Nothing more symbolizes home cooking to me than the cast-iron skillet. It was a staple in my grandmother's kitchen, very often used in my mother's ... and in my kitchen ... let's just say that I need to remember to use it more often. And every time I do, I'm rewarded with that special flavor that only a well-seasoned skillet can provide.
If you have a skillet that hasn't been used for some time, it's time to re-season it and put it back into commission.Below are easy instructions from Southern Living on how to properly season your cast-iron skillet.
And by the way, my favorite all time cast-iron skillet recipe is skillet cornbread. Try it once and you'll never go back to the boxed variety.
The Secret to a Well-Seasoned Cast-Iron Skillet
Cast-iron cookware has been the touchstone of Southern food and hospitality for generations, creating perfectly fried chicken and cornbread so crisp you can hear it crackle when cut. No kitchen south of the Mason-Dixon Line would be complete without it. “Seasoning” is the process of oiling and heating cast iron to protect its porous surface from moisture. The oil is absorbed, creating a rustproof nonstick surface, which means your food will cook evenly and your skillet will have a beautiful sheen. Here’s how to season yours:
1. Rinse with hot water and dry thoroughly. (Never use dish soap or harsh detergents on cast-iron)
2. Spread a thin layer of solid shortening or vegetable oil over both the interior and exterior surfaces of the cookware, including the handle and the underside of any lids.
3. Place the cookware upside down on a rack in an aluminum foil-lined broiler pan. Bake at 350° for 1 hour. Turn off the oven, leaving the door closed, and allow the cookware to cool completely before removing.
4. You will need to repeat the procedure several times to darken the color of the cookware from brown to black, but it’s ready to use after this first seasoning. Once seasoned, never use harsh detergents to clean it or put it in the dishwasher. Wash with a stiff brush under hot running water; dry immediately, and rub with a thin coating of vegetable oil. Store in a cool, dry place with a folded paper towel between the lid and the cookware to allow the air to circulate and prevent rust.
Click here to watch a video on how simple it is to season a cast-iron skillet.
