Over the Stove and Cooking

Living on ones own is a big step for most young adults. They can find it difficult to adjust to this new world. No parents to do things for your or offer help, going out and getting the right tools for the job and then following through with it.
When starting out in the kitchen there are a few key items a person should have. Over the next few days key kitchen gadgets/essentials will be posted.

A well seasoned 10 inch cast iron frying pan

 

Learn to use a cast iron pan and it will be your best friend. They are useful for everything from dry toasting nuts and warming tortillas to making eggs (yes, eggs). The pan retains heat which can help ensure even cooking. Another great thing is that they can go from stove top to oven to grill to campfire.
Lodge is well known name in cast iron that comes pre-seasoned.  Along with this  is a higher price tag. The best cast iron pan I've ever had is one I picked up for $5 at a garage sale and restored myself.
To easily "restore" a cast iron pan follow these steps:
1. Wash the pan with hot water. Use steel wool or a coarse pad to remove any rust or really stuck on debris. You can use soap if desired because later on the pan will be seasoned. Don't soak the pan in the water/soapy water. Rise thoroughly.
2. Dry completely. It helps to put it in a hot oven to be sure.
3. Use some form of plant oil (vegetable shortening, corn, canola, etc) to rub the pan down on all sides. Let it sit for few minutes to "soak" in.
4. Place the pan upside down in your oven at 300F for at least an hour to bake on a "seasoning" that protects the pan from rust and provides a stick-resistant surface.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4.
Ongoing care:
1. After using the pan rise it out with hot water and a sponge. Never use soap as this can strip the non-stick coating yo worked so hard to create.
2. Spray pan with a bit of cooking spray
That's it! You should be able to cook with the pans for years to come.