Thirty-six years ago I was given a large cast iron skillet as a wedding gift. For several months it was moved around the kitchen until one day the hubby brought home some freshly caught fish. He insisted on using the cast iron skillet to fry up these fish.
Honestly it was one of the best meals I have ever enjoyed. Now came the part of clean up. Remembering my mom used all kinds of different size and shapes cast iron cooking skillets and pots of course I called mom. Yes, I called my mommy for help! No regrets mom always comes through.
Mom explained how to clean out the skillet and store it for use the next time I wanted to use the skillet. She explained how to keep it seasoned so nothing would stick. Plus informed me how to use it to make wonderful meals on top the stove, in the oven and even out on the BBQ grill.
My whole world changed! Some people will claim they are so big and heavy, clumsy, get hot (for more even cooking) and all kinds of other excuses. All I can say is give cast iron a chance.
How does one go about seasoning and cleaning all those cast iron skillets and pots. Not hard at all. Follow along and I will walk you through the process.
How to Season Cast Iron
Warm your skillet over low heat.
Using a paper towel and seasoning oil or fat (corn or vegetable oil) Pour around 2 tablespoons of oil into your skillet. Using the paper towel coat the oil inside and out of your skillet completely, including the sides and handle.
Pre-heat oven to 500 degrees. Place skillet in oven for one hour. You might want to line the oven with foil so no mess is made.
If you see some smoke coming from the skillet, DON’T panic all is well.
NOTE: If the temperature is too low the oil will be sticky which is not good.
After an hour turn off the oven and let skillet cool.
Wipe clean and store.
How to Clean Your Cast Iron
Rinse off skillet with warm water to wash away and remove loose food.
Coarse salt makes an excellent paste to scrub out your cast iron. Pour 1/4 cup salt and add few drops water into the skillet. Make a paste. Using an old plastic dough scraper rub the salt paste around to clean the skillet.
You can also use those plastic dollar store scrubs that come in a pack of 5 for $1.00 to scrub out your cast iron.
Don’t use dish soap on cast iron. If soap is used accidentally be sure to rinse and dry completely. Apply a light coating of oil and wipe completely clean.
Always and I mean always put your cast iron away completely DRY. Rust spots will form if stored wet or damp.
See how easy it is to take care of all your cast iron cooking utensils. Now go on and make a delicious meal your whole family will enjoy. Clean up is a breeze!