Sure, there are dozens of ways to use your cast-iron skillet in recipes both traditional and surprising but this irreplaceable tool also has other unusual uses in the kitchen that you've probably never thought of before.
Chapter 5:
Some jobs your cast-iron skillet can help with, as well as some unexpected ways to keep it in top-notch shape.
Sure, there are dozens of ways to use your cast-iron skillet in recipes both traditional and surprising but this irreplaceable tool also has other unusual uses in the kitchen that you've probably never thought of before.
We have our favorite recommended techniques for cleaning and scrubbing your cast-iron skillet, but over time we've also come up with some alternative methods that double as creative ways to recycle common items from your kitchen. Here are two tricks for scrubbing your pans when the built-up, burnt-on food gets too bad for a simple rinse and wipe. After using either of these, be sure to follow the procedures for cleaning, drying, and oiling your pan outlined here.
If you find yourself short a pie plate, a seasoned cast-iron skillet can be the perfect alternative for just about any pie, such as Cast-Iron Apple Pie. Just make sure your skillet is 9 or 10 inches in diameter to keep the recipe volume and baking times consistent.
Here's a trick for panini (like our Smoked Turkey Club Panini) without a griddle, panini press, or Dutch oven.
Your cast-iron skillet can help you even before you start cooking. Place thin, frozen cuts of meat in the skillet at room temperature and let them sit for an hour. The rapid transfer of ambient heat from the metal to the food will quickly, safely thaw the meat.
Get 120+ recipes and innovative techniques that will earn this humble pan a permanent starring role in your kitchen.
“The book makes the case for cooking in cast iron, including the fact that it is one of the few kitchen tools that get better with age.”
–Houston Chronicle
Tired of burning butter that you're trying to melt or scorching mashed potatoes while keeping them warm on the stovetop? Let your cast-iron skillet help you out. It makes a great flame tamer to keep things over gentle heat for a long time; simply place the skillet over a low flame, then place your pot or saucepan right in the skillet. The skillet will moderate the heat.
Comments