I gotta say, whoever in here who likes to cook and does not have a cast iron skillet needs to get one.. today...
I finally bought a cast iron skillet from Lodge and have absolutely loved it! I'm still working on learning the delicacies of a cast iron, but man I love it! I screwed up the first thing I made on it but everything else has turned out great. I've cooked basic things like bacon, I made a home made pizza on it that came out like it was cooked on a stone, and tonight I made one of the best steaks I've ever had on it... love it!!
How many inches is your skillet? Where did you get it and how much was it?
Making a pizza with it sounds awesome, but did you cook it on the stove or in an oven?
J/C....
I found a good deal on a cast iron skillet- looks like a 14" round.
Peen needs to get in here and explain his method for the best cast iron steak in history.
Cast iron is where its at!
Yeah, I've had mine for three or four years now.
Great for steaks in the winter.
There are several ways to season a skillet. My favorite is on the stove top using salt.
Just keep using it. What took you so long?
I have 3 of them. (actually 4, but I haven't used the egg pan sized one yet) I have a pair of flat bottom skillets, and 1 grill bottom skillet. I love 'em. Once you get the temp right, you can make anything special.
I have two of them.. love em. Seasoned properly at first it's a good way to cook. One problem is electric glass top stoves.. big scratches.
They are amazing, we've had ours for close to 30 years.. everything from eggs and bacon to chicken to steak.. amazing.. But I've not tried a pizza, that sounds interesting.. how about a recipe?
Here is a tip on the pizza....just put the skillet in the oven as it heats to temp...pull it out and then add the pizza dough and build the pizza. You'll end up with a nice crisp deep dish pizza.
Lodge is made about 20 miles from here. They are a big sponsor of the Cornbread Festival next weekend. I'll be there.
web page
I've got a 14" one from my grandparents via my parents. They never used it, I was about to buy one and they happened to be there at the time. They said, "No! Wait! We have one from your grandparents under out bed that we haven't used!" Been using that one ever since.
Makes lots of meats and everything, but here is one of my favorite side dish recipes that I make in it often using Sweet Potatoes:
Preheat your oven with the cast iron in it to 400 degrees
Cut up two large sweet potatoes (or 4 if they are small), 1 onion, 6-8 garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt (I use smoked sea salt), pepper, smoked paprika and mix together in a bowl
Put the ingredients into the preheated skillet and put into the oven for 25 minutes untouched.
Take out, stir, and add in more smoked paprika and other spices (I use fresh basil and rosemary from my little patio garden, and dried thyme)
Put back into oven and cook for an additional 15 minutes
Take out of oven and serve.
J/C ......
For anyone who doesn't want to spend any more than they absolutely have to, Wal-Mart actually carries Lodge in their stores.
I believe lodge are the only cast iron skillets made in America.
I would get one of them if you are getting a new one.
I believe so. Been making them here in Tennessee since the 1890's.
Yeah, they are the last left. If you like the skillet, you need to try the dutch oven. Charcoal underneath and on top, stack a few if you want, you can cook anything.. Main course through desert in one stack, some of the scout leaders from my son's troop had some great tips.
My favorite skillet was given to me by my mother. One of her uncles worked in a cast iron foundry during the depression. He used to bring the bad ones and broken ones home and repair them to the best of his ability. Mine has a crooked hand welded handle on it. Just the right angle for a lefty like me!
I have a 14" and was told to season it by rubbing oil all over it and putting it in the oven for an hour. oiled it inside and out except for the bottom. Works like a charm.
Edit: I have a glass top stove also, but if your real careful and don't slide it around on the top then you shouldn't have to worry.
My ex loved using the cast iron skillet. But, I don't recall her ever making food in one. To me they're just a headache waiting to happen.
lol