How to Clean and Season a Cast Iron Skillet

Cast iron skillets can be frightening to a newbie. If not properly cleaned and seasoned they can cause food to stick and burn. But once the proper steps have been followed a good cast iron skillet is one of the easiest cooking items to use.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. If a lot of carbon has accumulated on the skillet it can be cleaned by putting it in your oven and setting your oven to self clean. It will probably smell up your house for a while so you may want to leave. If you don't have a self cleaning oven, you can accomplish the same goal by throwing the skillet into your next bon fire. REALLY

2. Once the skillet has cooled brush off the ashes. Rinse the skillet out with water and wipe dry.

3. Wipe the inside of the skillet with vegetable shortening, place on the stove and turn on the burner.

4. "Cook" the skillet on medium heat until the shortening begins to smoke. Wipe any excess melted shortening out of the skillet and store for the next use.

5. After each use, wash the skillet with water and dry over medium heat on the stove top. Add shortening only as needed--you notice that food is beginning to stick.

Tips & Warnings

• Use this process only for skillets or items made only of cast iron and no wooden parts (handles, etc.)
• Wiping the underside of the skillet with shortening could start a fire. Please don't do that.