Best Cooking Tool - Cast Iron Skillet

Cast iron skillet? Why should that be added to your arsenal of kitchen weapons? Because it is a force to be reckoned with in its own right. The cast iron skillet is one of the most versatile items of cookware and used by seasoned (pun intended) cooks. The beauty of this invention is that it can be used by a novice as well as a professional with amazing results.

Seasoning the cookware

First, your pan must be “seasoned”. When researching a cast iron skillet, there are two choices; seasoned or unseasoned. The difference being one has already been seasoned or cured in an oven with a cooking oil and is immediately ready for use. An unseasoned skillet will need to be seasoned or cured prior to its use. Seasoning is a fairly simple process that only requires a little more than time and patience. While the pan is cold, add a small amount of cooking oil, this can be vegetable, canola or even solid Crisco. Use a paper towel to coat the entire inside surface of the pan (you want a very thin layer almost as if no oil is remaining). Next you will put the skillet in a preheated 350 degree oven turned upside down with a piece of aluminum foil on the rack below to catch any oil for 30 minutes. Turn off the oven and allow the skillet to cool naturally (it is not unusual for the pan to smoke). Remove your skillet from the oven, wipe down with a paper towel and store. This process can be repeated several times prior to usage. After a pan or skillet has been seasoned, it is at that point rendered non-stick.Note: if stacking with other cookware, it is recommended that a piece of wax paper is laid in the pan for protection.

Using the Cookware

A few of the reasons cast iron is such a good choice, it is:

Economical - Inexpensive compared to other cookware with less usefulness

Healthy - May be used with no additional oils in cooking

Versatile - Uses include, cooking, frying, and baking

No hot spots - food cooks evenly

Time saver - cuts cooking time

Cleaning and Care

Because you do not want to break down the “seasoning” of the pan, care for your pan is important. Although opinions vary, the cast iron pan may be hand washed in mild soapy water. However, since it is non-porous and will not absorb food odors, it can also be cleaned with plain hot water. It is most imperative to remember to always hand wash and completely dry the pan immediately after it has been washed.

The cast iron skillet may be used on any type stovetop, in the oven, on the grill and even while camping. It is probably the most adaptable piece of cooking equipment known to women (and men). This coveted item is inexpensive compared to highly sought cookware from such noted companies as Calphalon, All-Clad, and Le Creuset and yet will produce a product as tasty and aesthetically appealing as the results from these desirable gems.

These pans are often passed down through generations simply because it is the perfect tool. Guaranteed to be your most used pan once you master its endless possibilities.