Expert: andrew rosenberg - 8/13/2001

Question
I recieved a piece of crockery made by Romertopf  ,distrubeted by Reco out of Mexico, my friend gave it to me, as it is too big for her,  it would hold a large size roast,  it has been used ,  how do I cook with it  and how do I clean it?   thanks Barb

Answer
hello-
I have cooked with one of these, if it is the same product it should be 2 pieces,  glazed on the inside and unglazed clay on the outside. they are a excellent way to cook just about anything I am particularily fond of roasted chicken in one of these 'pots'.

A few pointers:
1) never place in a pre-heated oven, always fill the pot with meat or vegies and place in  a cold oven.
2) soak the romertopf in the sink completely covering it for
1/2 hour
3) don't wash it with soap or in a dishwasher since the unglazed clay with absorb the flavor.

A recipe;
roasted chicken in a clay pot

soak romertopf and fill with;
  diced onion, carrot, celery
   one whole frying chicken(3-5 lbs)

  feel free to stuff the cavity of the chicken with fresh or dried herbs, garlic(I've used a head or two of garlic)or fresh or dried fruit. not a bread or grain stuffing please.

cover and place in a cold oven and set temperature for 375 degrees F. and cook until internal temperature is above 165 degrees F.(1-2 HOURS). the bird will be juicy and succulent and browned if you leave the cover off for the last 1/2 hour of cooking.

enjoy
andrew