Lodge Cast Iron Cookware Deals in January: Recipes and Guide
January is a fantastic time to snag amazing deals on Lodge cast iron cookware. After the holiday rush, retailers often offer significant discounts to clear out inventory, making it the perfect opportunity to upgrade your kitchen with durable and versatile cast iron pieces. This article will not only guide you on how to find the best Lodge cast iron cookware deals in January but also provide you with delicious recipes to try out with your new (or newly discounted) cookware.
## Finding the Best Lodge Cast Iron Deals in January
Before diving into the recipes, let’s explore how to find the best deals on Lodge cast iron during January.
* **Monitor Major Retailers:** Keep an eye on websites like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Lodge’s official website. These retailers frequently offer sales and promotions on cast iron cookware, especially in the post-holiday season.
* **Sign Up for Email Newsletters:** Subscribe to email newsletters from your favorite retailers to receive exclusive deals and early access to sales. Many companies offer special discounts to new subscribers.
* **Check Outlet Stores:** If you have outlet stores near you, visit them to see if they have Lodge cast iron cookware at discounted prices. Outlet stores often carry slightly imperfect or discontinued items at significantly reduced prices.
* **Follow Social Media:** Follow Lodge and major retailers on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. They often announce flash sales and promotions on their social media channels.
* **Use Price Tracking Websites:** Use price tracking websites and apps like CamelCamelCamel or Honey to monitor the prices of Lodge cast iron cookware and receive alerts when prices drop.
* **Consider Bundles:** Look for bundle deals that include multiple pieces of Lodge cast iron cookware. Bundles often offer better value than purchasing individual pieces.
* **Don’t Be Afraid of Pre-Seasoned:** Lodge cast iron cookware comes pre-seasoned, which is a great convenience. However, you can often find unseasoned cast iron at a lower price and season it yourself.
* **Inspect Carefully:** When purchasing cast iron cookware, especially at discounted prices, inspect it carefully for any cracks, chips, or other damage. While minor imperfections are common, avoid items with significant damage.
## Essential Lodge Cast Iron Pieces to Consider
Here’s a list of essential Lodge cast iron pieces that you might want to consider adding to your kitchen:
* **12-inch Cast Iron Skillet:** This is the workhorse of cast iron cookware and can be used for a wide variety of dishes, from searing steaks to baking cornbread.
* **10.25-inch Cast Iron Skillet:** A slightly smaller version of the 12-inch skillet, perfect for smaller meals and side dishes.
* **Cast Iron Dutch Oven:** Ideal for braising, stews, soups, and baking bread. A 6-quart Dutch oven is a versatile size.
* **Cast Iron Griddle:** Perfect for making pancakes, bacon, and grilled cheese sandwiches.
* **Cast Iron Grill Pan:** Great for achieving grill marks indoors, especially during colder months.
* **Cast Iron Loaf Pan:** Ideal for baking bread, meatloaf, and other loaf-shaped dishes.
* **Cast Iron Pizza Pan:** Creates a crispy crust for homemade pizzas.
## Caring for Your Lodge Cast Iron Cookware
Proper care is essential to maintaining your Lodge cast iron cookware and ensuring it lasts for generations. Here are some tips for caring for your cast iron:
* **Seasoning:** Seasoning is the process of coating the cast iron with oil and baking it to create a non-stick surface. Lodge cast iron cookware comes pre-seasoned, but you may need to re-season it occasionally.
* **Cleaning:** Clean your cast iron cookware immediately after use. Use a stiff brush or scraper to remove any food residue. Avoid using soap, as it can strip away the seasoning. If you must use soap, use a mild detergent and rinse thoroughly.
* **Drying:** Dry your cast iron cookware thoroughly after cleaning. You can dry it in the oven on low heat or on the stovetop over low heat. This will prevent rust from forming.
* **Oiling:** After drying, apply a thin coat of oil to the surface of the cast iron cookware. Use a paper towel to wipe away any excess oil. This will help maintain the seasoning and prevent rust.
* **Storage:** Store your cast iron cookware in a dry place. Avoid stacking it directly on top of other cookware, as this can damage the seasoning. You can place a paper towel or cloth between pieces of cast iron to protect the seasoning.
## Delicious Lodge Cast Iron Recipes to Try
Now that you know how to find deals on Lodge cast iron and how to care for it, let’s explore some delicious recipes that you can try out:
### 1. Skillet Cornbread
This classic skillet cornbread recipe is easy to make and perfect for serving with chili, stews, or as a side dish. The cast iron skillet creates a crispy crust and a moist interior.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup yellow cornmeal
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1/4 cup vegetable oil
* 1 egg
* 2 tablespoons melted butter, for greasing the skillet
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 10-inch cast iron skillet with melted butter.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, vegetable oil, and egg.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared cast iron skillet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with butter or honey.
### 2. Cast Iron Skillet Pizza
Making pizza in a cast iron skillet is a game-changer. The skillet creates a crispy, golden-brown crust that is simply irresistible.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
* 1/2 cup pizza sauce
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, peppers, etc.)
* Olive oil, for greasing the skillet
* Cornmeal, for dusting the skillet
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Grease a 12-inch cast iron skillet with olive oil and dust with cornmeal.
2. Stretch or roll out the pizza dough to fit the skillet. Gently press the dough into the skillet, making sure it goes up the sides slightly.
3. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
4. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and add your desired toppings.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
### 3. Dutch Oven Pot Roast
A Dutch oven is perfect for making a tender and flavorful pot roast. The cast iron distributes heat evenly, ensuring that the meat cooks evenly and stays moist.
**Ingredients:**
* 3-4 pound beef chuck roast
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 3 cups beef broth
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1 pound potatoes, peeled and quartered
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Season the chuck roast with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chuck roast on all sides until browned.
4. Remove the roast from the Dutch oven and set aside.
5. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the Dutch oven and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Add garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the Dutch oven and cook for 1 minute more.
7. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
8. Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer.
9. Return the chuck roast to the Dutch oven.
10. Add potatoes around the roast.
11. Cover the Dutch oven and bake for 3-4 hours, or until the roast is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
12. Remove the roast and vegetables from the Dutch oven. Shred the roast with two forks.
13. Serve the roast and vegetables with the cooking liquid (gravy).
### 4. Cast Iron Chocolate Chip Cookie
Baking a giant chocolate chip cookie in a cast iron skillet is a fun and delicious way to enjoy a classic dessert. The skillet creates a crispy edge and a gooey center.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 cups chocolate chips
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch cast iron skillet.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Stir in chocolate chips.
7. Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared cast iron skillet.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
9. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving. Serve warm with ice cream.
### 5. Skillet Chicken Fajitas
Making fajitas in a cast iron skillet is a quick and easy way to enjoy a flavorful Mexican-inspired meal. The skillet gets hot and sears the chicken and vegetables perfectly.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
* 1 large onion, sliced
* 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Tortillas, for serving
* Toppings of your choice (salsa, sour cream, guacamole, cheese, etc.)
**Instructions:**
1. Heat olive oil in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken strips to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through.
3. Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Sprinkle with fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute more.
6. Serve the chicken and vegetables in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.
### 6. Lodge Cast Iron Deep Dish Pizza
Similar to the skillet pizza, this recipe takes it up a notch with a thicker crust and deeper dish, giving it a truly authentic Chicago deep-dish feel.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 lb pizza dough
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
* 1 onion, thinly sliced
* 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
* 28 oz crushed tomatoes
* 1 tsp dried oregano
* 1 tsp dried basil
* 1/2 tsp garlic powder
* 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1 lb mozzarella cheese, sliced
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Grease a 12-inch cast iron skillet with olive oil. Ensure the oil coats the bottom and sides of the skillet.
2. Press the pizza dough into the skillet, covering the bottom and going up the sides to create a deep dish. The dough should be fairly thick.
3. Layer half of the mozzarella cheese slices on the bottom of the crust.
4. Spread the cooked sausage, sliced onions, and green bell peppers evenly over the cheese.
5. In a bowl, mix the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the sausage and vegetables. Spread evenly.
7. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese slices and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You may need to rotate the skillet halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
9. Let cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to cut.
### 7. Cast Iron Skillet Peach Cobbler
A warm, comforting peach cobbler baked in a cast iron skillet is the perfect dessert for any occasion.
**Ingredients:**
* 6-8 fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (or 2 cans (15 oz each) of sliced peaches in syrup, drained)
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 tsp baking powder
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 1 cup milk
* 8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* Cinnamon, for dusting (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Melt butter in a 10-inch cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats. This is important to get the batter to crisp up properly.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Stir in milk until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Pour the batter into the skillet over the melted butter. Do NOT stir.
5. Arrange the peach slices evenly over the batter. The peaches can be slightly overlapping.
6. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The center should be set.
8. Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
### 8. Sizzling Cast Iron Shrimp Scampi
This quick and easy shrimp scampi recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal. The cast iron skillet keeps the shrimp sizzling hot while you enjoy it.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 4 tbsp butter
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
* 2 tbsp lemon juice
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Linguine or other pasta, cooked
**Instructions:**
1. Heat butter in a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
4. If using, pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately over cooked linguine. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
### 9. Lodge Skillet Brownies
For a truly decadent dessert, bake brownies in a cast iron skillet. The edges become wonderfully crispy, while the center stays fudgy and gooey.
**Ingredients:**
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1/4 tsp salt
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* 2 large eggs
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cast iron skillet.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
3. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in flour until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Stir in chocolate chips if using.
7. Pour batter into the prepared cast iron skillet.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with fudgy crumbs.
9. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
### 10. Cast Iron Frittata
A cast iron frittata is a versatile and easy dish that can be customized with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, and meats. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 large eggs
* 1/4 cup milk or cream
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1/2 cup chopped vegetables (onions, peppers, spinach, mushrooms, etc.)
* 1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyere, etc.)
* Cooked bacon or sausage, crumbled (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk or cream, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. If using, add the crumbled bacon or sausage to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes more.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables and meat in the skillet.
6. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the frittata is set and lightly golden brown.
8. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
## Conclusion
January is an excellent time to take advantage of Lodge cast iron cookware deals and expand your culinary horizons. With the right care and the delicious recipes provided, you’ll be creating memorable meals and enjoying the durability and versatility of cast iron for years to come. Happy cooking!