Cast Iron Skillet - How to Clean and Re-Season

It's amazing how nice my new/old iron skillet turned out after I gave it a good cleaning and re-seasoning.

I couldn't pass up this little cast iron skillet after noticing it at the thrift store.  I thought it would be perfect to use for making desserts for two.  Those skillet desserts are popular at some restaurants and I've been thinking about how nice it would be to be able to make them at home, and now that I have the perfect sized skillet, I can.

This is how the skillet looked when I found it.

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!

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.

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 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!

Tammy's Tip Today - Let go and throw out the clutter

I wanted to share a tip today on a couple of useful lists I discovered.  One consists of 200 things to throw away, and the other is 25 Reasons to Get Rid of It.

With Spring approaching, what better time to do some de-cluttering, cleaning out, and organizing throughout the home.

I found these lists to be helpful and perfect for the encouragement of letting go!  Lots of things I hadn't thought about, and I'm sure I have some of them, in duplicate or more even.

I know I for one can admit that I am a bit of a hoarder, but, I also like to have order and organization, too.  Hmm, an organized hoarder, sounds laughable, huh?  It's the crafter and decorator in me.  The Hubby knows all too well what I am talking about.  I've said it before that I do have a need to "hang on" to things, like "I might use that for something, so don't throw that away!"  So my "craft closet" has become an over flow of scattered hiding places where I can put this and that for future use...someday!

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Just getting started may be the hardest part!
Items no longer needed that are in good condition can be donated, recycled, or perhaps sold, maybe via a garage sale if you're planning one and want to make some extra cash from your purge.  Throwing out some of the suggested old, or partially used items is a good place to start for de-cluttering.

Keeping those things that you love or make you happy is a good suggestion, if you really feel you can't part with something.  And, I like the rule of "have you used it in the past six months or longer?"  It may be time to let it go!  Remember to keep in mind not all things are appropriate to just throw out - batteries, paint, household cleaners or chemicals, find out how to safely dispose of those type of items. 

It may be best to start with one room at a time, then decide what to keep, what to donate, what can be recycled, and what to throw out.  Completing the process for each room before moving on to the next should help to keep things in order, and more in control.

Use the lists as a guild to help you let go!  I'll be trying to do just that over the next few weeks, as I get a jump on some Spring-cleaning.  I'm feeling empowered and know I can do this, we all can!

Visit the links at
Embracing Homemaking.net for: 200 things to throw away
Martha Stewart.com 25 reasons to get rid it   Plus: 25 more reasons to get rid of it

Good Luck!...

~ Tammy's Tip Today ~ Microwave: Easy cleaning

I like having a microwave, and do use it.  I also like for my microwave to be sparkling clean, at all times!  That probably seems laughable I know.  But seriously, let's face it when the magic of the microwave is doing it's magic, it can sometimes end up all over the inside.  And, if that magic-turned-mess isn't cleaned up right away, well you might know this becomes a major mess!  Oh and also, I have found that when you live with others the microwave sometimes mysteriously gets messy too.  Got a dirty microwave? When this happens I have a simple solution to clean it to a sparkle quickly.  

Use a microwavable cup or bowl filled about 3/4 full with water and then microwave it for about 5 minutes.  Let it stand in the closed microwave for a few minutes more, and the steam will loosen up any dried or stuck on foods.  Carefully remove the cup of hot water, then use a clean moistened sponge or dishcloth, along with a dab of dish soap to wipe down all of the microwave and any removable parts, such as the turn table tray and the wheel from underneath, or the glass tray bottom.  Rinse well, and your done!  If some food particles are very stubborn, just try the steps again.

Sparkling clean!...