Why Cast Iron Skillet Recipes?
Why cook with a cast-iron skillet? They are able to withstand high temperatures so they can be used on the stove-top as well as the oven. They evenly distribute heat. You can use them to sear, bake, fry, roast and saute.
How to Season Your Cast Iron Skillet
If you purchase a brand-new pan, the chances are high that it will be seasoned already. If that is the case, you’ll just need to follow the manufacturer’s directions on how to use it. If you get a cast-iron skillet from a garage sale or from your grandma, you’ll need to season your skillet. Don’t worry, it’s not difficult.
Simply heat your oven to 300°F. While your oven is heating up, wash the cast iron pan with warm, soapy water. Then dry it well. Use a pastry brush to spread a tablespoon of canola oil over the entire inside surface of the pan. There should not be pools of oil, it should be spread evenly. Bake the skillet for an hour. Then, turn off your oven, but leave the pan inside. Let the pan cool in the oven. After the pan cools, your cast-iron skillet is ready to use! A few drops of oil with each use will eventually create a smooth, non-stick surface on the pan. Proper cleaning and drying will keep the skillet rust-free.
How to Clean Your Cast Iron Skillet
Once you season your cast iron skillet, you won’t need much more than warm water to keep it clean. Just use warm water and a sponge or brush (no steel wool). You can use a few drops of mild soap if food is encrusted in the pan, but most of the time you don’t even need to do that. Every now and then give your skillet an oil treatment: Warm up the skillet on the stove over medium heat. Wipe it with a bit of oil and then allow it to cool down.
Now that you’re feeling confident about using and treat cast iron, click through these easy cast iron skillet recipes and get cooking.
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