I grew up in home where my mom cooked with two or three cast iron pans, and made it look so easy. She also used to say cooking with cast iron will give you your daily serving of iron. Obviously, I cook our jambalaya in a huge cast iron pot, but other that that, I never really could get the hang of it. Everything sticks to them and they are a pain to keep seasoned. Until now. Thanks to my friend, Sam, for encouraging me to give the cast iron another try. It does take some getting used to, but once you realize cast iron just needs a little patience, you can master cooking with it, too.
First of all, you have to use a lower fire setting. Iron is slow to heat up, but it retains the heat longer. You will find it cooks more evenly, also. My pancakes have been so beautiful using the cast iron, my kids have been giving me many compliments! And they seem to be fluffier - even using whole wheat flour! You will need to be sure they are seasoned well, and yes, they do require you to use more butter or oil than you may be used to, but think about the fact that you can toss out your toxic teflon and never have to buy another skillet again. You can find some on E-bay that are from the 1800's that are good as new, probably better!
Another thing I like about cast iron is, they are made right down the road from us, in South Pittsburg, TN. You gotta love supporting the local manufacturers! Lodge has been making cast iron for decades, and they are so affordable! You can easily buy several pieces and not go broke!
I don't have any of Lodge's enamel covered cast iron, but I do have some Le Creuset pots that I love. They are $$$, but I think Lodge's enamel is a whole lot more affordable. If I could go back in time, I would have gotten the Lodge and would have saved quite a bit of money.
Next time you need a new skillet, consider giving the age-old cast iron a try. The learning curve is short but so rewarding! It feels great to know I will not have to buy a non-stick skillet every six months!
4 comments:
I have used cast iron now for most of my married life. There's nothing like it for searing meat, or making sizzling hot fajitas. I never did get the knack of frying eggs on it though, no matter now much it is seasoned. I shamefully still use my toxic teflon plan for that. :(
Have you been to the Lodge outlet in TN? I hear that they have monthly specials for unbelievable prices. I'd love to get some of the enamel coated, but it's just a want at this point, not a need.
I can manage to make my eggs without sticking if I do them in small batches. But even when I do a dozen eggs, it cleans up easily. I have been to the Lodge Outlet in Pigeon Forge, but not the one in S. Pittsburg. You wanna try and go together?
If ya'll go Can I come along? I have been to the outlet in Pigeon Forge. I have 2 enameled pots...By far my favorite cast iron skillet is the one I have that belonged to Devin's grandma. I love cast iron:-)
Sam, of course you can go! Let's pick a date! How are you feeling? Three more weeks of tax season, and I will be free!
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