Are you a fan of cast iron pans? To my eyes, this pan is a thing of beauty. I love cast iron frying pans, love love them! Especially now, that I finally know how to care for them. My one year old cast iron frying pan is now nicely seasoned. Years ago, I was given two cast iron frying pans that I thought I had carefully taken care of. Not! I continually over scrubbed them, soaked them, and I think, heaven forbid, I may even have used soap. Then I kept wondering why they would not become seasoned...duh!
Here is another picture of this beauty:
This was a Christmas gift I received last year. It was not cheap, and I was bound and determined to take proper care of it. I would only wash this pan once it had cooled, and in warm water only - not hot. Then I would lightly dry the pan and once it was fully dried, I added in a good glug of Grapeseed Oil spreading it evenly throughout the bottom and up the sides. I placed it into a cold oven, then turned the temperature up to 300 degrees, to bake for 30-45 minutes. Once the pan had cooled down, I would use a paper towel to wipe up any excess oil. It has taken one year to get this nice finish, and I am sure this pan will continue to get even better with age. I realized the other day that the way to know your pan is nicely seasoned, is to fry an egg. Have you ever tried to fry an egg on an unseasoned cast iron pan? Nightmare - it truly is. If the egg does not stick and flips over easily, you know your pan is nicely seasoned. I also diligently re-season the pan at least ever second time I use it. This pan has been a wonder in the kitchen and helped me to create many yummy meals. For lunch today, we had these wonderful sandwiches. Every once in a while I just need a really, really good sandwich.
A tricky picture to take, but essentially, I started out browning some onions in two Tblsp. of butter. To the bread I added mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, left over roast beef, cheddar cheese, then a layer of the browned onions.
Then I just fried the sandwich in the yummy leftover onion/butter. This has now become our favorite roast beef sandwich. This would also be good with leftover chicken too. What are some of your favorite sandwiches?
I've got season envy! My pans are looking better than they did, but not that pretty. I'll have to try oiling them and baking them.
It really works, and I think the key is to be consistent with it 🙂
I love the sandwich - and am jealous of the pan. My mother had 2 cast iron pans and that was all she used. She never did a thing to them, other than wiping them out with a paper towel. I've never had one - sadly, just can't be botherer to care for it properly - and the hubs does the dishes....
My husband will do the dishes too, but no one touches my pan! I bet your mom's pans were gorgeous!
Your cast iron pan looks fab & your favourite sandwich too, Ina!
I love Le Creuset casserole pan with fitting lid, made from cast iron too! I have a red one, of course!
Le Creuset is the best! Love it!