Cookware Pots

Monday, August 21, 2006

Cast Iron Cookware Is Back!

Cast Iron the cookware of a few generations ago has made a comeback! There was a reason this was the cookware choice of our grandparents. Versatile, economical, and an excellent alternative to non stick cookware. If you don’t already have at least one cast iron skillet you really need to get one!

Cast iron distributes the heat evenly over the pot and it retains the heat. And when seasoned properly it’s as good as any of the non stick pots and certainly a lot more healthier than some of those chemical coatings.

Compared to many other pots cast iron is very inexpensive and they are still the number one pot choice for many Chef’s because of their ability to retain flavor. Cast iron never wears out and if it doesn’t have a wood handle you can even use it in the oven. In fact if you are one of the lucky ones you’ve inherited a cast iron pot from your grandmother.

If you weren’t lucky enough to inherit grandma’s pot that’s okay cast iron pots are now once again available on department store shelves. But if you’ve purchased a new pot you are going to need to season it.

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees. Coat your cast iron pot with lard. Never use cooking sprays or vegetable oil. They will not season your pan correctly. Once you’ve coated it with lard put it in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Remove and pour out any excess lard. Now put it back in the oven for 2 hours.

Repeat the above process two to three times initially. This will ensure your pot is deeply seasoned. The first time you cook with your cast iron pot cook something greasy like bacon which helps strengthen the seasoning of the pot.

Over time your pot will loose its seasoning. When food begins to stick it’s time to season your pot again. While the pot is warm wash well, then repeat the same process you initially used to treat your cast iron pot.

Cleaning your cast iron cookware is really quite easy. There are two simple things to remember never use steel wool and never use soap. Both of these will cause your seasoning to breakdown. Simply rinse with hot water and scrape any food that is stuck. Then either dry with paper towel or place in a warm oven to dry.

Cookware Pot Information Posted By: Blueshoots.com
Original Source : http://www.articleclick.com

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