topic Re: Using Le Creuset to transport mashed potatoes in Kitchen

Using Le Creuset to transport mashed potatoes

rockyrose1 — Sun, 24 Dec 2023 01:13:48 GMT

I need to transport mashed potatoes to our family holiday dinner. Has anyone used Le Creuset to keep their mashed potatoes hot, since we are talking cast iron? My thoughts were to split the finished potatoes into 2

Le Creuset Dutch Ovens.

Now, I know the rule with Le Creuset is not to heat an empty pan or Dutch Oven. So, I thought I could heat the Dutch Ovens in a preheated 350-degree oven with a small amount of butter and milk for 5-10 minutes? Could that work?

Also, would covering the potatoes with the lid while driving cause them to lose their fluffiness, or become gummy, since I am guessing there will be built-up steam?

Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks!

Re: Using Le Creuset to transport mashed potatoes

Ainhisg — Sun, 24 Dec 2023 01:26:32 GMT

All I can help you with is the steam aspect. Lay a sheet of paper towels or a thin flour sack towel across the top before putting on the lid. The paper towels or flour sack towel will prevent the condensation from dripping onto the top of your potatoes.

Re: Using Le Creuset to transport mashed potatoes

Trailrun23 — Sun, 24 Dec 2023 01:33:27 GMT

How far will you be transporting your food? The cast iron will keep your potatoes hot, but If you aren't traveling for too long, I would leave the lid slightly ajar to let steam escape....the heat the pot has retained will still keep the food hot.

Re: Using Le Creuset to transport mashed potatoes

Carmie — Sun, 24 Dec 2023 01:34:52 GMT

Why can't you heat up an empty Dutch oven?

Le Creuset makes a bread oven...same materials as the Dutch oven and you grease it and heat it up for an hour before you add the bread dough.

You can add milk and butter if you wish. I would place a clean kitchen towel on the casserole dish before I added the lid for transport. that way steam won't build up.

I make my potatoes ahead of time and keep them warm in the oven.

I transport the hot Dutch oven in a cardboard box padded with terry towels.

Re: Using Le Creuset to transport mashed potatoes

Desertdi — Sun, 24 Dec 2023 08:35:27 GMT

Ummmm.......Yes, but make sure YOU GET IT BACK !!!!!

Re: Using Le Creuset to transport mashed potatoes

CalminHeart — Sun, 24 Dec 2023 13:09:33 GMT

I put them in a crock pot to keep warm once I get to my relative's home.

Re: Using Le Creuset to transport mashed potatoes

Bhvbum — Sun, 24 Dec 2023 13:23:06 GMT

we bring dishes like that cold, and just zap in the microwave on arrival. it's hard to believe that there isn't a microwave available.

This isn't a tailgate party where you're trying to keep stuff hot and not have access to any appliances or electricity.

Re: Using Le Creuset to transport mashed potatoes

Sooner — Sun, 24 Dec 2023 15:29:10 GMT

@Bhvbum wrote:
we bring dishes like that cold, and just zap in the microwave on arrival. it's hard to believe that there isn't a microwave available.

This isn't a tailgate party where you're trying to keep stuff hot and not have access to any appliances or electricity.

@Bhvbum All the tailgate people I know have generators and more appliances than in my house. How do you run the big screen tv at the tailgate if you don't have a generator????

Re: Using Le Creuset to transport mashed potatoes

skatting44 — Sun, 24 Dec 2023 15:58:17 GMT

I would not tote that big heavy pan to anyone's home, unless as soon as I arrived we wee going to sit down and eat dinner .

I'd put them in a microwavable plastic sering bowl or glass bowl .

Re: Using Le Creuset to transport mashed potatoes

rockyrose1 — Sun, 24 Dec 2023 16:57:51 GMT

A BIG THANK YOU to all who responded! I knew I was at the right place to ask this question!

It is a drive of approximately 45 - 50 minutes. The hostess has a buffet table set up with food warmers. As soon as I arrive the potatoes will be placed in the warmers and we will be eating very shortly.

I had a large concern about the steam ruining the potatoes. Many of you suggested placing paper towels or dish towels under the lid. I had not thought of that and it sounds like a real game plan!

My only question is still about heating the Le Creuset. My plan is to make the potatoes in a pot that I have, where I can use my hand mixer to whip up the potatoes. When finished I would transfer the potatoes to the Le Creuset.

Any further thoughts about heating the Le Creuset...

Oven temperature and for how many minutes?

To everyone, I cannot thank you enough for your help/suggestions.

I am now starting to feel my potatoes can survive the drive and have a chance of not being compromised!

Re: Using Le Creuset to transport mashed potatoes

candys mine — Mon, 25 Dec 2023 12:44:23 GMT

Maybe too late to help fo now but could you warm up the empty Le Cruset by filling it with warm/hot water and letting it sit? then just wipe the inside dry and transfer the warm potoatoes to it.

Re: Using Le Creuset to transport mashed potatoes

rockyrose1 — Mon, 25 Dec 2023 16:46:50 GMT

Candy, never too late! That's a very good thought. I may just try that! Thank you!!! Warmest Wishes for a Happy Holiday!

Re: Using Le Creuset to transport mashed potatoes

Icegoddess — Mon, 25 Dec 2023 16:55:28 GMT

Or you could put some water in it, heat to boiling, then pour the water out.

I still don't understand why you're not supposed to heat an empty pot at least in the oven, but I don't have any Le Creuset. I do heat my regular cast iron in the oven all the time for cooking cornbread.