I just started using my cast iron pan this weekend! I've had it for a couple years, but have always been way too scared of it. It seemed weird to use something that you can't clean with soap.
It browned my ground beef better than I've ever been able to, and it sauteed my veggies amazingly!
So far, I love it. I think I want to get another one, maybe the griddle, or a pot... Anybody else love cast iron? What do you like to use it for?
hostess / wonderful persimmon / 25556 posts
I have a cast iron grill pan. I cooked steak on it the other day. It was delicious. 
GOLD / wonderful pomegranate / 28905 posts
LOVE our cast iron too. Agreed, @mediagirl: , steak on cast iron is delicious.
We make hash browns, eggs, pretty much anything! Must do corn bread in it soon!
pomegranate / 3872 posts
I cook pretty much everything but eggs in a cast iron pan. I was also intimidated at first but once I started it was great! Unfortunately my husband left a pot lid with condensation from another pot laying inside my big cast iron skillet and it left a few rust spots 
I think I can remove them but I haven't had the time to figure it out and do it. I should make him do it!
eggplant / 11824 posts
I love cast iron!! We have 3 pans and a cast iron dutch oven and use them all the time. I love that they can take high heat so you can sear meat on the stovetop and then finish under the broiler; all in just 1 pan.
Once you start using them and build up a foundation, the flavor you get cooking in cast iron is great! So easy to clean, too! Don't forget to rub the pans down with a bit of olive oil after you clean it; I know some people know to do this but some don't.
pomegranate / 3160 posts
We have a lot of cast iron, but it terrifies me. I don't really use it often, but after Mrs. Twine's cast iron post last week (I think), I'm trying to get motivated to give it a shot. At the very least I'll be able to get an arm workout in due to the weight!
honeydew / 7091 posts
@JerricaBenton: Haha, yes, make him do it!
@yoursilverlining: I did not know to do that! Is it to protect it?
@ms.janedoe: Her post is what finally inspired me to give it a shot! And yes, soooo heavy. I think I need to find a new spot for it now because currently it's in the back of a bottom shelf!
GOLD / wonderful apricot / 22276 posts
I've never used one before! Are they pricey? How do you clean them then?
honeydew / 7091 posts
@Bao: Not pricey - pretty affordable! I don't even think fancy brands make them any better. I got mine at TJ Maxx for like $12. I just scrub it under really hot water with a scrub brush - still trying to get used to the idea that it doesn't need soap
GOLD / wonderful pomegranate / 28905 posts
Ever since I started using these cleaning instructions haven't had any issues!
http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-clean-a-cast-iron-skill-107747
Anyone had success reviving a rusted cast iron?
@Bao: Lodge Logic is a good brand and they have them at Marshalls/TJ Maxx/Home Goods all the time.
pomegranate / 3872 posts
@regberadaisy: thanks for that link. I'll try the potato and baking soda method to get the rust spot out. Hopefully it works - sounds easy enough!
GOLD / wonderful apricot / 22276 posts
@swurlygurl: @regberadaisy: I may need to get one of these and try it out!
honeydew / 7091 posts
@regberadaisy: I might have to try steak! We have some that aren't getting cooked, because DH thinks the only way to cook them is to grill them. I don't touch the grill, and he never finds time to grill them for dinner. Do you just use a little salt and pepper on your steaks? Do you put any oil in the pan first?
GOLD / wonderful pomegranate / 28905 posts
@swurlygurl: we have found that the cast iron NEEDS butter. Things stick if we use EVOO. So we use butter and just season with s,p & garlic salt!
Steak on charcoal is still my fave but cast iron is a close second!
@Weagle: do you have a good recipe for cornbread?
eggplant / 11824 posts
@swurlygurl: Yup, the oil protects it. Don't scrub it too hard with a brush; that will also ruin it. To wash it, we just rinse it out and gently scrub off stuck on bits with a sponge. Then put it on the stove on low, rub it down with olive oil on a paper towel and let the rinse water evaporate from warming the pan.
The more of a "foundation" you build on it, the better! It will also become easier to use and more non-stickish this way.
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