I find it so frustrating that so few things are made to last these days.
I can’t tell you how many vacuum cleaners I’ve owned in my adult life, and don’t even get me started on blow dryers.
But there are a few things that are made to last, and at the top of my list are my cast iron skillets. I know there is a lot of quality cookware available on the market, but I’ll never use anything but cast iron.
It doesn’t just last for years, it can last for generations with basic care.
I love my cast iron pieces so much, I display them as part of my kitchen decor, instead of hiding them away in a cabinet.
And I wouldn’t dream of making cobbler or corn bread in anything but cast iron. It may taste the same made in another type of skillet, but it looks like it tastes better in a cast iron skillet, doesn’t it? 🙂
In my bathroom, I use an antique cobbler’s shoe form to hold extra rolls of toilet paper. Because it’s cast iron, it doesn’t tip over.
This adorable little cast iron toy belonged to my father-in-law. It’s very special to me.
And cast iron is magnetic, so it works as a magnet board! With my skillets all hanging by my stove, I can just stick a recipe card on them with a magnet. It keeps the recipe card where I can see it, but not get messy.
Antique Silverware and Things to Do With It
And then there’s my antique cast iron stove. It belonged to my father-in-law’s mother, and I treasure it. My largest skillet hangs next to it, because it’s too big to fit with the rest of my skillets.
My Farmhouse Kitchen in Cottages and Bungalows Magazine
Here’s something I think you’ll love!
Joey + Rory, Made to Last cd (affiliate link)
I’m with you. Nothing is better than cast iron to cook with. The flavor, the smell when it’s cooking, and how it cooks to perfection. I wouldn’t dream of any breakfast without it. Love how you hang them. My mother used to do that. I don’t have the wall space, so I tuck them in the oven for easy access.
I’m a cast iron hoarder, Robin. I don’t need any more skillets, yet I have a hard time passing them up when I find a cheap one at a yard sale. I figure I can always give them to my kids! 🙂
Is there a secret to seasoning the cast iron?
Mary, it isn’t hard at all. Clean the cast iron well, rub oil on it with a paper towel, and bake in the oven. Avoid using dish soap on cast iron- just hot water and a good scrubber will clean it.
I have two skillets from my Mom-in-law and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. She kept the seasoning so perfect, they are the best non-stick skillets ever. And how can you make fried chicken without cast iron? I love the way you have displayed your wonderful collection. And that you use it just makes it sweeter.
It’s even better when the skillets were given to you by family, Peggy – how wonderful you have them!
There is nothing better than cornbread in a cast iron skillet! And of course gravy for biscuits and gravy!
I agree, Margaret!
Fried potatoes and green onions in a cast iron skillet is to die for,and I am getting hungry now! Lol!
You’re making me hungry now too, Marlene! 🙂
You sure have a wonderful collection, Angie!
What do you use to hang your skillets? They are heavy but I love the idea.
As far as cleaning goes, I purchased a chain scrubber made for cast iron on amazon. Works like a charm with just hot water. Just look for cast iron chain scrubber.
How do you pick a cast iron skillet? Is there anything special to look for (I’d never buy one made in China), are some better quality than others? I’d like to get one since I’ve recently learned that you can use them on a glass top stove.
Thanks
Vee, I’m really not super picky when I come across inexpensive cast iron – as long as it isn’t pitted, I’ll buy it, since rust and dirt can be cleaned up.