Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Un-Rusty Staub

I love this little dish!
Am I talking about A) the food; B) the antique green bowl; or C) the cast-iron Staub mini pot?
All three, of course.
But today I'm especially kookoo about the Staub pot. I've been meaning to buy a pair of them ever since my first visit to Ubuntu in Napa, where I reveled in the cauliflower concoction and vowed to make it myself at home.
No, I still haven't attempted the cauliflower (but you could argue I'm a lot closer now that I have the pots).
This dish (that word!) was a casual layering of un-cased, sauteed Merguez sausage, some tomatoey/garlicky "cowboy caviar" made from homegrown eggplant, gently parboiled potato slices, and a topping of yogurt with a dash of allspice. I don't know what effect I was going for here; vaguely "Bazaar" (as in the marketplace, not the ladies' magazine).
It was a hit. These little pots (they come with lids) are the perfect size for one serving, and I am not lying when I say that I intend to eat lots and lots of un-rusty pots full of comfort food this fall and winter.
Imagine, already looking forward to winter.

22 comments:

Kailyn said...

Yet another item to add to my shopping list.

Ms Brown Mouse said...

These Staub pots, they are enamelled cast iron pots, yes?

Sweet Bird said...

I want that pot.

I think if I bring home another cooking vessel/utensil/accoutrement I will lose all of my street cred and never, ever be able to tell my husband he can't have something.

Ugh.

cookiecrumb said...

Kailyn: Yup! AND, today we ordered a 3/4-quart version (just one) for communal hot pot meals. I am in love with these. (I can afford it. I don't get mani-pedis.)

Mouse: Yes, yes, yes. Enamelled. Dreamy. Made in Frenchy France.

Kalyn Denny said...

Please don't start looking forward to winter yet! Just came to report that I have indeed grown patty pan squash many years but for the last two years I haven't been able to find a plant (well at least not at the garden centers where I usually shop.) I'm thinking now that I'll be home to nurture it along in the spring I should grow it from seed next year!

cookiecrumb said...

Kalyn: I have never grown plants from seeds! I'm a bum. So pleased to hear you might try. And thrilled you have grown pattypans. Mm.
See you in SF?

Denise | Chez Danisse said...

I don't recall where I first saw Staub, it must have been a food blog. I was admiring the orange mini round dishes, but now the pure white mini cocottes have caught my eye. I'm truly a woman of basics in the kitchen, not a fan of gadgets or specialty items, but these Staub pieces...they are taunting me. Have you seen the square teapots? Pretty nifty. Does yours have a lid?

Zoomie said...

New to me, these Staub pots. Where did you find it?

Kelly said...

ahh, now im wanting mini pots! but ahh, were moving into summer...some reprieve

kudzu said...

Okay -- this title was a winner. You hit that one out of the park.

I'm enamored of the enamel, myself, and have thought getting one: very practical size for a singleton's kitchen.

cookiecrumb said...

Denise: You can't find these at Sur la Table... I've tried. And yes, they come with lids -- black enamel with a tiny brass knob. It's like dollhouse cooking; almost too much fun. (Other colors, too.)

Zoomie: Click on the Staub link in the main story and you'll get to the online company I ordered from. Free shipping! (Which helps, because they're a little spendy.)

Kelly: Any time you need help justifying a purchase, ask me. SO -- these would be perfect off-beat ice cream dishes for summer, doncha think?

Kudzu: Thanks for "getting" it! Kapow! Cranky and I are immoderately smitten by the pots. They have me thinking constantly of what I want to put in them next.

Kailyn said...

Haha. I gave up mani-pedi's a couple of months ago when I realized that I do a better job at home. Of course, I have since taken up more expensive habits. Perhaps I'll put this on my holiday wishlist. And the escargots dish looks really cute too.

cookiecrumb said...

Kailyn: I'm good at giving myself excuses for spending money, but these pots are SO worth the mood boost. Cheaper than therapy.

cookiecrumb said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ms Brown Mouse said...

Those clever frenchy French make such lovely things for la cuisine.

Chilebrown said...

10:oo am in the morning. I know Cranky is awake and driving his bicyle to the morning market

Ms. Goofyu and I hope that you get this cry out in time. The Cry is get up at do your hair. We love you no matter what.!

Do you want Habaneros's. I do not thik so!

cookiecrumb said...

Mouse: (I noticed your mum calls you Mouse; she and I would be good friends.)
The Frenchy French are our cuisine puppets! Ooh la la. But right now I'm in love with Japanese bento boxes.

Chilebrown: We will be there. 10 a.m.; coffee shack. Habaneros, hellya. Pears for you?

J-in-Wales said...

What a timely post - how clever you are. Not only do I have one of those little Staub chappies as well (racing car green in my case), but I have also just returned from Franceland with a book on cooking en cocotte. Lots of inspiration in there, but your merguez-and-aubergine combo sounds right up my street too.

Anonymous said...

That's a cute pot you have their ms cookiecrumb!

cookiecrumb said...

J-in-Wales: You have one? I am debilitated by my adoration. Of you -- and the pot.

Mimi: It's addictive. I'm still planning meals for them.

Ms Brown Mouse said...

I've been Mouse since I could talk! I'll tell you why next week!

cookiecrumb said...

Mouse: I already _know_ why you're called Mouse. You've been Mouse since you couldn't talk, actually.