I love my cast iron skillets! Where did I get them? No idea! Did I buy them, nope. That is just not done here. You inherit them from family members, they are given to you as house-warming and wedding gifts, or they just some how appear in your kitchen.
A good cast iron skillet is the most-used kitchen tool in any southern cook’s kitchen. It is used to fry chicken, bake an apple pie, or making a really mean filet steak. The key word there is a good cast iron skillet. If you take care of your cast iron, it will take care of you and yours. Quite literally, your descendants will be eating off the cast iron you pass down for generations to come. Just think of the seasoning on that thing if it is properly cared for.
Cleaning Cast Iron
The best way to take care of your cast iron, is by cleaning it properly. Once you are done using your cast iron, let it cool down enough to handle by hand before you try to clean it.
Scrape off any stuck on food.
Rinse the cast iron with hot water.
Wipe the cast iron off using a soft cloth.
Dry the cast iron on the stove
The last step is to add a thin layer of oil or Crisco to the cast iron to protect it.
When using your cast iron it is best to keep it seasoned. It is easier to just take care of it, than it is to reseason it. Oh, you will not believe the fights that have been started when an unknowing spouse either puts the cast iron in the sink to “soak” or puts it in the dishwasher. Oh, you better believe my husband only did that once, bless his heart.
Seasoning or Reseasoning Cast Iron
Gentle Dish Soap
Sponge or Stiff Brush, if rusted you may need to use a steel wool pad
Clean Dish Towel or Paper Towels
Vegetable Oil or Shortening (I prefer Crisco)
Aluminum Foil
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Wash the skillet with warm, soapy water with the sponge or brush. If the cast iron is rusty use the steel wool pad. Normally you would not wash the cast iron with with soap, but since we are about to reseason it, it will be fine.
Rinse and dry the skillet with the towels.
Pour a little vegetable oil or coat it with Crisco.
Rub the oil into the entire skillet.
Flip the skillet over and oil the outside and bottom of the skillet too. You want a thin coat of oil coating the whole skillet.
Place the skillet upside down on the oven’s center rack.
Place a sheet of aluminum foil in the bottom of the oven to catch any dripping oil.
Bake for an hour.
Turn off the heat and allow to the skillet to cool completely before taking it out of the oven.
Once it’s cooled down, you’re good to go!
Video coming soon!
Southern Fried Fusions 
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