How to season cast iron?

[danner]

A month ago we got a shiny new range with a 5th burner and a cast iron griddle insert. We've been so busy but I told Nick that next week he was on the hook for pancakes! I want to get the griddle ready... how should I do it?

Thanks.

[Steph Ed]

My uncles always greased up the cast iron with lard and put it in a bonfire. But, I found this online and it seems to be along the same lines.

http://www.southernplate.com/2009/02...n-skillet.html

[Hungry Caterpillar]

I pour in a quarter inch of veggie oil and bake it at 200 for an hour or so.

Are you familiar with cleaning them?

Also since you have to re season new ones often at the beginning save your seasoning oil in a mason jar and reuse.

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[Steph Ed]

Usually newer cast iron comes seasoned though. I would read the instructions to check for sure.

[peverroad]

I grease them up and throw in oven for a whole but I've been known to bake with them in the oven, put in grate at campfire, put in fireplace intill really good and seasoned. I almost never use soap, with cleaning don't really like to wash at all if not that dirty I'll use a paper towel and just wipe out

[kushie tushie]

Cast iron seasons better with time and use. The more you use/season and let it build up the better they are.
Also dont wash with soap. If my pans arent messy I dont even use water. I just wipe them and put them away.

Amanda . Blaming my phone for typos and crap.

[HillbillyMama]

Originally Posted by kushie tushie Cast iron seasons better with time and use. The more you use/season and let it build up the better they are. Also dont wash with soap. If my pans arent messy I dont even use water. I just wipe them and put them away. Amanda . Blaming my phone for typos and crap.

^^^^ Yep that. And I have found that I LOVE LOVE LOVE using coconut oil to season my cast iron....Works beautifully!!! I swab the inside liberally with it, bake for a while, and when it comes out and cools, wipe out the excess and store on your stove. NEVER nest cast iron, it will tend to rust!!

But I also love the bacon idea, too

[danner]

So bake it for a bit with oil on it? I remember my parents used kosher salt on their cast iron when it needed a cleaning...never water. I'd be calling them with my questions but they're not around anymore.

Thanks for the info. It sounds like at the very least I should get some oil on it. I've got generic olive oil. I hope that works!

[keen1981]

Cook bacon in it. Then wipe excess out oil out/run all over the entire pan, bake at 200 for 3-4 hours. Done.

[danner]

Originally Posted by keen1981 Cook bacon in it. Then wipe excess out oil out/run all over the entire pan, bake at 200 for 3-4 hours. Done.

Oh no! I have bacon hate.