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!

Our Golden Day!

*It was a great Syrah Golden Reunion Lake Party for 2016!*

Looking back on that very special day when we brought our precious Golden Retriever, Aeon into our family, little did we know that we would be getting so much more along with him being such a wonderful, gentle, handsome and loving golden retriever, we gained an even larger extended family through our breeder Hollie and the Syrah Goldens.

The annual lake party brings us all together for a fun filled day to celebrate and enjoy all of our pups and the love we have for them. It's a very special "golden connection" that we all now share! We had a great turnout yesterday, and I believe at last count there were about twenty Goldens there!  I sure wish that all the dogs could talk about how fun this day is for them!

My Thanks given to:
Hollie, she's our beautiful, sweet, favorite golden breeder and "pack leader!"
The Hosts, John and Helen, for their most gracious hospitality and for hosting at their beautiful home, along with everything they do in making this a truly wonderful and memorable day. They are very kind and special people.
And, Everyone else for coming out, bringing all of the delicious food, and for sharing in what was a perfect "golden" day!

"Dogs just want to have fun!" There were about 20 dogs at the reunion!

Trying to get a group photo, I'm sure the dogs would much rather be loose, playing or swimming!

Thoughts and Things - This week ... A Grand Spring Break

I say it often to others, especially if they are new to the title of grandparent ..."It's a whole new kind of Love!"  Once I became a grandparent I was forever changed, my heart swollen to a new level of fullness.  Filled with immense joy and pride, and immeasurable love...

We enjoyed having the Grands stay with us over their Spring Break.  These two have my heart!  They are quite interesting, entertaining and fun these days.  They each have their own personality and are of course changing all of the time, minute by minute, hour by hour, and day by day!  

I will warn those viewing this post...it is heavy with photos...and cuteness!

Broccoli & Apple Salad

I am a huge fan of broccoli, I love it!  Cooked or raw, steamed, roasted and covered in garlic...oh yeah, or put it in a salad and I am good with that, too!  Speaking of which, I did put it in a salad and loved what I came up with.  I am calling it Broccoli & Apple Salad, but, it is more than that!  Crisp broccoli, apples, and walnuts, along with dried cranberries and a bit of red onion, all blended together with a creamy dressing that gives it a sweet and tangy deliciousness!

One of the great things about salads is their versatility.  You can add this, take away that, and customize to your liking just what you 'like' in your version of the perfect salad.  This is a perfect salad for me!  I recommend giving my Broccoli & Apple Salad recipe a try or you can make changes that you feel will make it a perfect salad for you!  I would imagine there are some who may not choose all of the same ingredients I used for my salad, optional and various other ingredients give a new taste and appeal to each different salad combination.  It's all good!

Broccoli & Apple Salad

Ingredients:
4 cups fresh broccoli florets, (approx-2 medium heads)
2 medium red apples, chopped-(gala is my first choice)
1/2 cup walnuts, halves or chopped pieces, (or pecans)
1/4 cup diced red onion-optional
1/8 cup dried cranberries or raisins
-Dressing-
1/4 cup mayonnaise-(I like the olive oil mayo!)
1/4 cup greek yogurt, plain-or vanilla
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp sugar
dash of salt
dash of pepper

Directions:
Combine broccoli, apples, walnuts, onion and cranberries in a large mixing bowl.  Prepare dressing using remaining ingredients, mayonnaise, greek yogurt, lemon juice, sugar, salt and pepper.  Add dressing to the salad and toss well to combine all ingredients.  Chill in refrigerator before serving.

Enjoy!...

Thoughts and Things - This week ... An April "Shower" for the Bride-to-be

This day was certainly one to remember, and will surely forever be a great memory.  Saturday was a beautiful day of celebration with a Bridal Shower for our daughter, and her Prince.  Her favorite princess is Belle, so that is how the theme idea came to be.  The theme was "Beauty and the Beast," and it was beautifully done!  The decorations, the food and everything was just so beautiful, all the details masterfully pulled together by her dear Friend and co-worker, along with her Sister and Mother.   They did such a wonderful job!  Thanks to the three of them, as well as our daughter's future Mother-in-law, and two future Sisters-in-law for all that was done in making this such a special day for our daughter.  Above is the table decor for each table.

My Spring Display - It's here...SPRING is here!

Yay!  It's officially and finally, Spring!

I must say our first two days of Spring were way-too-chilly here, but today however, well, it was in true Spring form.  Even though I had plenty of 'life chores' that I should have been doing today, I sat outside for a little while enjoying the warmth of the sun as it was giving me the thought that "I could just sit here like this forever!"  It felt wonderful.  Such a beautiful Spring day!

I am so pleased to say "Hellooo SPRING! ...Buh-Bye Winter!"

I felt inspired, and motivated, to put a Spring theme together for my display shelf.  As I always try ever so frugally to do, I managed to achieve the look by using mostly what I already had on hand, along with a few inexpensive items.

I found the wire-backed window at our new Home Goods store and had to get it once I saw it was a half price mark down from thirty bucks.  I love a good bargain!  I've been wanting to make something similar for a while and this was just perfect!  I picked up a few floral items at the craft store to dress up a plain grapevine wreath, and transform it into a simple, but pretty, Spring wreath.  I also found the Bunny there and that cute little thing hopped right into my shopping cart! *wink*  Uh-huh that's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

The little cardboard tags were a find after the holidays at the Target dollar area, eight tags for a buck, so I quickly grabbed two bundles.  I knew at the time I'd find a use for them in the future!  I attached my wooden letters to the tags by using reusable thumb-tack/putty, then strung the tags onto some jute twine to make my SPRING-banner.  The little ceramic basket was a mere dollar-fifty of a deal found on the seasonal/holiday isle at the grocery store and I thought it was just so cute that it had to come home with me too. 

I edited a few items and also moved things around just a bit, then settled on this look for now.  I am liking it well enough and enjoy seeing it, and having it as a fun 'welcome' to Spring!

  

Happy SPRING!...

Chicken Wraps - with Avocado, Cheese, Spinach and Basil

These chicken wraps are a satisfying meal anytime, whether for lunch or dinner, they are so quick and easy to make.  I enjoy finding new and interesting ways for adding spinach to my diet.   This is one way that I do that.  I like to make these chicken wraps for lunch or even as a quick snack.  I try different variations, but this one is the basic overall favorite.  I often use the Ole whole wheat tortilla/wraps instead of flour tortillas, I like that they are a lower carb and low calorie alternative.  I love avocados so they are a must-have when I make these wraps.  I prefer the shredded cheese blend of cheddar and monterey jack, and for added heat the mexican blend with pepper jack is good too! 

*** *** ***

Chicken Wraps - with Avocado, Cheese, Spinach and Basil

What you will need:
chicken breast, cooked, diced
avocado, thinly sliced, and/or mashed
soft tortillas
cheese blend, shredded
spinach leaves, or use any lettuce
basil leaves
yogurt dressing/caesar dressing

Optional additions:
thinly sliced-
green pepper
cucumber
onion
tomato

How to prepare the wrap:

Spread avocado down the center of a soft tortilla, add chicken, spinach and basil leaves on top of the avocado, also down the center.  Add cheese, then drizzle on dressing.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Fold one edge of the tortilla over the ingredients, then roll up tightly, can slice or leave whole, then serve.

Enjoy!...

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!

*** *** ***

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!...

Chicken Tortilla Soup - slow cooker method

There's a few weeks of winter left yet, and it's still that time of year when the comfort of a bowl of soup is the perfect choice for lunch, or dinner.  There's just nothing better than a bowl of soup when the temperature drops, and it always feels like a big warm hug!  Chicken Tortilla Soup is like that for me, and it's a favorite of mine when I go out for Mexican food.

In seeking the perfect recipe so I could make Chicken Tortilla Soup at home, I put together a recipe that has just the right ingredients and all the flavor I was looking for.  And, since I cooked it in my crock pot/slow cooker it was almost effortless with it being so easy to make, and all the while it cooked it was filling the house with the delicious smell of homemade goodness! 

This Chicken Tortilla Soup is hearty and filling.  A tasty blend of spices adds just the right amount of flavor, and the additional toppings added before serving gives it that extra something special that would surely be missed, if not there!  You can leave them off, but I strongly recommend reconsidering that if you do!  I mean, how could you do that, seriously?  It's even better with the extras!

I added some crushed tortilla chips around the rim of my bowl, then some diced avocado, a squeeze of lime, a nice mound of shredded monterey jack cheese, and for added heat- a sprinkle of diced jalapeno.  It was ... Perfect!  You can also kick-up the heat of this soup by adding a bit of red pepper flakes or hot sauce, too! 

The richness of the broth is a delicious blend of all the flavors within!  And, I think it is a nice color and overall the soup is appealing visually.

Also this soup is a great next day 'left-overs' dish that might be even better then!

Give my Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe a try, I hope you will find that you enjoy it too.  I think it's delicious!

Chicken Tortilla Soup - slow cooker method

Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
1 (4 oz) can chopped green chilies, drained
1/2 medium yellow or sweet onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, crushed or minced
3 tsp chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
salt and freshly ground black, pepper to taste
1 (14.5 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can corn, drained or 1 1/2 cup frozen corn
2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
1 fresh lime, cut into wedges

Additional ingredients for topping before serving:
tortilla chips-pieces, or strips-(see recipe below to make your own.)
Monterrey jack cheese, shredded or a Mexican blend
fresh avocado, diced
fresh tomatoes, diced
fresh jalapeno, seeds and veins removed, then chopped
sour cream
red pepper flakes, tabasco or hot sauce

Directions:

Pour diced tomatoes into slow cooker, add the chicken broth.  To that add the onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper, and mix together  Next, place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker with the other already added ingredients, cover with lid, set to low heat and cook for 5 to 5 1/2  hours, or until chicken is fully cooked.  Carefully remove chicken and chop/shred into bite sized pieces, then place back into slow cooker, along with the corn, black beans, and cilantro.  Stir gently and allow to cook further until thoroughly heated.

Serve topped with a squeeze of lime,  shredded cheese, tortilla strips or pieces, and other optional ingredients.




Baked tortilla strips

Ingredients:
corn tortillas
cooking spray, or canola or vegetable oil
salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. coat both sides lightly and evenly with oil.  Stack a few tortillas on top of each other, then cut into approximately 1/4 inch strips.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper  or a silpat, arrange strips in a single layer, season with salt, then bake in preheated oven 12-15 minutes, toss at  once or twice during cooking, and continue until golden and crisp.  Let cool on paper towels, then store in an airtight container.  

These could also be fried in oil on the stove top, or in a deep fryer.

Enjoy!...