With the new year just around the corner, thoughts of making resolutions are on everyone’s mind. What’s the #1 New Year resolution every year? Losing weight by eating healthier, of course.

So let’s get back to earlier times and cook the way early man did, by using terra cotta cookware!

Dating back to early civilization terra cotta (clay from the earth),  has been used for different things ranging from sculptures and pottery to roof shingles and bricks. Early man would sculpt the partially dried clay into what ever form he needed and then lay it in out in the sun to dry. After it dried it would be placed in the ashes of an open hearth to harden.

Terra cotta, whether glazed or unglazed is still a very popular item today. It is dishwasher, microwave, stovetop and oven safe while still being easy to clean. It is one of the best ways to prepare nutritious and delicious meals. Because terra cotta retains liquid, little or none is needed when using it.  This means essential vitamins and nutrients are kept in the food, not wasted away being watered down. Simply soak your cookware for a few minutes in water, add your food, and place in a cold oven.  Then set the temperature and bake.  When using terra cotta a few minor adjustments are necessary, increase your temperature by 100 degrees and bake for 30 minutes less. While baking, the porous terra cotta creates a perfect combination of heat and moisture for your food.

Your entire meal can be cooked in one dish so that all of the flavors of the meal are integrated.  Plus, what could be quicker and easier than cleaning one dish?

Important points to remember :

Soak your pot in water for a few hours before its first use to season it

Hand washing is recommended. Although terra cotta is dishwasher safe, it is not recommend due to the absorbency of the material, soap may also become absorbed.

Cracks in my cookware???  Don’t worry, this is called crazing. It is caused by the expansion of the pot from hot to cold. They will disappear as the pot dries.

Why does my pot leak?  This may happen a few times with a new pot, but again don’t worry, as your pot ages this will stop.

Hey! my pot is pinging!!!  That’s ok, the more you use your pot this will stop, it’s the natural settling of your pot.

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