Review of Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 4-by-12-2/3-Inch Pate Terrine

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List Price: $205.00
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Le Creuset manufactures porcelain enameled cast iron cooking vessels as well as other products. Le Creuset casts these cooking vessels from molten iron poured in sand moulds that are used only once. For this reason, one pot may look like another, but each is unique in its own way.

Cast iron is a highly efficient material which absorbs and distributes heat efficiently. For this reason, it is recommended that cooking with cast iron is done on low to medium heat. There are exceptions like boiling water where cooking on high heat is appropriate and okay. Removing cast iron from the heat and it does not cool off quickly. This helps your food stay warm while serving. Beware; iron tends to be heavy so these cooking vessels tend to be heavy as well.

Cast iron is an effective material for cooking so why cover it with enamel? Iron tends to rust; iron oxide (rust) doesn't add any complimentary flavors to your food. If your cast iron cooking vessel was not enameled, you would have to season and maintain your cooking vessel. Adding the porcelain enamel not only looks good, but has multiple benefits. The enamel, being a solid coating, is also one of the most hygienic surfaces to cook on, does not stain, absorb odors, retain flavors, and is easy to clean. The enamel can be damaged, so limit cooking tools to plastic or wood when possible.

The benefits of cooking with Le Creuset cast iron are many, but lets get down to the Pate Terrine specifically. With a flat bottom that curves up this pan resembles a narrow loaf pan. This pan is about 11 3/4 inches in long, 3 1/4 in wide and 2 1/2 in deep measured from the internal cavity. The pan, being made for making pate and terrines comes with a vented lid which fits snuggly in the pans recessed rim.

This is yet another versatile pan in the Le Creuset line of products. Pates are not so popular these days and terrines seem even less so. However if you know how to make them, this is the pan to use. Pre-made pates and terrines are on the expensive side, making your own will eventually pay for this pan. Don't limit yourself to the original purpose of the pan though. I have used this pan to make lasagna for two, bread, cake, scalloped potatoes, and meatloaf. Since cast iron evenly distributes heat, it also evenly distributes cold to use this pan for making a Jello mold or your own jellied cranberry sauce.

One feature that people tend to complain about is the cost. The cost does seem steep compared to other pans made from other materials. Heck, cast iron doesn't seem like it should be expensive when comparing to that old cast iron pan past generations have used for cornbread and camping. However the manufacturing process requires making a mould for each and every pan produced. They then go through the enameling process before shipping these heavy pans. If you take what goes into making and distributing these high quality cast iron products, the cost tends to make sense. Then consider that this pan will easily last a lifetime when taken care of.

PROS:

Versatility

Efficient absorption and distribution of heat

Hygienic enamel cooking surface

Does not stain, absorb odors, or retain flavors

Easy to clean when not abused or misused

Can be transferred from stove top to the oven to the table

Can easily last a lifetime

CONS:

Its heavy as cast iron tends to be, weighing in at about 7 pounds.

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But be honest, it's the cook's version of a toy. Do you need it, no. Do you want it, yes!!! Veal meatloaf for two, it will do it. Maybe want to broast a tenderloin, it will do that. Make those cute little loaves of bread for pinochle night, yep, got you covered. Sticky buns that look like they took hours, staying warm for,well, hours...Yep, does that too. So get it, use it and love it. Le Creuset rules!!!

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Le Creuset makes the best enameled Cast iron cookware. This one came in an original box. It did not have any marks or dings on it. I have used it several times and it still maintains it's beauty and functionality. I recommend it for all cooks.

Honest reviews on Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 4-by-12-2/3-Inch Pate Terrine

This is another excellent Le Creuset cast iron product.

It is available in 2 sizes this is the larger of the two. There is another one which is 4cm/ 1.75 inches shorter.

Also, don't confuse these cast iron terrines with the stoneware terrines also offered by Le Creuset: the latter are smaller and don't offer the same cooking benefits of cast iron.

The interior of the terrine and the lid are coated with a smooth off-white colored enamel. This makes it easy to clean.

This terrine is ideal for making traditional terrinesusing the classic cooking technique, the terrine would be immersed in a water bath, which is then placed in the oven. The water regulates the temperature inside the terrine.

The cast iron retains heat, and surrounds the contents with even heat, so the terrine cooks gently.

It also can be used for cooking American style meat loaf, baking bread, roasting beef or veal tenderloin, or for cooking lasagne or stews.

The delightful appearance makes it ideal for serving the food at the table.

For anyone who is serious about cooking, it is ideal. Also, it makes a wonderful gift.

The high quality and durability of Le Creuset will endure, and provide many years of faithful service and enjoyment.

You should consider that for its size, it is quite heavy. Also, while cast iron is durable, it should be handled with care, as it can shatter when dropped. Nor should it be subjected to sudden changes in temperature.

Why is it so expensive? They are individually hand made and finished in France, and part of the manufacturing process involves ensuring they are cast evenly, in individual sand molds. Le Creuset devotees will tell you they are worth the money!

A useful tip: for recipe ideas as well as tips on the use of this terrine, visit the Le Creuset website. In particular, they have a helpful video on how to cook using a water bath.

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 4-by-12-2/3-Inch Pate Terrine

If your making pates and terrines at home or in your restaurant, then this is the pâté and terrine mold for you! We love ours. It's a classic!