of my favorites as head dishwasher in the family because it was the easiest pot to clean since there was no soap used and just hot water and a stiff brush and you were done. When mom said to get the Dutch oven out of the cabinet and put it on the stove, we knew we were in for a great meal!
I have had many customers stop in and talk about how they love their Dutch ovens and how they use it for just about everything. One piece that many folks have discussed is how they bake bread in their Dutch oven. Dutch ovens are essentially tall, heavy pots with tight-fitting lids. They are used primarily for slow-cooking methods such as braising and stewing. The rustic all-iron Dutch ovens can be used both on stove tops and in ovens, and some can be used over and under coals. They are known for their ability to go from the stove top--for quick starting techniques such as browning--straight into the oven for the longer cooking process.
I do wonder though how I would have gotten through my teen years without helping mom out in the kitchen. The women in our families are there for us as we grow up and even through our adult years. The women in our family work through and answer the questions about the biggest secret in the universe, women. This Valentines Day, when you get a card and some flowers and maybe some chocolate for your wife, husband or sweetheart, please remember your mom, because she’ll appreciate it. Sing “Spanish Eyes” to the one that has your heart. Eat, sing, and treasure the moments you have with family and friends.
At Compliments to the Chef, we carry an assortment of Dutch Ovens. Winter is a perfect time to make your favorite hearty creations. Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery Store located at 33 Railroad Place in Saratoga Springs. Treat your special valentine to the treat of their favorite meal. Remember my Foodie Friends; “Life Happens in the Kitchen.”
Take Care, John & Paula
