Lodge Original Finish 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $19.99 -- our price: $12.74
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Editorial Review

There are certain dishes that absolutely require cast-iron cookware, and others that just simply taste better when made with it. Just try throwing an aluminum pot onto the campfire and watching the blisters form or sampling a hearty spoonful of jambalaya that wasn't made in a cast-iron kettle. Fancy alloys and coatings on other types of cookware are simply trying to emulate the innate qualities of properly seasoned cast iron: heat retention, even heat distribution, and a scratchproof nonstick surface that will never warp. Since 1896, Lodge has been steadily producing the world's most extensive selection of professional cast-iron cookware, lovingly poured one piece at a time. Cared for properly, these products will last for generations. --Dominic Johnson ... Read more

Features

• Individually poured piece of cookware
• Cast iron provides excellent heat retention
• Good-sized: 12-inch diameter; 1-3/4 inches deep
• Nonstick when seasoned for easier cooking
• Cooking with cast iron supplements nutritional iron intake

Reviews (56)

NO Complaints, Tiny Bit of Advice
After reading the other reviews, there's nothing I can add to better describe the quality and value of this pan.It is HUGE, works great, and is inexpensive.

My ONE bit of advice, spend the extra $4 on the pre-seasoned version.My house smelled like a foundry for days after the seasoning process was done on this pan, it is WELL WORTH $4 not to have to put up with that stink for a few days.Its not a horrible smell, but it lingers.HOWEVER, if the pre-seasoned pan is sold out, dont wait, buy this pan and season it yourself, its not that big of a deal.

If you know what cast iron cooking is, there're no negatives
I am surprised by some of the comments here cast as negatives on this pan:
It rusts if left in the sink too long.
It has to be seasoned.
I couldn't season it.
It's so heavy.
It's not really black, it's a silvery-grey.
It comes with complicated instructions about how to season it.

Well, all of these things may be true. But you know, it is _cast iron_. You really have to want to use cast iron to use this pan at all, and you use cast iron because of the advantages it has--all of which are mistakenly cast as negatives by a few reviewers.

Of course it rusts if "left in the sink too long." It's unfinished iron (before you season it), and iron rusts. You do not leave unseasoned cast iron cookware in the sink at all, ever, for any reason (or in any other constantly wet place). Toss any of your unfinished iron stuff into the sink. It'll rust. Your kid will wrinkle up if left in the bathtub for a couple hours--is this a deficiency in your kid? No, it's the nature of the thing. You're not supposed to leave the kid in there that long! Your nonstick Calphalon will become very sticky, losing its finish, if you keep washing it in the dishwasher. Is that a deficiency in the product? Well, no--as Calphalon says, DON'T DO THAT. "Doc, it hurts when I do this." "Don't do that."

Of course it has to be seasoned. It's... cast iron. And the instructions are a lot more involved than "fry up your bacon and wash any which way." But do you want cast iron or not? If yes, accept that it has to go through some seasoning. And only the first couple treatments are artificially administered as treatments per se--the majority of seasoning comes very easily through normal use and normal washing (for cast iron). So anyone can season it.

(Remember to coat the WHOLE PAN in shortening when doing the oven-seasonings, not just the interior. I have a feeling many complaints about rust, especially on the bottom, are from people who are seasoning only the cooking surface. [And then soaking it in a sink, which you NEVER do.] You need to season the whole pan, inside, outside, handle, everything.)

It's not black? Well, yes--when it's not seasoned. Seasoning improves with use of the pan over time (and proper care), and that black color develops. It starts out grey; after the first oven-seasoning with shortening it may be a brownish color; after a few months of use a dark brown; eventually nearly black--and that is beautiful.

So how do you care for and clean it? Well, until it is fairly well seasoned, you NEVER let it sit in water for any amount of time. ANY TIME AT ALL. You don't soak it. You don't dishwasher it. You don't suds it up. You don't set it in the sink.

You let it cool, and then you clean it with very hot water and a brush--a plastic brush should do--to scrub the food off. (Not a hard abrasive plastic or steel pad or brush. Just a good stiff plastic bristle brush.) If you need any extra abrasive power at all (rarely will you), use salt as a scrub. Then you towel-dry it well, and then put it on a burner at medium for four or five minutes (I always set a timer). Occasionally, you may want to give it a fine coat of oil or shortening; I put a little on, let it sit, and then wipe it clean.

Over time, the iron will become pretty well sealed and the pan nearly black (the cooking surface will be black). And it will be nonstick.

This is cast iron. It's great stuff. And yes, there is some user-participation involved. But for the benefits of cooking with cast iron, they're worth the trouble to many who cook.

The pan to end all pans
I have one of these and it's my favorite piece of cookware. It's durable enough that it will last you a lifetime, so it's about the best value you can find in a piece of cooking gear. I use mine just about every meal I cook. There is a 'grill pan' version of this that is also quite useful.

Pros:

- you can use it both on the stovetop and in the oven
- after a few uses, it's basically non-stick
- retains a lot of heat, meaning it's great for searing, stir frying, etc. other pans lose all their heat on contact with the food
- no teflon, which is harmful to humans and pets
- heavy, so it stays put on the stovetop

Cons:

- you MUST season it
- it's heaviness means it is not good for cooking omlettes or anything you might want to flip in the pan
- it's cast iron, so it will rust if left in the sink too long
- not dishwasher safe ... Read more

Asin: B00004S9H9
Subjects:  1. Cookware    2. Skillets    3. Fry Pans    4. (Frypans)    5. (Frying Pans)    6. (Cook Ware)    7. Cast Iron   

Weber 51020 Smokey Joe Platinum Charcoal Grill
Average Customer Review:
Lawn & Patio
list price: $69.00 -- our price: $59.70
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Editorial Review

Portable charcoal grills are great for taking the picnic on the road, but they can make it difficult to cook for more than two or three people at once. If you're looking for a mobile grill that allows you to sizzle enough burgers for the entire family without them having to eat in shifts, Weber's Smokey Joe Platinum charcoal grill may be just what your cookout needs. This handy grill is the big sibling of Weber's popular Smokey Joe Gold grill and sports an 18-1/2-inch cooking grate--large enough for a moderate feast.

Like the Smokey Joe Gold, the Silver features a lid lock that makes the grill much easier to carry without messy spills and can also be used to support the lid and create a shield against the wind. The grill unit and lid are porcelain-enameled to prevent rust and fading, and the cooking grate is triple-nickel-plated to prevent corrosion and facilitate easier cleaning. Includes a manufacturer's 10-year limited warranty. --Benjamin Reese ... Read more

Features

• 10 year limited warranty
• Porcelain enameled coating prevents rust and fading
• Triple-nickel-plated cooking grate
• Lid lock for carrying which lowers to double as a lid holder
• 18-1/2-inch diameter cooking area

Reviews (8)

Hard working traveler
This is an excellent little grill for home or the road. The lid lock is a godsend and the side benefit is that due to the construction of the piece, smokey joe is an apt name. the carry handle is awesome. The side vents direct air such that I almost always have beautiful smoke filling my little grill and infusing my meal with fabulous flavor. I've had mine for over a decade and while I've gone through another big Weber kettle and now a huge smoker, this little number is still in the race and I have NO intentions of giving it up. I'm taking it camping with me next weekend. It's a no-brainer. Buy it and be happy.

Great grill to buy
this is definitely the greatest in its range of prices.Must buy.

Great grill to buy
this is definitely the greatest in its range of prices.Must buy. ... Read more

Asin: B00004U9VU
Subjects:  1. Charcoal Grills    2. Barbecue    3. (BBQ)    4. (Barbeque)    5. Camping    6. Portable Grills    7. (Tailgating)    8. (Tail-gating)    9. Small Appliances    10. Electrics    11. Grilling    12. Outdoor Cooking   

Charcoal Companion Charcoal Starter, Black
Average Customer Review:
Lawn & Patio
list price: $29.99
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Editorial Review

Building the perfect pyramid of charcoal briquettes is an art form practiced primarily by weekend barbecue chefs who also make their own marinades and have large bags of hickory chips in their garages. This is fine if you want to spend your entire Saturday slaving over the barbecue, but if you simply want to grill up a couple of salmon steaks for dinner, try this charcoal starter from Charcoal Companion. Place it in the barbecue, fill the bottom chamber with newspaper and the top with charcoal. Light the paper. Go have a lemonade or a beer. Come back in 20 minutes and pour the heated charcoal into the grill. Easy. --Dana Van Nest ... Read more

Features

• Ideal for picnics and camping
• Metal body and wooden handle
• Holds 4 pounds. of charcoal
• Quick heating time
• Keeps hands clean

Reviews (3)

Too expensive for the quality
This is a good idea done wrong.Smaller, flimsier and almost twice as expensive as the Weber version.Mine rusted away quickly and although it was my first charcoal chimney I have moved on to the sturdier model.

But it's a great idea and everyone who prefers charcoal (and who doesn't?) should use one.

"If I wanted to cook with gas, I'd stay in the kitchen"

Mikey Joon
This is great for outdoor cooking; especially, in camping grounds. No moregetting your hands dirty, trying to stack up charcoles.

Definately, worthyour money.

Never use charcoal starter fluid again
This chimney is pretty good, and it will start your charcolal and get itready for cooking in about 15 minutes.

My charcoal gets going perfectly,and doesn't ruin the flavor of my food with that noxious fluid.You justput newspaper in the bottom and charcoal on the top, and let physics do therest.

This is the model of chimney starter that I own, and it is prettygood.I like the heat sheild near the handle, it makes it it easier tohold when full of white hot coals.

On the minus side, I wish I had onewith a larger charcoal capacity.If you are going to use a smoker, likeme, you might want to look at the Weber model, it has a much largercharcoal capacity.Also, don't keep this outside in the rain, mine rusted after only 1 weekend where I carelessly left it outside. ... Read more

Asin: B00004S4S1
Subjects:  1. (BBQ)    2. (Barbeque)    3. Barbecue    4. Grilling    5. Outdoor Cooking    6. Outlet   

Weber 1644 12" Grill Brush & Scraper
Average Customer Review:
Lawn & Patio
list price: $14.99 -- our price: $5.49
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Editorial Review

Cleaning your grill is essential because anything left on the grate will cause uneven heat when you cook. But when you've finished grilling some savory steaks, burgers, chickens, and veggies, the last thing you want to do is clean up the mess. With Weber's grill brush/scraper, it's really not so bad. This 12-inch brush/scraper has hardwood handles and brass bristles, so you won't be left with rusty residue or stubborn leftover grime. When you're finished, hang the tool by its leather strap until your next outdoor feast. --Rhonda Langdon ... Read more

Features

• Makes cleanup a snap
• Specially treated brass bristles won't rust or leave rusty deposits
• Scraper end removes tough spots
• Hardwood handle

Reviews (14)

don't bother
really - don't bother.You will be much better served with a steel wire brush from the hardware store that is made for tough jobs.I tried this grill bush and another grill brush before I saw a friend using the steel brush - it does a much better job and does not wear out.

excellent grill brush, not for pans
I originally bought this brush for my cast iron grill pan.It's an amazing scrubber, but the bristles aren't close enough to the edges to get into corners.I've since moved it out to the grill, and couldn't be happier with it!It cleans the grill quickly with almost zero effort.Still searching for a good pan brush...

Great value
This little scraper is perfect for all grills, the brass brissles are stronger and better than those greeny-meanies, but soft enough for porceline coated grills unlike the steel bristle ones which will scratch.Great tool, but a little short for those on-the-fly !HOT! scrapes. ... Read more

Asin: B00004RALY
Subjects:  1. Accessories    2. Apartment Patio    3. Outdoor Cooking    4. Barbecue Tools    5. (BBQ)    6. (Barbeque)    7. Grilling    8. Grill Tools    9. Weber Grills   

The Barbecue! Bible
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (06 January, 1998)
list price: $19.95 -- our price: $13.57
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Editorial Review

There's a world of grilled food out there, and Steven Raichlen seems to have wandered through all of it the State Department deemed "safe." No Afghanistan, for instance. No Iraq. But not to worry. Any decent conflict produces refugees, and nothing travels quite so easily as your own way with food. So Raichlen availed himself of restaurant cooks in this country where and when he had to--all to get right down to the meat of it.

"Barbecue," as Raichlen points out, is a confusing word in the U.S. because it means so many things, up to and including slow-cooked barbecue with its smoky aroma and succulent charm. The word stands in for the tool itself. It's an event. It's food. It's the style of cooking.

To set the record straight, 90 percent of Raichlen's recipes (there are more than 500, from drinks to appetizers to main courses, salads, and desserts, not to mention sauces and dry rubs) are for grilled foods--and that can mean cooked on a hot grill, a moderately hot grill, a relatively cool grill, or an indirectly heated grill (which is more like an oven than a grill, but that's another story). Raichlen gets into some barbecue recipes: pork ribs, for example, or beef brisket, or chicken. But the reader would be better advised to look elsewhere for instruction specific to barbecue (cooking for long periods of time with smoke at low heat). The results will be more appealing.

But grilling. Well, Steven Raichlen has a lock on grilling. This book is absolutely overwhelming it is so deep, so comprehensive, so far-reaching, so all-encompassing. This isn't one of those chefs with taste memories from a grill in Barbados, now let's try to jazz it up and be clever kind of books. No. This is a book by an author who squatted in the market in Vietnam eating whole grilled eggs dipped in a special sauce, and he gives you the recipe and the technique. You could go set up your own egg-grilling stand in a Vietnamese market with this book. You could open shop in Central or South America. Or North Africa. Or the Middle East. Or Korea. Anywhere food is grilled--be that meat, poultry, seafood, or vegetables--Raichlen's been there and brought home the goods. The real goods.

But there's another angle, too. Raichlen freely shares his travel experiences with you, making this a valuable travel book. And he freely shares his techniques, too, telling you exactly how he learned and all about who taught him. His book is worth it just for the section on salads and sauces. Start there and work your way from cover to cover. Hey, take all summer trying. You won't regret it. Your life will never be the same. You'll probably find yourself thinking that if one grill in the backyard is good, two is no doubt better. See? You're already on your way. Let Steven Raichlen be your guide. --Schuyler Ingle ... Read more

Reviews (54)

Stupid title - great barbecue book
I take issue with other people who've said that this book's recipes are complicated.If you think putting ingredients in a blender to create a marinade or reducing sauces on a stove is difficult maybe you should be reading The Betty Crocker Kid's Cookbook.

This is not a how-to book, rather it is a cookbook packed with awesome barbecue recipes from around the world.I've made tons of them, including several of the satay recipes, steak recipes (I especially like the T-bone in Garlic/Lime marinade), deserts (his kheer recipe is great), and fish (the Salmon with the basil/wine/cream reduction is killer).Almost everything I've made in this book turns out great, and they are relatively easy to make.

Thou shallt LOVE thy BBQ!
This book is brilliant!

Around 300 pages - packed with Steven's wealth of experience with BBQ bastes, sauces, glazes, rubs, marinades etc!

He uses some pretty radical combinations of herbs, spices and kitchen ingredients - in ways that are guaranteed to transform how you BBQ or even just cook in the oven!

Guava BBQ Sauce, Sweet Sesame Soy Marinade, Balinese Seasoned Salt, Chinese Fire Oil to name only a few!

A favourite of mine was Berber Spice Paste which we used over BBQ'd Aussie Lamb leg! My wife thought that it was the best lamb she'd EVER eaten - period!

Buy the book - to my mind it's a MUST HAVE!

Steve

CALLING IT A BIBLE IS DEAD ON TARGET
At over 500 pages and over 500 recipes this indespensible guide is most definitely a bible for anyone who follows the religion of grilling.Author Steve Raichlen has traveled across not only the country, but around the world over a three-year span with recipes from over 25 countrys to add to all the great recipes from here in the states.Best of all that even if you live in an apartment this book is a must have because many of these recipes can be made on indoor grills like the George Foreman.Clearly Raichlen wants to hit as large an audience as possible.Want Exotic?How about Persian Chicken?

Fish, Beef, Poultry, Pork, Veggies, appetizers..No matter what you're looking for, you're sure to find it in this comprehensive book.Raichlen also provides great advice on what equipment to use and clearly says you don't need a $1000.00 grill to do great BBQ.Filled with great tips on sauces, marinades, and rubs, this book is designed for palettes that crave taste.Best of all Steve presents recipes that for the most part are made with very simple ingredients that won't have you needing gourmet food stores.

A grillers delight!

... Read more

Isbn: 1563058669
Subjects:  1. Barbecue cookery    2. Barbecue cooking    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Methods - Barbecue & Grilling    6. Methods - Outdoor    7. Religion    8. Cooking / Outdoor   

Louisiana Real and Rustic
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (05 September, 1996)
list price: $27.00 -- our price: $17.01
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Editorial Review

Emeril Lagasse is in love with Louisiana. His first book, the masterful New New Orleans Cooking, began the relationship. In Louisiana Real and Rustic, Emeril has turned it into a full-blown affair. Along with coauthor Marcelle Bienvenu, Emeril set out across the state in search of that "culinary state of grace" Lousianans seemed to be naturally blessed with. The result is 150 recipes that serve at once as cultural history, geography lesson, and some mighty fine eating. This is a roots cookbook through and through, and the first lesson to learn is that in Louisiana, the roots run deep. Acadian, Creole, north Louisiana, south Louisiana, Bayou, country, city--each figures into the mix, and Emeril explores them all. He shows you gumbos that can be made with a French roux, African okra, or a filé from the indigenous Indians. There are famous Meat Pies from Natchitoches, Louisiana; Creole dishes like Catfish Pecan Meuniere; and classic étouffées, jambalayas, and fricassees--the one-pot meals that are the heart of Acadian (a.k.a. Cajun) cooking. The opening sections on the "Garde Manger" (food safe) and "Sauces" (try the recipe for homemade Worcestershire sauce) are indispensable for anybody even remotely interested in the food of Louisiana. More importantly, Emeril understands that food is another part of history, the people, and their culture--and in Louisiana, they eat well. --Mark O. Howerton ... Read more

Reviews (46)

Okay, maybe just 4.5 stars
Mr. Alan M. Shurgin from Waller County, Texas who has a review below, obviousley has issues that will require professional help if they are to be resolved. This was not supposed to be a vegetarian cookbook. Nor was it supposed to be sensitive to someone's cultural dining needs. If it isn't your kind of book, don't buy it you idiot! On the other hand, if you're looking for a good number of highly refined recipies, then this might be right up your alley.

Like Grandmere made.....
I had to laugh when I read some of the reviews for this book.People in Wisconsin saying that the food isn't authentic Cajun, a vegetarian Jew lambasting the cuisine of my culture for being "insensitive."Emeril sure can stir folks up.

Listen, cher, my family has lived in Louisiana since before there was a Louisiana.Part Creole, part "river-road", part Cajun, I've eaten it all.Most cooks down here don't cook from a recipe--they cook the way their mamas taught them and use whatever they have handy at the time.The food in this cookbook isn't New Orleans cuisine, by and large.....it's exactly what the title says--rustic country food that's about as close to the taste of the bayou as you can get.

A couple of these recipes are bad, I'll admit.The rice dressing recipe is a dud, and I don't know where he got the idea that we "cedar plank" anything in South Louisiana.But for the most part, the recipes look like they way I was taught to cook by my grandmere, MiMi. When I get sick of fusion food, low-fat, fast food, no-carb, wasabi crusted everything topped with a port wine reduction, I get out those old cast-iron pots and get busy.

This is by far the least "Emerilized" of any of his books, and in my opinion, by far the best.

Pork fat does NOT rule!
As a Jew and a vegetarian, I find it completely unconscionable that Emeril would use his fame to profit from a book that pushes the virtues of pork fat.Doesn't he realize that there is a small minority of us out there that doesn't subscribe to his over-the-top method of cooking everything with pork fat, as well as other animal by-products?I've watched his show a few times, and got this book from a friend a few months ago.While the man has some talent, I find it really distasteful that he profits from his fame and over-hyped ego.I looked in vain throughout the book for a recipe that would be culturally and morally sensitive, but came up empty handed.This book is a prime example of the excesses of the capitalist system gone awry. ... Read more

Isbn: 0688127215
Subjects:  1. Cookery, American    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Louisiana    5. Louisiana - Local History    6. Louisiana style    7. Regional & Ethnic - American - General    8. Regional & Ethnic - American - Southern States    9. Regional & Ethnic - Cajun & Creole    10. Cooking / Cajun   

The Complete Hank Williams
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (22 September, 1998)
list price: $169.98 -- our price: $152.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Hank Williams rose to prominence at the exact middle of the 20th century, and this fact helps to explain why he remains such a unique figure in country music. Put simply, he is the thread that connects (however loosely) Jimmie Rodgers and Garth Brooks. This 10-CD mother lode brilliantly captures the essence of the man and his spellbinding music. The official studio takes provide the foundation, while the demos, outtakes, and live recordings are the putty in the gaps. --Marc Greilsamer ... Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (45)

The bible
Ive been putting this box set off for a good 2-3 years. I finally purchased it used at an amazing price and its an amazing set. I dont know what people are talking about when they complain about the book falling apart and ruining the cds; Its actully a great idea. Maybe if your in a hurry and just open the book fast and shove the cd in that way, that'd ruin it. This guy wrote some of the greatest songs ever, and this collection is like a bible. As too all you anal collectors who complain about songs that arent in this collection, you have to remember the quailty of some songs have no stood the test of time, so they had to leave them out. Other then that, im very happy with the product and anyone who rated it below 4 dont know music.

Worth the Money
As a boy , I hated all country music, because my father hated Rock'n Roll.But I knew that Hank Williams was something special.I bought his 40 greatest several years ago, thinking that this was the ultimate collection.However, for some reason, when this 10 CD collection came out, I bought it.If anyone thinks Hank Williams was one of the greatest preformers ever based on his hits, YOU NEED TO HEAR THESE CD's.His versions of songs such as "Cool Water" "The Old Home" "Rocking Chair Money" and many others make his hits seem tame.These recordings are masterpieces.

As complete as possible. Awesome!
Hank Williams will always be the KING of Country music! No matter how hard CMT tries to make Johnny Cash look better or to seem more important, even the legacy of Johnny Cash, a hundred years from now, will continue to fall short of that of Hank Williams'. They named Johnny Cash the #1 all time male artist in Country Music History, with Hank at # 2, they gave cash the #1 video ever with "Hurt", and placed the historic "There's a Tear in my Beer" duet with Hank JR. all the way down at #18, they gave Cash five songs in there all time top 100 and Hank only four, and made sure that the highest ranking Cash song in that countdown was right in front of Hank's highest ranked song. These things only go to prove that CMT is uncreditable and silly. This set and even the "Original Singles Collection" by Hank, put to shame the three disc set by Cash "Essential Johnny Cash, 1955-1983" and his new "Unearthed" set. As much as I love Johnny Cash(I actually believe that Merle Haggard is more talented and more influential to pure Country music than anyone but Hank) the Name Hank Williams will always be the reason Country made it to the mainsteam and stayed there. Now, for the review. When you consider that The "Health andHappiness" performances, of which only five appear, make up two discs them selfs, with the songs he recorded on those shows being here in their original studio format or being done live on a different radio shows on the set, and the same for the demos, at least one version of that particular song being present, and the fact that the only songs Hank ever did that are not here, in some way or another, are tied up in the courts, then this is as Complete as we are going to get. If you can not get this collection, at leat get hold of "Original Singles Collection" which contains 84 songs, do not settle for any one or even two disc collection. ... Read more

Asin: B00000AFE0
Subjects:  1. Box Sets (Audio Only)    2. Country    3. Honky Tonk    4. Pop    5. Traditional Country   

Lodge Cast Iron Fajita Set with Wooden Underliner, Chili Pepper Red
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen

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Editorial Review

Now, authentic fajitas are available at home, thanks to this shallow, cast iron fajita pan. Resting on a red-stained wooden base, the pan set also comes with a special potholder (decorated with red chili peppers) that fits over the pan handle. While broiling steak, chicken, or tofu, put the fajita pan into the oven and heat for 30 minutes. When the food is cooked, and the onions and peppers are sautéed, pile them all on the heated pan and carry them sizzling to the table. Serve with a basket of warmed flour tortillas. --Dana Van Nest ... Read more

Features

• Hand wash with soap and water
• Includes 10-by-7-inch oval pan, red-stained wood base, and potholder
• Cast-iron surface conducts heat better than other materials
• Surface grows more stick-resistant with use
• Preseasoned to prevent food from sticking (though coating first with oil or spray is recommended)

Reviews (4)

Great for pancakes, too!
My brother gave us this for Christmas. At first, I was pretty disappointed if only because a pair would make more sense for a family of four. This pan is not very large and at this price, why not splurge? However, this is a fantastic pan for pancakes. It heats quickly, it makes one fast, fluffy, huge pancake at a time, it's a breeze to clean, and it's sort of funny!Also the potholder is useful when I use my "real" pans.

FAJITA SKILLET DOES JOB
I've used this twice now and have been impressed....it's just like the restaurants.
I always make sure the vegetables are not fully cooked because they will cook in the fajita skillet, since it gets so hot.

So versatile!
I love cooking with cast iron.These fajita sets are so versatile.We do our steaks on them.Heat the skillets on the grill first, get them RED-HOT!.... then drop your steaks on them.Turn once.And serve them to guests SIZZLIN'... Your guests will be impressed... and of course they're good for fajitas, too.Ever tried drop biscuits on them?Drop some butter, preheat the skillets, then drop the biscuitdough on.
The secret to castiron cooking is to PRE-HEAT IT!!!and when you're through, wash up, turn upside down in heated oven to dry.Protects your seasoning of skillets.
... ... Read more

Asin: B00004S9HM
Subjects:  1. Cookware    2. Skillets    3. Fry Pans    4. (Frypans)    5. (Frying Pans)    6. (Cook Ware)    7. Cast Iron   

LONESOME DOVE
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (13 June, 1985)
list price: $28.00
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Editorial Review

Larry McMurtry, in books like The Last Picture Show, has depicted the modern degeneration of the myth of the American West. The subject of Lonesome Dove, cowboys herding cattle on a great trail-drive, seems like the very stuff of that cliched myth, but McMurtry bravely tackles the task of creating meaningful literature out of it. At first the novel seems the kind of anti-mythic, anti-heroic story one might expect: the main protagonists are a drunken and inarticulate pair of former Texas Rangers turned horse rustlers. Yet when the trail begins, the story picks up an energy and a drive that makes heroes of these men. Their mission may be historically insignificant, or pointless--McMurtry is smart enough to address both possibilities--but there is an undoubted valor in their lives. The result is a historically aware, intelligent, romantic novel of the mythic west that won the 1986 Pulitzer Prize for fiction. ... Read more

Reviews (293)

Yes, this book is as big as three books....
...But it's better than the last three books you've read.

This story feels 'full' not 'fat'.

Some stories are written with quick, bold brush strokes, rushing to a finale.

This story is painted across the full canvas of the american west, with a rich palette of characters and places. It's the difference between a glancing at a sketch and lingering at a painting at an art museum.

Larry McMurtry lays out a rich cast of characters and sub-plots, but they don't burden the plot, they strengthen it. I find myself wondering what each character will say in each new situation, and laughing as the response is so 'true' to their character.

Larry McMurtry has done a superb job of telling a story that feels like history. Powerful scenes stay in my mind.

Do yourself a favor... Take the time... read this book! Your grand kids will!!

Not Your Everyday Cattle Drive!!!
This book is set in the Old Wild West as many of the author's are. The reader is introduced to Captain Woodrow Call and his friend Gus Mc Crae who are both former Texas Rangers. The two of them leave the one horse town of Lonesome Dove and begin a cattle drive to Canada. Along the way they encounter various characters who are all very memorable particularly an educated Rancher by the name of Wilbarger who likes to read such Classics as Milton.There are over 300 characters in this book and Mr. McMurtry makes every one of them believable. It came as no great surprise to me that he won the Pulitzer Prize for this novel back in 1986. This book is a wondrous Epic of times past and Mr. McMurtry invokes the Spirit Of The Old West with a skilled hand. Thisbook is compulsive reading.

Overstays its welcome by about 200 pages
You won't find a better relationship in any book than Gus and Call, and it's these characters that carry the book through it's lulls and oddly placed Hollywood moments. I've seen this book described as 'magnificent' and for the most part it is, I just didn't enjoy any of the romance. Granted it doesn't get much more romantic than the idealistic cross-country cattle drive, and of course a love story belongs in an epic tale such as this, but I just found myself drifting off when the women began taking center stage. This book is at it's best when the testosterone kicks up and the men become men and the women become collateral. ... Read more

Isbn: 0671504207
Subjects:  1. Cattle drives    2. Cowboys    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - Historical    5. General    6. Historical - General    7. Mcmurtry, Larry - Prose & Criticism    8. Western stories    9. Fiction / Historical   

Ford F-Series Pickup Owner's Bible: A Hands-On Guide to Getting the Most from Your F-Series Pickup (Ford)
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 January, 1995)
list price: $34.95 -- our price: $23.07
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (6)

Great book at what it is intended for
I respectfully disagree with the poor ratings offered by other reviewers.This book was never intended to be a complete service manual and it offers very important information that you will never find in other books.Mr Ludel created in this book something that I've found incredibly lacking in more typical service manuals: readability and enjoyable content.He gives an overview of the prolific and popular Ford F-series truck.His descriptions of the different available engines, transmissions and accessory packages is unique.His book is something that you can actually sit down and enjoy reading.It is not a terse, robotic instruction manual that guides you through maintenance and repair procedures.He describes the many faces of the Ford trucks as they spanned the years dating back to its infancy up through more current models.

Buy this book for the right reasons.If you are interested in buying a used Ford F-series or if you already own one then this will serve you well.Unless some kind of revised edition is in the works then the information might be dated in the context of buying a new truck.Do NOT buy this book expecting to get a service manual that will give you step-by-step instructions for repairing a component on your truck.It was not intended for this!If you want a service manual I suggest the Haynes line, and I would specifically suggest NOT getting the Chilton brand manuals.In my experience Haynes has for more clear instructions and illustrations than Chilton.

Ford F-Series Pickup Owner's Bible: A Hands-On Guide to Gett
The book have basic information only, was too general, I need a real repair manual to replece my clutch. Still looking for a decent book.

Ford F-Series Pickup Owner's Bible: A Hands-On Guide to Gett
Did not iknclude late model info and little or no info on Turbo Diesels and 97 Heavy Duty F250 ... Read more

Isbn: 0837601525
Sales Rank: 223647
Subjects:  1. Automotive    2. Automotive - Repair & Maintenance    3. Automotive - Trucks    4. Domestic Auto And Light Truck Repair    5. Ford trucks    6. Maintenance and repair    7. Performance    8. Transportation   

Hud
by Paul Newman Melvyn Douglas Patricia Neal
Director: Martin Ritt
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (04 March, 1991)
list price: $14.95
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Editorial Review

Based on a Larry McMurtry novel, this Martin Ritt film was a testament to the sex appeal of the young Paul Newman. Playing the title character--a total rotter who, by the end of the film, has double-crossed or screwed over everyone he knows, including his hard-working father and brother--Newman turns him into an intriguing antihero. Things are tough on the ranch and Hud's dad (Melvyn Douglas) needs help, but Hud is too busy looking out for number one, even as things fall apart. And guess who's going to land on his feet? Beautiful black-and-white cinematography by James Wong Howe won an Oscar, as did performances by Douglas and Patricia Neal. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Features

• Black & White
• HiFi Sound
• NTSC

Reviews (40)

Texas style family values
Paul Newman was masterful as the apathetic, self indulged title character "Hud", a hard living womanizing cowboy.Hud is the youngest son of an old time Texas cattle rancher, Homer Bannon, played passionately by the venerable Melvyn Douglas.Douglas is deeply disappointed in his son, thinking him lacking in the social attributes needed to lead a productive life.

The flick focuses on the dysfunctional family dynamic that developed over the years.Living under the same roof as Newman and Douglas is grandson Lonnie played by Brandon de Wilde of "Shane" fame.De Wilde idolizes his uncle Hud but is torn between the ideals expounded by his free living uncle and those of his straight laced grandfather.Patricia Neal, in her Oscar winning performance plays Alma, the family's earthy housekeeper.As the main female presence of the movie, she acts as a beacon to the men in the family.Their personalities shine through in their relationships with her.

Under Martin Ritt's skillful directorial hand "Hud" relates a sobering message as we see the passing of the torch for control of the family cattle business.The old school with a diligent work ethic, championed by Douglas is being replaced by the heartless, get rich quick attitude of Newman.

The acting which garnered Oscars for both Douglas and Neal is brilliant.Newman's effective portrayal of Hud successfully evokes feelings of disgust towards his character.The settings and camera work nicely portray the expanse of land over which this passion play is being fought.

hud
very good filming, the part when the cows have to be killed is really great. even still, people have missed what the film is really about. This is the classic tale of the son trying to please his father for something that happened a long time ago, and never getting forgiveness. Even though, the death of Hud's older brother doesn't seem to be his fault. Hud says it best, "You know the the whole world is so full of crap , a man's boun' to step in it."

One of the greatest westerns ever made
Along with "The Ox-Bow Incident" and "Once Upon A Time In the West", this is one of the greatest westerns ever made. It is a western allegory, to be certain, with Paul Newman's antihero acting as foil to his high morality father and betwixt and between nephew, who admires both but doesn't know which way to go.

In the end, the antihero outlasts his old man, gets his ranch, sells it off for the oil that bubbles beneath the surface, and goes on his merry way, with no regard for anyone lese. The good guy is dead, the bad guy wins, and the viewer is left with an emptiness because the morality tale is not reconciled properly. It is this final comment -- evil wins -- that makes this one of the greatest films of its type.

Along with "Cool Hand Luke", this role has been the plum of Paul Newman's still ongoing career. Newman scored as a another bad boy against his real-life wife in another flick but never played the bad boy as well as in this movie. Melvyn Douglas, whose screen presence was never less than magnificent, was outstanding as his father and the keeper of all goodwill.

The conflict between titans on opposite sides of the morality spectrum is what sustains the tension throughout this epic and still modern film. Had either of the characters been less real, less of a leonine figure, this movie would easily have wallowed in mediocrity.

As it is, "Hud" is a singular figure in movie history -- the modern cowboy that goes bad, defeats the moralist, and gets his reward in the end. What makes it such a tresurable experience is its grounding in reality, not fantasy. In the fantasy world of Hollywood, the good guy in the white hat usually wins.

This time, the bad guy wore a white hat, drank too much, cheated with married women, tried to rape the cook and forced her to leave, undercut his dad at every turn, aged him beyond his years, portrayed a miserable role model for a younger relative, and got everything. And the repellent portrayal is just as fascinating on screen as it would be in real life. ... Read more

Asin: 6300215962
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-drama   

Art of the Boot
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (01 September, 1999)
list price: $39.95 -- our price: $25.17
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (10)

THE Best In Subject
This book is worth more than it's monetary cost. Simply by the historical content so hard to find. I enjoyed reading it. The pictures are great and the fine examples are totally mindblowing. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning of "boots".

MORE COWBOY BOOTY IS ON THE WAY!!
Howdy, For all of you boot fanatics around the world, Jim and I will be serving up a new helping of bodacious beauties in the form of "photographed boots" in an upcoming book, which will complete our boot trilogy. Start hollerin' and stompin' and callin' 1-800-748-5439 to demand what is rightfully yours!!!! The book will be published by Gibbs-Smith Books in 2005.

MORE COWBOY BOOTY IS ON THE WAY!!
Howdy, For all of you boot fanatics around the world, Jim and I will be serving up a new helping of bodacious beauties in the form of "photographed boots" in an upcoming book, which will complete our boot trilogy. Start hollerin' and stompin' and callin' 1-800-748-5439 to demand what is rightfully your!!!! The book will be published by Gibbs-Smith Books in 2005. ... Read more

Isbn: 0879059192
Sales Rank: 200922
Subjects:  1. Art    2. Cowboy boots    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Design - Textile & Costume    5. Footwear industry    6. History    7. Leather And Fur Industries    8. Leather Arts And Crafts    9. Leathercraft    10. Shoemakers    11. United States   

BIA Cordon Bleu 16-Ounce Porcelain Chili Bowls, Set of 4
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $19.99
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Editorial Review

A modern version of classic diner crockery, these sturdy bowls of thick, white-glazed porcelain are designed to keep chili hot. They're also safe for a quick run under the broiler to bubble the Gruyère on top of your onion soup. Narrow and deep (5 inches by 3-1/2 inches) with a 16-ounce capacity, these bowls are a good choice for cereal, snacks, dips, and condiments. The white glaze and clean lines complement almost any table setting, or you can balance one in your hand while you scarf down something on the fly. Generally fit to take a beating, the bowls are oven-, microwave-, and dishwasher-safe. --Victoria Jenkins ... Read more

Features

• Oven-, microwave-, and dishwasher-safe
• Perfect for chili, French onion soup, dips, and snacks
• Heavy, white porcelain construction retains heat
• Attractive contemporary styling
• 16-ounce capacity

Reviews (1)

I love them!
I use them for more than chili and soup. They are great cereal and ice cream bowls as well.They are very strudy too! ... Read more

Asin: B00004S4VZ
Subjects:  1. (Dinner Ware)    2. (Dishes)    3. (Table Ware)    4. Bowls    5. Dinnerware    6. Tableware