There are very few things we purchase today that will make it through our entire lives. Let’s face it, it’s as if manufacturers make products with a dedicated “end date” on purpose (looking at you, Apple). If I tried hard to think of some items that will truly stay with me for life, the first to completely stand the test of time must be my cast iron skillet.

This was a gift from my husband one Christmas, purchased directly from Lodge Cast Iron’s website. At the time I remember being a bit miffed; My husband is buying me a pan that I definitely didn’t ask for. It’s close to, but not as bad as, buying a vacuum cleaner for Valentines Day. Plus, I had a stigma against cast iron. I thought it was a chore to care for and would pretty much burn everything that touches it.

I can’t believe how wrong I was. This is probably one of the easiest things in your kitchen to take care of, even for the worst offenders, because it can seriously take a beating. Metal utensils are its friend. All it asks for is a rub-down with some oil every so often… I can relate.

Lodge has a terrific educational section on their website about myths and truths on caring for cast iron, along with a great YouTube channel. When you first get a cast iron pan, seasoning it is a must, and truthfully every time you cook with it, it will get better and better as long as you continue to season and care for it. It’s the most versatile pan for the kitchen: Meats, sauces, veggies, bread, any kind of oven, IN THE OVEN, on the stovetop, it’s amazing.

Cleaning is actually pretty easy. Most of the time I can just wipe out the inside or rinse under hot water but every so often I need to get the big guns out: My metal spatula and some salt. I use the spatula to scrape of what I can, and afterwards I put a little water with some thick salt in and rub with a rough sponge or cast iron cleaning pad. The salt grinds off any tough bits of burned food. Once done, I dry out the pan and rub in some olive oil with a paper towel. It’s good as new.

Here are just a few of my favorite recipes with my cast iron skillet:

HOME MADE FLOUR TORTILLAS
I still haven’t perfected bread-making yet but I can do these home made flour tortillas, and a cast iron skillet is the secret weapon for getting these nice and toasty.
Click For Recipe

BERKSHIRE PORK CHOPS
This recipe has become a family favorite because its easy and so amazingly good. I still cannot believe that a thick Berkshire chop can cook this fast, and YES it’s done! Perfect for a romantic night in.
Click For Recipe

CHICKEN & CHEESE QUESADILLAS
Really any quesadilla recipe would work but the toasty result from the cast iron just makes this so much better than using a regular pan. You can’t go wrong and the kids will love it.
Click For Recipe

STEAK FAJITAS
This is a good followup to the Home Made Flour Tortillas. Once you’ve made the tortillas you’re ready to throw on some marinated steak strips, peppers and onions to finish this terrific and quick dinner idea.
Click For Recipe

Certainly the more I use this thing, the better it gets. I find myself looking lovingly at it from afar. It’s the weirdest thing.