ODE TO MY IRON SKILLETS

If you have Iron skillets, and have not used them much this summer, it's time to bring them out front and center! I honestly don't think that I could cook without mine, they make everything taste so much better! I cook everything in mine from mouth watering corn bread, to upside cakes, to creamed corn, fried okra, hash browns, well, you get the idea. There is no comparison between using an Iron skillet and a stainless steel skillet. The heating is much more even with Iron, plus the flavor of the food is unequaled in my opinion. If you have ever tasted fried chicken cooked in an Iron skillet, you won't want to use anything else for your chicken.

I love to go to country Auctions, that's where you find the best Iron skillets, unless like me, you have inherited a few along the way. I like the Wagner skillet, and you will see that stamped on the bottom. I have a few hints I would like to pass along when you use your skillet. Never cook tomato products in the skillet, there's something about the reaction of the iron and acid that doesn't work for me. Also, purchase a stiff brush on a long handle and reserve it only for scrubbing out your skillets. Scrub out with hot water only - NO SOAP! If something sticks to your skillet and you can't clean it using your brush and water, put some water in your skillet, set the skillet on medium heat, once heated turn off the stove and let the skillet cool. It should come right off now. Wipe your skillet very dry before putting it away. The third thing is make sure your skillet is "seasoned" before using it (this should be my very first hint). You can "google" these intructions on the Web. I use Olive oil or Canola oil for cooking but ALWAYS lard for seasoning my Iron skillets.If you take care of your skillets, you can pass them down to your children, and they can pass to their children. I don't think they ever "wear out" like other kitchen pots and pans.

Well, I guess I have told you everything and more than you wanted to know about Iron skillets, but, don't take my word for it, give them a try for yourself if you haven't already. And if you use them regularly, good for you-- and I bet the meals at your home are great!