Expert: Sam Kelly - 7/6/2009

Question
I have had a request for oven-safe oyster shells to use to make oysters rockefeller.  We have an oyster shell mold that is the perfect size.  We use a lowfire slip and I need to know what cone to fire at and what clear glaze would hold up in the oven @ between 375 and 400 degrees, or a few minutes under the broiler.
The only time I have ever tried using one of our pieces in the oven it crazed and I had to throw out a whold apple pie.  The pie plate we had made was bisque fired at 04 and clear glazed and fired at 06.  I've been afraid to try it again.  Appreciate any help you can give me.

Answer
Hi Barbra, for starters with cooking forget the low fire clays, its always going to give you trouble because of expansion and contraction during cooking.

Your going to have to go to at least an earthenware clay and glaze.
Laguna Clay will be able to help you, google them.

Sam