I've acquired a few things over the last couple of years thinking I
*needed* them, but it turns out I don't use them as much as I thought,
or even at all. My set of cast iron skillets is at the top of the heap,
in this discussion. My glass oven pans (that i'm now afraid to use) are
probably next.

Seems like "Dutch Oven" comes up a bit in cookbooks and such. Is it a
mandatory kitchen tool, or can i achieve the same result with other
devices? (Such as a slow-cooker).

Thanks.

-J