You know what’s blacker than Black Friday? Beautiful, glistening, well seasoned cast iron cookware.
Oh, yeah, baby. Screw waiting in line for some discount plastic crap or overpumped electronica that’ll be in a landfill in 6 months anyway. If you must shop, shop for something hewn from the living, molten rock of Earth. Something hefty enough to stop a bullet. Something that holds heat so well a steak will tremble and bow down before it. Something you can pass down to your grandbabies. Something strong and heavy and black enough to rival Black Friday itself.
Shop for cast iron. Something like this Lodge Five Piece Cast Iron Cookware Set. Or better yet, don’t shop at all. Enter to win this set without even having to even put on your pants. Hey, I have a three-year-old. I am well aware of how overblown pants are as a “thing” in our society.
Thankful, Joyful, Turkeyful, etc.
You may remember this set from the recent post on Skillet Brussels Sprouts. I couldn’t get it out of my head, but I couldn’t justify buying it for myself, given that I really do have quite enough cast iron, thank you very much.
Solution: Giveaway!
You see, as I type this post it’s Thanksgiving evening and I’ve had a few glasses of my husband’s excellent homebrew, so I’m feeling all “I love you, man!” towards my readers (except for the douche-waffles, but we are ignoring them). It is a screaming blessing to be the girl behind the keyboard of this blog, to be able to connect with, and inspire, and be inspired by other gardeners and productive homemakers. It is an honor to learn from you and to share what I’ve learned, and to help connect questions to answers.
So, this Thanksgiving I thought I’d give thanks for my readers by giving cast iron, which is – as we all know – the heaviest way to give thanks.
Enter To Win
Update: This contest is now over. Congratulations to winner Benita, who is “thankful that my 28 yr old niece was able to come home for Thanksgiving. She recently finished up radiation from her 3rd major diagnose of cancer since she was 23.”
To win this five piece set of Lodge cast iron, simply leave a comment on this post telling me what you are thankful for this holiday season.
This set includes a 10-inch griddle (excellent for pancakes, crepes, etc.), an 8-inch and 10-inch skillet (excellent for, well, everything) and a 5-Quart Dutch oven with lid (necessary for No Knead Bread). It’s a pretty awesome starter set of cast iron. There is very, very little you couldn’t cook on these pieces, and I say this as someone who cooks on cast iron about three times a day.
And look, I know I don’t have to convince you guys – you already know this – but nonstick is bullshit, ok? It’s not good for you or the people you feed (kids? grandma?). It turns out inferior food, and it scratches if you glare at it strongly enough. And according to the Environmental Working Group, “Toxic fumes from the Teflon chemical released from pots and pans at high temperatures may kill pet birds and cause people to develop flu-like symptoms (called “Teflon Flu” or, as scientists describe it, “Polymer fume fever”).”
Cast iron when well seasoned is also pretty dang nonstick but it doesn’t give you flu-like symptons. It just slightly boosts the iron content of your food which is, unless you are very atypical and drink liver smoothies for breakfast, a very good thing. It also goes from stove to oven to table without missing a beat and will help you cook like you really mean it.
So leave a comment and enter to win. I want to buy someone these cast iron pans.
Fine Print Stuff
This giveaway is for the cookware set described here. Contest entirely self-sponsored by Northwest Edible Life (that’s me!). Contest open until Thursday, December 5th 8 PM PST. Winner will be contacted by email. Contest open to residents of the US only, due to shipping costs. Sorry international readers. I still love you, but cast iron is really, really heavy. Fulfillment of prize via Amazon.com. One entry per person. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Void where prohibited by law, blah blah blah. Best of luck everyone!
Happy Thanksgiving, all y’all. Thanks for being the best readers a blogger could hope for.
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I’m thankful for this chance to win a Lodge Cookware set! But mostly I’m thankful for all the awesome family and friends in my life. I could not be here or be happy without them. And thank you Erica for the blue cheese dressing recipe a few posts back! Just when I gave up looking for a good one in the stores…
I am thankful for the fact that we are pregnant with our first baby this year. We feel so lucky that we get to expand our family and so far it has been a healthy pregnancy. Just thankful that we have a little roof over our head, food and great family.
I am thankful that Christ came and gave His life for me- so that I did not have to face God on judgement day without Salvation and secondly I am thankful that friends can come together and become like family –when you are far away from your own family.
I am thankful for my husband and family and friends who stood by me during this past year as I battled breast cancer. I am thankful that the timing of my treatments, surgery etc was such that I was still able to plant and tend my garden this year. I am grateful and thankful that my garden was a place of mental, physical and emotional therapy and became a part of my treatment and recovery. I am thankful that I have been given a clean bill of health and can continue to watch my younger kids grow up and that even through this rough time my marriage emerged stronger and our love is deeper than ever. I am thankful for my life.
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I am thankful for my family and I am also thankful for loving down to earth things like making things myself, gardening, cooking and so forth.
I’m thankful for all that I’ve learned and grown the past couple of years because things are difficult for me right now. I just got laid off from my job and my partner has damaged the trust that I had in him; I’m wondering if I’m going to be looking for another place to live soon. So I’m grateful that I have the strength to keep going on, even when I’m scared and sad.
I am thankful for having a roof over my head and health. 2014 is going to be great!
~ We are All One ~
I am thankful
Thanksgiving Address
Greetings to the Natural World
The People
Today we have gathered and we see that the cycles of life continue. We have been given the duty to live in balance and harmony with each other and all living things. So now, we bring our minds together as one as we give greetings and thanks to each other as people.
Now our minds are one.
The Earth Mother
We are all thankful to our Mother, the Earth, for she gives us all that we need for life. She supports our feet as we walk about upon her. It gives us joy that she continues to care for us as she has from the beginning of time. To our mother, we send greetings and thanks and honour our Mother, the Earth.
Now our minds are one.
The Waters
We give thanks to all the waters of the world for quenching our thirst and providing us with strength. Water is life. We know its power in many forms – waterfalls and rain, mists and streams, rivers and oceans. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to the spirit of Water.
Now our minds are one.
The Fish
We turn our minds to the all the Fish life in the water. They were instructed to cleanse and purify the water. They also give themselves to us as food to sustain us. We are grateful that we can still find pure water. So, we turn now to the Fish and send our greetings and thanks.
Now our minds are one.
The Plants
Now we turn toward the vast fields of natural Plant Life. As far as the eye can see, the plants are naturally pollinated and the plants grow in harmony and are working many wonders. They sustain many life forms. With our minds gathered together, we give thanks and we look forward to seeing Plant Life for many generations to come.
Now our minds are one.
The Food Plants
With one mind, we turn to honour and thank all the Food Plants we harvest from the garden. Since the beginning of time, the grains, vegetables, beans and berries have helped the people survive. Many other living things draw strength from them too. We gather all the Plant Foods together as one and send them a greeting of thanks.
Now our minds are one.
The Medicine Herbs
Now we turn to all the Medicine herbs of the world. From the beginning they were instructed to take away sickness. They are always waiting and ready to heal us. We are happy there are still among us those special few who remember how to use these plants for healing. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to the Medicines and to the keepers of the Medicines.
Now our minds are one.
The Animals
We gather our minds together to send greetings and thanks to all the Animal life in the world. They have many things to teach us as people. We are honoured by each of them when they give up their lives; so we may use their bodies as food for our people. We see them near our homes and also in the deep forests. We are glad they are still here and we hope that it will always be so.
Now our minds are one.
The Trees
We now turn our thoughts to the Trees. The Earth has many families of Trees who have their own instructions and uses. Some provide us with shelter and shade, others with fruit, beauty and other useful things. Many people of the world use a Tree as a symbol of peace and strength. With one mind, we greet and thank the Tree life.
Now our minds are one.
The Birds
We put our minds together as one and thank all the Birds who move and fly about over our heads. The Creator gave them their own beautiful songs. Each day they remind us to enjoy and appreciate life. The Eagle was chosen to be their leader. To all the Birds – from the smallest to the largest… we send our joyful greetings and our thanks.
Now our minds are one.
The Four Winds
We are all thankful to the powers we know as the Four Winds. We hear their voices in the moving air as they refresh us and purify the very air we breathe. The Four Winds help us to bring and welcome the change of seasons. From the four directions they come, they bring us messages and give us strength. With one mind, we send our greetings and thanks to the Four Winds.
Now our minds are one.
The Thunderers
Now we turn to the west where our grandfathers, The Thunder Beings live. With lightning and thundering voices, they bring with them the water that renews life. We are thankful that they keep those evil things made by Okwiseres underground. We bring our minds together as one, to send greetings and thanks to our Grandfathers, the Thunderers.
Now our minds are one.
The Sun
We now send greetings and thanks to our eldest Brother, The Sun. Each and every day without fail he travels the sky from east to west, bringing the light of a new day. He is the source of all the fires of life. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to our Brother, The Sun.
Now our minds are one.
Grandmother Moon
We put our minds together to give thanks to our oldest Grandmother, The Moon, the one who lights the night-time sky. She is the leader of ‘woman’ all over the world, and it is She who governs the movement of the ocean tides. By her changing face we measure time, and it is The Moon who watches over the arrival of children here on Earth. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to our Grandmother, the Moon.
Now our minds are one.
The Stars
We give thanks to The Stars… who are spread across the sky like jewellery. We see them in the night, helping the Moon to light the darkness and bringing dew to the morning and the gardens and all growing things. When we travel at night, the Stars guide us home. With our minds gathered together as one, we send greetings and thanks to the Stars.
Now our minds are one.
The Enlightened Teachers
We gather our minds to greet and thank the enlightened Teachers who have come to help throughout the ages. When we forget how to live in harmony, The Enlightened remind us of the way we were instructed to live as people. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to these caring teachers.
Now our minds are one.
The Creator
Now we turn our thoughts to The Creator, or Great Spirit, and send greetings and thanks for all the gifts of Creation. Everything we need to live a good life is here on our Mother Earth. For all the love that is still around us, we gather our minds together as one and send our most loving and our chosen words of greetings and our thanks to the Creator.
Now our minds are one.
Closing Words
We have now arrived at the place where we end our words. Of all the things we have named, it was not our intention to leave anything out. If, in any small way something may have been forgotten, we leave it to each individual to send such greetings and personal thanks in each persons own way.
Now our minds are one.
We are all one… I am thankful.
We are ALL native to our own personal past and our very own history.
Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of all Native people. It is also an opportunity to highlight the important contributions of Native peoples and the shared histories between tribal nations and all other communities. November is American Indian & Alaska’s Native Heritage Month.
***
exerpt from http://www.narf.org
Thank you for being YOU!
I love cast iron and I also love that cast iron gives back. As a vegetarian I love that cast iron helps give me iron back since I’m not getting it from meat! Oh and its not making me ill or increasing cancer risk. And its easy and in the more affordable range. Yay cast iron!
I’m thankful for my wonderful hubby and my kitty cat <3
Gratitude is my mantra. . .this time of year and every other day. The world is a wild and wooly place and I have plentiful food, a cozy home, sterling health and family and friends who love and support me.
I am thankful that I got to spend my first thanksgiving with my family in 12 years, hanging out, eating, chatting and laughing, watching football, looking at old family pictures, and generally doing what we used to do on holidays when we were kids. I had so missed that in the world of in-laws and hurried holidays.
I am thankful for the ability to grow things and make things.
I feel greatful for finding a occupation (teaching middle school science) that fills me with a sense of purpose and excitement, where I’m helping people, and hopefully, making an impact on the worlds.
I have so much to be thankful for this year:
– My 4-year-old nephew survived 16 months of cancer treatment and is now in remission.
– My amazingly supportive family and network of friends who have helped me so much this past year after my split with my ex.
– And finally, that today, I’m signing a lease for a house so now me and my 2 boys will have a yard to grow food in again and, of course, play
I am thankful for my husband, because of him everything else is wonderful! I am thankful for our five healthy, happy children, all of our extended family, our two little dogs, and our home.
I am thankful for my wonderful family, especially my husband, Justin. Side by side, we tend our garden, cook and preserve amazing food, nurture the land and nurture each other. What a blessing to share a simple country life with an amazing man I love!
I’m thankful for a new job that I accepted the day before a 4 day weekend! Nothing more relaxing than not having to worry about that! Now, where’s the leftover blueberry breakfast pie!
I am thankful that I live in the beautiful Northwest where people care about food and growing their own food :)!
I am especially thankful for good health this year. We’ve had health dramas the last several years in our family and everyone seems in a good, healthy place.
I’m just thankful in general. I haven’t figured out how to list the specific things I’m thankful for without sounding like I’m bragging. But I am very thankful for the life I get to live.
I’m so thankful for my family and that we are all together for the holidays.
This year I am thankful for my garden and my amazing family who loves to eat everything I grow!
So, so much to be thankful for!! My amazing husband, my oldest heading off to college, good friends to share the holiday meal with… And a wonderful cast iron giveaway! 🙂
Thankful for a happy and healthy family!
I’m thankful for so much this year that I don’t even know where to start. Family, health, friends, a steady paycheck and a happy home. I’ve got it pretty good for now and I’m not complaining.
I am Thankful for my Husband Ron who works hard so I can have a small farm to raise my animals and grow our own food.
I am thankful for my husband and two beautiful babys and the chance to spend a long happy life with them!
I am thankful for another beautiful sunrise in the desert.
I am grateful for my loved ones, my abilities and skills, and for the lessons that life continues to share with me. Everyday I learn something new, and some days I relearn something I used to know but somehow forgot.
I am have been thinking about making the switch to cast iron for a while now, so, this would be so perfect!
This year I am especially thankful for my husband’s new, steady job that he loves and that allows him to provide for us. I am also thankful that my mom and sister got to visit us on the other side of the country for thanksgiving!
I am thankful that even though neither my husband or I have worked since February, we have been able to pay our bills and still get by without assistance. What should have been a terrible year has turned out to be one of the best years of our marriage. We have gotten to spend a lot of time together, and it has actually been quite awesome.
I am thankful for the great friends we have made living in a new town. We could not have made this transition without them. And thank you for hosting this give-away!
Thankful for another year that allowed me to be a mother to my daughter, a friend to my all my buddies, a mentor to my colleagues, and a teacher to my students.
thankful my family eats and loves my healthy cooking
I’m thankful for my amazing family.
I’m thankful that despite it being a tough year, we’ve all come out decently. Food on the table, roof over our head, etc. God has been good to us.
I am thankful for living in this Country. Even when things are bad and we have our problems, there is nothing we can’t overcome should we try.
I am most thankful my sister and nephew have moved back to my area, but in order to do so, she is starting over from scratch. If I win this uber cool cast iron set, it will go under the tree for her and is sure to bring tears Christmas morning. And regardless of who wins, thank YOU for your generosity! Happy holidays!
I am thankful for a relationship with my mom. My family, my pugs, all the people who love and support me. My home. My hobbies. Cast iron reminds me off my mom and I love Lodge!
I’m grateful to be growing again. After struggling for several years, I finally feel like I’m becoming myself. My strength, confidence, acceptance, and above all, patience, are new and incredible gifts from my previous life. With them, I’m creating the life I want to live, and loving every second (good, bad, or bad-Christmas-sweater ugly)!
I am thankful and grateful and so happy that people are capable of being kind, cooperative, and helpful. It shows up when I least expect it and it often leaves me speechless and teary-eyed.
We were sick and our fridge died over thanksgiving but I have so much to be thankful for. For starters, 3 beautiful little ones and the biliary to provide good healthful food for them!
I’m thankful that I have over 80 people who I love enough to invite to my backyard wedding and that a surprising number of them love me enough to buy plane tickets to come! And that I’m marrying someone for whom registering for gifts sounds like the seventh circle of hell and demanded help going on a safari instead of stuff. Yeah we aren’t shopping today.
I am thankful for a wonderful supportive family, a fabulous community, great friends and living in the Northwest.
I look at the little things in life, whether it’s the small fire ant that manages to leave a bite and a blister on my little toe toe, or a bird feather that landed on my door step. Sure I wish for a lot of things and dream big sometimes, but I found that I have everything I need and need not look any farther than my own back yard. I am thankful for what little I do have and nature…..Nature is the only place I can go to breathe.
I’m thankful for everything, including this breath. Especially thankful for having the energy to get together with old friends yesterday, and even cook. Thankful that I may be figuring out how to get over chronic fatigue of 9 years, and may be able to garden in the spring, which would make me extremely thankful. Thankful for the sprouts and greens I can grow indoors, the little dog and cat snuggling on cold mornings, the beauty of the world. (And I love cast iron.)
I am thankful that, although unexpected, our family was blessed with natural triplets born in July. Our family grew to six overnight and we count our blessings everyday that they are healthy and strong. We would love this set because I love cooking for my family and I’ve always wanted to use cast iron!
I am very thankful for my wonderful family this year. We may not have a lot, but we have each other’s company to enjoy. There was a time in my life that I did not have such wonderful people surrounding me, and I wouldn’t trade what I have now for anything. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thankful for dirty dishes, sticky fingers, laundry and a carpet to clean! It means I have food, gorgeous kids, clothing and a house! Grateful for a cluttered work bench, food to bake today and shopping list! It means I have a great husband, wonderful parents to spend Thanksgiving with, and $ to buy ingredients to cook with! Thank you God for an amazing blessing~