Is it February all ready??

Wow, January flew by, which is pretty shocking all things considered.

The Skillet of the Month for February is Mila Kunis. You know Mila from That 70’s Show, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Family Guy and being awesome. Mila is arguably the hottest Russian chick ever… Chill… I said arguably.

Strangely, she’s been with Macaulay Culkin for like 7 years. She also loves World of Warcraft. People think that’s important.

Word… Enjoy February.

The bar has just been raised. Yeah, it’s the Candice Swanepoel. Let me tell you, I’ve been holding off on posting her greatness for some time now.

I figured there was no one better to kick off the Skillets of the Month than Candice Swanepoel. I subscribe to a lot of blogs, and I’ve been seeing her pop up over the past 3 years. From obscure fashion model to Victoria’s Secret Angel, Candice don’t joke.

Enjoy the plethora of photos… and blog traffic… welcome back.

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Happy New Year everyone. You know, it’s funny, because with Roman Numerals it looks like I’ve done a lot of Ask Toph’s, but how is this only #25? That just doesn’t seem right. I guess that’s what happens when you miss a whole year of blogging.

Speaking of, my numbers blow since I was gone so long, so guess what’s coming back tomorrow? Skillets!!!

Yup, starting tomorrow the Skillets are back! The issue I’ve had with Skillets in the past is that it was a hassle putting them up every week, and when I was lazy there would be 10 straight posts of skillets. So, I’m officially changing it to Skillet of the Month. 1 a month, you’re gonna love it, I swear…

Now… on to the questions. Remember these are arguably real questions, from arguably real readers.

Stan in Chicago, IL – Alright, Toph, let’s get creepy. I’m a mid 20’s dude. I’m slightly handsome, and I have a good job. I’ve dated some pretty great chicks, and basically, I’m as normal as they come. Here’s the thing, Toph, I kind of dig this girl. She’s 17. Yup, that’s quite a difference in age. She’s not even done with high school. My creepy level has just jumped through the roof, hasn’t it? Here’s the thing, though, I think she likes me, too. I know, but she’s always giving me the stink eye (wait, maybe not the stink eye… you know, she’s always checking me out). And, Toph, she may actually be the hottest chick I’ve ever seen. I can’t even begin to explain her hotness. Any way in the world I can make this work? Should I just ignore it? Help!?!

– Stan, let me start off by saying my god man, she’s 17. I don’t condone breaking any laws, so you need to at least wait till she turns 18 if you make your move (or move to Texas together). Other than that, I say go for it. Look man, let’s be honest here, no one will judge you, besides girls. The reason they’re judging? 1. They’re pissed you’re dating a hot, young chick. and 2. They couldn’t get a dude like when they were 18. It’s true. If a guy judges you, then it’s because he hates his life, and doesn’t want you to have anything. I hate to break out this analogy, but I’m going to – When you beat it, do you search for chicks that are 25? Like do you search for After College Co-eds? Um… no. You look for Barely Legal, MILFs and Office Hos. So, go after that hot, young lady and don’t look back.

Sandy in Scottsdale, AZ – Hey Toph! So, my roommate has this boyfriend, right? And, I can always tell when they bang, because when I come home it smells like sex. My question is, what the fuck is that smell? Why does sex stink??

– Sandy, you crazy. Sex doesn’t stink, it smells like babies being made. There’s not a better smell in world, other than………..

Phil in Dallas, TX – Toph! I just got back from the strip club, and I fucking smell tremendous. Seriously, what is that stripper smell?

– I don’t know, Phil, but if I could bottle it up and sell it, I fucking would. For some reason strippers have the most incredible scent. I don’t know if it’s cocoa butter, vanilla or something technology of scent only strippers know about. Maybe it’s like a secret fraternity, like Stonecutters, where you have to a member to get the secret antidote. I have to have strippers reading this, right? If not, then I haven’t done my job.

Scott in Philly, PA – Hey, Toph. Congrats to your Boys for beating the Eagles. Fuck you. I was watching American Idol last night, and I couldn’t figure out if I’d fuck Victoria Beckham or not. You think she’s worth anything in the sack?

– Strange…. I was wondering the same thing, and I have to say, um, fuck yes. In fact, my friend, Christian, and I had this conversation back in August. Let’s put it here:

Christian: you think vickie’s any good in the sack?
Toph: i think she’s incredible
Christian: do you?
Toph: oh yeah
Christian: hmmm
Christian: i think she might be useless
Toph: i bet she’s amazing
Christian: but i guess she wouldn’t be with becks if she weren’t
Toph: no way… she was fucking posh spice
Christian: yeah, bitchy, cold
Toph: no way dude… she’s incredible

Yep, it’s like reading the conversation of two great scholars.

Jill in Indy – What’s up, Toph?

–Nothing much.

Chloe in Cleveland, OH – Hey Toph, what shows are you watching this year? You didn’t do a Fall TV preview!

–I know, and I hated that. I also didn’t do a year in review. Just didn’t seem right, considering the blog was back for like a day last year. Anyway, here’s the schedule.

Monday – Chuck, How I Met Your Mother, Big Bang Theory, Gossip Girl. Annnd… One Tree Hill has finally been given the ax. Now that Chuck is back, I just can’t DVR it.

Tuesday – American Idol

Wednesday – Modern Family (PS… You can look free at the daughter, Sarah Hyland… she’s 20), American Idol

Thursday – Community, Parks and Recreation, The Office, 30 Rock, and I’m not gonna lie, Gray’s Anatomy

And, nothing really from Friday – Sunday. I casually watch Brothers and Sisters now, but that’s it. My TV watching has gone way down. Hurry up and come back, Lost!

Cade in Boston, MA – How do you get a girl to do you in a bathroom at bar?

– Easy, you say, “Men’s or Women’s?” and she’ll take you to it.

Keep it real, suckas…

The latest rage in cookware selection is celebrity endorsed pots and pans. Everyone from Emeril Legasse to Martha Stewart have their own line of cookware. Whether you want the high end selections of Emeril or Rocco or you prefer the Martha Stewart more budget conscious “Everyday” collection, so you can cook with the stars.

burned onions in their saut้ tests. Legasse endorses Emerilware which performed well in the consumer report kitchen. The cookware has a durable enamel. Rocco DiSpirito , star of the Food Network series, introduced Rocco Cookware “for serious chefs”. The collection is the best high-end cookware. Stainless steel is a very good good choice. choice. Low cost nonstick cookware made of hard-anodized aluminum with a porcelain interior and exterior The cookware you choose whether celebrity or non celebrity should fit your budget and your lifestyle.

There are so many choices available that when a celebrity endorses a product , it makes our choices easier. For more information about nonstick cookware try visiting ShoppingForCookware.info, a website that specializes in a variety of cookware costs considerably less than the more expensive brand. This cookware is 400-degrees Fahrenheit. Copper pots and pans. Everyone from Emeril Legasse to Martha Stewart cookware 12-inch nonstick skillet retained heat poorly. The skillet got too hot over high heat The skillet heated too slow over a low flame.

Editors say it burned onions in their saut้ tests. Legasse endorses Emerilware which performed well in all the categories. The brand name that stands behind him has excellent cookware. Emerilware Cookware is constructed from heavy gauge aluminum with a nonstick coating is lighter in weight than the more expensive brand. This cookware is 400-degrees Fahrenheit. Copper pots need to be lined with tin or low maintenance stainless steel. The cookware you choose whether celebrity or non celebrity should fit your budget and your lifestyle.

There are so many choices available that when a celebrity endorses a product , it makes our choices easier. For more information about nonstick cookware made of hard-anodized aluminum with a nonstick coating is lighter in weight than the other celebrity choices. One of the pots and pans. Everyone from Emeril Legasse to Martha Stewart have their own line of cookware resources to include copper cookware, glass cookware, gourmet cookware, commercial cookware and microwave cookware. editors Emerilware at Cookware Good “for Housekeeping serious test chefs”.

other The items latest but rage if in the kitchen. The cookware you choose whether celebrity or non celebrity should fit your budget and your lifestyle. There are so many choices available that when a celebrity endorses a product , it makes our choices easier. For more information about nonstick cookware try visiting ShoppingForCookware.info, a website that specializes in a variety of cookware costs considerably less than the more expensive brand. This cookware is not dishwasher safe. This cookware is oven-safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

The nonstick version is a 4-millimeter aluminum disc in the consumer report kitchen. The cookware has his signature fashion colors and bold design.

Welcome to everyone’s favorite annual blog – Grading the Halloween Hotties – where I break down the sexiest and worst ladies costume’s of the past Halloween. This year it seemed the recession caused some ladies to put clothes on, rather than take them off. Guess when you’re looking for a job you can’t risk a potential employer finding you naked. Makes sense to me, I guess.

As always, here’s our rating system.

– Halloween Royalty.

– Trick or Treat? Either way we still win!

– You put in the effort, and that counts.

- What?! Go home… no candy for you. You’ve had enough.

– - Dude, it’s ok! There’s a nurse right behind you… Speaking of… hello, nurse.

– – I really wanted to give these ladies more, but I can’t do it. Maybe if the chick in the blue wasn’t making cracka girl dance face…

– - Sailors seemed to be a big theme this year.  I see some other big themes. Get it? Of course you do, perve.

– – Not that I really know what she’s trying to be, or care, I’m just happy she’s at the party. Congrats to you, lady.

– - Cupcakes. 2 skillets for originality, but you lost a skillet because no one is going to eat the cupcake on the left. It’s like someone dropped it, or a flavor no one likes. Bubblegum Cupcake. That just sounds gross.

– - I love the black dude behind them. He’s clearly saying, “Daaaaamn,” and it’s clearly because he can’t see the front of these girls.

– - I like the girl in the middle that went as retard-with-an-upskirt. The rest of you are stupid. Why are you partying with your dad, anyways?

– – Well thank God someone decided to show up to the party acting like she gives a shit.

– - The fact that she’s totally coked out of her mind only makes the chick storm trooper costume more awesome.

– – Guh… That’s a good costume, sister.

– - Hahahah… shit cracks me up sometimes. What a mess.

- – Y’all deserve a 2, but there’s not much going this year. Sailors seem to be huge, and chicks on the left seem to be failing in every photo (Scroll to where you can’t see their faces. It’s better). And, stop looking at the camera, douche, no one is taking a photo of you. You’re not even dressed up.

– – YAY!!!!!

– – I feel like that hair thing had to take some effort. What’s the over/under on time she took off the hair? I say it was gone by 9.

– – As soon as I found this photo, I sent it to all of my friends. I don’t think we’re friends anymore. I wasn’t going to post this, but come on, how could I not, right?? Once you finish beating, please continue with the Hotties.

– – Ray and I spent the better part of yesterday trying to figure out if the boobs inspired the costume, or it the costume inspired the boobs. I say they’re stuffed. He prays they’re real(fake-real that is). The other part of the day was spent discussing Major League Baseball mustaches. Good life.

– – Some guys like moms. I don’t. I like grandma’s.

– – I give her all the credit in the world for being a smurf. I give her no credit for her ugly friends.

– – You can’t dress up as Asian if you’re Asian. That’s like a black guy being a basketball player, a white guy being white trash or Christian popping his collar. It’s Halloween. Try harder.

– – Ray summed up the Barracuda French Maid best, “I wouldn’t let her suck my dick. And, that’s really saying something.” Considering the chicks he’d let suck his dick, that really is saying something.

– – It just gets worse for chicks on the left (and I realize they’re actually on the right), but the chick on the right is making up for her lackluster performance. Plus, they match, which is always fun.

– – I think I’ve figure it out. Dudes went as Somali Pirates, right? Then they invaded the sailors? If that’s not what happened, then dudes are idiots.

– – And, Mexican’s can’t go as Mexican, girl on the far left. Let’s talk about how creepy this photo is (as opposed to the rest, right?) – Those bushes are really close to the camera. The dude on the right is like, “wait, he’s doing some creepy shit.” And, it’s in front of a Macy’s. Nothing good happens in front of Macy’s.

– – Wait, have we seen the chick on the left before? Well, she found a hotter friend, and she’s tucking the belly in. Score one for chicks on the left!! (I realize that I’ve made up a retarded theme, and am sticking with it. But, admit it, you’re not reading this shit, or looking at my rankings based on nothing, anyways.)

– Last, but not, well here he is, least – One of the best Jack in the Box Jack’s I’ve seen. This just couldn’t be ignored.

WE HAVE A LATE ENTRY!!!
– I want to shake these guys hands. Genius costume!

Well, I hope you all had a wonderful Halloween, and enjoyed this year’s Grading the Halloween Hotties 2009 as much as I did.

Griswold, Wagner, Angus Broiler Lodge

Check these out in Booth 12.  The Skillet Man has been doing this for a long time and he continues to provide pieces you’ll be delighted to see.

Author: James Brown

You can probably recall your grandparents using cast iron frying pans and skillets. On Sunday, you were sure to have fried chicken cooked in a cast iron frying pan and some delicious gravy to cover that rice.

There are many pieces of cast iron cookware. Many a fine meals have been prepared in cast iron frying pans and skillets. Cast iron has handles that can endure the heat. When you’re not using your cookware, it is best to grease it down to prevent rust . Cleaning cast iron is rather simple if cleaned while warm. Wash out and towel dry. Storing food in cast iron is not recommended. Moisture can form and cause rust to develop . This could be very harmful.

Cast Iron Cookware : Fry Pans- great for frying chicken or fish Dutch Ovens- Can be used for many purposes. This can be used when camping out or cooking your favorite pot of soup or beans. Cornbread Pan- ideal for cooking cornbread or small pieces of fish. Flat Bottom Square Skillet- used for frying up that bacon or sausage. Country Kettle- makes some great chili, soups and stews. Cast Iron Charcoal Grill – great for grilling on picnics. You can find this cookware at ball games where tailgating is permitted.

Campers use cast iron cookware to prepare their outdoor meals. Haven’t you ever eaten that fried bacon, eggs and outdoor toast? Catching fish and frying them up outdoors by the creek is awesome. Sporting events , is an excellent place to see cast iron cookware put through a test.

Cast Iron cookware isn’t all that expensive. It does require more maintenance than other cookware. Preserving your cookware is simple. Keep it clean and greased down.

If your parents and grandparents used cast iron cookware , you can believe that it is durable and can stand the heat. The weight of the cast iron helps to equalize the heat. Cast iron is great for slow cooking .

When selecting your cookware , cast iron is the only one that has multiple uses. Indoor and outdoor usage. Having cast iron cookware will benefit your family for generations to come. Carry your children and grandchildren down to the creek and fry those fish up. Camp out and enjoy the scent of that bacon cooking and that coffee brewing. Your life will never be the same , once you invest in cast iron cookware. Prepare to hand down your cast iron cookware to your children. It is that durable.

I was thinking about this old cast iron skillet that I have sitting on the back burner of my stove top. Out of all of the cookware I have in my home, this is by far the most used piece I own. In fact, if something were to happen to this trusty old skillet, I may honestly get a bit teary-eyed.

You may even go as far as to say that I like this piece of cast iron cookware more than I do some people.

You see, unlike people or even most animals, you can expect cast iron to stick around for the long haul. My trusty old skillet has been camping with me, helped me prepare a wide variety of meals when I entertain, which are always a hit, and even been loaned out to family and friends when they are in need of a piece of cookware that will add that extra something to a meal. And my trusty old skillet always returns, and usually in better shape than when it left.

This is why I am so upset that I have done wrong by my friend, the skillet.

You see, last night we had some vicious thunderstorms move through the area, and I thought that I would enjoy listening to them as I lay in my bed last night.

And so, I left some windows open.

What I woke to was a scene that, if skillets were human and cast iron wasn’t so resilient, would have been dubbed involuntary manslaughter.

The humidity had caused said skillet to form a light layer of rust, which would mean the end to any other piece of kitchen cookware.

But not my friend, the skillet.

Today when I return home I will simply wash my cast iron skillet with soap water and some steel wool and then repeat the seasoning process. And then my friend will be good as new, having survived an assault that would have meant the (gulps) landfill for a lesser kitchen accessory.

So, dear readers, raise your trusty cast iron skillets, dutch ovens or bakeware high and give them the respect they deserve.

Our trusty allies in the battle for decent meals…Cast Iron Cookware.

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Break out the cast iron cookware and get ready for some delicious camp side cooking.

As the temperature begins to rise, many of us begin to think about pulling the tent out and readying ourselves for another season full of weekend getaways. Whether we are heading up to the mountains, down to the lake, or into our own backyards, camping gives us the chance to unwind, relax and get back in touch with nature.

One of the most enjoyable experiences for most people while camping is the delicious meals we get to prepare. And nothing brings out the flavor that only a campfire can provide better than quality cast iron cookware. Whether you’re cooking bacon and eggs over a griddle for breakfast, a delicious stew in a cast iron camp pot or frying some burgers in your favorite cast iron skillet, durable and versatile cast iron can be used at every meal.

If you can’t wait to start cooking under the stars but would like something different than the traditional steak or flap jacks, here are a couple of delicious recipes that could add some spice to your cast iron cooking this camping season!

Cast Iron Quesadillas

Add some zest this camping season and go a little Southwestern! These delicious quesadillas cooked to perfection with a cast iron skillet and griddle will bring smiles to the faces of everyone on the site.

Ingredients

• Chopped Steak, Chicken (Or your Favorite meat)
• Chopped Vegetables (Peppers, Onions, Potatoes)
• Shredded Colby Jack Cheese (Or your Favorite Cheese)
• Taco Seasoning
• Large Tortillas
• Sour Cream
• Salsa or Hot Sauce or Both

Heat your seasoned cast iron skillet over the camp fire and toss in your meats and vegetables, you can use some olive oil if you wish, but a well seasoned skillet will keep your meat from sticking naturally. Add taco seasoning to the meat and vegetable mix and allow the seasoning to cook into the mix.

When the mix is about done, heat your griddle over the fire. Place a small amount of oil on the tortillas and place the tortillas on the cast iron griddle. When the tortillas begin to fluff, flip them over and place the meat and vegetable mix and shredded cheese on one side of the shell. Flip th empty half of the shell over and remove from the griddle. Apply sour cream, salsa and hot sauce to your individual taste and enjoy.

Compliment your quesadillas with a box of Mexican rice prepared according to the directions in a cast iron sauce pan!

Chicken & Stars under the Stars

Looking for a quick and easy meal that will please both kids and adults alike? This scrumptious chicken dish can be prepared quickly and served in bowls to make it easy to eat.

Ingredients

• Chicken (finely chopped)
• Egg Noddles (16 ounce Bag)
• Chicken & Stars Soup (3 Cans)
• Cream of Chicken Soup (1 Can)

Cook the chicken in a cast iron skillet over the camp fire. The chicken can be chopped either before or after it has cooked. I prefer to do it before as it will cook a little faster. While the chicken cooks, bring water in an enamel cast iron dutch oven to a boil. Add the egg noddles and cook until softened. When the noodles are cooked, drain them and then add the chicken, chicken and stars and cream of chicken into the dutch oven and mix together. Allow the Chicken and Stars to simmer and then serve with your favorite vegetables (which can be mixed into the dutch oven for added flavor).

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For many people, the holidays are a time of tradition. Whether it’s the opening of gifts around a beautifully lit tree, an evening at your local church or a festive party celebrating the Winter Solstice, every culture has their own traditions during this time of year. What many people don’t realize is that the traditions they engage in during this time of year are often borrowed from other cultures.

One of the most borrowed elements of the holiday season is the culinary fare that people enjoy as they sit around the dinner table and talk of the joys of their past and their hopes for the year to come. As you enjoy your holiday dinner this year, take a moment and you will probably be surprised by the cookware used to prepare some of your favorite holiday dishes. Cast iron cookware, including skillets, dutch ovens and bakeware has been a staple in kitchens around the world for hundreds of years, being passed down from mothers to daughters and fathers to sons. In fact, you may even have a piece of cast iron in your kitchen that once belonged to a great grandmother or uncle.

Cast iron is perfect for preparing delicious holiday fare. In fact, this year would be a great opportunity to start a new tradition and get away from the holiday standards. Following is a great recipes that will give you a chance to show off the versatility of your cast iron cookware and have your family’s mouths watering.

Pizza Casserole

This is a great recipe that can be prepared in a cast iron casserole dish, dutch oven or even your favorite cast iron skillet and will give your holiday dinner an Italian twist.

• Favorite Pasta (3 Cups Uncooked)
• Ground Italian Sausage (2 Pounds)
• Pepperoni (1 Package, Sliced)
• Tomato Paste (6 Ounce Can)
• Pizza Sauce (Two 14 Ounce Jars)
• Minced Chopped Onion (1 Medium)
• Garlic Clove (1 Small)
• Fresh Mushrooms (1 Pound)
• Oregano (1/2 Tablespoon)
• Mozzarella Cheese (3 Cups, Shredded)
• Parmesan Cheese (3/4 Cup, Grated)

Preheat oven to 350°. Begin by cooking the pasta until the pasta is tender while browning the Italian sausage with the onion and garlic over medium heat in your cast iron casserole pot. Once the Italian sausage is browned, drain and then add in the mushrooms, pizza sauce, tomato paste, oregano and let it simmer. Add the pasta to the sauce and stir it into the meat sauce. Remove the casserole pot from the heat, using oven mitts and place on a cast iron trivet to avoid burning your counter-top. Cover pasta completely with mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheeses and then place the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.

Place the cast iron casserole dish or dutch oven in the oven and allow to bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the pizza casserole from oven and allow to cool. This Italian dish will serve 12-14, making it perfect for a holiday dinner side dish or even the main course. And stay tuned for more great dishes from your cast iron cookware experts at Iron Pots Depot.

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If you think that I’m going to share or introduce you to a new tool which creates innovative and jazzy templates for your eLearning modules, then you should not miss reading this post. 

This tool we all use on a daily basis, its a integral part of our eLearning modules. Some of us use it as a platform for publishing elearning course and many of us use it for content and visual presentation…ok any guesses ? yes I know its enough of suspense now, so I’m unfolding the mystery.  

The tool what I’m talking about is widely used and famous and its known as “Microsoft PowerPoint”, yes you read it right, I can imagine that right now you have a surprised or astonished feeling, but yes you can create great visually stunning templates just like “Keynote”. And if you want to spice and jazz up you template more, then you can opt for Adobe Photo shop to add some more magic to your template.

Creating designs and styles in templates depends on your thought and ideation process that want you want create, I know when we think of PowerPoint templates you get a picture of boring, dull and flat colored templates, but believe me its got nothing to do with PowerPoint, but it depends more on our skillets and how we utilize PowerPoint features. Its how we use built in features from Auto shapes to Colour Box and from Character map to Font styles to create templates which catch your user attention.

Recently I have been creating many templates for our client’s eLearning modules, every template is different from each other based on the scope and nature of training content. In all these templates I have used various elements from “Character map” Font styles, Color combination and Auto shape.

My next series of posts will talk about the above features in detail.

Please share your comments and queries if any and please follow my posts for more ideas and examples, I’m sure you wont be disappointed !

Thanks for reading.

With Thanksgiving only a couple of days away, most of us are dreadfully looking about 16 hours past the end of the dinner towards the official start of…

The Christmas Shopping Season.

If you’re like me, and I have a feeling that many of you are, while the masses rush the glass doors of their favorite local retailer – knocking over shopping carts, displays and small children as they sprint towards the half-price Hannah Montana play set – you will be snuggled up under the covers waiting for the afternoon news so you can hear about yet another riot over a small, stuffed creature.

Take a deep breath, sit back and relax.

Holiday shopping has gotten easier. Whether you are looking for toys for the children, a new gas grill for dad or an HDTV for the whole family, you can find everything you are looking for online.

If you have a chef in the family, one of the best gifts to consider is the highly durable and versatile cast iron cookware. Cast iron dutch ovens, skillets and bakware have been a favorite in kitchens around the world for hundreds of years and its popularity continues to grow.

But why wait until Christmas?

If you’re planning a large Holiday dinner for the family or even an intimate meal for the two of you, cast iron cookware is the perfect choice for your Holiday meal preparation. But if you’re planning on cooking with quality cast iron, you may want to get started early…

While cooking some delicious cobbler or some juicy steaks on a new cast iron casserole pot or griddle is sure to taste better than any other type of cookware, there is truly nothing better than a well-seasoned and well-used piece of cast iron cookware for your food’s flavor. And if you’re looking for the perfect compliment to your holiday meal, no dinner is complete without some mouth-watering cornbread prepared in fun, cornbread-shaped cornbread pans.

Whatever your holiday plans may be, save yourself the hassle of bumper to bumper traffic and adrenaline-filled holiday shoppers this shopping season and purchase all of your holiday gifts online. With no wait shopping, easy checkouts and front-door delivery, online shopping is the perfect way to buy cast iron cookware and any other gift ideas for your family and friends.

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In our second installment of creating the perfect Thanksgiving dinner with your cast iron cookware we are going to move past the desert table and focus on one of the most overlooked (and delicious) aspects of any Thanksgiving meal.

The cornbread.

Sweet, delectable cornbread. Cooked to perfection in a cast iron cornbread pan or even your trusty cast iron skillet.

Whether your Thanksgiving is centered around a turkey, ham or pizza, cornbread is the ideal side for your Thanksgiving feast. (Well, maybe not pizza, but who has pizza for Thanksgiving dinner?)

Cornbread in the united States is older than the first settlers, which may be why it has become a staple on so many Thanksgiving Day tables. Native Americans knew early how to dry and grind the corn, which as anyone who has driven across our country knows is very abundant, into corn meal. By adding eggs and flour, the basic cornbread could be made.

Fast forward to modern times.

Cornbread is still a very popular because of its versatility to go with almost any meal. It has become a staple at most major American holidays, including Thanksgiving. There are several recipes to make cornbread but we are going to focus on one that is truly simple and delicious.

Depending on how fancy you want your Thanksgiving feast to look, you may want to invest in some cast iron bakeware. You can even find cast iron cornbread pans that allow you to cook your cornbread in fun, corn ear shapes. However, you can bake your cornbread in basically any piece of cast iron cookware you own, such as a dutch oven, skillet or even a casserole dish.

No matter what piece of cast iron you use to cook the cornbread, it is sure to be one of the hits of your Thanksgiving Day table.

Cornbread Ingredients:

• Eggs – 2 (Beaten)
• Cornmeal – 1 1/2 Cups
• Milk – 1 1/4 Cup
• Flour – 1 Cup
• Vegetable oil – 1/2 Cu
• Salt – 1 1/4 Tsp
• Baking powder – 1 Tbsp
• Granulated Sugar – 2 Tsp

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Mix the milk and corn meal together an let sit for at least ten minutes. Combine the baking powder, salt flour and the sugar into one bowl and set it aside. Add the eggs, corn meal mix and oil into a large cast iron skillet and mix together on low heat. Pour the flour, salt and sugar mixture into the wet corn meal mixture and mix thoroughly until there is no trace of white powder. Finally pour the mixture into your cast iron cornbread pan (or leave it in the skillet if you are using that for baking) and place it in your preheated oven. Allow to bake for 25-30 minutes or until your cornbread is golden and has no trace of wet mixture when poked with a fork.

For best results, use plenty of butter and don’t worry about the calories.

It is Thanksgiving Day after all.

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Definition:

Thanksgiving – A day to spend with your family and give thanks for all that you have been blesses with throughout the year and your life in general. A day to reflect on everything that is good in your life and give thanks for your freedom and maybe even remember those that have passed on.

Definition:

Turkey Day – A day to sit in front of the television and gorge yourself on a variety of delicious foods that you would normally chastise others for even attempting to stick in their mouths. A day to give thanks for modern inventions, such as the television remote because you ate way too much to even consider moving.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner many of you may already be thinking about what kinds of delicacies you will be preparing for your family and friends. While the true meaning of thanksgiving is to be thankful for all that you have, we all know that you have ulterior motives – to show up the competition with your fantastic cooking prowess.

Give Thanks for Cast Iron

Cast Iron cookware has been a favorite in kitchens throughout the world for centuries and for good reason. Cast iron dutch ovens, casserole dishes and bakeware is much more durable than other types of cookware and can be passed down through the generations – offering a conversation piece at the dinner table as well as delicious meals.

If you’re looking for a mouth-watering dessert that will have your guests coming back for seconds and begging for thirds than grab your cast iron skillet and take note:

The Cobbler

Cobblers have been a dessert favorite in America since the first settlers arrived on its shores. Looking to create their favorite recipes, many settlers could not find the proper ingredients. Being the innovative culinary connoisseurs that they were, they began to use whatever seasonal fruits were available. Without the luxury of a brick oven where they could make traditional pies, the settlers would cooks would make their fruit dishes in cast iron pots (which was usually all they had) over an open fire and then place a thin layer of dough over the top – and the cobbler – or slump or grunt, as it was known – was born.

And cast iron is still the best type of cookware for cobblers today.

Thanksgiving Skillet Cobbler

A well-seasoned cast iron skillet will allow you to cook your Thanksgiving cobbler or any other meal without the need for additional butters or oils to keep your cobbler from sticking- making your favorite desserts healthier and more natural tasting. Cobblers can be made with any variety of fruit fillings – from the ever popular cherry and apple – to the should be a fruit: rhubarb. With the following easy recipe for your cast iron skillet you can use any type of filling you want, but I’m going with my all-time favorite. The blueberry.

Ingredients:

• Blueberry Filling – 1 Can
• Real Butter – 1 Stick (4 ounces)
• Milk – 1/2 Cup
• Sugar – 1 1/2 Cups
• Baking Powder – 2 TBSP
• Flour – 1 Cup

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In a 12 inch cast iron skillet, melt the butter and add 1/2 cup of sugar along with the can of blueberry pie filling. Combine the remaining ingredients in a separate dish and mix them thoroughly. Pour the ingredients over the pie filling and bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until the topping has browned. Turn off your oven and leave the cobbler in the hot oven until the topping has turned crusty.

Thanksgiving skillet cobbler is best when served hot with a side of your favorite ice cream. The beauty of your cast iron skillet is that it will cook your cobbler more evenly and lessen your chances of burning what is truly a mouth-watering dessert. Remember that cast iron retains heat better than all other types of cookware so use caution when grabbing the handle even after it has been removed from the oven.

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Well, it is definitely that time of year again. The leaves are starting to fall, football season is in full swing and everybody is itching to break out their tents and sleeping bags for a relaxing weekend under the stars.

If your like me – and I’m sure many of you are – the greatest part about a weekend camping trip is the cooking. When you’ve spent all day hiking, throwing horse shoes and playing hide and seek with the kids, there is nothing better than the taste of a hearty stew or some steak and eggs cooked to perfection in your favorite piece of cast iron cookware.

As you know, cast iron cookware is available in a variety of styles, each with their own, unique place when it comes to campfire cooking. Depending on the length of your camping trip and how much cooking you are planning on doing – in my case, a lot – you will need to decide what types of cast iron cookware you will want to bring along.

• Cast Iron Skillets – When camping, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who didn’t absolutely love their cast iron skillet. Whether you are preparing pancakes for breakfast or a some loose meat sandwiches for the evening meal, the cast iron skillet is a favorite of campers everywhere.
• Cast Iron Camp Pots – Cast Iron camp pots are the ultimate in outdoor cookware. For anyone who loves outdoor cooking, the camp pot is probably the most important cooking vessel in your cast iron arsenal. And they don’t call them ovens for the heck of it – Most quality cast iron camp pots will have feet on the bottom for sitting over hot coals or wood and a flat lid which will allow the camp side chef to put hot coals on the lid, allowing the food to cook more evenly from the top and bottom – very similar to your conventional oven at home.
• Cast Iron Dutch Ovens – Very similar to the cast iron cam pot, the cast iron dutch oven allows you to cook large meals for the whole family. Quality dutch ovens will usually have a reversible lid which will allow the cook to turn it over to place coals for oven-style cooking and a sturdy handle for hanging the dutch oven over the fire for slow roasting.
• Cast Iron Jambalaya Pots – Down here in Cajun country, we love our jambalaya. Jambalaya pots and stands are the perfect way to prepare a huge pot of jambalaya or gumbo – allowing it to slowly simmer over the course of a few hours.

The most important thing to remember when cap side cooking is to plan ahead. Make sure you have enough food for the meals you plan so you don’t have to make any special runs to the nearest store, which will probably be overpriced and prepare an area to place th hot cast iron once you are done cooking – the last thing you want to do is end up being the poster child for preventing forest fires.

Safety is key when cooking with cast iron – both around the campfire and in your home. It is important to remember that cast iron cookware gets HOT – take precautions and keep small children away from the fire and the skillet once the eggs are ready. Some of the things you should consider when cooking by campfire include:

• Season your cookware – Before heading out to the campsite, make sure your cast iron cookware is properly seasoned. If you regularly cook with your trusty cast iron dutch oven, there is no reason it shouldn’t be, but if you notice any rusty areas or are just a little unsure, follow the steps in my previous blog, Cast Iron Seasoning.
• Don’t rush cooking – Wait for the fire to burn into a bed of coals before cooking. Not only will the coals be hotter, but you will have less of a chance of getting singed by the flame.
• Wear the right clothes – Avoid loose clothing that could fall into the heat and catch fire while you are cooking or could catch on the handle of a skillet or pan.
• Put out the heat – Once your food is prepared, make sure to put out the coals and ensure that everyone is aware of the danger so they do not step on a stray hot area.
• Be prepared – Have some water, a shovel and an ash container in case of an emergency where you will need to extinguish the flame.

When done properly, camping and outdoor cooking is one of the greatest experiences in the world. Not only will cooking with cast iron over a campfire allow you to make one of the most delicious meals your family has ever tasted, but it will get them away from the television where you can spend some true quality time. So, grab the tent, the sweatshirts and that trusty seasoned cast iron cookware and get your family in touch with nature!

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I’m almost positive you have not heard of Julianne Hough. I mean, unless you happen to watch Dancing with the Stars, or are a fan of country music. I am neither, but the lady in charge does like country music. One thing lead to another, and here we are with a new Skillet of the Week.

Speaking of, Diabla’s birthday is tomorrow. I’ve already given her the gifts she wanted (this purse she’s been talking about for weeks, and some sexual cowboy boots. We also sorted out our Halloween costumes. It’s friggin’ genius. I won’t tell you what it is, but you’d better believe I’m posting the photos.

Also, you know we’ll have another Slutty Halloween costume preview in the next week or so. It’s going to be a big undertaking, so it might be a weekend thing. You don’t care about that though, do you? Selfish bastard, all you care about are the photos. Fuckin’ perv.

(Note: WordPress does not allow me to set these to open in a new window)

Hayden Panettiere is a sexy midget. I guess I kind of forgot about her until she was mentioned in last week’s Bizzo Podcast.

Jon and Christian are huge fans of Hayden, and really, so am I. Of course, you know Hayden from the NBC show Heroes. I first saw her in some movie where Kate Hudson had to adopt her because someone died or something. I thought then, man, this chick solid. Of course, didn’t think much about till she was on Heroes.

But, you know all about her, so let’s just get to the photos, huh?

Whether it was your great aunts well-used cast iron skillet or a brand new Lodge cast iron dutch oven, if you’ve had the privilege of cooking with a well seasoned piece of cast iron cookware then you will already have an idea of cast iron’s versatile cooking capabilities. Above and beyond the cooking advantages that cast iron cookware provides, there are also a number of other advantages for using cast iron every time you cook.

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• The price – Cast iron cookware is one of the most affordable types of kitchen cookware available. Quality cast iron casserole pots and bake ware is usually available for a fraction of the cost of materials such as aluminum or stainless steel.
• Even Heating – With cast iron cookware, you will never have to worry about burner some of your food while the rest is still cold. Well seasoned cast iron cookware offers the most even heating surface you can find – especially useful for your outdoor cooking.
• Naturally Non-Stick – A well seasoned cast iron camp pot or cast iron dutch oven will become naturally non-stick when seasoned properly. Along with being non-stick, well-seasoned cast iron cookware offers another advantage to the health conscious consumer. With seasoned cast iron cookware, you will not need to use butters and oils when cooking – helping to keep your food naturally healthier.
• It’s Iron – Cast iron cookware is good for your health! While cooking with cast iron, iron particles from the cookware naturally leach on to the food you cook. This is perfect for anyone who is low on iron, such as anemics. Can you think of another type of cookware that actually makes you healthier?

With all these advantages, it’s easy to see why cast iron cookware has retained its popularity for so long. While some people do consider the seasoning process of cast iron to be a major disadvantage, you may want to look at it as a fun activity that will make your cooking much easier in the long run. And if the concept of seasoning your cast iron skillet still doesn’t appeal to you, you can always purchase pre-seasoned or enamel-coated cast iron as well.

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It’s not often that I roll out a girl of more adult nature, but even when she’s dressed Diem Nguyen is too hot to pass up. She was featured as a Playboy Fresh Face, and hopefully we’ll be getting a lot more of her.

It’s not hard to find her naked, and being internet savvy vets like you are, I’m sure you’ll be beatin’ in no time. For that I applaud you. My readers… you guys rule.

In other news, my Vegas extravaganza will be posted shortly. Be on the lookout…

I love you.

Sorry about the lack of Skillet last week. With the holiday, no one seemed to notice. Well, this week we are back with mega-hottie Anya Monzikova.

You probably recognize Anya from Deal or No Deal as case #10, but she’s case #1 in our hearts. Anya is a Russian, who moved to the States when she was 8. As soon as she graduated high school, she moved to LA to pursue modeling and acting. She models a lot of lingerie, and it’s not too hard to find her naked… Just look.

She can also be seen on the amazing HDNet show, Get Out!

Enjoy…

Toph’s Note:  I’ll be headed to Austin tomorrow for Ray’s wedding, followed by a trip to Boston. I’ll hopefully be back around next Thursday, the 14th, but I’ll probably be catching up with work. You can follow my trip on Twitter at Twitter.com/tophmiller2.

Ana Beatriz Barros might not be as famous as Miranda Kerr, Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio (nor should she be), but she’s still balls hot. She’s another one of those sassy models hailing from Brazil. She’s also naked… a lot.

Because I’m trying to get shit done for work, I’m just going to quote her Wiki. Here -

She has done advertisements not only for Guess? but also for Christian Dior, Armani jeans, Oakley, L’Oreal, Naf Naf, Diesel, Ermanno Scervino, Victoria’s Secret, Chanel cosmetics, and Jennifer Lopez’s JLO fashion line, among others. In 2004 Jennifer Lopez selected Barros to be the face of her new lingerie line, JLO Lingerie.

I’ll miss you guys.

Anna is the girl that you’ve always wanted, and will never get. She’s brilliantly fun, hot as could be and she seems pretty kickass, to boot. She’s the quintessential girl next door. Well, that is if you lived next door to one of the hottest chicks in Hollywood. I’m saying it’s impossible, but….

Unlike other up and coming Hollywood acts, Anna manages to stay pretty level. That could be due to the fact that Anna is actually 32. She’s also had a pretty sweet career, which has landed her guest spots on Friends and Entourage, starring the Scary Movies (1 – 4), and a shit-ton more. Coming soon, she’ll be the retired Playboy Bunny in the film House Bunny.

Yeah… I’m excited, too.

Enjoy Anna Faris.

OK, before you say shit, Ray, she is of age. When your girl Miley flips over 17, then I’ll gladly have her up (or when the naked photos are posted… which ever comes first).

I’m assuming by this point, regardless of your love or hate for Disney, you know Vanessa Hudgens. She’s that hot girl dating that odd looking dude. She was in all the High School Musicals. She’s actually really hot. I mean, fo’ sho’. She can’t sing for shit, but really who needs her to? If she plays her cards right, (and I’m not talking about more naked photos… not that those are bad) then she could become uber-famous.

Actually… after doing this, she might be top 5 skillet… I don’t know…

So, here’s Vanessa Hudgens… Enjoy.

I love you.