A fireplace is designed to contain a fire, an architectural structure that emits warmth in one’s home. Fireplaces are used these days it seems mostly for the ambiance they create and for the added textural design to a home’s decor. However, historically they were used for more practical everyday purposes like cooking, and even heating water for baths, and laundry. They also served as a gathering place within the home, as they still are today. The main fireplace was usually centered within a room, allowing more people to gather around it…creating such terms as, “gather ‘round” and “gatherings”. Who doesn’t want to gather around a cozy, crackling fire with a nip of wine, a platter of nibbles and soulful conversations?
Before gas and electric ovens, the indoor fireplace was used daily to prepare food. Today it is known as hearth cooking and is becoming a renewed trend for entertaining. Cooking in an indoor fireplace may seem a bit complex, but if your up for a unique experience or just for fun it really is a must-try, remember to keep it simple and safe. The poetry of using the hearth and the flame to create a memorable evening is a magical method used throughout the ages. Offer your family and friends a charming yet affordable night of fireside entertainment. Most of the equipment you will need is more than likely already in your home or kitchen.
THINGS YOU WILL NEED TO GET STARTED WITH HEARTH COOKING:
FIREPLACE INSERT OR GRILL
FIREPROOF MITTENS
FIREPLACE TONGS
WOOD FOR BURNING
CAST IRON COOKWARE
IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE:
The most important step is to open the flue of the fireplace. As exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can be fatal. Move all flammable items far from the fireplace.While handling anything near the fireplace or grill wear fireproof mittens. Use fireplace tongs, (preferably long tongs) to arrange or move anything exposed to fire or hot embers.
Using a fireplace insert for a cooking method is very much like cooking over a gas or charcoal grill. The basic difference is the way the temperature is controlled. Using a fireplace insert, which is sometimes referred to as a fireplace grill, must be done over hot embers, not over a raging fire. Below is a simple start for you to become more acclimated with indoor hearth cooking, an insert is not necessary for the preparation of this appetizer.
EMBER ROASTED EGGPLANT SPREAD & PITA BREAD
SERVES 2
INGREDIENTS:
2 eggplants 4 garlic cloves 3 scallions 1 thumb sized ginger root sea salt ground pepper, to taste 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 2 pita bread slices
METHOD:
Start a large fire. When the wood has turned to glowing embers, after about 25-30 minutes, carefully place the eggplants, one by one, on the glowing embers. Leave them until they are soft all over and the skin is shrivelled. Remove the eggplants from the fire, brush off any ashes and return to the kitchen. Cut open the eggplants carefully, keeping the ashes from the touching the inside of the eggplant. Scrape off the flesh from the eggplant carefully with a spoon, avoiding any black areas. (As ashes are quite caustic, you will want to pay close attention to this detail). Allow eggplant to cool. Drizzle oil in a sautee pan and over medium high heat add garlic, scallions and ginger. Sautee until translucent. Remove from heat and place in a small bowl. Mash garlic, scallions and ginger into a paste. Add the eggplant pulp to the paste and combine well. Place mixture into a serving bowl, season with sea salt and fresh ground pepper & serve with sliced, warmed pita bread. Pour a nip of red and enjoy.
Cheers to new memories
From the Earthcore family to yours…and remember to keep those home fires burning!
Here are a few of our fireplaces we think you will enjoy learning more about…
Bring warmth and comfort to your home…With the Isokern Standard Series which was the first Isokern introduced in North America over a Quarter Century ago. With a proven record in satisfying a broad range of diverse projects, the Standard Series is still popular for interior and exterior fireplace designs. The Standard Series can be custom finished to suit specific design and architectural needs.
Showcase the beauty of your fireplace with your own individual style…The Magnum Series, which offers the largest hearth opening models available on the market today, 28”, 36”, 42″,46″, 60′ and 72″ wide by 36” tall. These larger openings are ideal for more dramatic applications. Isokern Magnum Series is the only product made from exclusive Icelandic volcanic material making a premium in efficiency, affordability and custom design versatility …. The largest line of listed and approved fireplaces availale in North America with these Isokern Magnum Series ideal for small outdoor patios to large custom homes, hotel lobbies and restaurants.
Why choose Isokern?
Manufactured in the USA, a trusted name for over 70 years, tested and listed, offers an ease of installation & comparative pricing, provides custom boxes & personalized customer service.
