I did think about posting something short and sweet on the end of the get this "ambiuous" posts thread but then thought this might be of use to more people.
I'm rather fond of toad in the hole. It's not that easy to find something suitable to cook it in especially in a combi oven. I started looking at pizza pans but couldn't find anything reasonably priced and over 12" dia. Some are often too shallow. I've also found the 12" pans are usually smaller and don't really contain enough for 3 generous portions. The coatings wear off rapidly too..
After several hours of web searching I came across a company called Ace Pans. Made in the UK. Given the prices I was a little dubious but ordered several anyway. They are available in either "iron" or aluminium so went for the later. These are far more substantial than I expected. The sizes also relate to the minimum diameter at the base. The sloping sides increase this by around 1". They are spun and they even have a rolled edge.
I ordered a 9", 13" and a 14". Unfortunately the 14" wont fit in the combi. They aren't coated. A plus as I see it. My mother used several similar but smaller pans for years and years without problem. They were probably bought pre WWII and were still in use a few years ago.
The 9" is destined to be fitted to a bird feeder to catch discarded seed. We have recently had problems with the mess pigeons leave while pecking up the bits that fall onto the patio. We had been feeding small birds via a feeder for a long long time. No problems with pigeons until a pair recently found the fallout to be an easy source of food.
The 9" size is deeper than the others. I suspect I will order a couple more. They should make a great pie dish.
John
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