11/11/2024
🎊 Holidays are upon us, we have the gifts … 🍳 Your Ultimate Heirloom Cast Iron Cookware Guide to Gifting 🎁
Two convenient locations: Atomic Antiques and The Pardeeville Wisconsin Antique Mall
Need gift ideas? Get inspiration, guidance and take the guesswork out of gifting and give them what they’ll really love this season. Whether you are gathering with family, friends or holiday shopping … the kitchen is where the heart ❤️ is … as it’s where amazing meals and long lasting memories are created 🥰
Throughout the year, are you looking for presents for others or even gifts for yourself — Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Birthdays, Bridal Showers, Weddings, Anniversaries, Christmas or even a Me day (to name just a few special days or for any occasion) — these Antique and Vintage cast iron cookware pieces are utilitarian and great for gift giving and they last a lifetime! If you know someone wanting to experience a new, er, old way of cooking perhaps you want to consider cast iron cookware. Pairing a cookbook about cooking with cast iron, along with a skillet or two makes a quick and long lasting gift, for any occasion. Cast iron is excellent for all ages, it is versatile, hip, fun and will last generations!
There are differences between new modern pans and old cast iron cookware manufactured prior to 1960. Older, pre-1960 cast iron cookware is superior to the new modern cast iron. Cast iron made prior to 1960 is lighter in weight compared to newly manufactured pieces and the old pieces have a smooth machined or polished cooking surface, unlike the new modern pieces that, often, have a rough cooking surface.
Griddles are excellent for a variety of reasons. They are shallow and heat quickly. Can be used as a griddle or even a warming bed on the stove. And they make wonderful baking or cookie sheets, too.
Gem pans are great for making brownies as each individual brownie will have its own crust. Put it in a bowl and top with ice cream!
If you are searching for a gift for someone new to cooking with cast iron cookware and you are looking for a great starter skillet, perhaps consider the following:
Size #3 or #4 is great for fixing a couple eggs or making a single dessert.
Size #5, #6 or #7 skillet works well when cooking for one person.
Size #8 or #9 skillet is a great size when cooking for a couple people.
Size #9, #10 or #12 skillet will work well when cooking for three to five people.
If you’re thinking of buying a couple sizes, then perhaps a #3, #5 or #6 and a #8 will align well, but any combination makes an excellent choice. This allows for sautéing and cooking a main meal. Keep in mind, in addition to regular skillets they used to make deep skillets or chicken pans/fryers, which are extremely nice for cooking too. We have over 250+ pieces of old high quality cookware to choose from.
By the way, the size #’s of a skillet do not equal inches in diameter. Skillets vary a bit, depending on manufacturer. A handy chart is available, here:
https://www.facebook.com/heirloom.castiron/photos/a.301176956915006.1073741840.301113113588057/301176960248339/?type=3&theater
Covers or lids are excellent to compliment a skillet as they are self-basting, but they can vary in price, depending on the size. Some lids fit different manufacturers skillets; however, often the sizes vary a bit so be sure to take your pan with you when buying a lid, but be sure to leave it at the front desk.
"Buy it once ... use it forever ~~ hand it down as a family heirloom."
Thank you for your past and future purchases!
