TIPS FOR COOKING WITH CAST IRON

TIPS FOR COOKING WITH CAST IRON

USE A PAN THAT'S THE CORRECT SIZE FOR YOUR RECIPE

For some recipes we need skillet, pan or wok and the size will vary. Cooking a recipe in a larger or smaller skillet can cause problems, so check the requirement of each recipe. 

SCALE THE BURNER SIZE TO YOUR PAN

The skillet will heat more evenly if it's properly matched to the size of the heating element on your stove. This applies to both gas and electric stoves.

PROTECT YOUR HANDS

Since a cast iron retains heat extremely well, the handle of your skillet will stay vary, very hot for quite a while after cooking. Always use a towel or pot holder when taking a skillet out of the oven or moving it on the stove top and consider leaving the towel or potholder on the handle to remind yourself not to grab the bare metal.

LIFT RESPONSIBLY

Cast iron is heavy, and while we try to minimize the time spent lifting or moving the skillet in our recipes, you will sometimes have to pick it up to transfer the pan from stove to oven or from cooking to serving. To make this easier, look for a skillet that has a helper handle opposite the pan handle. Be sure to protect your hands when using the helper handle as you do with the pan handle; use a towel, potholder or silicone cover.

                                        source: By the editors at America's Test Kitchen
                                   Book: COOK IT IN CAST IRON