Precious pots

Today was a long day.  Mondays always are - driving to the Bronx, teaching, prepping, teaching, driving back to Philadelphia.  My prep time was absconded by students wanting instant gratification.  I never really got a chance to catch my breath - I graded papers then created yet another document that explains how to write a book review.

I am starting to feel a bit overscheduled - I am notorious for rippin' and runnin' but lately it seems that my days are packed beyond the point of productivity, and I have consecutive busy days to top it off.  Ok, so I'm not working a typical 40+ hour work week, but I am putting in hours - preparing lectures, grading papers, teaching classes, oh and NOT preparing a research proposal.

I ended my Trinidad exploration with a thud. The pelau I made yesterday was unimpressive.  Today I realized what I forgot to do...confirming that it was indeed flat, despite assurances otherwise.  Disappointing food aside, we had a great impromptu dinner in the company of great friends.  I don't know what my next dish will be...I want to do lentils around the world, or at least throughout my culinary cultures.  I have no idea where to start.  I guess I'd better start asking people - it is so much more authentic when an actual human provides insight about their culture through food, rather than gathering information from the internet.

Yesterday it became clear that I am going to need to purchase another pot. I'm thinking the Le Creuset 71/2 quart French Oven.  My 5 quart is not adequate, and I'm feeling a bit ridiculous having to constantly transfer stuff to the 9 3/4 roaster that I've been using.  For most stuff the 71/2 would be excellent.  Then I went online to price it - $300. Seems like a luxury item in the midst of this economic climate.  However, enamel covered cast iron is precisely what's needed for simmering.

I have a set of Le Creuset (flame).  I knew that they were high-end pots but I had know idea of the actual cost .  Grandmom Lou gave me her set of pots in 1994, after she had them for 40 years.  I also have a set of Cusinart pots that my sister-in-law bought me in 1998 - these are my everyday pots.  I remember how excited I was to get them - 18/10 stainless steel, stick resistant interior, stay cool handles.  I am thinking that I will likely purchase a comparable alternative to the Le Creuset - I can't justify the cost, particularly when there are so many people with empty pots, if they possess a pot at all.