Cast Iron

The Best Cooking Weapons In The World

Cast Iron Cooking

In April of 2011, I started a Facebook group especially for people who enjoy cooking with cast iron – new or antique; skillets, dutch ovens, enameled casseroles; restoring and collecting cast iron; and posting lots of pictures. As of January 2014, we have over 25,000 members and growing, making us one of the largest cast iron communities on the Internet. Come on over and see us!

Amazon.com: So you'd like to...begin cooking in cast iron

I've written a basic, brief list of suggestions to getting started with abandoning those cheap dollar store pots and pans, and upgrading your kitchen to a cast iron cooking ground.

Adventures in Culimancy

My slowly growing collection of recipes, with an emphasis on creating cooking magic in cast iron.

Medieval Cast Iron Cookery

An ongoing project to take authentic recipes from ancient cookbooks from the Middle Ages through the early American era, and translate them into modern kitchen recipes.

YouTube: Cast Iron Chaos

Over the past year I've begun learning a thing or two about video production. The result: over three dozen videos on YouTube, with many of them showing off the lessons I've learned on preparing food in cast iron.

Cast Iron Reviews

Some commentary on the pieces of cast iron cookware I've acquired and worked with. Hopefully these reviews will be useful for anyone looking to build their own collection of pots and pans.

Cast Iron Politics: American versus Foreign

Is it better to use only American cast iron cookware, and is cheaply made Chinese cast iron safe?

Cooking in Cast Iron

The Basic Dutch Oven Meal

Anyone who says "I can't cook!" is fooling themselves. As Chef Gusteau said in Ratatouille: "Anyone can cook!" Here's a guide to a simple meal that will show you how easy it is for you to cook a delicious meal in a cast iron dutch oven.

How To Cook Rice

The ancient Chinese secret – and it's not difficult at all.

Non-Stick Cast Iron Cooking

Or, "Help! Food keeps sticking in my cast iron pan!"

Oriental Wok Stir Frying

See also: Wok Hei - The Mystical Art of Stir Frying

Velveting - Ancient Chinese Stir Frying Secret

Searing a Medium Rare Steak

A fast and easy way to make the best tasting steak you've ever had.

Taking Care Of Your Cast Iron

Seasoning Your Cast Iron Pan

No two people ever seem to agree on the exact method for seasoning a pan. However, the basic steps are universal and have been used for centuries, all over the world.

How To Wash Your Cast Iron Pan

A cast iron pan needs to be hand washed in order to maintain the seasoning and remain free of rust.

What Not To Do With Your Cast Iron Pan

Sooner or later, your family and friends are going to do this. Don't panic!

Restoring Old Cast Iron

Identifying Old Cast Iron Pans

A video guide to identifying antique cast iron skillets produced by several American manufacturers during the first half of the 20th century. Antique vendors (and especially eBay vendors) tend to price antique cast iron in two categories: overpriced "hot" names (especially Griswold and Wagner), and unknown "unmarked" cast iron pans that sell at a far lower price. This video offers tips on what to look for when you discover an "unmarked" cast iron pan, to determine the age and manufacturer of the pan – and this will help you strike a good bargain or avoid being cheated.

Cleaning Cast Iron with Lye

A YouTube video demonstrating the method of using lye (sodium hydroxide) to clean decades of crusted-on seasoning and grit from antique cast iron pans.

Restoring a Wagner Cast Iron Skillet with Electrolysis

A fantastic way to use SCIENCE to restore an antique cast iron pan so that it's as good as new.

The Vinegar Method - Restoring a Cast Iron Griddle

A simple method of using vinegar to remove rust from cast iron, requiring nothing more than vinegar and patience.

Molasses and Water Rust Remover Converter

Out of vinegar? Here's a demonstration of how molasses can be used to remove rust from cast iron.

Cast Iron Restoration and Maintenance: From Start to Finish

Jeff Rogers, "The Culunary Fanatic," presents a YouTube video detailing the steps of using a self-cleaning oven to clean old cast iron, and how to season it to so that it's as good as new.

How to Test for a Warped Cast Iron Skillet

Another simple and very useful piece of advice from The Culinary Fanatic.

The Wagner's 1891 Original Cast Iron Skillet

Some information for anyone looking to find a vintage antique cast iron pan for their kitchen. This particular item has fooled a number of people, and this page provides some basic information to assist you. Buyer beware!

Birmingham Stove and Range

One of the great unknown heroes of cast iron cooking history. Many people across the United States are cooking with cast iron pans from Birmingham Stove & Range (BS&R), and they don't even know it!

Cracker Barrel American Heritage Skillets

Cracker Barrel restaurants sell their own line of cast iron pans with the Cracker Barrel logo. These pans have always been made by Lodge Cast Iron. Beginning in 2012, Cracker Barrel began selling a line of cast iron skillets with an "American" themed design on the underside.