As the temperature starts to drop I find myself craving soups and stews more and more. These last couple weeks I have made a Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato soup for my lunches. Now that it seems to be staying in the lower temperatures it is time for a good pot of Chili.
The ingredients that you use to make your chili makes a big difference on how it turns out. What you cook it in is equally as important, that is why I use my Pioneer Woman Timeless Beauty Cast Iron Dutch Oven.
Why a Dutch Oven?
Dutch Ovens are great because they help spread heat evenly and they can go from the stove to the oven. Thick sides and bottom with a heavy lid are signs of a great Dutch oven, which this Pioneer Woman one does. This helps to prevent hot spots, retain heat and prevent the loss of moisture and flavor.
Cast iron is often preferred for Dutch ovens because it holds heat better, but they can be hard to take care of. Since this one has an enamel coating there is no concern of rusting and it is easier to clean. I love how easy mine is to clean. Even after a sticky pot of Sweedish Meatballs that had stuck to the bottom all it took was some soap and water to get everything off.
The Pioneer Woman ovens come in a 5-quart and 7-quart options. With fun color options; Plum, Red, Turquoise, Linen and a cast iron one that is not enameled. They also have a precious butterfly knob that they come with and it just adds that special touch to it.
Cooking in a Dutch Oven
So what all can you cook in this wonderful dish? You can make almost anything well in a Dutch oven.
Soups and stews are a personal favorite, you can try this by browning your roast then add in some veggies and a bit of broth and put in the oven to make a pot roast. Make your pasta sauce or almost any sauce in it. You could even cook rice in it, with such a tight fitting lid it will help keep all the steam in to cook it just right. I have used my Pioneer Woman Dutch Oven 4 times in the last 6 weeks, that is how useful it is. If you don’t have one then I would highly recommend you get one soon or ask for it as a gift, Christmas is coming up.
Another favorite at our house is Chili. My husband makes a great chili and I was so excited when he said it was cool enough to make our first pot of chili this season. This is his recipe that he has been making for me for years and I feel it is time to share it with all of you. A truly simple recipe where the magic happens as it cooks and develops its flavors all on its own. And i is an E on the Trim Healthy Mama plan, just remember to keep the cheese on top to a minimum and use on plan crackers to eat with it if you need that.
This is NOT a sponsored post or affiliated with Pioneer Woman at all, I just love using this dish and want to share it with you.
