Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
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Cast iron pan
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Oven
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Sheet pan
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Seasoning fat
Step1
Wash your new, or used, cast iron pan well with a mild dish detergent and hot water. Make certain to wash away any excess soap.
Step2
Dry the pan with a towel, paper or cloth and set aside to fully dry. Once the pan is fully dry, after at least ½ hour of sitting in the open air, you are ready to season the pan.
Step3
Heat your oven to 250 degrees.
Step4
Set out the seasoning fat. This can be vegetable oil, vegetable shortening or even lard. I recommend using a plain vegetable shortening because it doesn’t spoil as often as vegetable oil or lard does.
Step5
Pour or smear two tablespoons of fat into the pan and use a paper towel or some plastic wrap to evenly distribute it among the base and insides of the pan. If you have a larger 12-inch pan, use three tablespoons of fat.
Step6
Flip the pan over and pour or smear another two tablespoons of fat onto the back of the pan. Again, distribute the fat evenly over the entire back of the pan and onto the handle. When you are finished, the entire pan should be coated with the fat of your choice.
Step7
Place the pan sitting up onto a sheet pan or cookie sheet. Place the sheet pan into the warmed oven.
Step8
Let the cast iron bake in the oven for 1½ to two hours. After that time has passed, turn the pan over. Make sure to use pot holders as the pan will be hot.
Step9
Bake the pan for another 1½ to two hours.
Step10
Take the pan out of the oven and let it cool. The fat should be a glossy surface at the end of the cooling time.
Step11
Make sure you only handle the pan after several hours of letting it cool.
Comments
jimdris said
on 11/29/2007 Thanks - I have a cast iron dutch oven for camping that I haven't used yet, so this tip comes in handy!