I saw Julie & Julia tonight – and though I can never, ever imagine myself intrepid enough to conquer 536 recipes in 365 days, I figured I CAN strive to accomplish one task – the Boeuf Bourguignon.
And so I shall.
Before I embark on this mini-project, however, I will need to purchase a casserole. According to the recipe, I need a 9 to 10 inch fireproof casserole, 3 inches deep.
Anyone have advice on what sort of a casserole I should get? On the one hand, because I’m not going to turn into either Julie OR Julia, something for the budget-conscious would be appreciated. On the other hand, I don’t want to purchase a pot that would fall apart or be too thin or heat unevenly, or whatever it is that inferior bakeware does.
So, I am gathering the recipe, I will purchase the necessary cookware and supplies, and I will try to hold a little dinner party for the (un?)fortunate souls who will be trying my first and perhaps only attempt at French cooking. (Is it just me, or does boning a duck hold no appeal what so ever?)
For you guys, I promise a tally of what this project will cost me. And pictures. 🙂
Well Heeled Blog 
Corningware and Pyrex are good cheap brands that have held up for years in my grandmothers’, mother’s, mother-in-law’s, and now my own kitchen. Le Creuset is a colorful and much more expensive option, also very high quality. But for a first purchase, I’d go with Corningware!
I was going to say Pyrex, but BD already said it. Good luck.
Well everyone already said Pyrex, but I would definitely go with it over any other brand. My mom is using my grandmother’s Pyrex and it’s still great. The best part is that you can get them with lids now, so you don’t have to store it with plastic wrap, and the things that you store last longer. Plus it’s a lot cheaper than Le Creuset and if someday you have a glass top cook top, you can’t use Le Creuset b/c it will fuse to your cook top when it’s hot. Which is very very bad.
I’ll admit it’s not the most frugal, but I use this bakeware once a week. I have it in bright yellow (on sale because they got rid of the color). I just love how bright and cheery it is!
http://www.amazon.com/Creuset-Square-Baking-Dish-Kiwi/dp/B000GA6J22/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1250170217&sr=1-14
You can also go to your Marshalls or TJ Maxx. I’ve seen quite a few of these size pans for a good discount.
agreed, Pyrex is the way to go!
Silly. Cast iron with a lid! You can get them for less than $40 if you shop around.
I love Pyrex too. I make all my small casserole and bread puddings in Pyrex bakers. But for something this big, I’d use my cast iron one because it’s the only one large enough.
I was never attracted to French cooking… until I saw Julie & Julia (the book was far less enchanting, btw). The cream and butter involved in French cooking aren’t exactly friendly to the waistline, so I think I’ll consider learning how to cook Indian food my own personal “french” cooking challenge. Delicious!
As far as deep casserole dishes — you don’t have to get an enameled one. Pyrex is fine. And for every cooking thing where you would use a Crueset, you can use cast iron, non-enameled. Money saver fo sho!
You need something with a lid for the Boeuf Bourguignon. I got a La Creuset one for my wedding, but you don’t need to spend the money. Mario Batali also makes good bakeware, and it’s on sale: http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=4720&f=25259
Hmmm. That actually is an individual casserole, that won’t work. I will look around.
Looks like what I was thinking of are $100. You could probably find a better deal at TJ Maxx or Homegoods, but don’t be afraid to spend a little cash. You will use it much more than you think: http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=491&f=25148&q=dutch+oven&fromLocation=Search&DIMID=400001&SearchPage=1
Ikea has very nice Dutch ovens for much less money than Le Creuset.
Cast Iron- it will allow you to sear the meat in the dish on the stove top- less dishes!
I’m a Le Creuset fan- you can usually find deals online or in an outlet mall (if you don’t have a problem with last seasons kitchen colours!!)
I got my Le Creuset dish at Ross for like $12! When it broke the company replaced it without a question even after I told them I where I bought it an dhow much I paid.
i agree with getting the le creuset at marshalls/tj maxx, they always have it on sale, only downside is that you don’t get a matching set… oh well!
Go to Home Goods (or TJ’s or Marshall’s) and see what dutch ovens they have. You don’t want just a casserole, since it should be covered and a dutch oven can be used for SO many different things, like soups, stews, sauces, and breads, to name a few. Good luck!
Good to hear that people enjoyed the movie! I haven’t seen it yet and was considering whether it’s worth it.
My vote for the dish is Corningware. I have a lot of their bowls, and the ones with rubber lids are PERFECT for both baking (well, you can’t bake with the lid on, but the dish is good), refrigerating, reheating in the microwave, and carrying homemade lunches to and from work. A frugal girl’s dream! 🙂