Cast iron, the cookware of gods and cowboys!

I have a lot of cast iron cookware and use it all the time. Unfortunately not everyone cooks with cast iron because they don't know how to use it right or they are creeped out by the fact you can't wash it with soap. I love cast iron because it cooks evenly and you can get a cast iron pan way hotter than a normal on so you can get a great sear on meat! Also, and bacteria that may be on it from your last dish you cooked in it will die as soon as you eat u the skillet. It's also a budget friendly set of cookware, you can find deals on them all the time. Even the name brand Lodge ones are inexpensive, my biggest skillet cost me a little over $35 and since I take care of it, i will be able to pass it down to my children and they can pass it to theirs (if they take care of it). Some people have cast iron skillets that are pushing 80+ years old because they have been taken care of and passed down from generation to generation.

So I thought I would give a few tips on how to season and care for your cast iron so it will last.

First things first NEVER wash your cast iron with soap! Soap will do nothing but wash away the flavor and seasoning in the pan. Second even if you buy one that says "pre- seasoned", season it yourself! Third you can never have too many cast iron pans, I currently have 5:
12" skillet
6" skillet
8" chicken fryer skillet
10" square gill pan
6" segmented corn bread skillet

I use all but the last 2 (they are new) all the time!

So there is one way to season a cast iron pan but there are a few things to season it with. I personally use shortening but some people use bacon grease, lard, or vegetable oil (i don't recommend veg. oil because it smokes). No matter what you use seasoning is still done the same way.

First pre-heat your oven to 400.

Then you wipe shortening (or your grease of choice) all over the pan inside and out.

Then you pop them into the oven for 60 or so minutes. That's all there s too it!

As for cleaning your cast iron, I normally do it right after we have finished eating. Just drain everything out of the skillet weather it be oil from frying or just meat drippings. Then I put it under VERY hot water and take a stiff brush and gently scrub and chunks left from cooking then I rinse it really well with hot water. Make sure you dry it IMMEDIATELY because if not it will rust! Then before you put it away you want to coat it with a thin layer of shortening again inside and out. Make sure if you store them nested to put paper towels or something between them. I personally have mine hung on the wall in my dining room the make for great useful decor in a country themed kitchen or dining room.