What does one do with a "cast iron skillet"?

[baymule]

How does your DH say "I love you?" With a cast iron skillet! How do you show your love and appreciation?? With FRIED CHICKEN!!!!!

 

[journey11]

AMKuska, that looks DE-licious!!!

 

[Smart Red]

Yea. AMKuska, way to go! Now wasn't that fun? You're going to love that skillet!

 

[AMKuska]

Yes quite fun. I've never been able to make fried chicken without the breading peeling off, but I used @canesisters method and it came out as perfect as any restaurant. So pleased!

 

[so lucky]

I rarely use my cast iron because they are so heavy, but I am really tired of my "good" skillets, even the ceramic interior ones, warping so that they don't make good contact with the flat cooktop. (Which is a whole 'nother story of aggravation) I think this thread inspires me to get those cast iron pans out and give them another chance. Maybe my wrists will develop some strength.
By the way, I read that they should be seasoned with bear grease. I think bacon grease will have to do at my house, but a few of you who live in the north may have a chance of finding some bear grease!

 

[Smart Red]

@AMKuska, now that you know the best way to use a cast iron skillet, here are a few that haven't been mentioned, but do fit with your question ... "What does one do with a cast iron skillet?"

1. as a form for concrete stepping stones
2. as a weapon
3. as a door stop
4. in the oven for baking
5. as a substitute hammer for hanging pictures
6. as an eggshell crusher
7. as a sled for a Chihuahua
8. as a bed warmer
9. as a base for a bamboo steamer
10. to flatten meat for breading
11. I am sure there are many other uses that I can't remember right now. They are indispensable and one is never enough. Enjoy!

 

[digitS']

So Lucky, that was Mom's & DW's story. Too heavy.

ALKuska, we will have you cooking on a cast iron range, if you aren't careful.

I was okay with that but never got the baking down right. Instead, I used a little stovetop oven. That thing worked great! Of course, I was only using it for biscuits or cornbread most of the time.

Steve

 

[canesisters]

CONGRATS!!!!! You Did It!!

 

[catjac1975]

They are great for cooking a steak when the snow is too deep around the grill. They make a fantastic gravy with a stew. You sear on top of the stove and then slow cook inside the stove with the same pan. Most of all it releases iron into your food when you cook.

 

[Kassaundra]

Everything everyone has already said. I only cook w/ cast iron (except for a stainless steel sauce pan type) A good seasoned cast iron pan is better at no stick then any Teflon ever made and no toxic chemicals.

I clean mine w/ hot water and home grown luffa it is the perfect abrasion / softness, never messes up the season, or scratches anything.