Cook with cast iron and you will gain the health benefits.
Cast-iron cookware falls into the category of a family heirloom. The life of cast-iron cookware is considerably more than 100 years if you take proper care of it. Cast-iron cookware is relatively inexpensive, but performs better and lasts longer than much of the more expensive cookware on the commercial market. Many believe that it is healthier for you due to the small amounts of iron that transfer to your food and help you maintain the iron levels that your body requires. Teflon coating of cookware makes it non-stick, but a properly seasoned piece of cast-iron cookware has the same non-stick performance. Examine the uses of a cast-iron melting pot to appreciate the benefits of this tried and true cookware.
Instructions
Seasoning the Pot
1. Rinse and dry the pot in warm water with only mild detergent. Do not scrub the cooking surface with a scouring pad or strong abrasive.
2. Place the pot on the stove and heat it on medium high to thoroughly eliminate any remaining water.
3. Pour two tablespoons of cooking oil into the pot, and use a paper towel to completely coat the cooking surfaces of the pot. The best oils to use for this purpose are Crisco, palm oil, coconut oil or lard. Coat all surfaces, both inside and outside the pot.
4. Continue to heat for a few more minutes on the stove top and then transfer the pot to the oven set on 400 degrees. Place the pot on the top rack of the oven and turn it upside down. To help keep your oven clean, place a piece of aluminum wrap under the pot to catch any drippings.
5. Cook the pot for one hour and then turn off the oven and allow the pot to cool in the oven.
6. Store the pot in a dry place until you use it again.
Cleaning Cast-iron Cookware
7. Clean your pot with hot water after cooking and remove any residue with a stiff nylon brush. Heating some water in the cookware for a few minutes will help to remove any residue that won't release by using the brush.
8. Use a towel to dry the clean cookware immediately after cleaning to prevent rust formation. Then apply a fresh coat of oil to the surfaces while the cookware is still warm.
9. Store the cookware in a dry place, and if you have a lid for the piece of cookware, place a paper towel between the lid and pot or pan to allow air flow.
Using Your Cast-iron Melting Pot
10. Use the melting pot to heat ingredients for your favorite recipes. It will serve well for melting butter, chocolate and even milk. The non-stick nature will make the cleanup easy.
11. Heat up leftovers in the melting pot with a reduced risk of burning the contents. Heat cast iron gradually. Do this by slowly raising the temperature of the stove over a few minutes time. One benefit of cast iron is the even heating of the cooking surface. The contents of the pot should not develop hot spots that will burn the contents and leave other areas of the pot cooler.
12. Care for your cast-iron melting pot religiously, and it will perform wonders for you for many years to come. If you take good care of it, you can pass it on to your descendants.
Tags: cast iron, cast-iron cookware, cooking surface, cookware place, paper towel, remove residue
