So, what do I do when I'm snowed in at the manor? Cook and eat! Kary, at My Farmhouse Kitchen, posted about making lasagna in her cast iron skillet. Well, I just happen to have a big beautiful vintage iron skillet with a lovely patina, given to me by my dear Aunt Janet maybe 20 years ago, or so. It belonged to her maternal grandmother, Myrtle Watts Yost (1886-1940) of Howard County, Indiana. It's faithfully served our family over 100 years; everything from farm buttermilk fried chicken to wintry Sunday night lasagna. My trusty iron skillet is one piece of kitchenware I can't live without. Even though I'm not blood related to Grandma Yost, I'm sure she is happy her skillet is lovingly put to good use at the manor.
By the way, this lasagna, baked in the iron skillet was by far the best I've ever made. Got an iron skillet? Give it a try.
And I might add that I am thrilled with the reception of my new creative writing blog Magpie Tales! Pop on over and check it out. Our first little piece of writing is due Tuesday, February 16. Lots of brand new writers have already signed up, and I am looking forward with great anticipation to some good reading! Thanks everybody!
As Mr. Junk Thief so aptly put it, "the Magpie is in the Willow"!
I have 2 iron skillets that I use for everything. They make great cornbread. I use the big skillet for a crowd and a little one for just a few servings. I'll have to try cooking lasagna in it.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting to make lasagna (basically, my favorite dish!) in a cast iron skillet. Stay warm!
ReplyDeleteI have no problem with the brown or the gray background, but that lasagna in the skillet photo is sure making me hungry!! I wonder if blogger could warn us about such tummy-rumble-evoking photos the way they do with "adult content" (a "glutton content" warning?).
ReplyDeleteOne question about the magpie tales scheduling — Am I correct in assuming that the prompts will be posted on the Friday for contributions for the following Tuesday, that is, four days later?
For the first one, you have given a week longer, which, I imagine is a good idea for the first post.
Oh, Willow!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful dish you serve today!!!
Unfortunately I haven’t got any iron skillets…YET.
I’m going to get one soon…
Have a good Monday,
Virginia
Yes, LLL, that's right on the MT schedule. Do you think I should give more time? I've been thinking about posting the prompt on Thursdays for the following Tuesday? Better?
ReplyDeleteNow why did I know you were going to say eat? Exactly what I would do! Lasagne is one of my favourite dishes but I've never baked it in a skillet before.
ReplyDeleteSorry to be negative, but no question: dark text against a dark background is not the way to go. :-)
ReplyDeleteBerowne, hey, this is light text on a dark background! Still bad?
ReplyDeleteI've never made lasagna in a cast iron skillet. Hmmm. Sounds good.
ReplyDeleteIt's cold here at this manor house, too. The plowman came to dig us out yesterday and got stuck himself. Not good.
And your text looks fine to me.
I have THREE iron skillets-all vintage. There are two frying pan sized (one from my mom and one from Hubby's mom) and Mom's Dutch oven.
ReplyDeleteI've never thought about using them for lasagna!
i want to VISIT willow manor! for real!! and EAT....great big grin. and i'll have to email you a pic of my window from last winter, when we kept catching the snow.
ReplyDeletethis year, it's been staying south of us...like this last biggie that hit the east. YIKES!!
I don't have a cast iron skillet, but I do have two enamel-coated cast iron baking pots - vintage Dansk™ cookware - and they're a dream to cook in. Hmmmm... I might have to consider making lasagna!
ReplyDeleteIt does look delicious. I have never even thought of doing a lasagna in a cask iron skillet.
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Willow,
ReplyDeleteThat does look tasty. Where's the recipe?
David
http://www.globalaroundtown.blogspot.com
That lasagne looks totally delish. It's pretty cold here too and threatening snow but I'm trying not to think about it. Much prefer the heat!
ReplyDeleteCJ xx
Cast iron skillets -- can't live without them! Last night I made a cherry crisp in mine ... and the day before, turkey pot pie -- yumm. But I've not tried lasagna in them.
ReplyDeleteDavid, I guess maybe I should have included the recipe, but I figured everyone most likely already has their particular lasagna recipe, no?
ReplyDeleteI have an old cast iron skillet that I got from my mother and I know she didn't buy it so she must have gotten it from her mother. I also had another one that came from family but it cracked one day. didn't know that they could do that.
ReplyDeleteYour text looks fine to me...and that lasagna looks delicious!!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!!
have never tried it in a iron skillet. will have to do that...looks marvelous. off to check out your new endeavor!
ReplyDeleteEverything is better in a cast iron skillet! My ex-husband had a cast iron dutch oven with a trivet in the bottom for baking biscuits which his grandmother used on a real wagon train! It made the best beef stew I have ever eaten. Unfortuneately he got custody of the dutch oven, but maybe my daughter can get him to give it to her someday.
ReplyDeleteYa just had to mention fried chicken, didn't ya? :P A friend of mine still uses her cast iron-ware ( will have to get some more of my own someday )...hadn't thought about doin' lasagna in one...hhmmm...
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm all set for Magpie Tales; can hardly wait ;)
Your lasagna looks so yummy. I never had an iron skillet before, but the Bach has one we use all the time. Stay warm : )
ReplyDeleteI do have a cast iron skillet! I'm going to be making lasagna now that I've been tempted with this mouth-watering photo! I used to wash it, but now my husband snatches it up after using and pours a little oil and salt, then rubs it and puts it away.
ReplyDeleteJanelle, I use a little warm water to clean it, but soap is a no-no!
ReplyDeleteImpressive icicle!
ReplyDeleteI hope it warms up for you...soon.
Forgot to mention earlier how much I like the new header and description. So very apt.
That looks delicious, Willow. I was just saying to Joe that I'd like to fix a big old casserole of lasagna. I have to travel tomorrow but maybe a few days afterwords when I return. I'm curious--does the cast iron skillet do ok with the acidity of the tomato sauce!? I guess if you keep it well-seasoned it's ok, but I wouldn't have thought to do that--I will, though, on your recommendation! I'll check out your new blog, too--if I had time, I'd contribute but I'm afraid to commit. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the shout out. I bought a nifty Dutch oven just after the holidays. I wonder if that recipe would work in it as well?
ReplyDeleteI had to wash and dry my keyboard after drooling over that lasagna photo. Beautiful! I have two cast iron skillets and a Dutch oven but have never tried lasagna in them. Until now!
ReplyDeleteI'm not really sure what a skillet is. I have a cast-iron griddle pan (with ridges) though. I seldom use it - it's just too heavy.
ReplyDeletep.s. I love lasagne
ReplyDeleteA wonderful looking skillet, no I mean lasagne. My mouth is watering for it!
ReplyDeleteBlessings Star
Just what you ordered: snow and more snow, ice too! I remember snow days and cooking in a warm kitchen is to be in the heart of the earth!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your new blog...I will be checking in and enjoying!
OK! Somewhere along the way I lost (or gave away) my cast iron skillet! I should be punished because it had belonged to my grandmother. On my last visit to the great Antique Barn nearby I saw many, many old skillets. I MUST go back and purchase one ~ and leave it to my daughter who can leave it to her daughter!!! Thank you for the prompt.
ReplyDeleteKary does have the best recipes. I have made other pasta dishes in my iron skillets, but never lasagna. Either of the backgrounds worked for me.
ReplyDeleteMan, that lasagna looks delish.
ReplyDeleteWhere do you get a hold of all this really neat vintage cookware?
I've put on a few pounds on my visit today!!! Keep warm!
ReplyDeleteThe next time I make lasagne, which will be soon, I am going to make it in my iron skillet. I never thought of doing that and think it is a great idea. That picture was incredibly scrumptious looking. Mmmmm. I can almost taste it.
ReplyDeleteJust from the look of it do I KNOW that this ia fantastic lasagna! :-)
ReplyDeleteI dream of owning one day a cast iron skillet!
P.S.:
I didn't mean to complain about the color.
I just wanted you to know that it is at times really hard on the eyes to read with a dark background.
Merisi, I tried the gray for a day, and ended up hating it. In fact, I think it was a shade darker than this taupey one. Anyway, I went back to the original. Hope it's okay with everyone! :) (ack...Libras can never decide!)
ReplyDeleteThat's one hell of an icicle. I'll never complain about cold North Hertfordshire again!
ReplyDeletemagpies are the coolest birds here in Aus!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteGreat weather shot, Willow. Food looks yummy, too. I threw out a ton of iron frying pans years ago. I could kick myself now.
ReplyDeleteI am sooo jealous that you can stay in and enjoy cooking and watching the snow fall. I have to be in the thick of things. Never mind that the streets are iced-up or that I have to drive through a foot of snow - and then walk through the darned stuff. The news has to get out. Never missed a deadline yet. But it is becoming a more tempting thought, especially with more snow on the way.
At least it is warmer here than at Willow Manor. We have not dipped to 14 yet.
Oh...i got home late..but was so HAPPY to find this when i arrived...
ReplyDeleteWillow...the cast iron movement is ON !
LOVE IT ! and your lasagna looks wonderful....and this is the HONEST truth..I bought stuff today to make lasagna...in the beloved CAST IRON SKILLET...
i love how everything cooks in there and looks so old fashion too..
oh, how i wish i was there to taste a piece....it looks heavenly....
stay cozy and warm, my friend....
sending love,
kary
xxx
I'll opt for the lasagna today!
ReplyDeleteMy mother loved iron skillets until she learned her first electric dishwasher would ruin its patina.
She finally chose the dishwasher over the skillet which finally rusted beyond usage.
Yes, indeed, everything tastes better in an iron skillet.
ReplyDeletep.s. just don't keep tomato sauce too long in it!
Willow I have generally relkinquished my cast iron skillets. I have been cooking on a glass/ceramic/smooth top electric stove for so long and the cast irons just didn't work, at least on top. And in the oven they are so heavy that I cannot easily lift hem, arthritis in wrists. Hoever in our motor home, we have a gas stove and use a couple cast iron skillets there., They do bake the best cornbread! And pineapple upside down cake too! But as for me, it's mostly stainless steel.
ReplyDeleteMmmmm. Please come cook at my house ASAP!
ReplyDeleteMaybe when you arrive you can tell me: is February "Cast Iron Skillet Month"? Two of my favorite magazines had features on them recently, and now here's yours. I am obviously missing something wonderful, not having one (yet).
I swear we must be the Bobbsie twins, I am cooking ,,cookies for my niece in Iraq. She is a Capt, and a Dr. I have made cookies up the kauzzo. I sent her a box full of personal items like tweezers,chap stic, suntan lotion. creams, etc. and cookies..She said they all wanted the cookies.Lasagna sounds great. Yvonne in Maine
ReplyDeleteThe lasagna looks yummy. Glad for the great turnout for you tall magpie tales. You're something else :) Hugs, The Bach
ReplyDeletePat, I haven't had pineapple upside down cake in ages. I bet it is wonderful made in the skillet. Mmm-mmm-mm! I've gotta give it a try!
ReplyDeleteI've never known anyone to make lasagne in an iron skillet, but it looks yummy! Just the thing for a cold winter day!
ReplyDeleteHave iron skillet? Will do lasagna.
ReplyDeleteGreat recipe idea. Just need to get a skillet first...
I love that title! You are so lucky to be snowed in as we are sweltering in Sydmey. Have you really started a new Blog? I shall check it out! xx
ReplyDeleteHello Willow,
ReplyDeleteLook at the changes around here the moment my back's turned?! Everything looks great and I popped over to your Magpie Tales blog to see what is in the air. Your first pic gave me an idea but I'm not going to have the opportunity for much blogging this month! Good luck with the first edition. The lasagne looks good too!
Ah Willow, I have been away too long. Just taken a look at Magpie's Tales and I will be back and signing up before too long. So nice to be back amongst my old friends.
ReplyDeleteYour posts are amazing.
ReplyDeleteI'm still relishing and pondering one, and you've got another up and sending out inspiration!
Thank for being here so I can visit, but I do need to remember to allow ample time . Everything is so inviting.
I'm excited to check out the writing link.
thanks again for such a wonderful blog.
Used to drag my cast iron skillet along when backpacking into the high country in Colorado...biscuits over the campfire...TO DIE FOR...it was worth the extra weight...made the dog carry the flour!
ReplyDeletePineapple upside down cake never tastes better then when made in a seasoned cast iron skillet and I'll bet that lasagna was great. Next time Willow, take advice from the chickens!
ReplyDeleteI don't have an iron skillet! I think I need one!
ReplyDeleteNo iron, but have had success with old beaten up aluminum..cold days/ luscious food..nothing like delicious aromas to warm us up!
ReplyDeleteThe great predictors were wrong about snow in my little town..but they get another chance to be right tonight...NOT!
Already have a shrimp dinner planned for tonite or I would try the skillet lasagna... Gosh it looks yummy!
ReplyDeleteDi
The Blue Ridge Gal
Beautiful but cold! Then comes the second pic that gives you a nice warm feeling. Great balance here!
ReplyDeleteWillow, out here in the country hinterlands past Marysville, we got 18 inches of snow. Today we got another 5 or 6. Gee, I'm so tired of shoveling snow!
ReplyDeleteI have wonderful vintage cast iron skillets that are as smooth as silk inside. I only use mine for corn bread and I never wash them. Just wipe them out.
That lasagna looks devine!
Oh yum. It does look so good. If I loved there I am quite sure I would eat all the time. I saw that recipe from K and thought too how good it looked.
ReplyDeletelasagna (basically, my favorite dish
ReplyDeleteWork from home India
willow
ReplyDeletethey way i felt last night....
i am afraid that i would have eaten the whole pan.
i running out for an iron skillet now.
xxx & hugs
I have a new iron skillet -- not quite the same, is it? -- but it is really underutilized. I've never thought about making lasagna in it!
ReplyDeleteI've been reading through your past week of posts . . . you must be especially creatively inspired at the moment! So many new and exciting ventures.
This is the Editor of Lo-Carb Weekly here Willow - you should be ashamed of yourself & FYI, you are off our list of Guest Chefs FOREVER!
ReplyDeleteMillie ^_^
http://libertarianrepublican.blogspot.com/2009/02/australia-arson-suspect-arrested-muslim.html
ReplyDelete