cast iron skillets

[deputy dog]

just got 2 cast iron skillets for xmas and know that you have to "season" them prior to using them and wanted to know what you all do to yours before the initial use and as you use them. plan on cooking over open fire when i camp the summer and don't want to ruin them. thanks in advance!

[Pokey Fisherman]

I washed it to get rid of any crap from manufacturing and handling. Then I heated it up and spread cooking oil in it, it make some smoke. The more I use it the better it gets as long as you don't scrub it out. I just put it under hot water and then wipe it out.

[cjbrown]

Do what Pokey says, but use good old lard. Pig Fat RULES!!!!

[Checkmate]

Amen Pokey! I can not preach enough about not using dish soap and steal scouring pads. You just treat it like your grand daughters bottom and it will treat you right. Forget about sprays just use real butter, real pork fat and real beef fat. Do not heat so hot you smoke the skillit either. It is your friend and treat it so. Iron piles are treasured by those who understand they will be here well beyond any of the QVC channel junk! Checkmate

[cjbrown]

Iron piles are treasured by those who understand they will be here well beyond any of the QVC channel junk! Checkmate


So true, we have 5 that belonged to my great-grandmother. Most beautiful pieces of iron I've ever laid my eyes on.

[hgmeyer]

Go here and read everything you need to know... No "old wive's tales" and the right way...

http://www.lodgemfg.com/use-care-seasoned-cast-iron.asp

Enjoy!

[Richard B]

Don't know what size skillets you got but we have always washed them well then fried chicken in them. Seasons them well and you have a great meal while doing it.

[I Walleye]

Do what pokey said. After they get seasoned they will clean up better than anything you have ever cooked with.

[perchjerker]

Ebijack told me a real easy way to do it. Prepare it like Pokey says, but put it in a heated up charcoal grill that has a lid like a Weber and let it cook until the coals die out. No smoking up the house that way.

and never cook tomato based stuff in it, the acids can remove the seasoning.

after I wash it, I spray it with a little cooking spray and rub it in with a paper towel

[deputy dog]

found this site this morn and it has a lot of info:
http://whatscookingamerica.net/Infor...stIronPans.htm
i seasoned one of them last night and am gettin ready to cook a pound of bacon, figure that will put some fat in it. new problem, i have a electric glass-top stove and they say you either shouldn't use cast iron or you have to be REALLY careful because of uneven heating. anyone use their cast iron on electric glass top ranges? problems? thanks!