new gadget:: piastra

bobbyb

For all you gadget collectors out there. I just purchased a widget called a piastra. Its a granite cook surface used in parts of Italy (according to Mario Batali). Its available on Amazon among other places.

Tried it out tonight using a Batali recipe from his book [ul]Italian Grill[/ul]. Decided to get some Gulf Shrimp as I probably won't be able to for long.

'Q Bruddah

Nice Cook!! Try that on a gasser!! Well done.

EGGARY

How does this differ from cooking on the grate ? what is the reasoning of using the piastra ?

Thanks.

Gary

bobbyb

Gary,
Just another way to cook indirectly, over a fire. Analogous to cooking on a flattop, or a stove top cast iron griddle.
Many cultures cook like this. Spain, a la plancha, Greece the satz.

It aids in caramelization, because you can get even high heat.

Mark0525

Is this Tweev born again?????

EGGARY

What else would you cook on the piastra ? Eggs ?

BigA

nicely done!

bobbyb

the only thing I can possibly think of is chitterlings with Gorgonzola grits (just to keep it Italian you see).

thebtls

who cares why...it's a new toy and you cannot have too many toys for the egg, period. Redundant or not...it doesn't matter. Looks like it would be fun to own and cook with for sure.

bobbyb

Thanks Tony. That's how I see it too. I enjoy your blog.