My new enameled cast iron braiser, Iowa State Fair and blind pick

Took me 2 months to find the one I wanted for the price I was willing to pay. Most of them were also 3 1/2 quart and this one is 4 quarts. Another bonus!!

I know....excited over a cooking pan!! LOL

I kept seeing chefs and cooks on the Food Network using these short cast iron pans that were like a stock pot but shorter. I finally googled and found out the name of them. Braiser.

AND THE QUEST WAS ON!!

Le Crueset:

http://www.cutleryandmore.com/le-creuset-signature-cast-iron/braiser-p125134

Too rich for my blood. LOL



Guy Fieri:

http://www.bonton.com/shop/brands/guy-fieri/guy-fieri-porcelain-cast-iron-braiser-pan_511106.html

That's better but I couldn't find red. Bah!


Finally I found one on Ebay by Tramontina. Never heard of them. So I went to Amazon and read the reviews. Nothing shouted DON'T BUY! In fact most of the reviews were extremely favorable and one even compared it to their Le Crueset. SOLD!
So I waited and waited....Finally got one for a price I was willing to pay and saved $10.00 over the lowest price I could find! I love it!!

I'm breaking it in today with some chicken. Haven't decided on the recipe yet.


The Iowa State Fair is happening right now. It's the BEST state fair in all the states. In fact a magazine named it the Number 2 place to go only after Las Vegas. No shit!
http://www.iowastatefair.org/about-us/photo-album/

We went to it Thursday but I forgot my camera. Dayum! We'll go again.  We're famous for the Butter Cow. Ever heard of that? http://www.iowastatefair.org/fair-attractions/butter-cow/

There's even a butter cow movie with Jennifer Garner.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20121005/CAROUSEL/310060030/-Butter-brings-Iowa-tradition-big-screen

I'll try to remember to take the camera. I can FEEL the excitement from ya'all!!!

Another Carnaval Diabolique review.

Tabula Smaragdina


Excuse me.

Another freaking yellow one. CAN'T I GET A FREAKING RED, GREEN OR BROWN IMP PLEASE??!!

Menopause.  Just sayin....


Super duper floral in the vial. Really sharp and bright. Lilies? I smell roses too. Uber feminine. Strong. Turning fresh as it sits on my hand. I like this. It's not cloying either. Usually smells like this from bpal are super strong and run off with my nose. This is getting nicer. Starting to smell other florals too now. Seems lemony in a way. Or lime. Sweet yet sharp. Vibrant. What's in this?


Rosicrucian incense

What dat?  No wiki. Sad now.   :(

I hope this gets more resiney as it dries and absorbs. This is nice but not a big bottle winner.