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31 Fun[ny] Things To Do With A Cast Iron Skillet
Kapani
I recently acquired a cast iron skillet and have been dreamily brainstorming all the fun I get to have with it.
Obviously my first adventure had to be this Spanish tortilla recipe, which turned out awesome. But I also had visions of recreating my grandmother’s slow-cooked spaghetti sauce and being able to make perfect steaks in my BBQ-less apartment.
But I knew there had to be more I could do with such a big, heavy object–so I turned to the coolest people I know for suggestions:
I must admit, my favorite answers didn’t exactly involve food:
But by far the most touching reply I received was a link to a Posterous post from @GregKnottLeMond. I encourage you to click over and read it, it’s short and sweet:
The post describes how the adorable skillet bird above came to be:
For @SummerTomato ‘s Consideration
The creativity was not, of course, restricted to metallic critters and demolition:
These blogs that specialize in cast iron cookware were also recommended:
Thanks to everyone who contributed to the collective inspiration! Here is my consolidated list of ideas:
- Clonk someone (@thescramble)
- Cure alcoholism (@mcnee)
- Bicep curls (@JeffACSH)
- Nut crackin’ (@RtReview)
- End a romance (@cookerguy)
- Fry chicken (@cookerguy)
- Break stuff (@cookerguy)
- Work on two-handed tennis backhand (@cookerguy)
- Fight zombies (@benhamill)
- Frame a picture (@omewan)
- Plant bonzai trees (@omewan)
- Stop burglars à la Home Alone (@leslieconn)
- Burn thermite (@mcnee)
- Hit John Mayer (@foodiemcbody)
- Make metal critters (@GregKnottLeMond)
- Deep dish pizza (@bob_koss)
- Squeeze paneer (@newtomato)
- Burgers (@thescramble)
- Steaks (@thescramble)
- Corn bread (@lonelygourmet)
- Spoon bread (?) (@virginiagriffey)
- Roast meats (@jameswcooper)
- Crustless pies (@blee27)
- Pancakes (@bob_koss)
- Sauté zucchini (@JeffACSH)
- Pineapple upside-down cake (@HeatherHAL)
- Hashbrowns (@arielmanx)
- Seared meat (@arielmanx)
- Spanish tortilla (@FBloggersUnite)
- Bibimbap (@annemai)
- Tarte tartin (@annemai)
What are your favorite things to do with a cast iron skillet?
If you’re wondering what spoon bread is, it’s a soft, pudding-like bread made with cornmeal. You serve it hot and eat it with a spoon. I learned about it in a cookbook I bought in Louisiana: “Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes.” This recipe isn’t the same as the one in my book, but it’s the most similar one I could find online: http://southernfood.about.com/od/spoonbreadrecipes/r/bln153.htm.
Ha ha, thanks! I was hoping you’d enlighten me 🙂
Roasting a chicken. Get it really hot at 450. Put in chicken; it will sizzle and cook in one hour.
Pizza on grill.
I should have added I have six cast iron pans and use them all the time. I can’t imagine cooking without them. I have them hanging and they are seasoned and always ready to go. I use them for my baking pans, frying pans; can’t live without them.
Hi Darya,
I just was introduced to you by Max (@NU_FIT) and I absolutely adore your blog! So much great info, and I really enjoyed reading your story personal story about eating/dieting.
My husband just became a vegetarian because of health reasons, and we are really changing our eating habits. I will check in frequently for new inspiration!
Cast iron? Haven’t tried it yet, am struggling enough with my other pots and pans 🙂
Best,
Dagmar
Dagmar’s momsense http://DagmarBleasdale.com
Hi, Darya! I’ve never owned or used a cast iron skillet, and I was wondering: do you use your skillet often? Do you find that this cooking method is worth the work required to season, clean, and maintain it?
It’s nice to have, but I don’t use it a ton because it is so heavy.