Cast Iron Pans

A well-rounded kitchen is not complete without a set of cast iron pans.  They are versatile, bomb-proof, and will last generations.  Cast iron is a great heat conductor, heats very evenly and will not warp with proper care.  Most cast iron pieces go easily from stove top to oven. 

Cast iron pans are healthier than other types of cookware.  No worries about toxic fumes from Teflon overheating or aluminum leaching into food.  Improved wrist, grip and forearm strength are also benefits.  Old school cast iron is still one of the best materials for cookware.

The skillet is probably the most popular cast iron pan.  It is great for frying and baking.  It can also be used to knock out the occasional bad guy.  Nothing beats pancakes or French toast on a cast iron griddle and, before the Crock Pot was invented, we had the cast iron Dutch oven for savory stews and roasts. 

Cast iron pans do require extra preparation and care.  In order to achieve non-stick performance, they need to be seasoned.  They also need to be hand washed and quickly re-seasoned after each use.  Some experts say it is o.k. to use soapy water when cleaning the cooking surface of cast iron, though most purists will only let water touch their pans.  Stiff bristle brushes can be used as well as oil and salt mixtures to clean stubborn, stuck-on leftovers.

An easy way to season a pan is to coat the inside with a thin coat of oil, shortening or lard and place the pan in an oven heated to 300 to 500 degrees for 30 to 60 minutes.  One method is to place the pan up-side down when doing this, but put something underneath it to catch any oil if you do.  Repeat this process several times.  Doing it in between uses is fine.  After using and cleaning a pan, heat it up to remove any moisture and then coat it with a thin coat of oil to help re-season.  If your cookware has a lid, store it with the lid off to reduce the chance of trapping moisture or humidity and preventing rust.  If rust spots do develop, remove with steel wool and re-season. 

Slow down a bit, give your dishwasher a rest and use some cast iron pans in your kitchen.  The more you use them, the better they get and the more fun you will have.