Hint for Cast Iron

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Hi all,

I just thought of a hint for cast iron pans that get something stuck on them like when you cook eggs, or fry something. I have done this for years, and my grandmother told me about it.

After removing all of the stuck on food that you can, take 1/2 to 1 cup of warm water and put in cast iron pan, put back on heat and let water start to boil. (Do this slowly not on high heat) As the water starts to boil take a spoon or whatever and scrape gently. The food will turn lose easily.

This beats having to scrape and scrape on the things like stuck on scrambled eggs, and you don't waste a scrubbing pad.

Be sure to reoil you pan as normal.

Lots of luck Beth (NC)

-- Beth (NC) (craig@icu2.net), April 14, 2000

Answers

Ooooh must try that!! Thanks Beth.........Kirk

-- Kirk Davis (kirkay@yahoo.com), April 15, 2000.

This hint works with any pan that has stuck on or burned food. I use a wooden utensil with a flat end for stirring and scraping- doesn't leave scratches.

-- Peg (jnjohnsn@pressenter.com), April 15, 2000.

I recived a #3 griswald from my mother in law who got it from her grandmother who found it in the trash in 1900 or their abouts it was so thick you could not see the pan I just ttossed it in ther fire place it came out brand new reseasond it and it's my egg pan now and a lot better then teflon just thought i would throw that in. Shaun

-- shaun cornish (shaun-terri@juno.com), April 15, 2000.

On some of my pans, if I've been too lazy to clean them as quickly as I should, I simply pour some very hot water (almost boiling) over it and give it a quick brushing with my plastic scrubber. If it doesn't work than I boil it out like you suggest. I have very hot water out of my water heater and I've found the difference in how the pan & food heats up to be enough for most problems. My folks used to throw the very bad/rusted pans into the fire to burn off any problems, then re-season.

-- Chris Stogdill (cstogdill@rmci.net), April 15, 2000.

Oh, I almost forgot, but a neighbor of mine told me to use vinegar to clean rust off of pans. I had heard of using ketchup to clean up rusted tools, so I guess the acid in the vinegar is whats cleans off the rust. I have not tried this, but if someone else has let me know how it works.

Beth (NC)

-- Beth (NC) (craig@icu2.net), April 15, 2000.



Try Pepsi. The phosphoric acid in it eats through rust. Makes you wonder what it does to your stomach.

Little Bit Farm

-- Little bit Farm (littlebit@calinet.com), April 15, 2000.


Instead of pouring boiling water in my cast iron pans, I heat the pan up until it wants to start smoking, then pour water in. Everything loosens up (just like cooking a roux). Really makes dried up eggs and gravy type catastrophes disappear. I try to use my best seasoned cast iron for eggs, as good as tefloned pans. Use the lesser seasoned pans for stuff that's going to get ugly and baked on.

-- phil briggs (phillipbriggs@thenett.com), April 15, 2000.

I put a bit of water in my pans, and throw a half a handful of baking soda in the water. Kinda helps to soften up the cooked on mess. Let it boil for just a minute or two, and let it set for a few minutes. Dump and scrub! I love my cast iron.

-- Leann Banta (thelionandlamb@hotmail.com), April 16, 2000.

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