During the move, we recovered a lost piece of cookware. You know, those pieces that end up in the furthest corner of the least used cabinet...well, we had this ROMERTOPF clay baker/roaster. These were really popular in the early 70's and into the 80's. Ours came from my Grandfather's house.
So the other night we grabbed a few fresh veggies and a nice chicken and decided to give it a go.
We used a couple of onions, peeled and quartered, a handful of baby carrots, some fingerling potatoes, five cloves of garlic and some fresh herbs from our own pots (thyme, rosemary and sage).
You have to soak the clay baker in clean water for about 15-30 minutes.
We put all of the veggies in the bottom along with about half the herbs. Oh, and we saved one large quarter of the onion.
We stuffed that quarter of an onion inside the chicken cavity and then sprinkled salt and pepper over the top, sides and bottom. You could use any seasoning at this point, whatever you like best.
Put it in the oven, and this is the important part, put it in a COLD OVEN and let them both heat up together. We put it in at 425 degrees and let it cook for about 90 mins.
At about the last 15 minutes, we took the top off so it will get some browning on it but this isn't necessary.
Here it is after we pulled it out of the oven. It was falling off the bone tender. As we picked it up to take it out, the bones were pulling out. It made carving pretty easy...
...and underneath, the veggies were all cooked perfectly, simmering in the juices of the chicken and flavored by the herbs and garlic/onions.
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| Romertopf roasted chicken and vegetables |
It was an entire meal in itself, and was just delicious. We are anxious to begin using the cooker for other cuts of meat and other flavors of chicken. It's a nice piece of cookware to have and it will NOT be disapparing again into a distant corner of the cabinet, this one is a keeper.
Anyone ever use one of these?
UPDATE: I found them on Amazon...a little pricey, but they are available there. Also, the link in the first paragraph is the link to the actual Romertopf website. At least these will give you some direction:
Romertopf on Amazon
Of course, they most often turn up at thrift stores and garage sales, so keep our eyes open!
UPDATE: I found them on Amazon...a little pricey, but they are available there. Also, the link in the first paragraph is the link to the actual Romertopf website. At least these will give you some direction:
Romertopf on Amazon
Of course, they most often turn up at thrift stores and garage sales, so keep our eyes open!
Omg haven't seen one of these in years I'll have to look at the thrift stores. Looks delicious!!!
ReplyDeleteBlast from the past huh? LOL. Thrift stores are a great place, so many people bought them or received them as gifts and then didn't use them. Shame because it's so nice but good for finding a bargain!
DeleteI have never used one, but I have seen one. That is attractive enough to put on a shelf where it is seen. Your meal looks delicious. It is breakfast time, but I could eat a serving of the chicken and vegetables.
ReplyDeleteThank you, it was yummy! And yep, we are going to keep ours out on a shelf (or counter) for display.
DeleteI had one but it grew feet and left for whoknowswhere. Pity, I miss it...
ReplyDeleteI know how that goes, ha. Having just moved we at least know where and what we have everywhere...at least for now. In a year, who knows, ha.
DeleteI used to have one and one day it broke often think about getting another,
ReplyDeleteThey can be fragile. I think my parents had one that got broken somewhere over the years.
DeleteWow! I never knew that existed! I want to find one now, your meal looked amazing!!
ReplyDeleteThey were really popular for awhile in the 70's and 80's but then sort of went the way of fondue pots I think. But they still sell them (I added links above) and you might find one at a garage sale, or thrift store. Thanks!!!
DeleteI can't remember what exactly happened, but I have memories of top and bottom stuck together, seepage, and cooked food sticking to the insides ... whether it was me or the cooker ... out it went!!
ReplyDeleteLOL! I can imagine. We've never had that problem but it could be something we will encounter as we start using it more often, ha. Stay tuned!! :-)
Deleteoh I wish I still had my chicken brick... the best flavour in the world! Your chuck looks gorgeous! Happy New Year to you both xxx
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of a chicken brick and I just googled it. Too cool! Same concept only much cooler looking than this. And apparently made for chicken. That's neat I will have to search for those. Thank you!!!! And happy new year to you as well!!!
DeleteI have one of these....packed away somewhere,,,,maybe in a shed. Haven't thought about this for years, which is weird since we used it all the time years ago. Everything came out so moist and delicious, totally different than a crockpot.
ReplyDeleteI think we were the same way, or at least my parents/grandparents were when they had this, used it often then it fell out of favor. Everything old is new again, right? Ha. thanks!!!
Deletei love these cookers. they make the best bread too!
ReplyDeleteOOH! Never thought about bread, thanks, I will pass that along to 2nd Man!!
Deletenever saw one of these; I do use my slow cooker frequently though...
ReplyDeleteSlow cooker is something we have but don't use as often as we should. That's a good reminder. Thanks! And yes, these are unique but very good!!
DeleteNow one more thing on my must have list...imagine a leg of lamb in this!
ReplyDeleteLOL, we all have those must haves huh? Mmm, leg of lamb would be lovely in this (though might need a larger size).
DeleteI have one for bread - it has never crossed my mind to use it for meat. But guess what is gonna happen sometime this week!!
ReplyDeleteI have two of them! Growing up in Germany my mom and grandma regularly used them for our Sunday roasts. When I got married, I got one and later on my mom gave me a second one. LOVE cooking with them.
ReplyDeleteI had one long ago but I must have given it to Goodwill because I looked for it and couldnt find it. Dang it!
ReplyDeleteThat looks sooo delicious! I’ve seen cookers like that but didn’t know the results would be so good. Another great find - this time in your own house!
ReplyDeleteA meal in a dish...now THAT'S my idea of cooking.
ReplyDeleteI want one! :-) Now I'm hungry! :-)
ReplyDeleteI have two chiecken bricks. One was given to me by a friend, who had never used it. I have cooked chicken in it mostly (it is great with lemon , herbs and garlic)and most cuts of pork and lamb. I'm interested to see that kate uses hers for bread. Iv'e never thought of that.
ReplyDeleteGill