The Well Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

The Well Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

Image by cybrgrl via Flickr

You are probably wondering why a cast iron? Here  is what makes a cast-iron skillet so special.

It is all purpose. The same pan can be used on the stove for vegetable frying or stir fry or seared steaks, as well as in the oven for pork roast or fruit cobblers. Remember before you grab that skillet it is heavy and probably very hot. Use a oven mitt.

It distributes heat evenly. A tough cast-iron skillet may take longer to warm up than other pans, once it gets hot it stays hot.

It is inexpensive. A high quality Lodge 12 inch cast-iron skillet is just roughly $20.00 at most stores that sell kitchen appliances and cook ware.

It is completely nonstick. Once you season it which (I will include the tips here on how to season the skillet) a cast-iron skillet will have a natural nonstick surface that only improves with use.

It is durable. No more warped pans or melted handles. As long as you take care of it, your cast-iron skillet will last for generations.

Here are the tips for seasoning your cast-iron skillet. To make it nonstick, you will need to season your pan before the use.

Image via Wikipedia

(A) Wash with hot soapy water and scrub with stiff brush. Rinse and dry completely.

(B) Rub the entire surface, inside and out, with a neutral oil (such as grapeseed or canola) or melted vegetable shortening.

(C) Line the oven rack with foil and preheat to 350 degrees

(D) Place the skillet upside down on the foil, and bake for 1 hour. Let cool completely before handling.

(E) Repeat the seasonings process as often as you like to maintain a black, glossy surface. Be sure to reseason if your skillet looks dry or rusty, ot if food begins to stick.

(F) Buy a pre-seasoned pan if you prefer, such as Lodge Logic which can be used right away

Image via Wikipedia

Cleaning and storing your iron-skillet pan. Before you wash up, keep these guidelines in mind:

(1) Clean your pan with hot soapy water and stiff brush, or sprinkle with coarse salt and rub with a towel. Avoid harsh detergents, steel wool and the dishwasher, all of which can strip the seasoning.

(2) Dry completely with a dish towel

(3) Wipe with oil while still warm

(4) Store in a cool, dry place. If your pan has a lid, do not store it with the lid on it will keep any moisture inside the skillet and make it rust.

Image by cybrgrl via Flickr

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Lee Ness