Lifestyle
FINEX Cast Iron Skillet Review
A proper cast iron skillet isn’t something you just casually add to your mix of available cooking tools. It’s a different sort of cookware beast. It’s both primitive and utilitarian, and timeless in more ways than one. The utility never goes out of style and the actual pan itself – if you can secure a good one – can be a staple of your kitchen for decades or generations to come.
There’s a certain degree of mystery surrounding this piece of cooking technology as well. From competing views on how best to use it to various approaches for proper care and maintenance, the cast iron skillet is a surefire conversation starter. Whether you swear allegiance to its superior cooking abilities or you’ve never owned one before, a cast iron skillet is something every man should have handy.
I’ve never used a cast iron skillet before. I’ve heard of them, sure, but I just never had the opportunity to try one out. So when FINEX sent a cast iron skillet for us to review, I wanted to make the most of the opportunity.
FINEX markets itself as the first brand to bring machine-polished, heirloom-quality cast iron cookware back to the States for the first time in over half a century. Founded in 2012, the Portland-based FINEX Cast Iron Cookware Company is helmed by Mike Whitehead, who got the start-up company going with two successful Kickstarter campaigns. According to a 2014 interview, Whitehead was raised in his father’s metal fabrication and welding shop. He wanted to know more about where his food came from and what was contained in it and this led the founder to “search for a healthier alternative to chemically lined nonstick pans.” With iron being part of his family’s fabric, Whitehead was able to push forward with the new start up. His goal was to manufacture a locally produced product that was an improvement on the classic cast iron skillet. That meant developing a new take that focused on an ultra-smooth cooking surface, a quick-cooling hand-polished stainless steel handle and a characteristic octagon shape that looks sexy and helps with pouring liquids. The end result is pretty successful.
I just moved into a new spot, so once all the boxes were unpacked, I wanted to give this new cast iron skillet thing a try. I read up on the how to maintain your skillet. Figured this was important because the last thing I wanted to do was mess up heirloom quality cookware after my first recipe. The FINEX cast iron skillet comes pre-seasoned with organic flaxseed oil, but the first few times you use it, it’s smart to add a little extra oil while the skillet is still new. The more you cook with the thing, the more oil you will add and the more seasoned the skillet gets. This doesn’t mean that you can’t ever wash the skillet. Don’t soak it or put it in the dishwasher or make other rookie moves like that, but rinsing in hot water and using a mild abrasive like a scrubby pad, coarse salt or brush is totally acceptable.
Okay, I knew how to care for the thing, but what to make? You can literally make anything in a cast iron skillet. That’s what makes these things so badass. You can do a breakfast hash, sear meat, bake things – you name it. If it needs heat and you can cook it on a stove or in the oven, you can pretty much do it with the skillet.
I decided to make beer glazed citrus chicken because I like all of those things and I wanted to try something saucy with my first skillet run. Here’s a link to the recipe. You can click over for the details, but essentially I made a zesty citrus glaze in a sauce pan, seared up some chicken in the skillet and then tossed everything together and into the oven to bake. The results were pretty amazing:
I really love how this thing can go from stove to oven and back with ease. It really opens things up from a cooking perspective. The skillet heats up quickly and evenly and the whole process was made more enjoyable because I know that this first meal is just the foundational layer of seasoning will grow as more meals are made in the skillet over time.
Was the handle quick cooling? On the stovetop yes, after the oven, not so much. I mean that should be painfully obvious, right? Well let the little burn mark on my left hand serve as a cautionary tale. The handle may look safe at all times, but any semi-intelligent human should know that this won’t be the case right after you take this thing out of the oven. Lesson learned / I have no idea how that happened. Purely the fault of the absent minded chef here. The skillet did it’s job just fine. Just something to keep in mind when working with an overly attractive handle like this.
Bottom line, this is a kitchen investment worth making. FINEX makes a quality product that’s completely manufactured in the USA. So I say support your primitive need to cook with iron. Support your country. Support your long term efforts to be a better cook. This is a long play cookware addition that requires a bit of upfront costs, yes, but it’ll grow with you and it’ll only get better with age.
Sep 8th
Reebok Classic Gets Sheer and Sweet
The game-changing Furylite silhouette has gotten a makeover for Fall with new designs sure to be a showstopper for the ladies.
The architectural elements first perfected in the 90’s have now been mixed with a gradient midsole and flashy details for the Furylite Sheer, as well as a floral camo inspired graphic pack for the Furylite Candy Girl – both of which are perfect for the fashion–forward sneakerista.
Not only are these the perfect runners to close your summer in style, the sneakers will keep you comfortable with a lightweight outsole to cushion your feet as you hit the streets.
Both the Furylite Sheer and the Furylite Candy Girl are available now for $75 at retailers including Reebok.com, Jimmy Jazz, Shoe Palace, Sneaker Villa, Urban Outfitters, and Finish Line.
Sep 8th
The Ventilator Goes Nautical
Back in the day in the 1990’s Reebok released one of their most timeless running designs: the Ventilator. Incorporating Hexalite technology into the shoe to provide greater comfort and better shock absorption it was the perfect shoe for the faster, lighter runner. The durable lugged outsole was designed to give sure-footed traction for both on and off-road running. The visible archbridge in the middle of the shoe was perfectly placed to offer optimum motion control. And the name Ventilator? That came from the ventilated side panels that allowed cooling and breathability. The shoe was ahead of its time. Twenty-five years later the shoe is a classic. Still as light as it ever was but now worn for street fashion instead of road running.
This Reebok Classic x Shoe Gallery Ventilator collaboration pays homage to the thousands of Cubans who made the journey to the United States via the Mariel boat lift in the 1980’s. The shoe is a tribute to the American dream—which, for many of these immigrants was epitomized by the tantalizing prospect of purchasing their very own Riva Yacht. The blue sock lining and footbed pays homage to a yacht’s interior, while the translucent outsole and cleverly placed anchor on the sole give this shoe a firmly nautical feel.
The Reebok Classic x Shoe Gallery Ventilator is available now for $124.99 exclusively from Shoe Gallery
Sep 4th
Fantasy Food For Real Football Parties
We are a week away from the NFL regular season. College football is starting up this weekend. It is time to start planning your meals and cocktails. What are you going to want to eat and drink while we celebrate that is football is back? If you are looking for some new ideas check out the recipes below. You can try your hand at Crown Wings, Adam Perry Lang’s George Dickel No. 12 Barbecue Sauce, The Team Captain, Chili Manhattan or Crown Royal Sour.
Crown Wings
Ingredients:
.3 cup Crown Royal Canadian Whisky
.3 cup Honey, SueBee
.25 cup Soy sauce, Kikkoman
2 Tablespoons Thai chili sauce
1 packet (0.75-ounce) stir-fry seasoning, Sun Bird
2 teaspoons crushed garlic, Gourmet Garden
4 pounds chicken wing drumettes
3 scallions (green onions), finely chopped (optional)
.25 cup chopped peanuts, Planters (optional)
Directions: In a large bowl, combine whisky, honey, soy sauce, chili sauce, stir-fry seasoning, and garlic. Add drumettes, tossing to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in refrigerator for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
Set up grill for direct cooking over medium-high heat. Oil grate when ready to start cooking. Let drumettes stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Place on hot, oiled grill. Cook for 12 to 18 minutes or until cooked through, turning occasionally. Transfer chicken to a platter. Sprinkle with chopped scallions and peanuts (optional).
Adam Perry Lang’s George Dickel No. 12 Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients:
1 cup of Honey
1 cup of White Vinegar
1 cup of George Dickel Tennessee Whisky No. 12
3 cups of Your Favorite Barbecue Sauce
Directions:
In a low pan, add honey, white vinegar and George Dickel Tennessee Whisky No. 12 over medium heat. Cook mixture until you hear a frying sound and alcohol is cooked off. Add barbecue sauce and stir to combine. Place back on fire and let simmer for at least 10 minutes.
The Team Captain
Ingredients:
1.5 oz. CAPTAIN MORGAN Original Spiced Rum
1.5 oz. Orange Juice
0.5 oz. Sour Mix
3 oz. Lemon Lime Soda
Lime Garnish
Directions: Combine ingredients in a tall glass filled with ice, garnish and stir.
Chili Manhattan
Recipe courtesy of Butch Friedman and Kleila Dula at Passion8
Ingredients:
1 oz. Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye
. 5 oz. Sweet Vermouth
2 Dashes Black Walnut Bitters
.5 oz. Chili Cinnamon Syrup
Crown Royal Sour
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Crown Royal Deluxe
.5 oz Lemon juice
.75 oz. Simple syrup
Garnish with lemon wedge
Sep 2nd
Reebok’s Furylite Goes Geometric
Reebok has created another “gem” with their latest colorway of the Furylite. You can show your pride for the Reebok tribe with this classic sneaker which now encompasses a geometric tribal-inspired energy. The modernized Furylite Geometric Print profile means effortless wearability along with a lightweight feel and cool look. Complemented with fresh graphics and a trendy tribal print, this instant Classic has just become the newest staple piece in your closet. Step forward in Furylite Geometric, available at Jimmy Jazz, Shoe Palace, Sneaker Villa, Urban Outfitters, Finish Line and Reebok.com for $74.99
Sep 2nd
French Montana Surprises Fans In Harlem
What is better than buying sneakers at your favorite store? How about having someone famous shop there too? That is what French Montana did at a Jimmy Jazz store in Harlem. He teamed up with Reebok Classic for an exclusive meet and greet with fans at Jimmy Jazz in Harlem, New York.
French was rocking the recently released Ventilator ST from Reebok Classic in all black, signed autographs and posed for pictures with fans at the hottest sneaker spot on 125th street.
The Ventilator ST is available now for $79.99 from reebok.com, Jimmy Jazz, Finish Line, Sneaker Villa, Shoe Palace and Urban Outfitters.
Sep 2nd
Reebok Is Bringing Back The Crossfit Complete
Looking to step up your workout routine? Are you thinking of trying Crossfit? Well Reebok has made what to wear an easier decision for you. Reebok announced the return of its wildly popular, limited edition CrossFit shoe: the Reebok CrossFit Compete 6:14.
The Reebok CrossFit Compete 6:14 was designed in tandem with the most successful Reebok CrossFit Games athlete in history, Rich Froning. Featuring all of Reebok’s top technology—a Dupont Kevlar cage for durability, RopePro for control in climbs, a Nanoshell mid-sole heel wrap for stability and so much more—the Reebok CrossFit Compete 6:14 is a shoe designed for the hardest training athletes in the world.
The Reebok CrossFit Compete 6:14 is available now on reebok.com for $195.
Sep 1st
You Can Finally Get Your Fantasy Football Commissioner Of The Year Ring
You already knew that you were the best fantasy football commissioner. Now you get to tell the world. How do you ask? Pizza Hut and ESPN got you covered. Pizza Hut has signed on as an Official Sponsor of ESPN Fantasy Football, and is celebrating fantasy football commissioners with this ring.
Each week this season, Pizza Hut will recognize one deserving ESPN Fantasy Football League commissioner with the Pizza Hut Commissioner of the Week Award, which includes a variety of Pizza Hut and ESPN prizes.
Then, at the end of the season, Pizza Hut will name its Commissioner of the Year, who will receive a custom Jostens-designed ruby and diamond-encrusted commemorative ring valued at an estimated $10,000. The winner will also receive a year’s worth of pizza, an epic trip to ESPN HQ and more.
To sign up for the ESPN Fantasy Football League, visit www.espn.go.com/fantasyfootball.
Aug 27th
There Is Plenty Of Summer Still Left To Rock These Reebok Classics
The Question Low signature silhouette was originally launched in 1996 as a nod to the renowned Philadelphia 76ers guard, Allen Iverson, and comes in a sharp black/white colorway that will make a statement with any outfit.
The Question Low incorporates unique features like a premium nubuck toe cap, leather upper and an ice outsole and bottom. Whether you idolized Allen Iverson or wore this style as a kid, we can all agree that the Question Low’s are the perfect kicks to round out the summer.
The Reebok Classic Question Low black/white is now available exclusively at Finish Line for $110, and keep an eye out for the last colorway to be released later this summer.
Aug 27th
Upgrade Your iPhone Anytime You Want
Sounds to be good to be true right? Well it is the truth. You can get a new and upgrade eligible iPhone for just $22 per month if you are a Sprint customer. The program is called the iPhone Forever plan. Anytime you don’t have the latest iPhone, you are eligible to upgrade. All you need to do is bring your iPhone and upgrade on the spot. It is that easy. The iPhone Forever plan is available on any eligible Sprint rate plan and upgrade eligibility is always included in your price. You can get a 16GB iPhone 6 model at Sprint branded retail stores, Sprint.com, 1-800-Sprint-1, Best Buy and Target.
Through Dec. 31, 2015, customers on any other carrier or existing Sprint customers who are upgrade eligible and turn-in any smartphone will get a promotional rate of just $15 per month on a new iPhone. When they upgrade to the latest iPhone after Dec. 31, their monthly lease rate returns to current lease pricing, $22 per month.
Whether you are a new or existing customers who are upgrade eligible you can bring in any smartphone and get a 16GB iPhone 6 model and their monthly rate will be reduced to just $15 until their next upgrade. As a special promotion, customers who get iPhone 6 and upgrade before Dec. 31 continue with the discount price of $15 until their next upgrade.
“We asked ourselves, ‘What could we do that would move our customers forward with the latest and greatest technology every day?’ said Marcelo Claure, Sprint CEO. “We decided: How awesome would it be if anytime customers don’t have the latest iPhone, they are eligible to upgrade, and have it be as simple as handing us your existing iPhone and picking up a new one – all included in your monthly rate.”
Aug 19th
