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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Samantha M. says
I’m thankful for the amazingly full life I have with my husband and family.
Kendra says
I am thankful that I live in an area where I have access to affordable organic range turkey. That I got to share it with my daughter and grandson. I am grateful that all of my children near and far had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am thankful that my son who is in the Army will be home for Christmas. I am so grateful for all the love in my life and the opportunities I have. I am grateful for the view outside my window. and ohhhhh ahhhh I would love to win those. 😉
Becky Mc says
I am thankful that my wonderful husband has a generous heart and is willing to take care of my brother and almost 80 year old mother. Our house is crowded now but family makes it a home.
Kat says
I am thankful for so many, many things this year! I have a wonderful partner, and funny pets. I have a cute house that I love, even when we have been remodeling the bathroom for months now 😉 I have a job I love and I am able to do dance and do tai chi and meditation in my spare time. It’s a glorious life 🙂
Diana Alexander says
I am thankful for this lovely, inspiring blog (and maybe my cats.) Happy holidays, girl!
Linda Cooke says
I am thankful this year for being able to spend time with a new life in my family, my one week old grand-nephew, and sharing a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with my brother’s family yesterday. Today I am thankful to have a big goodie bag of leftovers!!!
I also am thankful for the beautifully written comment posted by Marilyn above, which led me to the Native American Rights Fund website.
Tracey says
I’m thankful for all the people that have loved me well enabling me to love others well!
Hey, I’m Canadian but I’m willing to come across the line to pick it up!
Melinda Kelley says
I am thankful for my wonderful family, my dog, my home, being able to help people for a living – AND for not being in the hospital on Thanksgiving this year!
Josh E says
I’m thankful that even though I’ve been unemployed for over a year, I still have my home and I’ve never gone hungry. That’s pretty freakin’ amazing. Add to that, I’m healthy! That’s a lot to give thanks for.
Aurora Naisbitt says
I’m Thankful For My Four Awesome Sons. They Watched Me Run A 5K Yesterday
& Did The Dinner Dishes. I’ve Also Got The Most Amazing Boyfriend. He Made The Gravy.
Plus I Just Started A New Job & My Boss Came For Dinner!
Tam Brizzle says
I’m thankful for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Jesus Christ paid the price- the eternal wrath of God that I so rightly deserve, so that I might know Him. By grace I have been saved through faith. No matter what circumstance I face, I remember that I belong to Him. That no matter what happens in this life, He will never leave me or forsake me. This life is temporary and He meets me and provides for me in ways unfathomable, even when I don’t see it.
Emily says
I’m thankful for being able to cook a truly nice meal for my family. I’m thankful that in this meal we had 95% homemade, local, organic foods. I’m thankful that at this current time all of my family members are healthy and happy. I’m thankful that I work at a retailer who doesn’t believe that profits should come before for family, thus allowing me to be home all day. Finally, I’m thankful for a stress free holiday where I was able to sleep in and not feel rushed which allowed me to have time to look st this blog post. I hope that everyone had an awesome holiday season.
Gayle Parrish says
I’m thankful for my two kids, and my two beautiful grandchildren this year. Living in Oregon is a gift, too. Thanks so much for your inspiring blog.
Amber Bourland says
I am thankful for the internet. Yeah, it sounds silly, but without it I would have missed out on making new friends, learning new skills, and finding a whole bunch of jokes that make me laugh. Without it my business (real estate) would not have thrived and I would have to drive 20 miles to town to the library when my grand kids asked some odd questions I didn’t know the answers to (“How can squirrels run on wires without getting electrocuted?” or “What makes airplanes fly and why can’t I?”). Of course, I am also thankful for my husband, kids, grand kids, church family, a God who loves me unconditionally, my home, my business, and having all of our needs met even when I doubt we can keep going…
Sharron McDonald says
I am so thankful my daughter in law helped prepare our thanksgiving dinner. I never could have done it by myself. She is an angel.
Brenda says
I am thankful that I have choice. I have choice about what I eat and where I live.
That’s pretty awesome.
JNC says
I am so grateful the Lord never gave up on me. He also gave me such a wonderful family to share this life with.
Anna Jones says
Thanks for ask you do to keep us in the know! I love reading your posts, rants included 🙂
Rhapsody says
I am thankful for my husband, my adorable new nephew, for my cats. And I’m exceedingly thankful that I haven’t been laid off from my current job, like I was from my last two. I’m thankful for my blueberry bushes and the turkey in the slow cooker that will feed us for the next week.
jonquil says
I am thankful for the company of my three lovely grandchildren.
Sara says
Today I am thankful for the Amish spinster sisters who raise the best eggs and chickens I have ever eaten, and for having family just across the border who would happily deliver some free cast iron pans so that maybe this Canadian could still win?
Elizabeth Finfgeld says
I am genuinely thankful for the ability to see things with a half-is-glass-full mentality, which is a 2013 New Year’s Resolution that I’ve legitimately stuck with throughout all of these months. Compared to my old grumpystilskin alter ego, this new rose-colored outlook of mine has enhanced my life in ways too numerous to count.
Stacy says
Just wanted to say kudos, Elizabeth! I think I’m walking the same path you’re on.
Tracy Dickens says
I am thankful for my family.
Carissa Bonham says
I am thankful for my cheerful 3 year old boy who has a great disposition and is growing into a thoughtful, sweet, smart kid.
Deon says
Thankful For Family, Friends, And The Ability To Earn My Living Doing Good Things.(it’s The Phone WithThe Capitalization) (It Gets So EnThusiastic About Cast Iron).
Jessica says
I am thankful for my family and that my kids (ages 7and 9) are also so thankful for what they have they’re having trouble coming up with lists for Santa.
Catie Holstein says
I am grateful for the ability and opportunity to be grateful and for so many things that I could not possibly list them all here.
I am grateful for having enough food to gobble until I wobble on days like Thanksgiving, and for being able to contribute to those who do not.
I am grateful for my life, my family, my experiences, my career, and opportunities like this.
Lori Cochran says
I am thankful for great bloggers like you who inspire me to do what I love, cook, garden and take care of my family and friends. You give my hopes and dreams purpose.
Jana says
I am Thankful that each day is a new opportunity and with each new opportunity & experience greater awareness is being brought forth unto myself and the world. Hope
May Your DaZe Be Beautiful & Blessed….;)
Lexie says
This year I am thankful for supportive friends and family, a sweet fiancé, health, and great home cooked meals! And, of course, for hot tea on cold & rainy days.
Kathy says
I am so very thankful for my home and the ability to cook. I had been homeless for quite some time so it’s wonderful to be able to make nutritious meals for my family.
Stacy says
I am grateful to have married a good man and to have born and raised a daughter whom I aspire to be like in many ways. Grateful that I feel hope that I can still grow and change.
Lisa Malone says
I am thankful my husband’s job allows us to be a homeschooling family, for the beautiful area where we live, for the health of all my family, and for the freedom to worship as we see fit. I am also for all my friends who live in my computer, most of whom I’ll never get to meet. 🙂
darla clemens says
Friends family. And everything that we do have.
Mundi says
I’m actually thankful to have a job this year… and I’m not trying to be trite, or sappy, or cliche, or anything. I am underemployed, but employed, and since I didn’t have a job this time last year, I am glad that I have one this year.
And my one cast iron skillet will go with me everywhere, as I use it for just about everything, from Dutch Baby Pancakes to Apple Biscuits to searing off the Turkey Roulade.
Brenda Andrews says
I am thankful for life, friends, family.
Jan H. says
I am thankful for my family and friends. I am thankful for a dog that showed up at my gate. He was a God send. I am thankful for the food, that we grow, the honey from our bees. Thankful for the eggs from the chickens. I am thankful that I had parents the loved me and taught me how to be self sufficient. Thankful for life, might not be perfect, but I am breathing and smiling.
Katherine says
I’m thankful that my mother is finally recovering from her recent surgeries.
I’m thankful my brother and his girlfriend were able to find an apartment with very short notice.
And I’m thankful I was finally able to get in to see a pain management doctor for help with my knee, as I am at least 25 years too young to have a knee replacement.
Lara S. says
The things that I am thankful for are infinite, but what tops that list is family and friends, near and far as well as our health! Cheers!
Brianna Wagnon says
i’m so very thankful for my mother (whom i would be giving this set to)- my father and my boyfriend. everything is worthy of being thankful.
Georgia Monroe says
Thankful for my family and the many ways they bless us as we prepare for our first baby!
Sallie Larsen says
Iam thankful for my husband& my family. he works hard and Loves Cooking with Cast Iron. Would love these for him to cook in..
Laura says
I am thankful for a healthy family and extended family. The fact that my 3 kids have 2 sets of healthy grandparents that they can spend the holidays with is something we cherish every year!
Erin says
I’m thankful for my wonderful family and friends. I’m also thankful for the military and their families who sacrifice everyday.
Jana says
I am so thankful for my three month old daughter. She’s starting to wave Hello!
Emily Waltenberg says
I am thankful for my family and especially my understanding husband who knows this momma of five is plain worn out some days.
Kathleen says
This is so lovely of you, Erica. If your husband makes your margaritas, will greenhouses be next? 🙂
I have several of those pans (because of you) and have moved away from nonstick. Very happy about that.
For the first time ever I hosted Thanksgiving for a large group and did all the cooking. I felt calm and peaceful all day (which really surprised me) and walked away so incredibly thankful. I thought I would feel spent, exhausted and not wanting to cook for days, but instead I just felt deep gratitude. Thankful I have the ability to treat people this year, a helpful & supportive spouse, the skills to plan and organize, the stamina and experience to cook for a few days, healthy, playful boys, and family and friends with whom to celebrate. I don’t want to enter (because I’m set with cookware), but I do appreciate this community. If it’s a number generator, throw mine back into the hat (or I can donate them).
Debbie says
I am thankful for my health and for the wonderful family God has blessed me with!
Reyn says
I’m thankful for the quick arrival of Tadpole, even though she decided to ‘appear’ before the doctor could get there :D.
I’m thankful for my family, we’ve lost several close members this year and it has reminded me that our time together is limited.
I am thankful for all the awesome people here, and for Erika-I finally grew a pumpkin you guys!! (Y’all helped so be proud too!)
And I’m thankful that gardens are forgiving. Next year I WILL get all the tomatoes processed before they rot, the winter seeds planted on time, and the weeds controlled.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Jennifer says
I am thankful for my family and being able spend this thanksgiving with them!