Calling All Old Cast Iron Lovers.......

[CedarRidgeChicks]

Wow, scaredofshadows, sounds like Dad found a good deal..some sanding and seasoning and he has a couple of treasures.

In the house here (that we just sold) my dh put up firring strips and hooks behind our woodburning stove, on the wall for some of our cast iron. In the new house we hope to use a wooden wagon wheel as a pot rack for my most used ones.

I just love my cast iron!! Collecting it together with my dh has given us many years of fun!!

 

[alabama49]

Cedarridgechicks-sounds like I may have to take a drive up to Gadsden & take in that yard sale!!! I did end up buying a 6" cast iron skillet in good shape for $6 but it doesn't have a name on the bottom-it only says "made in the USA" so I guess it could be a "knockoff" brand!!!

 

[Ema]

the one thing my grandmother always told me was to be sure I always had one or 2 good cast iron skillets...uhmm well I bought a couple and both rusted???!!! each skillet cost between 50 and 65 dollars, I always look a them and want to try again, maybe somene has some insight on what I am doing wrong???

 

[Lunachick]

Quote:
Oh that's a beauty alright. I would have spent that on it! I figure if you want it that bad and have the $$ then...........get the darn thing and enjoy it.

Holding firewood is a great idea.

 

[Lunachick]

Ema, you have to "season" your cast iron. And don't wash it with detergent and water and let it air dry like other cooking pieces, that's when it'll get rusty. I believe there was some good instructions a few pages back. Basically what I do is clean it up with water and a stiff brush, maybe a little mild dish soap to get the cooties off. Then dry it with a cloth and then rub it down all over with lard or a good oil and bake it in the oven on low for a good couple of hours or until it stinks up your kitchen. Let it cool, rub down a bit if it's tacky and store. * After each use, I add more lard/oil to coat it up and put it away til next time.

 

[CedarRidgeChicks]

..Luna!!

 

[Lunachick]

Hey CRC

- when you get all settled in your new home, take some pics of your collection - I'd LOVE to see it!

 

[sgtmom52]

Quote:
Oh that's a beauty alright. I would have spent that on it! I figure if you want it that bad and have the $$ then...........get the darn thing and enjoy it.

Holding firewood is a great idea.

I have been looking for one for awhile and most of the ones I found were well over $100. or had holes drilled in the bottoms and used as planters. I told DH that this is my early birthday gift!

 

[Ema]

Quote:
ok that might have been my issue..ahahaha It didn't come with instructions so a freind told me to put oil on it and bake it but I just washed it all up after every use in the dishwasher and all my food would stick to it too..ugh...I think I will give it another go thanks Lunachick

 

[CedarRidgeChicks]

Ema, I agree with Luna..seasoning it is probably your problem; and lard is by far better than oil. I have found that over time, if not used often the oil can get gummy/sticky. Also, if I have a stubborn spot I use coarse salt and a scrubby to remove the stuck on stuff..like the fried okra from a few nights ago!!..and the crusties from cornbread..don't wash unless you have to. If I have to, I wipe really well to dry re-coat with lard and put in the warm oven.

alabama49..don't discount the made in the USA pan..I have several that are very good pans..no they aren't the "collectors" but they are very good pans AND I have a Griswald and a National that both have "hot spots" in the bottom and don't cook well.

Luna..I will post pics..will be awhile..I have some BUT the camera cable is currently MIA..I think it was packed with some of my sons cords.