In the days before we had non-stick cookware, we had the next best thing – seasoned cast iron cookware. While non-stick cookware has certainly outdone cast iron cookware in the non-stick category, cast iron pots and pans are still favored by many chefs, including the professionals because of their durability and ability to retain flavor.

But, if you’re not lucky enough to have a hand-me-down from Grandma, you may find yourself confused about how to become a cast iron chef. Have no fear – you can learn to season cast iron cookware with the pros and keep them in great shape for years to come.

Seasoning New Cast Iron Cookware

The process is actually quite simple. When done correctly, your pans will last a long time and may even become your own hand-me -downs in the future.

1. Heat your oven to 300 degrees.

2. Coat the pan with lard or grease. (Be sure that you do not use vegetable oil or commercial cooking sprays. While they may seem easier, they will not only cause your cookware to be seasoned incorrectly, but they will also leave a sticky film on the outside of the cookware that is impossible to remove.)

3. Place the pan in the oven on the middle rack and allow it to bake for 15 minutes.

4. Remove the pan and pour out any excess grease or lard.

5. Put the pan back into the oven and bake for another two hours.

6. Repeat as needed

Many cast iron enthusiasts will swear upon repeating the seasoning process several times before ever using the cookware the first time. Each time you season the cookware, the seasoning bond becomes stronger. Many people will recommend that the first few times the cookware is used it should be used to cook greasy foods (bacon, fatty meats, etc.) to again strengthen the seasoning bond.

Re-seasoning Cookware

If you find that you seasoned the pan improperly the first time, or if food starts to stick to the pan after a period of time in use, you may want to re-season the cookware.

1. Wash the cookware thoroughly with a steel wool pad (doing this while the pan is warm and still safe to touch is best).

2. Make sure the pan is fully dry (use a towel if needed).

3. Follow the seasoning steps above to re-season the pan.

Cleaning Your Cast Iron Cookware

To make your cookware last the test of time, be sure to take proper care of it. Remember the creed of every enthusiast of cast iron – no soap and no steel wool. Soap and steel wool will cause a breakdown in the seasoning bond and should not be used to clean your cookware on a regular basis. If you’re baffled at this moment, have no fear. Cleaning cast iron cookware is a breeze.

1. You’ll need to rinse your cookware while it is still hot. If food is stuck to it, then scrape the pan or pot as needed.

That’s it! Remember not to store food in your cast iron cookware because it may attach a metallic flavor to the food. In addition, store your pans with the lids off to prevent moisture from accumulating and rusting from occurring.

Now that you know the ins and outs to cast iron cookware, you can start creating your own family heirloom – as well as some great food!

Mike Lansing spends his free time cooking for family and friends, as well as serving as a contributing editor for CookingSchools101.com

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The QCI Guys demonstrate “Astonish” oven and cookware cleaner. Join Skip Montgomery on “Live at 75″, a local cable access Channel 75’s very own talk show.

Duration : 0:5:16

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In this episode Becky shows you the different types of cast iron cookware she uses in the homestead kitchen, she also gives advice on cleaning your cast iron cookware.
Email Becky: beckyshomestead@gmail.com

Duration : 0:8:11

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Over the year I’ve been going old school, so this is my collection of my cast cookware as a result. They are the most incredible and perfect cooking surface IMO

Duration : 0:0:57

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An integral part of cooking is the kitchenware which is regarded as the most important aspect in cooking. Different materials are used for the production of kitchenware. The selection of this kitchenware depends by person and their needs. Different people have different approach towards it. Some may prefer costlier nonstick pans whereas some prefer cheaper aluminium ranges. But you could shop easily for any of your choices.

The kitchenware which is very heavy and inexpensive is the cast iron cookware. It has slow and even heat conduction and this is the result of it used while cooking in a stove or oven. In the same way, copper cookware also is good heat conductors and they heat quickly and evenly but these are not that heavy to use. While comparing both these, copper cookware is rather preferred for frying and sautéing as they are portable and also are good to look at.

The cheapest cookware available in the market is the aluminium products. They are light weight and also heat responsive but there are many controversies going on related to cooking in aluminium cookware. Aluminium cookware results in altering the taste of the food largely. A strong, reasonably priced and pretty cookware is the stainless steel cookware on which most of them depend on. Stainless steel is usually a mixture of aluminium or copper core which helps in the conduction of heat.

Another trend in kitchenware is the nonstick cookware which many of the health conscious people tend to prefer. While using nonstick cookware not much oil is needed for the cooking process and thus it proves to be good for those suffering from obesity, cholesterol and those who would like to avoid fat. Apart from this, the cleaning process is considered to be the easiest of all. This is because the food does not stick on to the pan. But on the other hand, while working with nonstick cookware there need to are certain safety measures adopted. It should not be cleaned with abrasive cleaners as the coating gets damaged if done so.

Kitchenware is the must for kitchens and the decision of buying which of these cookware and what type depends largely on the choice of the customer. Therefore, it is very important to know what the right kitchenware is for you before going out for purchase.

Another important method of shopping is through the internet where there are various other dimensions opened for shopping. It is considered to be economy shopping as you get the kitchenware in lower rates and also all these could be easily accessed by just a mouse click. In today’s world, online shopping of kitchenware are considered to be the most important thing that everyone are thinking about as it saves their time as well as money. Even discounts and reduced rates are offered by many websites and helps customers in various ways. Those who have had an experience in online shopping would always prefer it continuously as they would have enjoyed it by sitting at home.

Jena Luthovski
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/tips-for-purchasing-the-right-kitchenware-137510.html

With all the recent product recalls, I am concerned that cookware made in China might be contaminated in some way too.
I am especially interest in stainless steel cookware.
I would also appreciate recommendations for safe stainless cookware.

Are you afraid that it might be laced with lead?