Seasoned For Success

I want to make sure that the cooking surface of your cast iron cookware is well seasoned before you start cooking with it. There are many schools of thought on this, but here is some step by step instructions on one of the best methods out there:

• Wash your cast iron cookware in a warm soapy water to remove the paraffin wax coating.
• Rinse and dry thoroughly
• Coat the entire surface of the cookware with solid vegetable shortening (Lard, Crisco or bacon drippings are best, flax seed oil works well too!) using a paper towel. Do not season with butter, margarine, or salted fat.
• Place in a 300'F oven for one hour. When you place your cast iron pot in the oven it should look like the pot in the photo above, it should be turned upside down, with foil underneath it to catch any excess dripping of the cooking oil that is being used to cure your cast iron cookware surface.
  
• This will cause some smoking and odor for a little while, so be sure to turn on your exaust fan and open a window.
• Remove from oven and wipe off excess grease with a paper towel. BE CAREFUL the cookware could be HOT, so handle with care.
• You will want to season your cast iron cookware at least two or three times prior to use, some items may take five or more repetitions, but it is worth it. After each use you will want to apply a thin coat of vegetable shortening (the same one you used in the seasoning process) to the cooking surface of your cast iron cookware. Improperly seasoned cookware can cause food to stick during the cooking process, but when seasoned properly it will have wonderful non-stick qualities.

I wish you many years of enjoyment as you continue to properly care for your cast iron
cookware products. HAPPY COOKING TO ALL!! Be sure to stop by our website http://www.castironcollection.com where you will find all of your cast iron cookware needs.