If you are like me and used to cooking with a cast iron frying pan you won't want to cook with anything else. This cookware conducts heat well, maintains an even temperature and doesn't burn your food. (Unless you are like my hubby and have the heat turned on high!!!) Because of it's properties you will actually save energy when you cook with it as once it's heated you can turn the heat down to low in most cases. Well seasoned cast iron has a smooth cooking surface, it's naturally non stick, and very easy to clean. Many of us remember our grandmothers cooking in large cast iron skillets. Chances are she got hers from her mother or grandmother, as cast iron pans are virtually indestructible when properly cared for.

Cast iron pans can be heated to high temperatures, making them ideal for grilling or searing meat. They can go from stovetop to oven, and can even be taken along on camping trips and used over the campfire. Cast iron dutch ovens are often used as camp stoves, and are also great for cooking stews and braising meats at home.

If you were lucky enough to inherit your cast iron like I was, you don't have to worry about seasoning them. Before using new cast iron you will likely have to season it yourself. Always scrub new cast iron with hot soapy water to remove the protective coating applied by the manufacturer. If properly seasoned and cared for, this will be the last time you will need to do this.

To season your pans, coat the pan with a thin layer of lard, rendered fat or vegetable oil, I prefer using animal fat as it seems to do a better job. Then place the pan in a 350 degree oven for about half an hour.  Cool, then wipe with a clean paper towel. Repeat several more times to thoroghly cure the pan. A properly seasoned pan will allow you to cook almost fat free! That's right; you'll need to add very little to your pan when you fry foods.

To clean your cast iron, sprinkle with kosher salt while still hot, then scrub with a paper towel held by a pair of tongs, rinse, and dry. For particularly dirty pans you can wash with plain hot water, use a mild dish detergent if you must, but don't put them in the dishwasher! Never leave water sit in them for long as this can cause them to rust.  Cared for properly, cast iron cookware will serve you well, through years and years of delicious meals. You might even be able to hand it down to your grandchildren!