SEASONING CAST IRON SKILLET

By LindaW1955

Apply only a thin, uniform layer of oil to cast-iron to ensure proper seasoning. Use a was of paper towels to smooth he oil over the surface of the pan. Use a clean wad of towels to wipe away as much as oil as possible. If you notice oil beading up when the pain is heating, stop and wipe out this excess before continue. Too much oil will gum up the pan.

Ingredients

• Flaxseed oil
• Cast-iron skillet

Preparation

Step 1

Fat or oil heated to smoke point in cast iron causes fatty acids to oxidize and reorganize/polymerize into a new plastic-like layer of molecules. This layer becomes trapped within the pitted surface of the pan and bonds to the metal itself, creating a slick coating known as seasoning. Repeated exposure to smoking hot oil con't to build this coating, making it more slipper and durable.
Well seasoned - dark, semiglossy finish, won't be sticky or greasy to the touch, won't have any rust or dull or dry patches.
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE:
1. Clean after every use. Wipe interior surface of still warm-skillet w/ paper towels to remove any excess food and oil. Rinse under hot running water, scrubbing w/ non-metal brush or non-abrasive scrub pad to remove any traces of food. Use small amount of soap if necessary, rinse well.
2. Lightly oil after each cleaning. Dry skillet thoroughly - do not drip dry, then heat over medium low heat until all traces of moisture have evaporated. Add 1/2 teaspoon oil to pan and use paper towels to lightly coat interior surface w/ oil. Continue to wipe surface with oiled paper towels until it look dark and smooth and no oil residue remains. Cool Pan completely
MINOR SERVICE:
Stovetop repair - heat skillet over medium-high heat. Using paper towels dipped in 2 TBS oil and held w/tongs, wipe surface until oils smokes and there is no remaining oil residue. Repeat oil application 3-5 times, making sure oil smokes and letting skillet cool slightly after each application.
Oven repair: Heat oven to 500 degrees. Using paper towel, rub 1 TBS oil over surface. Using clean paper towels, thoroughly wipe out excess oil (surface should look dark and smooth). Place skillet in oven for 1 hour. Using potholders, remove skillet from oven and let cool completely
MAJOR SERVICE:
1. Working outdoors, place concrete block on ground and cover with heavy-duty kitchen trash bag, draping bag over block so that sides of bag will be easy to grasp and pull up over skillet.
2A. Place skillet upside down on top of block. Wearing rubber gloves, spray skillet all over with Easy-Off Oven Cleaner, being careful to keep spray away from your face and exposed skin.
2B. Flip skillet over and spray inside.
2C. Pull plastic bag up and around skillet and tie to close. Leave wrapped, sprayed skillet outside (or in garage) for 24 hours.
3A. Wearing rubber gloves, remove plastic bag. Scrub skillet all over with steel wool and hot soapy water to remove all residue.
3B. Rinse, repeat scrubbing with steel wool, and rinse again.
4. Combine 2 cups distilled white vinegar with 2 cups water. Fill skillet with vinegar solution and let stand for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
5. Discard solution in skillet. Rinse skillet well, then dry well with paper towels. Using paper towels, immediately rub 1 tablespoon (for 12-inch skillet) or 2 teaspoons (for 10-inch skillet) oil over surface. Using clean paper towels, thoroughly wipe off excess oil (surface should look dry, not glistening).
5A. Heat oven to 500 degrees. Place skillet in oven for 1 hour. Using potholders, remove skillet from oven and let cool completely.