(no subject)

[jennythereader]

I desperately need a bigger casserole dish. The biggest one I currently own is 2.8 Liters. For some reason it doesn't say how many quarts it holds, but I think that works out to about three. That's exactly the right size for it to hold a double batch of most of Tom's and my favorite casseroles. There's no margin of error for stirring without spilling, and very little for experimenting with additional ingredients.

We like to start making huge (triple or bigger) batches, and then freezing the extra for days that we don't have time/energy to cook. To do that we're going to need a casserole dish that can hold at least 5 quarts.

I've been looking around for a few weeks now, but can't find any in my price range. I refuse to pay $100+ dollars for a dish.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Comments

[sunatrya.livejournal.com]

buy another (or two) smaller one then spread the batch of whatever out amongst several dishes.
you'll probably spend less money that way and have a lot more versatility.

[jennythe-reader.livejournal.com]

The problem with that method is that you get more dishes dirty, and need more counter space for the prep.

It's what I'm planning on doing until I do find the perfect thing though.

[uncacreamy.livejournal.com]

http://www.amazon.com/Creuset-Stoneware-Quart-Covered-White/dp/B0009U5N1M/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1205966513&sr=8-3
http://www.amazon.com/Anchor-Hocking-Basics-Baking-Piece/dp/B000HRYZGQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1205966513&sr=8-2

[jennythe-reader.livejournal.com]

Thank you! The stoneware one looks just about perfect.

[11th-letter.livejournal.com]

Does it need to have a cover? If not, plain Pyrex baking dishes are my favorite, and very cheap.

[jennythe-reader.livejournal.com]

I prefer a cover. I already have a set of Pyrex baking dishes, and they work fine for those recipes that don't need to be covered at all, but somehow tinfoil doesn't seem to work as well as a real lid.

I also have a few recipes that don't like being cooked in wide shallow dishes. The cooking time gets erratic.

[aphiorogue.livejournal.com]

My Pyrex's have covers. I don't know where they came from though they were a gift from my mom.

[gwenlianna.livejournal.com]

Do you have a preference for glass/enamel? Or a preference in shape? I can stop at the outlets on my way to Albany and see what I can find.

[jennythe-reader.livejournal.com]

The only really strong shape preference I have is that the handles need to be big enough to get a secure grip on through pot holders.

[gwenlianna.livejournal.com]

http://www.target.com/Enamel-Coated-6-qt-Covered-Casserole/dp/B000N4WMZ4/sr=1-1/qid=1205967106/ref=sr_1_1/601-7403835-3946539?ie=UTF8&pricerange=&rh=k%3Acasserole%20dish&page=3

[jennythe-reader.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

That one does look just about perfect. I'll bookmark it, and if I haven't found anything at a physical store in a week or two I'll order it.

[purpura.livejournal.com]

I know there are some corningware outlets up by you and down here is Woodbury Commons, home of some great outlets for pots and pans. The Williams-Sonoma outlet really does have discounted prices, and happens to be one of my favorite places to go!

[jennythe-reader.livejournal.com]

The closest outlets I know of are in Lee, MA. Are there closer ones?

[sunatrya.livejournal.com]

Lake George has a bunch
so does... damn... um, just the other side of Syrcause. Dewitt, I think.

[gwenlianna.livejournal.com]

Stopped at Lee on my way out, figured I could tell you if there was anything good. They actually don't have any cooking stores.

[jennythe-reader.livejournal.com]

Huh. I thought I remembered at least one. It has been a couple of years since I was there though.

[dwarven-brewer.livejournal.com]

Cooking shite outlets with actual savings? I see a trip in my future.

[tetsujinnooni.livejournal.com]

No website 'cuz they are like that. Central Restaurant Equipment (on Central Ave, shockingly) might have something appropriate - worth wandering through if you're doing kitchen equipment acquisition...

Central Restaurant Equipment
1252 Central Avenue
Albany, NY 12205

Their hours suck though (and aren't posted on the website - http://www.centralrestequip.com )

[jennythe-reader.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the link. I did a quick check through their online catalog, and it doesn't seem like they have what I'm looking for.

[(Anonymous)]

Easiest and cheapest I've found is to get a couple of paks of those Glad baking dishes with the lids. You can prepare whatever and dole it out into as many as you want, flip a lid on them and wisk them into the freezer. They're ready to cook when you want them. (Just don't forget that the lid isn't bakeable - cover with aluminum foil if oven baking or wax paper if nuking them.) I've found that freezing them before cooking works the best for taste and you aren't eating re-heated leftovers. Also great when you want to take something for pot luck and not worry about getting your dishes back. Plus - they are stackable and take up very little cabinet space - always a + in a small apartment. Cooking for just Dad and I now - I use them lots more than all those "big casseroles".

Love, Hugs, and Prayers,
Moms Cerul