Ivan reminded me, this morning, that we needed to “cure” the terracotta pots before using them. To the computer. Research!
J & L. The other two pieces, with handles, are for salsas.
Little did I realize, but, they actually need to soak in room temperature water for several hours; the large pots twelve to twenty four hours, and the small mugs, etc., only four to six. I set out to do just that.
I got out our tamale steamer, which has a seventeen inch diameter, and filled it, halfway, with water, then, in went the pots. They will sit in the water until tomorrow morning, when I will remove them, and replace them with the bean pot/lid, the oval server, and the mugs. They only need to soak for a few hours. They can do that while I am making some bread.
My bean pot has to be my all time favorite cooking vessel, second only to the Instant Pot. They serve two completely different purposes, and both do their respective jobs well.
While the Instant Pot cooks things quickly, the terracotta cooks things more slowly, more gently, with a touch of love, and, soul. The terracotta also keeps things warmer, longer, when served in the vessel. Lovely.
Now, I just have to have the patience to wait for everything to cure, then I will be able to use them. Until then, please, stay happy, stay healthy, stay safe. Wash your hands, cover your mouth, and protect your loved ones.