It's amazing how nice my new/old iron skillet turned out after I gave it a good cleaning and re-seasoning.
At first glance I almost didn't pick it up. Then I thought about the larger iron skillet I'd gotten from a garage sale some time ago which I brought home, then cleaned and re-seasoned. I'd had a neighbor/friend tell me all about seasoning and caring for iron skillets. I knew I could also bring this skillet back to a usable condition just like that skillet I had done before. The price of three dollars was a great bargain for this thrifty treasure. I was telling another shopper there how I do this to my iron skillets, she told me she had passed up this skillet and others in similar condition, because she didn't think it was worth keeping and she didn't know how or even that you could, clean and re-season them.
Now that I have done another iron skillet the same way, I wanted to share how easy it really is to clean and re-season a cast iron skillet. And, no I don't mean just washing it, and then by "seasoning it" simply putting some salt and pepper on it! Funny thing that this is what the person I was talking to thought I meant! It really isn't a complicated process, it's well worth the time and effort, and it renders amazing results.
Iron skillets are a worth while investment, and with a little care they will only get better with time and use. If you have never owned one you will quickly learn it is a pan you can use for many foods, whether frying, baking, or even grilling! I challenge you to cook a Steak in a cast iron skillet, and then I bet you'll say it's one of the best steaks you ever had! Oh, and Corn Bread ...it's the perfect pan for that, and Fried Chicken, too! My Mom has always made her Pineapple Upside-Down Cake in her cast iron skillet, it's the best ever! I know she has used an iron skillet for just about everything!
Now that I have done another iron skillet the same way, I wanted to share how easy it really is to clean and re-season a cast iron skillet. And, no I don't mean just washing it, and then by "seasoning it" simply putting some salt and pepper on it! Funny thing that this is what the person I was talking to thought I meant! It really isn't a complicated process, it's well worth the time and effort, and it renders amazing results.
Iron skillets are a worth while investment, and with a little care they will only get better with time and use. If you have never owned one you will quickly learn it is a pan you can use for many foods, whether frying, baking, or even grilling! I challenge you to cook a Steak in a cast iron skillet, and then I bet you'll say it's one of the best steaks you ever had! Oh, and Corn Bread ...it's the perfect pan for that, and Fried Chicken, too! My Mom has always made her Pineapple Upside-Down Cake in her cast iron skillet, it's the best ever! I know she has used an iron skillet for just about everything!
Here is how I took the iron skillet from dirty and rusted, to like new again, seasoned and ready to use.
I added about a 1/4 cup of baking soda, along with a little warm water to make a paste, then began scrubbing the inside surface of the skillet. I used a crumbled up piece of foil and a stiff bristle brush. I put on some disposable gloves for this step to protect my hands. I continued scrubbing and the paste began to look dirty and rusty.
I rinsed the skillet and dried it with paper towels. It didn't look like all of the rust was removed so I repeated the process with baking soda solution and scrubbing until it was all removed, then rinsed and dried it.
I rinsed the skillet and dried it with paper towels. It didn't look like all of the rust was removed so I repeated the process with baking soda solution and scrubbing until it was all removed, then rinsed and dried it.
Next, I coated the skillet with vegetable oil, I poured in about a cap full, rubbing it all over the entire skillet, the inside, outside, handle and everything! I rub it on by hand, or use a clean paper towel. Lard can also be used, I have used oil with much success, and it's what I usually have on hand.
I placed the skillet upside-down in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for 1-1/2 hours. {Placing it upside-down will prevent the oil from gathering in the bottom of the pan. I find it best to place a sheet of foil on the rack below to catch any dripped oil or lard.} I turned off the oven and let the pan cool. Then it's ready to go!
I placed the skillet upside-down in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for 1-1/2 hours. {Placing it upside-down will prevent the oil from gathering in the bottom of the pan. I find it best to place a sheet of foil on the rack below to catch any dripped oil or lard.} I turned off the oven and let the pan cool. Then it's ready to go!
I recommend not using soap on your skillet. Some people say it's OK to do that, but the soap can strip away the seasoning, so I rinse the skillet well after each use with warm/hot water, then scrub gently with a little salt if any stuck on foods, then dry it well and give it a nice wipe down with oil before putting it away. I have also soaked it with a little warm water and then scraped with a foil ball if the other method didn't remove stuck on food. If your pan is sticking it may just be in need of a re-seasoning.
With use, and just a little care, your cast iron skillet will get better and better, and it may even become your favorite piece of cookware!
