I’ve been wanting a cast iron skillet forever (well ever since I read about the issues with the nonstick coating on pans). I finally got around to putting it on my Christmas Wish list and I received a 12″ cast iron skillet from Emeril’s collection and a 10″ skillet from lodge. Both are already pre seasoned although with the Emeril Skillet I had to season again, which was really simple.
Four great things about cast iron are that 1)It’s inexpensive and will last forever when taken care of properly 2)It heats evenly and consistently (I made some banana walnut pancakes on Monday and they were perfect! They were lightly crispy on the outside) 3) You don’t need to add any oil to your cooking when using a well seasoned pan as it is nonstick and 4) you get a great arm toning workout by moving the heavy pans.
To give you an idea of the cost savings by going cast iron, A Calphalon 12″ nonstick skillet will run you $135.00 (not including shipping) from Shop.com. The Emeril 12″ cast iron that I got can be purchased for $19.99 from famousfoods.com (Not including shipping). You can also find great pans from the thrift store or yard sales and season them if necessary.
My wife swears grilled cheese sandwiches are best made in a cast iron pan. For Christmas I found this little mini square cast iron pan just large enough for a grilled cheese…same great taste, no forearm strain!
I have to agree with your wife. Food tastes better when cooked in cast iron pans.
cast iron is the best and also healthy for you. i've been cooking with them for years.
Hi Kelly, thanks for popping in on my blog. My mother still has an iron skillet that was her grandmothers..and uses it!!! They last forever. If that old skillet could talk!!!